Frequently Asked Questions

Our charity does not currently provide sponsorships to those who require the right to work in the UK. We appreciate that this is quite an emotive issue that impacts many of our valued colleagues and is therefore under constant review. Currently, the scheme requires a great deal of investment compared to the charity’s scale. We are constantly looking at how we can bring the most benefit to the highest number of people at the same time and unfortunately, this Visa sponsorship process does not allow us to do that. The current process also does not guarantee that all our amazing colleagues to which it would apply to, would receive sponsorship, therefore leaving us in a difficult position to where we would have to pick and choose who we think deserves the sponsorship the most, something that we do not feel is appropriate. 

Every year, we will prepare a budget which will look to invest in wages for colleagues, this budget will go through a sign-off process.  

Our Finance and Investment Committee will do a deep dive into the finances of the charity, determining how we should be spending money and ensuring we are spending it in the right way.  

Each March, ahead of the new financial year, a recommendation will be made to the board to discuss whether the budget is approved.  

Any changes to the hourly rate will be communicated with colleagues.  

We have a dedicated Dare to Learn platform where colleagues can access all their learning in one place, whenever it is easiest for them. Alongside this, we have GROW, our bespoke learning experience. With over 255 capabilities available, it helps to break down the skills it takes to work in the social care sector into various bitesize modules. This has helped us to professionalise the Support Worker role, supporting our colleagues to feel more confident and capable. 

Our Learning and Development team are continually working on new capabilities to add to the GROW platform.  

In terms of training and development programmes, GROW is our bespoke learning experience. With over 255 capabilities, it breaks down the skills it takes to work in the social care sector.

Alongside this, our Learn to LEAD programme and recently introduced LEAD: Next Level programme are there to give our colleagues the skills they need to take the step to the next level. We have seen great success with our Learn to LEAD programme, which offers our support workers the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills required to become a Service Leader. Our new LEAD: Next Level programme equips Service Leaders who are eager to make the step to Regional Manager with the expertise required for this role.

Work/Life Balance  

We understand the delicate balance between work and home and want our colleagues to be able to enjoy all aspects of life and to work effectively.  

Putting you at the centre of a supportive working environment, we have developed family-friendly policies, flexible working hours and job share arrangements (where possible).  

 

Health and Wellbeing 

We’re committed to supporting our colleagues with any challenges they are facing, from financial pressures to mental health concerns. We have several wellbeing resources available to colleagues.  

You can find resources on our dedicated Click Wellbeing Hub 

• Everymind at Work  

Our wellbeing partners host lots of support, guidance and resources and a whole range of topics.  

• Spectrum Life  

This is our Employee Assistance Programme. They provide confidential support, including online seminars and guidance. You can also access their experts through a variety of channels like WhatsApp or video counselling. Click here to register.  

• Colleague Benefits Package 

We’re also committed to supporting colleagues with any financial pressures and the burden they can have on our wellbeing.

In 2022, we launched our colleague benefits package which offers a host of financial perks and support solutions: 

• Vivup – a great money-saving mobile phone app, which offers you discounts on everything from groceries to home electronics.  

• Blue Light Card – various retail, leisure, and hospitality savings with a handy discount card. After purchasing, let our Payroll Team know and you’ll be fully reimbursed the cost of your membership! 

• Salary Finance – financial support, including the ‘Advance’ feature where you can access some of your earned wages before payday. 

• Wellbeing Fund – available to colleagues who find themselves suffering financial difficulties. 

You can find out more on our Colleague Benefits Package, including registration links by clicking here. 

 

Training and Development 

As mentioned above, we are dedicated to the training and development of our colleagues. From our dedicated Dare to Learn and GROW platforms which offer bespoke training in one place, to our yearly Performance and Potential reviews for salaried colleagues and quarterly You Can! Reviews for our frontline colleagues.