With over 7,250 employees, not only is North Lincolnshire Council the biggest employer in the area, it can justifiably claim to offer the most diverse range of jobs. From teachers to dog wardens, architects to fitness instructors, there is an immense choice of career paths.
The council is proud of the range of benefits it offers its staff: as well as generous holidays, pensions and car loans, it provides plenty of personal training and development.
Below, some of our employees give their experiences of working for the council.
Fiona Reid - Human Resources Officer
The council seeks to remove any barriers that might hinder anyone with a disability or from a minority ethnic group in their search for employment. Our focus is on the essential skills required to do the job. We encourage anyone with a disability to apply under the two ticks disability symbol scheme. This guarantees an interview if a person meets the essential criteria for a post.
Fiona Reid has been working at North Lincolnshire Council for just over five years. She has Cerebral Palsy, a condition that affects her mobility and dexterity.
Starting out in 2001 on a work preparation scheme in a supported clerical assistant role, Fiona was soon offered a permanent clerical post. On gaining employment Fiona was able to join the workstep scheme. This provides ongoing training, support and advice to employees with any form of disability.
Through an organisation called Access to Work, Fiona was able to obtain funding for an electric powered office chair. This helps her to move around buildings and office areas unaided.
In April 2004 Fiona succeeded in obtaining the position of Human Resources Assistant. Her new role meant that she would be working in a different building. In order to help Fiona to get around her new offices without assistance, three electronically operated doors were installed.
Fiona worked as an Assistant for two years and is currently working as a Human Resources Officer in Scunthorpe. Access to Work is again assisting with any alterations required to accommodate her needs.
"I’m really enjoying my work and am determined not to let my condition hinder my progress", says Fiona. "I’m looking forward to all the challenges coming my way. My colleagues are very supportive and everyone is always willing to supply any assistance needed to help me fulfil my role."
Julie Jones - Web Content Editor
The council respects the fact that each employee has a personal life. We provide support for our employees through a number of policies that can help improve their worklife balance. One employee who has benefited from this is Julie Jones, the council’s Web Content Editor.
Julie first worked for the council over ten years ago as a museum attendant at Normanby Hall Country Park. At the time she was studying at college and, as part of this, went on to do work experience in the council’s press office. This led to Julie being employed over the summer as Media Relations Assistant.
After completing her studies, Julie went on to work in one of the council’s local link offices helping people to access council services. She then moved back to the press office when a permanent position came up. After three years in this job she was promoted to the role of Web Content Editor.
Julie had a baby in 2005 and, after maternity leave, requested to return to work two days a week. This has allowed her to balance work and family life.
"I really enjoy my job and knew that I would come back after my maternity leave", says Julie. "I wanted to get the balance right between spending time with my child and carrying on working. I took some extra unpaid maternity leave and was off work for around eleven months. It was very daunting coming back to work, but everyone was really supportive and I soon settled back in."