Benefits and rewards

Find out about the rewards and benefits available to you as a member of staff.

Your core benefits

Great benefits aren’t just about work – they’re about supporting you, your wellbeing and your future.

Whether you're building your career, starting a family, planning for the future, or looking for greater work-life balance, our core benefits are designed to support you through every stage of your journey.

  • A secure pension scheme helps you save for retirement while providing important protection for you and your family.  Additional benefits include:

    • an ill health pension, regardless of age
    • a death in service lump sum worth 3 times your pensionable pay
    • a pension for your spouse, civil partner or cohabiting partner in the event of your death
    • financial support for dependent children
  • Taking time away from work is important. That’s why you receive a generous annual leave entitlement, of between 25 and 31 days, depending on job title and length of service, giving you the opportunity to relax and focus on what matters to you.

  • We recognise that balancing work with personal commitments is important. Where service needs allow, a range of flexible working arrangements may be available, including hybrid working, flexible hours and compressed working patterns, helping you find a way of working that supports both your role and your life outside work.

  • Life doesn't stand still and neither should your benefits. There’s a range of family-friendly policies and flexible working options to support you through life’s important moments to help you manage personal commitments alongside your career, including maternity, paternity, parental and adoption leave, and fostering support

  • When you're unwell, we're there to support you. Our sickness policies and guidance provide practical help during periods of absence and support a smooth return to work when you're ready.

  • Further rewards and benefits include:

    • travel and discounts scheme
    • 24 hour wellbeing support
    • retail, holiday and wellbeing discounts
    • disability, fostering and veteran friendly employer
    • learning and development
    • competitive salary and generous pension
    • staff networks
    • staff recognition award

Extra benefits you can choose to use

Alongside your core benefits, you’ll have access to a fantastic range of optional benefits designed to help you save money, make the most of everyday life and get even more from your employment with us.

West Sussex Choices is our exclusive employee benefits platform, bringing a wide range of discounts, savings and salary sacrifice schemes together in one place. Whether you’re looking to cut the cost of your weekly shop, save on big purchases or explore additional employee perks, West Sussex Choices helps your money go further.

Whatever your lifestyle, our benefits are designed to help you make your money go further, both in and out of work.

Explore the different benefits and schemes available through West Sussex Choices.

  • From groceries and household bills to fashion, dining and days out, you can access more than 750 meaningful retail savings all year round.  Save on everyday spending with  discounted e-vouchers, top-up gift cards, physical gift cards, and online discount codes.  

    Save on the go

    Shopping while you’re out and about?  Our app puts discounts and offers right at your fingertips!

    Discover local offers 

    We’re proud to support local businesses too, and you can find a selection of exclusive offers from organisations across the county, including local leisure centres and retailers.  

  • Ready to feel fitter, stronger and healthier – while saving money?  With our gym scheme, you can save up to 40% on gym membership at over 3,000 locations across the UK - including state-of-the-art chains, local leisure centres, yoga and exercise classes, and independent health and fitness clubs.

    You can find something to suit your location, lifestyle and budget. Membership is for a fixed 12-month period, with payments conveniently deducted from your net salary.

  • With the Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme, you can make significant savings on the latest bikes, e-bikes, cycling clothing, helmets, lights and other essential safety accessories.  

    Whether you’re looking to save money, improve your fitness or travel more sustainably, there’s a bike for every rider. Choose from a huge range of options online or support participating local bike retailers. 

  • Thinking about a new car?  Our car benefit salary sacrifice scheme gives you access to a brand-new vehicle with the convenience of maintenance and insurance included in one fixed monthly deduction from your salary - making budgeting simple and hassle-free.

    With a wide range of options available, finding the right vehicle is easy - from reliable family cars to efficient commuters and the latest electric models.  

  • Whether you’re commuting to work, heading into town, or planning a day out, our travel initiatives can help you make great savings on public transport. Enjoy access to a range of savings, including discounted train travel and reduced bus fares.  

Health and wellbeing support

Looking after your health and wellbeing is important We encourage all employees to make use of the support available, whether it’s practical advice, mental health resources, help with healthcare costs, or simply a little more time to recharge.  

  • If you’re struggling with your mental health or experiencing emotional distress, our network of trained mental health first aiders is here to help. Sometimes, simply talking to someone can make a real difference. 

    They provide a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space to talk and can:

    • offer initial support and guidance
    • help in a mental health crisis
    • signpost professional support services
  • If you regularly pay for dental appointments, glasses, contact lenses or physiotherapy, our Health Cash Plan could help save you money through claiming cash back on a range of everyday healthcare expenses for you and family members.  

    You can claim towards:

    • dental check-ups and treatment
    • eye tests, glasses and contact lenses
    • physiotherapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care and other complementary therapies
  • Life can be challenging at times, both inside and outside of work. Our Employee Assistance Programme provides free, professional and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    Assistance is available for a wide range of topics, including stress, anxiety and mental wellbeing, relationship and family issues, financial concerns and debt management, legal advice, lifestyle and personal challenges.

    Whether you're facing a major challenge or simply need someone to talk to, support is available.

  • Need a little extra time to travel, spend with family, pursue hobbies or simply recharge? Our buying annual leave scheme gives employees the option to purchase additional days’ leave each year, with payments spread through regular salary deductions.  

  • Good physical and mental wellbeing helps us feel happier, healthier, and more resilient in both our personal and professional lives. Our Wellbeing Hub brings together a range of resources, tools and guidance designed to help you:

    • improve your physical health
    • support your mental wellbeing
    • build resilience
    • stay motivated and engaged
    • maintain a healthy work-life balance.

    Whatever stage of life you’re at, you’ll find support, advice and practical resources to help you be at your best.

  • Good eye health is important, particularly if you regularly use display screen equipment as part of your role. Support may be available to help with the cost of eye tests and, where applicable, corrective glasses. 

Help with your finances

Plan for your future - take control of your money today and build a better tomorrow.

No matter where you are in life - starting your career, managing family finances, or planning for retirement - making the most of your money can help you feel more confident about your future. Explore the support, tools and benefits available to help you save, plan and thrive.

  • Want to give your future self a financial head start? Members of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) can grow your retirement savings by making shared cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) through a tax-efficient salary sacrifice arrangement.

  • Life can be unpredictable, but help is available when you need it. Through our trusted partners, you have access to a range of tools, guidance and services designed to help you feel more confident and in control of your finances, whatever stage of life you’re at.

    Support available includes:

    • affordable loans and savings options
    • budgeting tools and helpful resources to support financial decisions
    • debt and financial wellbeing guidance
    • will-writing and future planning support

Benefits designed around you

Because great benefits aren’t just about work – they’re about supporting your wellbeing, your family and your future.