Working with us

 

"I like all aspects of my role, but I particularly love working on shift with the service users supporting them to be the best version of themselves and to have a great day."

Susan, Supervisor, Kendal Supported Living

 

Together we are Ambitious 

Susan

 

Westmorland and Furness Council logo with heart, filled with rainbow and at the bottom says "Together we are... inclusive"

As an ambitious council, our aim is to deliver best practice in how we consider Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in all that the council does, whether in relation to individual customers, communities or our own workforce and councillors.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion will be permanent. Although the council’s objectives and work will necessarily develop over time, we will build in attention to equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do to support our customers, communities, workforce and councillors.

To learn more, view the Westmorland and Furness Statement on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion and the Council approaches to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. 

As a member of our team, you will find yourself in a vibrant setting that fosters collaboration and community engagement. 

We are committed to supporting our employees' wellbeing, nurturing talent and creating a healthy working environment. This enables all to fulfil their potential and focus on delivering great services.

Join us in our mission to serve the diverse communities of Westmorland and Furness, where your contributions can make a meaningful impact on the lives of residents.

three colleagues from our social work team
A group of colleagues working in the office

Staff network groups

We foster engagement among our staff. That's why we've set up a variety of groups where employees can voice their thoughts on issues that matter to them.

These groups are dedicated to exploring fresh ideas, questioning existing initiatives, and championing equality and fairness. The invaluable feedback from these groups has been instrumental in shaping new approaches and refining our current procedures to better cater to the needs of our diverse workforce.

Join these dynamic groups and let your voice be heard!

  • Race Equality Staff Network
  • LGBTQ+ Network
  • Menopause Network
  • Carers Network
  • Shine (Disability) Network
  • Armed Forces Network
  • Change Champions
  • WE CAAN Apprenticeship Network
  • Mental Health First Aider and Health Advocate Network

Change Champions

Join us as a Change Champion and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Westmorland and Furness Council through transformative initiatives.

We embrace change and constantly strive to enhance efficiency, effectiveness and resident satisfaction.

As a Change Champion, you will have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, fostering constructive dialogues and sharing ideas that generate new and innovative approaches to our work.

You can utilise your expertise to embody our values and drive positive outcomes for both our employees and the communities we serve. 

a group photo of our change champions

Age-friendly Employer

Westmorland and Furness Council is proud to be recognised as an Age-friendly Employer, reflecting our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace for people of all ages. 

We are dedicated to supporting older employees through flexible working, ongoing training, and opportunities for career development. This commitment aligns closely with our values of fairness, respect, and community, ensuring that experience and knowledge are valued and leveraged. 

By actively encouraging older people into work, we demonstrate that every stage of life brings valuable contributions to our council and the services we provide.

We're an Age-friendly Employer Logo

Dyslexia Friendly Workplace Pledge

Westmorland and Furness Council has recently signed the British Dyslexia Association's Dyslexia Friendly Workplace Pledge, demonstrating its commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace for dyslexic employees.

The pledge provides a framework to help organisations improve awareness, equip managers with the knowledge to support colleagues, review workplace practices and remove barriers that can prevent people from reaching their full potential.

By embracing neurodiversity and recognising the valuable skills and perspectives that dyslexic employees bring, the council is taking an important step towards ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive at work.

Dying to Work

Westmorland and Furness Council has joined the Dying to Work Charter, showing its commitment to supporting employees facing terminal illness with dignity and compassion. By signing the charter, the council ensures staff are not unfairly dismissed and are given flexibility and understanding during difficult times, reinforcing a workplace culture built on care, respect, and wellbeing.

Dying to work

 

Faith Covenant

Westmorland and Furness Council has signed a Faith Covenant with local faith communities, marking an important step in how we work together across the area.

The covenant sets out a shared commitment to work in an open and respectful way, supporting communities and ensuring services are accessible to everyone. It also recognises the important role faith communities play in shaping local services and supporting residents.

It has been co-developed through the Westmorland and Furness Faith Covenant Partnership, which brings together faith communities and partners from across the public, voluntary and community sectors.

Faith Covenant

 

Kinship Friendly Employer

Westmorland and Furness Council is proud to have been awarded Bronze Level Kinship Friendly Employer accreditation, recognising our commitment to supporting kinship families.

Kinship carers provide children with stability, security and care when their parents are unable to do so. This accreditation reflects our ongoing work to better understand the experiences of kinship families and ensure they receive the recognition and support they deserve.

Find out more about kinship care at: https://kinship.org.uk/

Guaranteed interview schemes

The Council operates the guaranteed interview schemes outlined below. Candidates who can demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria set out in the post specification for the role they have applied for will be eligible for a guaranteed interview. While a guaranteed interview does not guarantee appointment to the position, it does provide candidates with the opportunity to showcase their skills, experience and abilities throughout the selection process.

The Armed Forces community

We value the skills of military personnel and veterans, and understand the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. We're committed to supporting personnel and veterans in reaching their potential.

We have a guaranteed interview scheme for Armed Forces personnel and veterans. If you've served in the British Armed Forces and meet the essential criteria for a council job, we guarantee you an interview when you apply and identify yourself as a having served in the Armed Forces.

Our commitment to the Armed Forces has earned us a Ministry of Defence employer recognition scheme gold award.

Disability Confident

At Westmorland and Furness Council we have a commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace for individuals with disabilities. As a Disability Confident Leader, we recognise the value and unique perspectives that individuals with disabilities bring to our teams. 

We actively work to remove barriers and provide reasonable adjustments to ensure that all employees can fully participate and thrive in the workplace. By promoting a culture of understanding, respect, and equality, we aim to create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

Care Leaver Covenant

We’re delighted to announce that Westmorland and Furness Council has officially signed the Care Leaver Employment Charter and become a Partner of the Care Leaver Covenant.

These commitments underline our promise to care-experienced young people - not just as a corporate parent, but as an employer, a community leader, and a voice for opportunity.

The Care Leaver Charter reflects our values and our commitment to care-experienced young people - promising respect, support, and the belief in their ability to thrive and succeed, just like any other young person. This is more than a signature - it’s a statement of intent, and it belongs to all of us.

Through our Care Leaver Guaranteed Interview Scheme, eligible applicants, who meet the essential criteria, will be guaranteed an interview for the role.

If you want to learn more, please visit our Care Experienced site here: Care leavers local offer | Westmorland and Furness Council

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