Practices The council acknowledges good practice and the efforts of staff through the employee newsletter and has previously given all staff one day's extra leave (on their birthdays) in recognition of excellent inspection results. The council runs a Common Purpose Scheme that builds bridges between the private, voluntary and public sectors to improve local communities. In addition, the Mayor supports one or two charities each year and the council raises funds all-year round. The chief executive sends out a weekly message to staff and conducts staff roadshows throughout the year. The council also has an annual programme whereby the chief executive, elected members and senior managers go back to the floor for a day. The council has a special leave policy that encourages staff to take part in voluntary and personal activities. Service improvement teams organise nonwork related activities such as dancing or photography. There is a formal managerial development framework and there are opportunities for managers to receive coaching and mentoring. Pay and benefits Flexible working options available to all employees include job sharing, home working, compressed and reduced hours, term-time-only contracts, annualised and staggered hours and flexitime. Childcare vouchers are also available.