A guide for younger

members of staff
 Foreword from Peter Gilroy, Chief Executive
and fresh ideas that younger
people bring to the organisation.

I firmly believe that people

should be treated on the basis of
their talent and not their age. I
have seen in the last few years
the exciting impact that younger
people are having in KCC, we
must remember that they are
the future and ensure that we
value the contribution they are
making to Kent and it’s residents.

I am delighted to have the

opportunity to write this
foreword, not only to remind
people of what Kent County
Council has to offer but also to
Peter Gilroy,
emphasise the importance of
Chief Executive,
attracting younger members of
Kent County Council
staff and making sure that the
opportunities are there for them
to develop a career in KCC.

I am proud that KCC is an

organisation that is always
looking to the future, always
keen to modernise and to push
the boundaries. It is therefore
essential that we look to the
future and make sure that we
capture the energy, enthusiasm

 KCC Greenhouse staff group Back to top

Contents

Page

Introduction...................................................................................4
Welcome to Greenhouse
The Cabinet....................................................................................6
How the Council works
Useful information......................................................................8
From annual leave to employee volunteering
Staff profiles..................................................................................22
Senior members of staff explain how they developed
their careers and how to make the most of the
opportunities available at KCC
Staff groups...................................................................................30
The groups working to help ensure that KCC is a great
place to work.

KCC Greenhouse staff group 

 Introduction
Welcome to this Greenhouse
booklet, which has been written
with the aim of informing
younger staff of the many
benefits and entitlements
available at Kent County
Council. We believe this
will be informative for both
new starters as well as more
experienced KCC employees.
We have included the basics
for newcomers because we
know how new staff members
can feel uncomfortable
asking their co-workers lots
of questions. However, there
are plenty of lesser known
pieces of information that
even experienced staff may be
unaware of.

Greenhouse is a staff group We hope you enjoy reading it

representing younger employees
within KCC. We hold regular
meetings and have an online
community website, enabling
staff to discuss issues and
share useful information. More
information about our staff
group can be found on page 30.
as much as we have enjoyed
creating it, and that you find it
informative and useful!
Thanks,
The Greenhouse Team (2009)

Having been established as

a group for two years, we are
aware of the common issues Pictured; members on a group
younger staff can encounter event
and pieces of information that
are not common knowledge.
As a group we have worked on
putting as much information
as we can in this handy booklet
for you to pick up and look at
whenever you like! We hope this
will be of a useful reference for
you during your employment at
KCC.
 KCC Greenhouse staff group Back to top

Join our online community!
Greenhouse has a new online
community, enabling members
of our group from different parts
of Kent to join and share their
views on discussion topics. Once
you sign up on our community,
you will have access to lots of
information which is relevant
to you as a young person in the
organisation, which includes:
rest entitlements, study leave
and working hours.
Be a buddy, find a buddy?
For many younger staff, it might
be their first job and working at
KCC may seem like a daunting
prospect. By buddying them up
with more experienced younger
members of staff, they can
benefit from their experience
and guidance. Conversely,
becoming a buddy and providing
help and guidance to a new
member of staff could give you
new experiences
Back to top KCC Greenhouse staff group
Time off for study or
training
If the job you have found offers
little or no training, you could
be eligible for something called
Time Off for Study or Training
(TfST). You can qualify if you are
16 or 17 and did not get any Level
2 qualifications at school. Level 2
qualifications include:
GCSEs at grades A*-C, an
NVQ Level 2, certain other
qualifications, such as a BTEC
First Diploma. TfST entitles
you to reasonable paid time
off during normal working
hours to study or train for an
approved qualification. This must
be a Level 2 qualification that
will help improve your future
employment prospects.
The time off you get will
depend on the course, your
circumstances, and your
employer’s needs. If you’re 18,
you’re also entitled to finish any
qualifications that you’ve already
started.
To join our online community
or find out more see our Knet
site in the staff zone.

 The Cabinet: how the council works
Paul Carter, Leader
Kent County Council
Kent County Council has
84 elected Members of the
Council (known within KCC
as ‘Members’).  Members are
sometimes referred to as
Councillors, which means the
same thing. Each of the 84
Members represents an area of
Kent, called a division.
See http://www.kent.gov.
uk/council-and-democracy/
councillors/ to find the Member
for your area.
 
