Whether you will be working at one of our Schools or within the central team, there are many additional benefits available to you as an employee of Westcountry Schools Trust. Please see below to find out more about the range of benefits our employees enjoy:

Becoming an Employee at Westcountry Schools Trust - Your Employee Benefits

Staff Portal
This is an online document store on the Trust website which contains policies, procedures and
important information relevant to all employees at WeST. Sections include: physical health
resources, financial support, policies, procedures and guidance, health and wellbeing support,
consultation and feedback resources and a rewards and benefits area. The staff portal also
gives you access to the weekly Trust newsletter – the Whistle.

Weekly Whistle
Every week a Trust newsletter is circulated via email to all employees at WeST. This newsletter
is full of interesting articles from around the Trust and include school updates, messaging from
our CEO, opportunities for further training, job opportunities within the Trust and health and
wellbeing updates.

Employee Assistance Programme - Care First
All WeST employees benefit from our employee assistance programme, provided by Care First.
If you find yourself struggling and in need of some extra support Care First is a service which
can help, they offer help with a wide range of issues including personal, work related, financial
and practical. Employees have 24/7 access to a range of free confidential, emotional and
practical support including:

• Counselling via telephone, online or at face to face sessions

• Financial, legal and practical support from professionals on a range of personal issues

• Access to online health and wellbeing resources

Tech Scheme
Techscheme is an affordable way to get the latest tech for you and your family. Via a salary
sacrifice scheme you are able to save up to 12% on National Insurance and pay for products
directly from your salary over 12 a month period.

Cyclescheme
You could save up to 25-39% on a new bike for work by using the cycle scheme. You are able
to choose the bike you’d like, for the length of time you need. This is completed via a salary
sacrifice scheme.

Eye Care Vouchers
An Eye Care Voucher, is a redeemable coupon, providing a free standard eye test for employees
at participating Specsavers, as well as discounted prices on some ranges of glasses. These
vouchers are provided to employees who work with DSE on a daily basis, and who could face
discomfort due to the use of such technology.

Flu Vaccinations
WeST encourages all staff members to vaccinate themselves against the winter flu by receiving
a vaccination, whether this is via the NHS or our WeST flu vaccination programme. WeST
supports employee wellbeing by offering you free access to flu jab vaccinations, to help protect
you in the winter months. This service commences in the Autumn term and more information
on this scheme will be provided around this time.

 

Discounts for Teachers
This free website offers many discounts which can be used at retailers, for holidays, online and
also offers cashback when shopping. It is a fantastic resource which is available to all education
employees, teachers and support staff, and is also available to family members and retired
teachers.

Employee Benefits Choice
This platform offers you the opportunity to buy gift cards, eGifts and gift card top ups at a
discounted rate. If you are looking for something for yourself or a gift for a loved one, you can
save yourself some money here.

PDR
WeST is committed to the development of knowledge, skills and experience for all employees
in order to promote individual growth and development. All employees at WeST will complete
a Personal Development Review with their line manager throughout the year, ensuring that
each and every individual has a consistent experience.