We are an equal opportunity employer and want our workforce to reflect the community we serve.
At West Berkshire Council, we want every colleague to feel respected, valued and able to thrive. Our culture is shaped by strong values and behaviours that guide how we work with one another and our communities. We actively promote dignity, fairness and inclusion, and we take a zero tolerance approach to discrimination, bullying and harassment. We celebrate the diversity of our workforce and welcome the unique perspectives people bring. With supportive policies, employee voice forum and networks, flexible working options and ongoing learning, we endeavour to create an environment where everyone can thrive.
Please make us aware of any additional needs you have as part of your interview and onboarding process. Any information shared will be handled with confidence. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all our employees.
Disability Confident Employer
West Berkshire Council are a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer. This means we are committed to offering interviews to people who declare a disability during their application, if they meet the essential criteria for the role.
Care Leaver Covenant
The Care Leaver Covenant was established in 2018 as part of the government's 'Keep on Caring' policy aimed at supporting young people leaving care. West Berkshire Council is one of the organisations who have joined the network by making 'offers' to support care leavers aged 16 to 25, helping them to take their next steps.
West Berkshire Council are committed to offering interviews to people who identify themselves as a Care Leaver during their application, if they meet the essential criteria for the role.
Armed Forces Covenant
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, including the bereaved, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve with their lives.
West Berkshire Council are committed to offering interviews to people who identify themselves as a retired or current/serving member of the armed services during their application, if they meet the essential criteria for the role.
Working for us as a veteran or reservist
A veteran is someone who has served in the armed forces for a day or more but is no longer serving.
In addition to the usual benefits of working for us, we also offer to veterans:
a guaranteed interview for those meeting the essential criteria for the role
a buddy system with an option to buddy with a member of staff with armed forces experience
informal staff network of armed forces
armed forces service champions to represent the views of armed forces employees
A reservist (or member of the reserve forces) is someone who serves in the armed forces on a voluntary, part time basis.
Our offer to reservists in addition to other benefits includes:
two weeks extra paid leave under the Special Leave Policy (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) to attend annual reservist training
additional unpaid leave or annual leave from the employee's normal annual allocation may be granted for short periods of training, provided adequate notice is given and where such training cannot be undertaken in off-duty time
a flexible working policy to assist with military commitments
management support in preparation for, during and after mobilisation
a buddy system with an option to buddy with a member of staff with armed forces experience
informal staff network of armed forces
armed forces service champions to represent the views of armed forces employees
Every Voice Matters
To ensure that all employee voices are heard, we provide numerous channels for feedback and communication.
Our monthly 'Let's Chat' meeting brings the entire organisation together with our Chief Executive, offering everyone the chance to ask questions and discuss what matters most to them. It's a space where your voice is heard directly by leadership, ensuring transparency and open communication.
To keep everyone informed and connected, we publish The Reporter, our monthly newsletter. Delivered on the first Monday of each month, it celebrates team successes, highlights achievements, and provides updates on important developments within the council and the wider community.
Our Employee Engagement Forum (EEF) exists to strengthen relationships, enhance staff engagement, and give every employee a real voice in shaping our workplace. In addition, there are a number of employee networks including the Equality Network, Women's Network and Men's Health Forum.
We encourage open and honest conversations at all times, but we also recognise the need for confidential feedback. Our employee experience survey allows you to share your opinions and views anonymously, ensuring that all perspectives are considered and valued.
Additionally, we actively collaborate with Council members and unions to represent and address employee concerns, fostering a workplace where cooperation, fairness, and mutual respect are at the forefront. Your voice shapes our future, and we are committed to listening.