Every four years, County
elections are held and people
who live in each division vote
for the candidate who they wish
to represent the interests of the
 KCC Greenhouse staff group
area at County Council level. The
candidate with most votes wins
the seat, and the political party
with most seats takes control of
the County Council. The Leader
of the Council is voted in at the
next full Council meeting after
the election. The Leader will
appoint a Deputy Leader and
Cabinet. The Cabinet is KCC’s
political leadership team,
responsible for strategic thinking
and decisions that steer how
the council is run. The Cabinet is
made up of Members who are
given additional responsibility
for a specific set of KCC services
and units (called a portfolio.) 
For example, there is a Cabinet
Member for Adult Social Services
who is responsible for the Kent
Adult Social Services directorate
and all the services it provides. 
See http://www.kent.gov.
uk/council-and-democracy/
democracy-and-elections/
cabinet/ to meet the Leader,
Deputy Leader and other Cabinet
Members.
 
The Cabinet meets monthly
to make decisions as a
group that will have a significant
impact on KCC’s budget or on
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its services to the community -
these are known as key decisions.
The Cabinet is often advised by
Committees which are made up
of other Members and are set up
to discuss specific topics. Each
Cabinet Member will also take
decisions relating to their own
portfolio. Cabinet Members
can appoint ‘Lead Members’ to
advise and assist them on their
portfolio. Cabinet Members work
closely with the officers who run
KCC’s services - Cabinet Members
make the decisions but are given
advice and guidance by officers
who then put the Members’
decisions into action.
Back to top KCC Greenhouse staff group
 The full Council (where all 84
Members come together in the
Council Chamber) meets seven
times a year to agree KCC’s
Constitution and amendments
to it, appoint the Leader and
approve the policy framework
and budget (including Council
Tax).
 
Pictured; the Council Chamber
at County Hall, Maidstone

 Useful information:
Staff benefits and entitlements

After Five
Grade Basic Years’
Entitlement Service

KS1 to 24 27
KS7
KS8 25 28
KS9 26 29
KS10 to 27 30
KS12
KS13 to 30 30
KS15

Up to ten days annual leave can

Annual Leave
Annual leave entitlement runs
from 1 April to 31 March every
year. Your contract will tell you
how many days holiday you are
entitled to during this period.
If you started partway through
the year, your entitlement is
calculated pro rata.
be carried over from one leave
year to the next. KCC also runs
a scheme allowing employees
to buy and sell annual leave.
This is at the discretion of your
line manager, on the basis of
business needs. More details
can be found on KNet: http://
knet2/staff-zone/leave-and-
attendance/annual-leave

 KCC Greenhouse staff group Back to top

Leave arrangements for the your return to work). If your
Christmas holiday period are as return to work is not noted then
follows: you risk being put on half pay.
When Offices will be The form can be found on KNet:
Christmas Day closed on: http://knet2/staff-zone/leave-
falls on: and-attendance/sick-leave/
Sunday, Monday,
Monday or Tuesday and Personal Leave and
Tuesday Wednesday Carer’s Leave
Wednesday or Wednesday,
Thursday Thursday and With the line manager’s
Friday approval, an employee may
Friday Thursday, take up to ten days of paid
Friday and personal leave (formerly called
Monday, compassionate leave) per year.
Saturday Friday, Monday Situations in which personal
and Tuesday leave may be taken is down
to the discretion of the line
manager. Examples may include
Sickness Leave attending a funeral of someone
close or to deal with difficulties
Upon return to work, a Sickness
following the break down of a
Absence Form needs to be
marriage/relationship. Personal
completed. On the first day
leave is given to employees in
of sick leave you must notify
addition to taking unpaid leave
your line manager by 10am
to deal with urgent domestic
that you are taking leave. A
issues. Up to five days personal
medical certificate is required
leave can be used for caring
for absences of more than seven
responsibilities. Carers leave
days (including the weekend).
is a new pilot scheme and is
currently only available to staff
A Sickness Absence Form needs
with regular hours contracts. It
to be completed (either by
might be possible to apply for
yourself or by your line manager),
additional paid carer’s leave,
either on return or after seven
at the discretion of the line
days of sick leave (in which case,
manager.
it will need to be updated upon

