Employee benefits

What people love most about working at Southdown is making a difference as part of a friendly, supportive team. But we offer much more besides.

Our recognition

We’re proud to be a Real Living Wage employer and have been recognised as a Top 30 Family-Friendly Employer for 12 years running.

Here’s what you can expect when you join us.

What we offer

Your benefits at a glance

A summary of the support available to everyone who works at Southdown.

Health and wellbeing

  • Free advice and counselling service – confidential 24/7 telephone support for practical advice and guidance whenever you need it
  • Health cost cash-back scheme – help towards dental, optical, physical therapy, and other medical costs
  • Cycle to work scheme – save up to half the cost of a new bike and safety accessories

Financial benefits

  • Real Living Wage– we’re committed to fair pay that reflects the real cost of living
  • Pension scheme– competitive contributions (5% employer, 5% employee) through salary exchange
  • Life cover– non-contributory life assurance for pension scheme members under 65
  • Interest-free loans through Coop– available for tenancy deposits, travel season tickets, or buying a car
  • Discounts and savings– free Blue Light Card plus discounts on retail, days out, gym membership, travel, and more
  • Financial guidance– free access to Salary Finance for financial services and advice

Work-life balance

  • Annual leave– starting at 22-25 days (depending on role) for full-time staff, increasing with length of service
  • Flexible working– many colleagues have flexible arrangements including part-time, compressed hours, job share, or hybrid working
  • Family-friendly policies– occupational maternity, shared parental leave, and adoption pay
  • Special leave– for emergencies, moving home, IVF treatment, and public duties
  • Career breaks– available for colleagues who need extended time away

A little extra

  • £100 probationary bonuson successful completion of your probation period
  • Refer-a-friend awards– recognition for helping us find great colleagues
  • Birthday gift cards– a small thank you on your birthday
  • Long service awards– recognition for your commitment and loyalty
  • Travel discountsthrough the Easit Network

We also offer a free DBS check – we’ll help with the application and cover the cost for roles that require it.

Training and development

Invest in your growth

We know the quality of our services depends on the skills of our people. Our award-winning training team provides learning opportunities for everyone who works here.

This includes in-house professional training across specialist subjects, support to gain relevant qualifications, and specialists working within teams to develop best practice. You can also join working groups on areas like client involvement, health and safety, diversity and equality, and staff wellbeing.

Every new colleague goes through a thorough induction to help them understand their role and feel confident from day one. All staff have regular supervision and appraisals to ensure they have the skills and support they need.

Many colleagues move between services and levels as they develop – we encourage internal progression and support people to grow their careers within Southdown.

While in the job, we also provide reflective practice provision for our colleagues.

Induction

A thorough induction to help you understand your role and feel confident from day one.

Professional qualifications

Support to gain relevant qualifications alongside your work, with in-house specialist training.

Supervision and appraisals

Regular supervision to ensure you have the skills and support you need throughout your career.

Reflective practice

Dedicated time to reflect on your work and develop professionally while in post.

Internal progression

Many colleagues move between services and levels as they develop – we actively encourage this.

Practical support from day one

We’ll help with the DBS application and cover the cost for roles that require it – so you can focus on getting started, not the paperwork.