Working environment
Whichever part of the council you join – wherever you join us – you’ll find there’s a real buzz. Big change is on the horizon, sure. But it’s not just that. It’s more about the way we work together, the energy we share, and the enthusiasm we instil in each other.
What about the physical environment? Well, firstly we’re proud of our eco credentials – we live in a fantastic environment and it’s certainly our responsibility to do everything we can to protect and maintain it. In Tranent, Windygoul Primary School exemplifies this – it’s a single storey, eco friendly building, designed to minimise energy use and provide a healthy internal environment. Natural ventilation and materials and external ‘breathing’ walls help provide a toxin free atmosphere within the school, all topped off with a green, ‘living roof’ made of sedum.
What’s more, many of our council buildings have taken shape from older buildings combined with the advantages of modern architecture – in fact, that merging of the traditional with the very new is an easy way to think of all of East Lothian.
Technology, of course, plays a big part in this. Our ICT infrastructure’s designed to make communication and contact easy to manage – business thrives on technology but it’s people getting together that really makes it work. Here, we can bring both together.
Health and Wellbeing
We also want to provide an environment where good health informs decision-making and policy. So we offer supports like occupational health, counselling, onsite massage, healthy eating information and tips on destressing. The important thing about all this work is that it’s led by our people – they decide what matters to them about their own health and we help them make it a reality.
Our commitment to the health and well being of our employees is paramount and is embedded in our work culture. We are proud to be the first Council in Scotland to achieve gold ‘Healthy Working Lives Award ‘. This NHS Health Scotland award demonstrates our commitment to our employees health and well being and positive work experience.
Equality
Equality’s at the heart of everything we do – whether that’s building a diverse workforce or delivering services. Our conditions of service are part of this – and we’ll continue to evolve them to keep pace with the changing world around us. Right now, we offer
- part-time working
- job-sharing
- condensed working
- annualised hours
- homeworking
- flexible working scheme
- maternity leave and pay
- paid paternity leave
- birth leave for nominated carers
- adoption leave
- parental leave
- breastfeeding statement of intent
- health screening
- special paid/unpaid leave
- dependency/bereavement leave
- time off for public duties