Back to top KCC Greenhouse staff group 

 Learning, Development
and Volunteering
All staff are entitled to five days
learning and development each
year, two of which can be used
to take part in volunteering
activities. Your learning and
development needs will be
discussed with your line
manager at your 1:1 meetings.
Details of available training
courses are available on KNet:
http://knet2/staff-zone/training-
and-development/training-
courses/training-courses
Further information regarding
volunteering can be found here:
http://knet2/staff-zone/training-
and-development/development-
opportunities/employee-
volunteering/
10 KCC Greenhouse staff group
Expenses Claim Form
In order to claim expenses,
an OE2 Claim Form must be
completed. This can be found on
Knet: http://knet2/staff-zone/
travel-and-expenses/claiming-
expenses/Expenses%20masterb.
xls/view
Before claiming expenses for
the first time, your will need to
complete an OE1 Claims Setup
Form and send it to Employee
Services. This can be found in the
same spreadsheet as the OE2
Claims Form.
When making a mileage
expenses claim, you have to
deduct your home to office
mileage for your first and last
journey of the day.
You will need your Oracle
Assignment Number to hand
when completing a claims form;
this can be found on your payslip.
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 Useful links

Blue Book (terms & conditions of Pay Scales – http://knet2/staff-

employment, annual leave, etc.) zone/pay-and-pensions/pay
– http://knet2/staff-zone/terms- Staff Noticeboard – http://
and-conditions/blue-book knet2/staff-zone/staff-interests/
noticeboard/
Health and Safety Information
and Policy – http://www.
kenttrustweb.org.uk/Policy/hsi_
directorate.cfm

Job Opportunities Within KCC –

http://staff-zone/staff-interests/
kcc-jobs/kcc-jobs

New to KCC (useful information

for new starters) – http://knet2/
staff-zone/features-1/new-to-kcc

Back to top KCC Greenhouse staff group 11

 Local Government Pension Trade Unions
Scheme (page 106 of Blue Book) (page 155 of Blue Book)

Most KCC employees under the KCC works alongside trade

age of 75 are entitled to join
the Local Government Pension
Scheme.
Entry to the scheme is automatic
on employment but staff can opt
out of the scheme by contacting
Employee Services.
Contribution rates are based
on an individual’s full time
equivalent pensionable pay
(including any pensionable
allowances).
Contribution
Annual Income
Rate (%)
unions on various issues
including resolution of
employment relation issues by
discretion and agreement.
The recognised unions in the Kent
Scheme are:-
Unison - www.unison.org.uk
General Municipal Boilermakers
and Allied Trades Union (GMB)
- www.gmb.org.uk
Transport and General Workers
Union (TGWU) – www.tgwu.org.
uk

Up to £12,000 5.5
>£12,000 - 5.8
£14,000
>£14,000 - 5.9
£18,000
>£18,000 - 6.5
£30,000
>£30,000 - 6.8
£40,000
>£40,000 - 7.2
£75,000
>£75,000 7.5

