The place to feel appreciated, recognised and rewarded
Our benefit offerings include health and wellness, financial planning tools, flexible working and more!
We strive to provide our colleagues with the best rewards and incentives, going above and beyond the NHS standard.
Our rewards and benefits catalogue
We want our colleagues to be supported every day, in every way. Below you will find a glossary of rewards and benefits we offer across the NCA to help our people to thrive inside and outside of work.
- Health Service Discounts
By joining us, you’ll get access to hundreds of discounts and perks from retailers, restaurants, and more across the UK through the Blue Light Card, and Health Service Discounts. - Vivup
Alongside providing mental health support 24/7 365 days per year, Vivup provides access to a range of colleague benefits including Home and Electronics, Cycle to Work, Lifestyle Savings and gym membership - Pension
We contribute 20% of your salary towards your pension, and your contribution varies based on your salary. You can check your contribution levels on the NHS Employers site.
We also offer flexible retirement options for colleagues aged 55+ who may wish to draw down their pension benefits and supplement their income ahead of retirement. - Car Lease Scheme
For a fixed monthly amount, you can lease a brand-new car through the trust. There are hundreds of cars available through the scheme presenting different affordable options. If you qualify for car leasing, everything is included in the monthly amount such as insurance, road tax, replacement tyres, servicing, MOT and breakdown. - Eye Test Vouchers
Free eye test vouchers are available to colleagues for use at Specsavers UK stores. - Savings and Affordable Loans
Many people find managing their money a daunting and stressful task. Through our providers Salary Finance and Metro Moneywise Credit Union, you can get affordable loans repaid through your salary and savings accounts again credited via your salary. This presents an alternative to credit cards and overdrafts, which could be used to cover an unexpected expense or to help you achieve your long-term financial goals. - Salary Advance
Access a portion of your salary before payday to help pay emergency bills through Salary Finance.
- Childcare and Onsite Nurseries
We know juggling work and childcare can be a challenge. We offer flexible working, carers leave and parental leave. We also offer maternity, paternity and adoption leave, as well as providing guidance on childcare and tax credits. We have onsite nurseries available at Oldham (Teddies Nursery) and Salford (Holyrood Nursery), and lots of local nurseries within a short distance from Rochdale Infirmary and Fairfield General Hospital. - Maternity and Paternity Leave
We provide enhanced pay with eight weeks full pay and 26 weeks half pay, plus additional support if complications arise. - Fertility Support
We want colleagues undergoing fertility treatment, to feel better supported in work, and no longer have to choose between their careers and starting a family. Understanding the stress fertility procedures and complications may cause, we have partnered with Fertility Network UK to deliver a range of awareness sessions around fertility support. We also have a fertility policy in place so colleagues undergoing treatment are managed fairly and compassionately. - Carers Policy
We have a comprehensive Employers for Carers Support Pack which includes a range of guidance and advice on matters around finances, Trade Union support and flexible arrangements in your role, as well as an access code for NCA to the Carers UK digital platform of support and resources. - Pregnancy Loss Policy
We are committed to supporting anyone experiencing pregnancy loss, this includes two weeks paid time off for colleagues and 5 days for partners following a loss.
