Support for working parents

At Chelsea and Westminster Hospital we recognise that it is important that we support staff with childcare or other caring responsibilities. Our Employee Benefits Manager can help with finding childcare and will advise on issues such as flexible working for carers.

The Trust’s commitment to supporting parents and carers has earned it a place in the national Top 10 Employers for Working Families (Working Families Awards, 2010).

There are regular information sessions for staff who are parents or carers. Women on maternity leave are sent a maternity information pack and invited to attend a free baby massage class and information session.

Childcare support at Chelsea and Westminster includes:

• Employer Assisted Childcare Places
  Staff can save tax and National Insurance contributions on the cost of nursery places that are made available at nurseries within the Buffer Bear network.
• Childcare Voucher Scheme
  This scheme enables staff to save tax and National Insurance contributions on the first £55 per week spent on childcare. The scheme is administered by Computershare Vouchers—08000 430 860.
• Childcare Subsidy Scheme
  All staff earning less than £35,000 per year are eligible to apply for financial assistance with the cost of registered childcare. This is an exhaustive fund and your name may have to be placed on a waiting list.
• Subsidised Play Scheme
  The Trust has a number of places reserved at the local play scheme at Servite School located over Fulham Road from the main hospital site. The scheme runs during the Easter, summer and all half-term holidays.