12 KCC Greenhouse staff group Back to top

 Support Line
Support line counselling provides
an opportunity for us to re-find
resources within ourselves. It can
enable us to approach our lives,
our work and problems in a more
effective and creative way.
Support Line is a service that
offers staff up to a maximum
of 7 sessions of counselling a
year. The service, which is free, is
paid for by KCC as part of their
commitment to staff care.
Each session lasts for one hour;
these will normally be once
weekly, but may be spread over a
longer period where appropriate.
All counsellors abide by
the British Association for
Counselling Code of Ethics
and Practice, which specifies a
rigorous code on confidentiality.
To make an appointment:
Tel: 01622 605539
Fax: 01732 875792
Email: supportline@kent.gov.uk
More information can be found
in the Staff Care Services folder
on KNet.
Back to top KCC Greenhouse staff group
Dignity and Respect at Work
We expect you to be treated with
respect and dignity by the people
you come into contact with in
the course of your job. When this
does not happen we want you to
let us know and be able to offer
you support to deal with difficult
situations.
Discrimination, bad and
offensive behaviour, harassing
or upsetting language can
come from any source and if it
happens whilst you are working
on KCC’s behalf there are a
number of things you can do to
address it.
FIRSTCALL is a telephone line set
up especially for our staff, 24/7,
so that if something happens to
you at work you have a contact
who will be able to provide you
with information whatever time
of day you ring.
FIRSTCALL
08458 247 703
Textbox: 08458 247 905
first.call@kent.gov.uk
13
 Flexible Working
(page 82 of Blue Book)
Types of Flexible Working
Arrangements Include:
Flexitime
Nine Day Fortnight
Annualised hours
Term-time working only
Part-time work
The principles of flexible working
will apply to all employees
irrespective of the number
of hours they normally work.
Implementation arrangements
will vary according to the
conditions on which individuals
are employed.
Service delivery is paramount
when considering arranging any
flexible working patterns for
groups or individuals.
However, unless there is an
overriding negative impact on
business delivery, an appropriate
arrangement should be granted.
14 KCC Greenhouse staff group
Work and Wellbeing
Work and Wellbeing is part of
KCC’s commitment to making
and keeping KCC a great place
to work by making sure that we
have a healthy organisation.
Work and Wellbeing offer many
services including:-
A Virtual Gym - Europe’s only
online gym is now available to all
KCC staff absolutely FREE! Log on
to your private gym at home for
classes in pilates, aerobics, dance,
relaxation and more!
DVD Library – has 65 exercise
titles for you to borrow free.
Wellbeing Health checks - As
part of KCC’s commitment to
helping staff improve their
health and wellbeing, you could
take advantage of a free health
check that includes your blood
pressure, cholesterol, height,
weight and Body Mass Index
(BMI).
More information can be found
in the Wellbeing in KCC folder in
the Staff Zone section of KNet.
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Environment
Within Kent County Council we
are committed to reducing our
impact on the environment and
to deliver this we will achieve
external accreditation for the
way in which we manage our
environmental impacts.
Travelling could be one of the
biggest environmental impacts
you make.
• If you drive to work, you can
minimise this by joining the
Kent Car Share scheme.
• Alternatively, could you make
your journey to work by public
transport, walking or cycling?
Back to top KCC Greenhouse staff group
KCC has committed to
reducing carbon dioxide
emissions from its buildings
and schools by 10% by 2010.
Although there are many
energy saving projects being
implemented across the KCC
estate, we all need to 'do our
bit' to achieve these
reductions.
• Always switch your computer
monitor off when you don't
need it. It can account
for almost two thirds of a
computer's energy use.
• Keep windows closed
when either the heating or air
conditioning is on.
• Check that the thermostat on
your radiator is not set too
high.
• Don't leave lights on all day.
Natural daylight is often
enough to light offices during
most of the day and it is
better for you.
To really make an impact we
should prevent waste being
created in the first place. We can
all make a difference by using
less, only purchasing what is
required and by using resources
more efficiently.
15

