Benefits

Hybrid working has become the norm for most of us, as we believe it best supports our commitment to a modern, agile workplace while maintaining excellent service for our customers.

Hybrid working involves a flexible arrangement where employees work both from the office and from home on agreed days, depending on their roles. We recognise that this flexibility varies among individuals, with some colleagues working remotely more often, while others spend more time in the office.

Additionally, we offer flexible working hours, allowing employees to customise their schedules to suit their personal needs and preferences throughout the day and week.

Our goal is to enable as many employees as possible to work in a hybrid manner. However, we understand that certain roles may require specific locations and fixed working hours, making hybrid working impractical in those cases. The details of hybrid arrangements will be based on the nature of the work and individual circumstances.

We are dedicated to promoting work-life balance and aim to foster a supportive and adaptable work environment that meets the needs of our employees while ensuring the smooth operation of our organisation.

At West Midlands Combined Authority, we understand the importance of taking time off to recharge and pursue personal interests. That is why we offer generous annual leave benefits to our employees.

You'll start with 28 days of paid annual leave, in addition to public bank holidays. As you continue to grow with us, your annual leave entitlement increases to 31 days after five years of service, and then to 32 days after ten years of service.

We want to ensure you have ample time to relax, explore, and spend quality moments with your loved ones.

Annual leave purchase scheme

WMCA is proud to offer our employees the option to buy additional annual leave (maximum of 10 days or 73 hours) through the annual leave purchase scheme, via a salary sacrifice agreement.

Employees will need to have completed their probation and have a contract of employment that exceeds the length of the agreed salary sacrifice agreement.

The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is a national pension scheme for people working in local government or working for other employers that participate in the scheme. 

The LGPS is considered one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK. It is a defined benefit pension scheme which means your pension is based on your salary and how long you pay into the Scheme.

As a WMCA employee, you are entitled to a Corporate Gym Membership via Local Authority leisure centres in:

• Birmingham
• Coventry (CV Life)
• Walsall (Walsall Leisure)
• Wolverhampton (WV Active), and
• Sandwell (Sandwell Leisure Trust)

Through our "employer-supported volunteering" scheme, you have the opportunity to take up to 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.

This allows you to make a direct positive impact on the residents, communities, and environment of the West Midlands. Whether you choose to utilise your existing skills or explore new areas of development, your volunteer work will contribute to the betterment of our region.

Life brings its ups and downs every day. From finding childcare or caring for elderly relatives to managing your personal finances, getting help with a relationship or taking care of your health.

Our Employee Assistance Programme, Care First is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to offer you support on a range of issues across work and home life such as mental health, nutrition, financial wellbeing, parenting and divorce.

WMCA is proud to offer a Health Cash Plan via BHSF.

Policy members are entitled to reduced rates, via corporate membership, available for all WMCA employees (partners and children can also be added to policies).

We recognise our employees need to balance work with their other commitments, such as parental and caring responsibilities, learning, charity work, and leisure.

There are different flexible working arrangements available which can help with this work-life balance.

Types of flexible working

Hybrid working: a combination of working remotely and working in the employee's usual workplace.

Part time working: involves working less hours than a full-time schedule with corresponding adjustment to pay and benefits.

Job share: a form of part-time working where two (or occasionally more) people share the responsibility for a job between them.

Compressed hours: The central feature is reallocation of work into fewer and longer blocks during the week. For example, compressing a 10-day fortnight into 9 days.

Reward Gateway is a discount shopping website featuring over 2,000 big-name retailers, set up specifically to benefit you. Even if you only use this website on your everyday purchases, you could easily save hundreds of pounds a year through schemes like Cashback on your spending.

Smart Tech allows you to buy the latest technology through your payroll. Whether it is a Soundbar to give you that cinema experience from the comfort of your own home, or a new laptop - you can take advantage of paying for the latest tech over a defined period, paid direct from your monthly salary. 

Financial wellbeing is increasingly important to us all and to support this WMCA is happy to partner with Citysave Credit Union Ltd. 

Citysave provide saving plans through payroll.  These can protect against financial shocks but also help with longer term plans such as saving for your next holiday, your children, Christmas, a mortgage deposit or even home improvements. 

Citysave also provide ethical, fair priced loans and non-payroll saving options.

You can save what you can afford. The amount you save can be changed at any time to suit your needs and savings can be made via deductions from your pay.

At West Midlands Combined Authority, we believe in promoting healthy lifestyles and sustainable commuting options. That's why we offer the Cycle to Work Scheme, a fantastic benefit that allows you to purchase a pedal cycle at a reduced price while contributing to a greener environment.

Through this salary sacrifice scheme, you can buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, as well as safety equipment at a discounted rate. The best part is that the payments are deducted from your salary before taxes, which means you can save up to 25% on the cost of your chosen cycle.

By participating in the Cycle to Work Scheme, you not only enjoy the health benefits of cycling but also play an active role in reducing your carbon footprint and promoting sustainable transportation. It's a win-win situation for both you and the environment.

At WMCA, we strive to support your well-being and encourage eco-friendly initiatives. The Cycle to Work Scheme is just one of the many ways we aim to enhance your work experience and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future.

At West Midlands Combined Authority, we prioritise your growth and success by providing a diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.

To support your professional advancement, WMCA offers funding for ex officio professional membership fees. This means that for permanent employees or those on a fixed-term contract lasting more than 12 months, we will cover the costs associated with professional memberships directly related to your role. By supporting your professional memberships, we aim to ensure that you have access to the necessary resources and networks to excel in your position.

We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. Our commitment to your growth extends beyond your initial role and supports you in acquiring the skills and knowledge needed to adapt to evolving challenges and opportunities.

At WMCA, we are dedicated to nurturing your potential and helping you reach new heights. By investing in your development, we aim to create a motivated and skilled workforce that delivers exceptional services to our communities.