Staff Survey 

Thank you to everyone who participated in the recent whole Trust staff survey! We are pleased to confirm 784 colleagues participated and equates to 37.7% across the Trust.  

With so many responses we are working through a detailed analysis and action plan however below is a summary of the key information gathered for your review.

This edition of the staff survey reached:

Question 1: The leaders at WeST have communicated a vision that motivates me.

This is a positive response with 53% agreeing or strongly agreeing. The strength of the Trust vision is further represented as a key them in the free text comments (questions 12 and 13).

Question 2: I know what is expected of me at work.

This is an exceptionally positive response with over 91% agreeing or strongly agreeing.

Question 3: Most of the systems and processes here support us getting our work done effectively.

The Trust currently has 63% of respondents which agree or strongly agree. As a growing Trust the systems and processes are evolving however we must continue to monitor that these are effective and add value to our activities.

Question 4: At work, I have the opportunity to do what I do best everyday.

68% of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed with this area.

Question 5: I know where to get support if my wellbeing is being impacted by work.

Over the last year the Trust has worked to increase awareness of wellbeing and support mechanisms. This has achieved a 75% positive response (agree or strongly agree).

Question 6: I am treated fairly in the workplace.

The Trust has achieved 82% positive responses (agree or strongly agree).

Question 7: At work, my opinions seem to count.

The Trust achieves a 65% positive response (agree or strongly agree) to this area.

Question 8: I receive appropriate recognition when I do good work.

The responses above show a 66% positive response (agree or strongly agree).

Question 9: There is someone at work who encourages my development and talks to me about my progress.

Positively there are 64% of respondents who agree or strongly agree, however there is scope to further expand this.

Question 10: I am proud to work for Westcountry Schools Trust

The Trust achieves 69% of respondents agreeing or strongly agreeing.

Question 11: There are opportunities to learn and grow my career at WeST

The Trust has achieved 51% of agreement or strongly agree.

Question 12: What things are we doing well?

This question was optional for respondents and allowed for free text responses. We received 366 individual comments which are each being reviewed to identify key themes.

Question 13: Are there some things we could improve here?

This question was optional for respondents and allowed for free text responses. We received 374 individual commences which are each being reviewed to identify key themes.

The Executive Team and senior leaders are reviewing the full survey details and further information will be shared in future Whistle articles along with a copy of the action plan for next steps.

Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback in this process.

UPDATE YOUR PERSONAL DETAILS AND DOWNLOAD YOUR PAYSLIPS

In April 2022, the Trust are moving to one payroll provider, Midland HR (MHR).

Many staff currently access payslips through employee self-service.  Copies of payslips and P60s stored there will not be transferring across from your current provider to MHR. Access to old payroll systems via employee self-service will cease once we have gone live.

Therefore, please ensure that you have downloaded copies of your individual payslips and P60’s from your current payroll provider, prior to April 2022. You may wish to print these or retain an electronic copy, saved to your own area.

Updating your personal details is really important. If you are yet to update details about any change (such as full name, address, contact number and personal email address) please can you ensure your data is up to date at the earliest opportunity. This will include informing your local school administrator for local systems and informing payroll systems.

If you have any questions relating to this, please contact the HR Team on 01752 891754 ext 1765 or emailing hr@westst.org.uk.

05 Nov 2021
WeST T&L Newsletter
Welcome to the Autumn 2 edition of the WeST wide T&L newsletter. 
Read more

TLI Newsletter

The Learning Institute has just issued its November Newsletter, which includes information about the TLI's programmes; including degrees, teacher training, apprenticeships, CPD and current research projects.

Final Vouchers - WeST Winter Flu Jabs

Have you requested your voucher and booked your jab?

The Trust are proud to confirm we have partnered with Boots pharmacy to deliver a limited number of flu vaccinations to staff who do not already meet the NHS free vaccine eligibility.  We encourage all staff to take up the offer of a flu jab via one of these pathways. We still have a VERY LIMITED number of vouchers remaining!

 

You are eligible if:

· Aged 50 or over

· Have certain health conditions.

· You are pregnant

· You live with someone who is at high risk of coronavirus

· You receive a carer's allowance for an older or disabled person who is at risk.

· Have a weakened immune system due HIV, AIDS, Steroid Treatments or Chemotherapy

· Being very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above

· Neurological conditions, such as MS, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinsons.

You can have the NHS Flu Vaccine at:

· Your GP Surgery

· A Pharmacy offering free NHS Jabs

· Your Midwifery Service (if pregnant)

More information on the importance of getting a flu vaccination & eligibility is available from NHS Free Flu Jab Eligibility

For more information, contact HR@westst.org.uk

Vouchers can be sent directly to you via email or text message. 

Vouchers are redeemable at any participating Boots Pharmacy: Store Locator

Redeemable from now to 31st January 2022, on a first come, first served basis.

