Benefits

At Suffolk County Council, we recognise that our people are our greatest resource and it is our mission to make a positive difference for Suffolk. We are committed to working together, striving to improve and securing the best possible services.

We have a set of values shaped by our staff that are at the heart of everything we do:

Achieve – we are the best we can be

Support – we work as one team

Pride – we take pride in and are proud of what we do

Inspire – we model the ASPIRE values

Respect – we give and earn respect

Empower – we empower, encourage and motivate people

These values underpin our approach to performance, reward and wellbeing and define the relationship between the council and our people.

We expect our employees to be the best they can be. In return we offer an extensive reward package that combines pay, pension and a range of additional benefits including:

We have created a competitive pay offer that reflects the significance of how important our social care professionals are to us. Our starting salary for Newly Qualified Social Workers is £26,470pa and our experienced Social Workers are paid up to £33,907pa.

After successful completion of your first year in employment you will move up to the salary of £28,221, then after another 12 months you will move up to £29,055 (subject to meeting performance related criteria).

For experienced Social Workers new to Suffolk County Council we promise to try and match or better your existing salary.

Current staff are given priority for any opportunities to progress throughout the Adult Social Care Career Pathway and you will be given the support to develop and move up through the career pathway.

In addition to a competitive salary and support to progress we also offer the following financial benefits:

  • A contributory pension scheme
  • Access to a childcare voucher salary sacrifice scheme
  • Access to a benefits scheme offering discounts on a wide range of goods and services including discounts on supermarket vouchers, restaurants and a range of high street retailers
  • Eligibility to join the Suffolk Credit Union
  • Removal and Relocation Scheme for qualifying new employees
  • A subsidised lease car scheme (eligibility based on business mileage)
  • Tax free bikes through our cycle to work scheme
  • Public transport season ticket loan scheme
  • Public transport discounts
  • Ipswich town centre free shuttle bus
  • A dedicated health and wellbeing portal for Suffolk County Council staff
  • A wide range of staff support networks and representative bodies
  • A free and confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing general information and advice to staff as well as access to counselling and legal advice
  • An occupational sick pay scheme
  • Generous annual leave entitlement with an option to purchase additional days
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Career breaks
  • Occupational maternity, paternity and adoption leave
  • A range of family and care policies
  • Discounted lifestyle benefits, including theatre tickets, travel and holiday companies

What our Social Workers have to say...

Social Worker Leanne Clarke
Leanne Clarke

“The people I work with are generally facing a crisis in their life, a life changing event, a devastating diagnosis, loss of independence. If I can make things less stressful for them, support them through the processes, advocate for them where needed to help them to get the help they need, then I feel I am making a difference.”

Social Worker Victoria Rudkin
Victoria Rudkin

“There are lots of opportunities in Suffolk County Council and you are able to have a very diverse career and there are great promotion opportunities; there are a lot of pathways to take your career at Suffolk.”

Social Worker Seb Smith
Seb Smith

“Social Work is important because it gives people who are disenfranchised or marginalised more opportunity. Some people face greater challenge's than others when trying to live a rewarding and independent life, but social work can support them to achieve their goals.''

Social Worker Steph Weese
Steph Weese

“For me, every one of these customers and their families matters in their own right; there’s no small problem or big problem they are all important.”

Social Worker Julia Rodwell
Julia Rodwell

“As a manager I give staff the opportunity to have their own career path, help them to develop, encourage them to take part in training and to also ensure that they have all the tools they need to do their job properly. It’s about a personalised approach to managing and supporting staff here.”

Social Worker Phil Stamper
Phil Stamper

“Being a Social Worker is part of me. I enjoy working with people and am proud to be a Social Worker. It is a privilege to be involved in people’s lives and be welcomed to work alongside them.”