Working for us - Aneurin Bevan

Equal Opportunities Employer

The Health Board actively promotes a culture of equal opportunities. A dedicated Equal Opportunities Committee ensures that all aspects relating to equal opportunities remain high on the Health Board's agenda. The purpose of the Committee is to promote, publicise, develop and drive the equal opportunities agenda and demonstrate the Health Board's commitment to equal opportunities to staff, patients and clients and to encourage a culture of diversity, dignity and respect for individuals within the organisation.

Smoke Free Environment

The Health Board is committed to its “No Smoking” policy designed to provide a smoke-free environment for non-smokers whilst encouraging health promotion to patients, staff and visitors. Staff who wish to give up smoking are encouraged to visit the Occupational Health Service where help and advice is freely given.

Secure Environment

The Health Board proactively pursues a safe environment for its employees. Identification badges are issued to all employees and staff may be challenged if badges are not displayed prominently. Many areas are protected by security codes and alarm systems. Identity badges also double up as access cards in restricted areas. Operational services staff provide a speedy response service in the event of disruptive situations. Close circuit TV monitors key entrances and Health Board car parks.

Staff Recognition Award

The Health Board recognises and rewards staff achievements. Perfect attendance over a twelve-month period is acknowledged with a certificate and entry into a prize draw. Individuals or teams who have made an exceptional contribution to healthcare may be nominated for a number of awards in various categories. A panel of experts assesses the nominations. Awards range from training bursaries – to certificates of achievement.

Flexible Working Practices

Aneurin Bevan Health Board is committed to the implementation of flexible forms of working for staff. Flexible working opportunities include part-time working, term-time working, voluntary reduced hours and job sharing. The Health Board has a flexible approach to issues such as adoption leave, career breaks, and leave for domestic or personal reasons. The Health Board has an internally managed multidisciplinary staffing agency. The agency provides short and longer term temporary placements in all specialities across the Health Board.

Staff Discounts

Aneurin Bevan Health Board staff benefit from discounts with many local retail outlets and online: www.nhsdiscounts.com and Healthcare Staff Benefits. Corporate membership reduction is also available to staff in many health and leisure facilities. All Health Board restaurants provide a 10% discount to staff wearing their I.D. badge. The Health board provides a free bus service between the Royal Gwent Hospital and the main bus terminal in Newport.

Occupational Health

The Occupational Health service promotes the health of all staff within the Health Board and advises on health in the workplace, all on a confidential basis. It also offers an immunisation service and general advice on staying healthy.

NHS Pension (Superannuation Scheme)

Membership of the NHS Superannuation Scheme is available to all health service employees. The rate of contribution is six percent of gross basic pay. The facility to make additional voluntary contributions through the NHS Pension Scheme is also available to all employees.

Welsh Language / Sign Language

The Health Board actively promotes the Welsh Language. Training opportunities are available for staff wanting to learn Welsh. Sign language is also promoted and training readily available.

Intranet Facility

The Health Board has also developed an Intranet facility which staff can easily access. The extremely powerful communication tool has been designed to link a range of communication systems together to ensure that staff have a sense of belonging to one organisation. A rolling front page provides up to date news and corporate and local information is updated on a regular basis. Staff are encouraged to input ideas which will help develop the Intranet site in the future.

Education and Development

The Health Board has its own nationally accredited management training programmes. The selection of available courses provides a range of training events from outdoor development centres to formal in-house lectures. The management programmes are aimed at all levels of staff from supervisory grades to senior managers and clinicians. The range of programmes supports the trust’s commitment for the provision of a well-managed, customer focused service. The Health Board also offers a wide range of training and development opportunities for professional and ancillary staff, including clinical training, NVQ training, IT training and health and safety training. A comprehensive programme of one-day personal development workshops provides ongoing development for staff who want to improve knowledge of a specific area without undertaking an extensive programme. The Health Board has developed close working relationships with local colleges and universities and is happy to advise or support staff wanting to pursue higher academic or postgraduate qualifications. Postgraduate medical centres are located at the three acute hospital sites which host multi-disciplinary training in a range of specialities as well as providing specific teaching for doctors in training.

LGBT Friends Scheme

Aneurin Bevan University Health board is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to attract people with ambition and talent, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or any other protected characteristic. The Health Board works hard to create an inclusive and fair workplace for our staff. Our LGBT friends’ scheme is a really powerful statement of this. The scheme sends a strong signal to LGBT employees that inclusion is everyone’s responsibility. The chair of the LGBT Advisory Group said “We ensure all staff feel free to bring their whole selves to the workplace. We believe that this helps them build strong working relationships with colleagues, to perform to the best of their ability and offer the best possible patient care”. Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is a member of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme and takes part in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index each year.

V&A - Prevention of Violence and Aggression Against Staff

Violence and Aggression (V&A) at work comes in many shapes and forms. If an employee is abused, threatened or assaulted in the course of carrying out their normal duties it is not only unacceptable but may also be illegal. Aneurin Bevan Health Board will utilise CCTV and/or audio recording devices whenever staff safety is threatened whether on or off its premises and evidence obtained will be used to secure sanctions against perpetrators.