Availability maybe be limited as flu season progresses and ongoing supply can not be guaranteed.

To Request a Voucher complete the online Form: Flu Voucher Request or Scan QR code

Recruitment update:

We are delighted to inform you of the following exciting career opportunities within our Trust:- 

Westcountry Schools Trust are looking for a Trust Marketing Manager with responsibility for the Learning Institute (TLI). Working as part of WeST’s Core Services Team with particular responsibility for the Learning Institute, this role will be responsible for developing and delivering the marketing strategy for both the Learning Institute and The Trust. In addition, they will advise on and support communications channels and brand integrity, working with the CEO’s team and the Learning Institute to provide vital PR and marketing expertise. For more information, please go here. Closing date: 9am on Wednesday 17 November 2021. 

Wembury Primary School are seeking to appoint a skilled Teaching Assistant to join their happy and successful team. This position will start as soon as possible. You will be providing 1 to 1 support (Key Stage 2) and must have excellent communication skills. They are looking for a warm individual, with initiative and patience. The successful candidate must be willing to engage fully in the life of the school, be flexible and work as part of a friendly, supportive team with high expectations. For more information, please go here. Closing date: noon on Monday 15th November 2021. 

Chaddlewood Primary School are looking for the following vacancies:

Mealtime Assistant - As a Mealtime Assistant you will assist and supervise children in the dining hall and playground promote their welfare, health and safety and will encourage good conduct and behaviour. You’ll be part of a small team monitoring the children and engaging them in positive play, whilst ensuring good order of the dining areas and outside places at all times. All enquiries to Lynn Ebsworth (Business Manager) on 01752 337450. 

Primary Operations  Manager - The successful candidate will join and be fully supported by an experienced senior leadership team, united around clear school priorities. The Business Manager will be instrumental in shaping our future strategy of income generation and leading on all the areas of a busy school office. Application packs are available from the school website, please visit Chaddlewood Primary School to download further job details. Closing date: Monday 15 November at Midday. 

Plymstock School are looking for a highly skilled Operations Manager with strong organisational and people management skills. The successful candidate will be efficient at prioritising and managing their own workload and that of their teams. The Operations Manager will be responsible for the Premises Manager, Network Manager, HR Manager, Community Sports Centre Manager, Catering Manager, Office Manager, Administration and Mealtime Assistant Teams. This post is permanent, full-time and all year round (52 weeks per year) Salary – Grade H - Plymouth SCP 30 - 34 £33,782 - £37,890. For more information, please go here. Closing Date: 9am – Monday 22 November 2021. 

Callington Community College are looking for 3x Teaching Assistants. You would be joining a committed team of teaching assistants who play an important role across both schools. The role involves supporting students with Special Educational Needs within the classroom rather than 1:1 work. This could involve facilitating student’s emotional regulation; working with those on the autistic spectrum or supporting students with low levels of Literacy and Numeracy to access the secondary curriculum. You should be capable of developing excellent relationships with the students and therefore a proven record of successfully working with young people is essential. For more information, please go here. Closing date: Friday 19 November 2021 9.00 am.

Oreston Community Academy are looking to appoint a highly dedicated and enthusiastic EYFS Team Leader to join their friendly and supportive school team for a January or April start 2022.  Oreston Community Academy is a two-form entry good school within Plymstock that includes an onsite Nursery.  The experienced staff and children work hard to achieve their very best and support each other with strong teamwork across phases.  You would be leading the EYFS team, which includes their Nursery setting and two Foundation classes, and you would play a key role in continuing to raise achievement for all. For more information, please go here. Closing date: Friday 26th November at 9am. 

Eggbuckland Communinity College are looking for the following vacancies: 

ICT Support Technician. Grade C, actual starting salary £17,947 per annum. The ICT Support Technician will help the ICT Support Team to maintain the College network and provide support to ECCTS customers. The ICT Support Technician will be under the direction of the ICT Support Manager but will also be able to use their own initiative. The successful candidate will be someone willing to learn new technologies. Closing date: 9am, Thursday 25th November 2021. 

Casual Invigilators. Grade B £9.62 per hour. Various hours. Eggbuckland are urgently looking for reliable individuals to ensure the fair and proper conduct of examinations in an environment that enables our students to perform at their best.  Successful candidates will support the exams administrators with the day-to-day operation of examination venues. Duties may include reading and/or scribing for students with special needs.

Please go to the website here for further details and to apply.

Hele's School are looking for 2 x Permanent Science Technicians. Hele's are looking for exceptional candidates, who possesses energy and creativity, to join their forward thinking and innovative Science Department. Hele’s is a supportive, friendly and oversubscribed learning community with a very good reputation. For more information, please go here. Closing date: 9am, Friday 19th November 2021.