- Protected Wellbeing hours
Colleagues across the Northern Care Alliance are entitled to four hours of protected time, on top of their existing annual leave entitlement, to spend on wellbeing activities. - SCARF Programme
S.C.A.R.F is a wrap-around programme, unique to the NCA, which supports our employees to look after their physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. This programme is led by our colleague experience team and is frequently refreshed with the latest practical resources and information. - Workplace Health
We have an accredited in-house Occupational Health Service that aims to maintain the health and wellbeing of all colleagues and prevent workplace injuries. Through occupational health colleagues can access a wide range of services from work health assessments, immunisations including flu vaccines, physiotherapy, counselling, skin assessments as well as advice on workplace adjustments. - Staff Psychology Service
We have a colleague staff psychology service that is dedicated to supporting colleagues who experience trauma/PTSD, persistent anxiety/depression that impact on their daily function. - Well Women’s Support
The NCA are committed to supporting and improving the wellbeing of colleagues who may be experiencing difficulties due to women’s health concerns. We have extensive and inclusive support programmes and policies in relation to Menopause, Endometriosis, Pregnancy Loss and Fertility Support at Work and continue to develop our well women’s support. - Well Men’s Support
Based on national research and evidence, the NCA have developed and continue to develop a strategy to improve the wellbeing of men within the organisation – this relates to mental health and suicide, and the prevention of Long-Term Health conditions through initiatives such as our Target Your Health and Strava Clubs. - Wellbeing Coaching Programme
We offer a comprehensive wellbeing coaching programme that includes a series of wellbeing micro sessions for colleagues to access, learn new skills and tools that helps self-reflection to focus on their own wellbeing. - Financial Support
The NCA are committed to supporting colleagues’ financial wellbeing with a plethora of opportunities to access support services, helplines, lifestyle saving, and salary sacrifice initiatives, pension advice/awareness programmes, with a comprehensive financial toolkit to help colleagues navigate to the support that is right for them. - Foodbank
We work closely with the Trussell Trust to provide foodbank access through e-vouchers to enable our colleagues to access foodbank support at locations across the Northwest. - Spiritual Wellbeing
We have a Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care centre and faith rooms across the NCA. Whether you need somewhere quiet to sit and think, say prayers privately or join an organised activity, everyone is welcome. This provides a non-judgemental, compassionate, and confidential support. - Complementary Therapy
We provide free complementary therapy such as aromatherapy, massage, reflexology and reiki therapy to all colleagues. The therapies are designed to reduce stress and anxiety and empower individuals by providing them with self-help techniques which can be used in future. - Mental Health Champions
The Mental Health Champion programme aims to reduce the stigma and discrimination around mental health, by raising awareness and prioritising wellbeing within our teams. Colleagues can either sign up to become a Mental Health Champion, or reach out via the Champion network to access the right support when they need it. - Flexible and Agile Working
We know work-life balance is very important. We always try to accommodate flexible working that suits your needs and the requirements of the service, through arrangements such as annualised hours, home working, compressed hours, special leave, career breaks, and flexible retirement. Where possible, we support agile or remote working, as well as hot desking.
- Armed Forces
We want to give Veterans, Reservists, and their families every opportunity to build a fulfilling career with us. We proactively demonstrate our forces-friendly credentials within our recruitment and selection processes, by having a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for those who indicate they belong to the Armed Forces Community. We’re also an active member of the Step into Health charity and promote positive armed forces policies, as part of our gold defence employer recognition status. Discounts are also available within our onsite cafes exclusively for the armed forces and wider armed forces family. - Disability Confident
The NCA is committed to inclusive recruitment and is proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you have a disability or long-term health condition, we will provide workplace adjustments to your job role, working practice or environment to support you to undertake your work duties safely and effectively. We also provide adjustments at application stage and interviews to disabled applicants that meet all essential job criteria and wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. - Real Living Wage
Our people are our biggest asset, and we feel strongly about paying colleagues a fair wage that meets the real cost of living in the UK. The NCA commits to pay all substantive and bank staff a wage equivalent to the hourly rate set by the Real Living Wage Foundation. - Good Employment Charter
We are the first NHS trust to become a Member of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter. This membership recognises our commitment to fostering positive employment practices, such as secure and flexible work, pay equality, engagement and voice and recruitment, among others. - Cultural Ambassadors
We are committed to addressing the structural inequalities that exist in public service. We actively involve trained cultural ambassadors in our HR processes (recruitment and disciplinaries) to help remove discrimination and cultural bias. - Staff Networks
Our active Staff Networks were established to support colleagues in their working lives and to promote awareness of equality and inclusion within the Trust. We currently have 4 Staff Networks - LGBTQ+, BAME, Disability and Women’s Network, which all colleagues are encouraged to join.
- Annual leave
You will receive a generous holiday and annual leave entitlement. 35 days as standard per year (including bank holidays, based on full-time hours). 37 days after five years of continuous service, rising to 41 days after 10 years. There are also options to purchase up to 4 weeks additional leave, subject to line manager approval. - Long service awards
We regularly recognise the contribution our colleagues make to the organisation and wider NHS both at early stages of your career and for long service. - Guaranteed birthday day off
Enjoy a guaranteed annual leave day on your birthday or the next closest working day to your birthday. - Onsite catering and food options
Colleagues can enjoy high quality, nutritious food across all our sites. Our restaurants frequently change and update their menu and cater to a range of dietary requirements. We also have healthy vending machines installed to provide out of hours food options for colleagues working late shifts.