Redundancy:
KCC’s Responsibilities
KCC is responsible for delivering
and maintaining high quality
services to the public. In
response to economic, service
and business needs, there are
occasions when job changes or
a reduction in the number of
posts may result in potential
redundancies.
KCC has a responsibility and a
statutory obligation to consult
with staff and trade unions at
the earliest practical opportunity
over any changes to jobs or
organisational structure that
could lead to redundancies.
16 KCC Greenhouse staff group
In addition, to support and
protect employees, KCC
attempts to identify alternative
employment for employees who
are at risk of redundancy.
Employees’ Responsibilities
The identification of alternative
work is a dual responsibility
between KCC and its employees.
An employee who needs to find
alternative work because s/he
is at risk of redundancy has a
responsibility to seek and accept
alternative work where it is
suitable.
In the case of staff at risk of
redundancy, a refusal to accept
an offer of suitable alternative
work, may result in the forfeit
of the right to a redundancy
payment.
KCC Approach to
Redundancy
• Selection for redundancy
will be against agreed, fair
and non-discriminatory
criteria. It is not KCC policy to
rely upon volunteers as the
only selection method.
• Measures to achieve
reductions will include a
full range of options including
vacancy management and
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 early retirement as well as
redundancies.
• Final decisions on the
measures used to achieve the
required changes are left to
the discretion of the
appropriate manager having
consulted with Trade Unions
and staff affected and taken
advice from Personnel.
• Compulsory redundancies
may sometimes result from
organisational change, as it is
not possible in all
circumstances to avoid job
losses through alternative
measures.
• For those at risk of
redundancy appropriate
training, paid time off to seek
alternative employment and
priority consideration for
vacant posts will be given.
Redeployment Principles
• Staff ‘at risk’ of redundancy
and who need to seek
alternative work will be given
priority consideration for
KCC vacancies within 2 grades
of their current grade,
provided their application
meets the basic criteria.
Back to top KCC Greenhouse staff group
• Financial support will be
available to employees who
accept redeployment on
a lower grade and may be
available to employees
who accept redeployment at a
distance from their original
work base.
• All employees seeking
alternative employment due
to redundancy will be given a
‘settling in’ period or statutory
trial period of at least 4 weeks
to assess the suitability of the
post.
• Reasonable paid time off
work, with agreement, is
offered to employees seeking
alternative work within or
outside KCC.
17
 Secondments
Secondments are an excellent
opportunity to gain experience
and develop skills that you
may not use in your current
role.  Secondments are short-
term placements; the average
length is 6-12 months and you
are expected to return to your
previous permanent post at the
end of the secondment.
Secondment opportunities
within KCC are advertised in the
same way as normal permanent
vacancies, through Job
Opportunities and the website.  Learning & Development
They are also often sent out to
KCC staff as ExtraMails.
Work Shadowing  vision and 2010 targets.
If you are considering your next
move or you would like to extend
your knowledge of KCC and
find out how other Directorates
work, why not consider work
shadowing?  Through work
shadowing you can spend time
with a person or team carrying
out their day-to-day job and
really get to see what their job
involves.
18 KCC Greenhouse staff group
This could be just once or on a
more regular basis, subject to
your line manager’s approval.
If you are interested in work
shadowing, talk to your
line manager about your
development needs. Explore
the Directorate sites on KNet
to identify teams and areas you
have an interest in and possible
opportunities.
Learning and
Development Unit
provides managers and staff
with the skills, knowledge and
attitude required to meet KCC’s
Our areas of expertise cover
Management Development,
Staff Development , Health,
Safety and Wellbeing, Diversity
Training, Investors in People,
Qualifications, Coaching
& Mentoring, Information
Technology, Induction and
bespoke solutions.
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We will:
Provide high quality, customer
focused development
opportunities and solutions
in the most efficient and
cost effective way.  We will
ensure that your learning and
development needs are our
number one priority.
We will do this by:
• Continually looking for new
and innovative ways of
learning.
• Providing a ‘can do’ approach
and adding the latest
cutting edge development
opportunities to our
portfolio.
• Being flexible, responsive,
positive and aiming to
provide a ‘one stop’ service.
• Treating all our customers
courteously, with respect and
Back to top KCC Greenhouse staff group
dignity at all times.
• Listening to and acting on
your feedback and using this
to improve our services. 
The Unit is part funded
(including salaries), which means
there is a charge for the services
provided (except for the strategic
advice to directorates).  Due to
its buying power, the Unit is able
to reduce the cost of training
by negotiating excellent rates
with external providers and
venues, and maximise the IT
systems to provide management
information about its services
To gain access to our excellent
services do not hesitate to
contact us!
For more information email:
Learning.Development@kent.
gov.uk
19

Are you making the most of your
employee benefits?
Do you know that you can get
Cashback and Discounts:
• Cashback and Discounts
with over 1300 retailers both
locally and nationally?
• Extra gift vouchers free from
the on-line shop
• Discounts at more than 40
gyms and health clubs in
Kent?
• 10% off adult education
classes?
• 10% discount legal advice and
services through Brachers?
Staff Club
• Discounted events, trips and
shows including travel
• Tax free bikes and cycling
equipment?
• Save up to 45% on the cost of
a bike and safety equipment
through the Cycle2Work
scheme
• Tax free Childcare vouchers?
Save up to £1100 each year on
the cost of your childcare
20 KCC Greenhouse staff group
To see how you can benefit by
being a KCC employee Log on to
www.KentRewards.com
Employee Volunteering
Employee Volunteering is for
everyone. The choice of activities
is vast. It’s easy to do, fun,
and, even if it is challenging,
will be the most rewarding
development you could ever do!
KCC’s Employee Volunteering
Policy enables all staff to take
2 of their 5 days learning and
development allowance to
volunteer.
Volunteering is an ideal way
to meet personal and team
learning and development needs,
contributes to evidencing the
Investors In People (IiP) standard
and is also reflected in KCC’s
Strategy for Staff. 
By implementing Employee
Volunteering on and/or off the
job you will utilise and develop
transferable skills, for example
innovation, problem solving, 
communication and increasing
networks. Examples of the kind
of activities you could take part
in include; Leading a project
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Supporting and maintaining
the environment, Working with
vulnerable groups, Befriending
and mentoring , Gardening,
Painting......the list is endless.
To discuss your employee
volunteering ideas or
for more assistance and
information about KCC’s
commitment to Employee
Volunteering, contact Caroline
Reade - Employee Volunteering
Officer on 01622 694448
caroline.reade@kent.gov.uk
Equality and Diversity
Equality and diversity are
fundamental to KCC’s way of
doing things. Kent is made up
of diverse communities and we
want to reflect that diversity in
the people who work for us.
Back to top KCC Greenhouse staff group
We believe that recruiting people
with different perspectives,
ideas, backgrounds and
experiences helps us to provide
better services for the people of
Kent.
We strive to be an organisation
that:
• is a fair and equal employer
• has a workforce that is
tolerant, understanding and
has respect for others
• provides safe and accessible
places to work, free
from harassment and
discrimination
• supports and listens to staff
about employment and
service issues
• makes sure the working
environment is inclusive,
collaborative and innovative
to enable our staff to fulfil
their potential at work
You can read more about our
commitment to equality and
diversity at http://www.kent.
gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/
equality-and-diversity/
21
 Staff Profiles
Progressing your career within KCC may seem like a daunting
prospect, but with some hard work and perseverance, it is certainly
possible to achieve your goals. Here are a number of senior KCC
employees explain how they rose through the ranks and share
their top tips on how to make the most of your career development
opportunities.

