Westward

Who we are

Westward Housing Group is a major housing association in the south west. It encompasses Help to Buy South West and Horizon Homes.

As a developing landlord, we build new homes across the region, working in partnership with local authorities to rent homes to those in need.

Westward Support has an excellent track record or providing high quality, outcomes-focused support services to a wide range of client groups across Torbay, Devon, Plymouth and Cornwall.

We provide preventative and early intervention services to over 1,500 people, including those who live with mental health issues, alcohol or drug issues, a history of offending, people with learning, physical or sensory impairments and long term conditions, younger or older people with support needs, teenage parents or people at risk of domestic abuse or homelessness.

In our approach to support we seek to enable people to get on with life and living.

The Benefits of working for us!

Annual Leave

Relief Workers and cleaners 20 days plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata)

Other staff 26 days plus statutory bank holidays (pro rata)

Head of Service/Director 30 days plus statutory bank holidays (pro rata)

Discretionary leave

The Chief Executive may grant discretionary leave in the leave year. Flexi time (if applicable) Flexi-time is not a condition of service and its operation is at the discretion of the Chief Executive. Core Time: 10am – 12 noon and 3pm – 4pm. Flexi time: 8am and 10am and 4pm – 6pm.

Flexible Working

The Group recognises the value of a healthy work/life balance and will consider requests for alternative working patterns.

Westfield Health Care Plan

All new staff will be enrolled into the Westfield Health Care Plan which provides healthcare benefits and services, giving you money back, up to set limits, towards essential health care. It also provides a range of health and wellbeing services, including a 24hr Counselling and Advice Line.

Maternity leave

Employees who are eligible for Westward’s Maternity Pay will be entitled to

• 10 weeks at full salary, net of SMP.

• 10 weeks at half salary, plus SMP.

• 19 weeks at the appropriate rate of SMP.

Paternity leave

Up to 2 weeks full salary for eligible applicants

Compassionate Leave

Up to 5 days’ paid leave can be granted in the event of the death or serious illness of a close relative.

Childcare Vouchers

Childcare voucher provision out of gross pay linked to HMRC guidelines (not subsidised).

Cycle to Work scheme

 As part of our commitment to reducing carbon emissions we operate a Cycle to Work Scheme for full and part time employees.

Investors in People

(IiP) The Group is IiP accredited

Pension

 All new employees will be auto enrolled into the organisations pension scheme which is currently the Social Housing Pension Scheme Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE 1/80th)

Equality & Diversity

The Westward Group is committed to treating all people with fairness and respect. We aim to actively help remove barriers and open doors for our customers and staff and foster good relations within the communities we serve.

Redundancy

Westward Housing Group pay generous redundancy payments based on twice the statutory entitlement but using actual salary as the basis for calculation of redundancy pay.