We have WHSmith outlets at our Salford and Oldham Hospitals and Salford also has an added benefit of a Marks and Spencer Outlet too. - Facilities
If you choose to travel by bike, we have secure bike stores. Staff Shower facilities across the sites and dedicated changing facilities. We also have Amazon designated pick up points and 24-hour library services.
- Leadership by all, Development for all
We have a wide range of resources to support leadership development. This includes a two-day in person NCA Accelerated Leader Development programme, a Virtual Campus of leadership tools and resources (including a 5,000 strong learning community) and an 18-month Frontline Leader Apprenticeship. On top of this, we also provide colleagues access to Regional and National Leadership Development Programmes, and relevant online workshops and seminars. - Apprenticeships
Apprenticeship opportunities are open to all colleagues, at all levels in their career. As an apprentice, you’ll have the opportunity to gain practical exposure and build-on your experience from day one. You can benefit from leading training and development opportunities and enjoy a wide variety of career paths to explore. - Coaching and Mentoring
At a crossroad in your career? Or would you like some support identifying key priorities and refocusing your thoughts? We can help you to find a coach / mentor to elevate your development. We also offer supervision and continuous professional development for people already trained as a coach. - Rotational Programmes
We provide rotational programmes for nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Our rotations offer many benefits, such as developing confidence and competence in different areas, developing into a flexible and dynamic employee, building resilience and developing leadership capabilities, providing an opportunity to explore and gain an understanding of different areas, developing a strong skill set while clarifying your future career pathway. - Internal Staff Transfers
The opportunity to transfer internally across the NCA is open to all Band 5 and 6 clinical colleagues seeking a sideways transfer in their career.
- University Teaching Trust
We work in partnership with Manchester Medical School to develop excellent doctors for the future. Our Medical Education Centre is home to four teaching labs, a high-tech state of the art situation suite and we a 24-hour library. As well as supporting Medical Students on attachment, we also offer excellent educational and clinical experience for nursing, midwifery and therapy students and foundation doctors. - Research and Development
We have a strong research-ethos. Our Research and Innovation Department is recognised nationally and internationally as a leading centre for clinical trials and other studies, with more than 600 projects carried out each year. - Simulation Suites
The NCA has two simulation suites (Oldham and Salford) which are accessible by all staff within the Trust. The facilities include a two bayed simulation ward, a one bay simulated acute setting, an adaptable simulation room (acute or community) and a simulated GP consultation room. - Clinical Skills
We deliver clinical skills training on all our NCA sites and community settings. This training is always growing and developing ensuring the staff have the skills to do their jobs safely and provide the best care for our patients. Examples of the extensive skills training provided include ANTT, medicines, IV medicines, advanced conflict resolution, Adult acute illness management courses and community acute illness management, vital signs and NG management. - Digital Learning and Innovation
The NCA provides access to educational technologies, simulation and immersive learning. Our services include:- More than 300 online learning programmes, accessible 24/7, including mandatory and specialist training developed by NCA partners and clinical experts to best support you in your role.
- Access to innovative XR solutions and devices, including VR headsets and a Gener8 immersive learning suite.
- Opportunities for virtual and hybrid CPD training.
- Digital skills programmes, such as, Microsoft Excel training, Project Management Essentials and Office 365 instruction.
- Library and Knowledge Services
The NCA provides Library and Knowledge services to all our staff and students. Ensuring we provide the best available evidence to support patient care. All our services are free and include:- Extensive collections of books, journals and clinical decision-making tools including UpToDate and BMJ Best Practice
- An expert team providing evidence search and synthesis, critical appraisal, support for systematic reviews, research support and journal clubs.
- Training on study skills, referencing, literature searching, critical appraisal. Three state-of-the-art libraries at Salford, Oldham and Bury all available 24/7 providing access to pc’s, eLearning, study areas, wellbeing and collaborative learning space.
- Return to Practice
As one of the largest NHS organisations in the country, we have experience facilitating a succession of healthcare professionals to return to registered practice following a career break.
- Public Transport
There are a number of different commuting options available for all of our work locations. Greater Manchester has brilliant public transport networks, and all our hospital sites are located at strategic junctions which allow our people more options when getting to and from work. We encourage active and sustainable commuting wherever possible and can support colleagues with their journey planning via public transport. - Accommodation
We can provide accommodation search support for those relocating out of area. - Relocation Package
We compensate new employees with relocation expenses if they are relocating more than 50 miles to start a career with us. The relocation package is available to limited roles. If available, this will be stated within the job advert.