Oliver Mills, Managing Director, KASS

Did you encounter any challenges

when trying to progress your
career in the council? Were you
successful in overcoming these
challenges? If so, how?

The challenges were what make

KCC attractive – there is a strong
culture to take on change while
valuing customer care

During the early stages of

your KCC career, what skills or
experiences have helped you to
stand out from the crowd when
applying for roles with greater
How long have you been working
responsibility?
at KCC? 21 years
I was encouraged to always
What was your first job in KCC
focus on outcomes achieved
and what did it involve?
– when I was unsuccessful in job
applications, I received helpful
Policy Officer – carrying out
feedback.
reviews on things like access to
files, hospital social work and
care management.

22 KCC Greenhouse staff group Back to top

Are there any training courses or
qualifications you have gained
whilst at KCC from which you
have particularly benefited (in
terms of courses or qualifications
that would be beneficial to
younger people)?
Early in my career with KCC, I was
lucky enough to be released me
to do a 7 day course – the Duke
of Edinburgh Commonwealth
Study – with the private sector,
trade unions and academics.
Later I had an executive coach
who mentored me.
What would be the most
important piece of advice that
you could give a younger person
looking to establish or progress
their career in KCC?
You achieve most when working
with a team – always focus on
outcomes.
Since your time at KCC, would
you say that opportunities for
younger staff have improved (in
terms of career progression and
personal development)? If so,
how have they improved?
Back to top KCC Greenhouse staff group
There is still some way to go, but
there is now an acceptance that
KCC’s future lies with its capacity
to employ younger staff – it
needs to take some risks to do
this.
Career History
Birmingham Young Volunteers
Bureau
Young Volunteer Organiser
London Borough of Hackney
Residential Child Care Officer
London Borough of Camden
Social Worker
London Borough of Lewisham
Team Leader
Kent County Council
Policy Officer
Area Manager
Assistant Director
Director of Operations
23
 Staff Profile
Linda Davies, Director, Environment and Waste
Did you encounter any challenges
when trying to progress your
career in the council? Were you
successful in overcoming these
challenges? If so, how?

I pushed hard with my own

manager for regrading when
my responsibilities increased,
at first unsuccessfully, but I
persevered. I also had a couple
of occasions with very difficult
staff and learned a lot about
myself in these situations, but
sought expert advice ( of which
there is plenty within KCC) which
What was your first job in KCC
was invaluable in solving the
and what did it involve?
problems.
My first job at KCC was in 1989
During the early stages of
As County Ecologist, advising
your KCC career, what skills or
the authority on the impact of
experiences have helped you to
major developments, such as
stand out from the crowd when
Channel Tunnel, Channel Tunnel
applying for roles with greater
Rail Link, road schemes,quarries
responsibility?
on wildlife and landscape. Also
required to project manage
Having line management
the first major county-wide
responsibility, at first through
survey of wildlife habitats, set
attracting a work experience
up a countywide Biodiversity
volunteer, and then project
Partnership, and report on
management, and team
changes to the land cover of Kent
management. I am told that
since 1961.
my drive, energy, passion and

24 KCC Greenhouse staff group Back to top

commitment have been a strong
factor in my success
Are there any training courses or
qualifications you have gained
whilst at KCC from which you
have particularly benefited (in
terms of courses or qualifications
that would be beneficial to
younger people)?
Middle Management Training
Emotional Intelligence
What would be the most
important piece of advice that
you could give a younger person
looking to establish or progress
their career in KCC?
If you can, get involved in
Wider Contribution activity and
make and cultivate as many
contacts as you can beyond your
immediate area of work.
Keep track of the many
opportunities to volunteer
and use them, or take up mini
secondments. Ask to briefly
shadow people whose work
interests you
Since your time at KCC, would
you say that opportunities for
younger staff have improved (in
terms of career progression and
Back to top KCC Greenhouse staff group
personal development)? If so,
how have they improved?
Yes, although I have always
had access to training and
development and opportunities
for challenge throughout my
career with KCC. I think the TCP
performance structure however
unpopular provides an excellent
framework for all individuals
to identify their needs in the
round, and put in place what is
necessary for progression.
Career History
Cambridgeshire County Council
Lecturer
Norfolk County Council
Senior Teacher
University of Kent, School of
Continuing Education
Part/time Lecturer
Various Boards of Examiners
Examiner of A - Level and
Diplomas
Commonwork Land Trust
Ecology Project Coordinator
Kent County Council
County Ecologist
Principal Countryside Officer
Head of Countryside Policy and
Projects
County Environmental
Management Officer
Director, Environment and Waste
25
 Staff Profile
Amanda Honey, Managing Director, Communities
How long have you been working
at KCC?
19 years
At what level did you leave
education (i.e. pre-GCSE, GCSE, A-
Level, Degree Level)?
Degree – Social Economic History
followed by a part time MSC in
Social Policy and Planning whilst
working for KCC
26 KCC Greenhouse staff group
How did you come to work in
KCC? Did you come into KCC
via a scheme or programme
(e.g. apprentice or graduate
programme) / was there
something in particular that
attracted you?
I worked for CSV a voluntary
organisation founded by KCC and
I was encouraged to apply for
a Development Officer post in
Social Services.
What was your first job in KCC
and what did it involve?
Development Officer – Social
Services Department – focus
was on developing policy with
voluntary sector and a lead
policy role for deaf and hearing
impaired services.
Did you encounter any challenges
when trying to progress your
career in the council? Were you
successful in overcoming these
challenges? If so, how?
I was seen as a “bright young
thing” but I was given lots of
encouragement. My main
Back to top
challenge was that I wasn’t a
social worker so I had to work
hard to build up my credibility
with practitioners and managers.
During the early stages of
your KCC career, what skills or
experiences have helped you to
stand out from the crowd when
applying for roles with greater
responsibility?
A “can do” attitude, a good
networker, a reputation for
delivering to tight deadlines
– flexibility and willingness to
learn!
Are there any training courses or
qualifications you have gained
whilst at KCC from which you
have particularly benefited (in
terms of courses or qualifications
that would be beneficial to
younger people)?
MSC – Social Policy
OU – Effective Managers
What would be the most
important piece of advice that
you could give a younger person
looking to establish or progress
their career in KCC?
Back to top KCC Greenhouse staff group
KCC is a great organisation –
make the most of the size of the
organisation to move around,
take advantage of secondment
opportunities, work shadowing
etc.
Since your time at KCC, would
you say that opportunities for
younger staff have improved (in
terms of career progression and
personal development)? If so,
how have they improved?
We have an ageing workforce
and therefore need to develop
and promote younger people.
Opportunities include ADP,
Apprenticeships, Career
pathways etc.
Career History
Community Service Volunteers
Project Co-ordinator
KCC Social Services
Policy, Operational Management,
Performance and Area Director
West Kent (Adults and Children)
Communities Directorate
Managing Director,
Communities.
27
 Staff Profile
Michelle Woodward, County Professional
Development Manager
How long have you been working
at KCC?
24 years. I applied for a
residential social worker post
when I was 18.
What was your first job in KCC
and what did it involve?
I was a relief casual residential
social worker and involved me
taking part in looking after
children in residential units.
Did you encounter any challenges
when trying to progress your
career in the council? Were you
successful in overcoming these
challenges? If so, how?
I was very young and at times I
did face discrimination, however
my hard work and commitment
overcame this and I was able to
prove myself, to colleagues
28 KCC Greenhouse staff group
During the early stages of
your KCC career, what skills or
experiences have helped you to
stand out from the crowd when
applying for roles with greater
responsibility?
A commitment to the
organisation , and an ability to
listen and learn quickly a variety
of tasks, I was also willing to
take on new challenges with
enthusiasm.
What would be the most
important piece of advice that
you could give a younger person
looking to establish or progress
their career in KCC?
Try and maintain a ‘cup is half
full approach!’
Back to top
Staff Profile
Jo Empson, Contract Manager,
Kent Adult Social Services East Kent Area
How long have you been working
at KCC?
Since November 2004.
How did you come to work in
KCC? Did you come into KCC
via a scheme or programme
(e.g. apprentice or graduate
programme) / was there
something in particular that
attracted you?
I came into KCC following a fairly
short timescale successfully
implementing a programme
in the NHS. Attractions for me
were locality, Strategy for Staff,
Staff Care and Opportunities for
progression in Kent, a place I like
to live.
 
During the early stages of
your KCC career, what skills or
experiences have helped you to
stand out from the crowd when
applying for roles with greater
responsibility?
I came into KCC at a relatively
high level and hope I have
KCC Greenhouse staff group
personally brought a thirst for
change and innovation to KCC
and a questioning mind that
challenges the whys, what’s and
how’s of Policy, Procedures and
Practice in KCC.”
What would be the most
important piece of advice that
you could give a younger person
looking to establish or progress
their career in KCC?
Aim to achieve rounded and
varied experiences on your way
to the top, offering yourselves
up for experiences wherever you
can!
Ownership – ensuring you take
responsibility for yourself and
for the Peer Groups you are in.
Owning the problem and being
part of the solution. Taking the
‘bull by the horns’ and ensuring
issues are spotted, worked on
and resolved proactively.
Back to top 29
 Staff Groups working for you.....

Greenhouse is a staff forum The main purpose of UNITE is

run by and for younger people
working for KCC. It is primarily
for staff aged 30 and under, but
invites anyone who can actively
contribute to the group. Our
aim is to provide younger staff
with information and advice. We
can also provide development
opportunities, and a buddying
scheme.
We hold meetings four times a
year to discuss issues relevant
to younger staff and we invite
guest speakers who provide
services within KCC, such as
Learning and Development and
Kent Rewards, We stay in touch
through regular social events and consultation, policy reviews,
through our online forum (called training, support and information
Communities of Practice)
to support all black workers
employed by KCC, to enable them
to carry out their duties without
any form of discrimination
and harassment. All Black
and Minority Ethnic Staff are
welcome to attend and get
involved in the forum.
UNITE meets six times a year,
bi-monthly at various venues
across Kent. There are additional
meetings of a core group of
members who meet between
meetings to plan and develop
work for and from the main
group. The meetings consist of
a range of activities including,
sharing.

For more information email: For more information email:

Greenhouse@kent.gov.uk. UNITE@kent.gov.uk

30 KCC Greenhouse staff group Back to top

Level Playing Field is an Established in 2003, Rainbow
independent group of disabled is KCC’s lesbian, gay, bisexual
staff and friends recognised and and transgender (LGBT) staff
supported by KCC. group.  We welcome LGBT staff as
members, as well as others who
The group is open to all KCC have an interest in the issues, and
employees who consider we have wider Friends network
themselves to be disabled or for those who just want to keep
who have an interest in disability up to date with our activity.
issues.  
We hold about four main
The group works to promote best meetings per year, and one
practice, broadening the or two group development
knowledge around disability sessions.  We lead on LGBT
issues within KCC. History Month (February) in
Kent, and take part in other
This includes giving advice and Kent events including local Pride
feedback on policy and practice. celebrations.  We’re always open
The group looks at employment to new ideas on ways to support
and service issues, identifying Rainbow members.  Taking part
good practice where it already in our meetings and activities is
exists and highlighting scope supported at the highest level as
for improvement. part of your work here at KCC.
 
For more information email: For more information email:
ipf@kent.gov.uk rainbow@kent.gov.uk 

Back to top KCC Greenhouse staff group 31

 Produced by Holly Strang , designed by Paul Jerome

With special thanks to: Colin Calvert, Demetria Cacafranca,

Greenhouse Members and the Corporate Diversity Team.

Produced January 2009