Employee Benefits Pack

Transcription

1 Employee Benefits Pack

2 Contents Page Introduction 2 The Charity for Civil Servants* 3 Civil Service Insurance Society 4 Civil Service Motoring Association 5 Civil Service Sports Council Sports & Leisure 6 Employee Assistance Programme 7 Gym Equipment and Membership* 8 Health Care 1. Beneden Healthcare Society 9 2. Civil Service Healthcare The Dreadnought Unit Simply Health (Previously HSA) 12 Seafarers Benefits Advice Line 13 TH Salary Sacrifice 1. Child Care Vouchers 14 THLS AVC Scheme and Stakeholder arrangements* 15 Civil Service Pensioners Alliance* 16 Civil Service Retirement Fellowship 17 Those marked with an * are not applicable to members of the Corporate Department of Trinity House _7.docx 1

3 Introduction As an employee of Trinity House you are entitled to a whole range of benefits. The more obvious benefits such as Pension, Performance Related Pay, Annual Leave etc can be found in your terms and conditions of service and are also detailed in the various HR policies. This booklet has been put together to make known the less obvious benefits available to you due to your employment with Trinity House. It has purposely been kept brief and you are advised to visit the appropriate websites or telephone the various providers directly for more details. The benefits listed range from health care to support groups, child care vouchers to discounted insurance premiums, and are available to current staff (except the THLSAVCS and Stakeholder arrangement which are only open to active pension scheme members) with some also being open to former employees and pensioners (see individual section for eligibility details). Most benefits are a result of special rates having been negotiated for civil servants, and due to the history and nature of Trinity House our employees can also take advantage of these favourable terms. This booklet is giving an idea of the different benefits available. We will try to ensure that it is updated as and when appropriate. It does not, however, make any promises of what is available from individual organisations/providers. Before you sign up for anything you are advised to check with the organisation first to ensure you are happy with the contributions due and the benefit/service being provided. No benefits detailed in this booklet are contractual _7.docx 2

4 The Charity for Civil Servants Although outside of the mainstream Civil Service, staff at Trinity House are entitled to access help and assistance from the Charity for Civil Servants. The charity helps all current, former, and retired civil servants and their financial dependants in times of need; as an employee of an Associated Organisation you too can benefit from its services and advice for life. Trinity House staff have the same entitlement to the level of support, whenever needed, as mainstream civil servants. The Charity has recently updated the types of assistance it offers into three areas Health, Wellbeing and Money and Debt Advice. They still offer financial assistance to those in need, but just as importantly, are now supporting staff with information and advice that should result in a more long term solution to any difficulties. Trinity House is an associated employer and as such all serving, former and retired staff and their financial dependants are eligible to apply for free help and advice. You do not have to be a donor to get help. The fund however is a charitable organisation reliant on voluntary donations and fund raising initiatives. Leaflets are available from HR, or from the leaflet displays in work areas, should you wish to know more or make a regular contribution direct from salary. Further information The Charity s advisors answer approximately one phone call every seven minutes that s over 15,000 calls a year. If you need help, would like to support them or want to get involved either by raising money or volunteering check out their website at which also features some moving stories of those who have been helped. Alternatively, to speak to an adviser in confidence, call the Charity s freephone number on Freephone _7.docx 3

5 Civil Service Insurance Society (CSIS) The CSIS are an independent specialist insurance intermediary arranging insurance on behalf of the customer. Insurance can be taken out in respect of cars, home, caravans, pets, breakdown cover, golf, boats, motorcycles and ID theft. The CSIS operates a UK based team and also assists with resolution of claims, when required. They are a company limited by guarantee, without shareholders or other owners. They operate on a not for profit basis, normally being paid by commission on business handled with no additional fees. Special rates have been negotiated for all serving and retired civil and public servants. These rates are also available to Trinity House employees and pensioners. Their website can be found at or telephone: _7.docx 4

6 Civil Service Motoring Association (CSMA ) The CSMA is the UK's largest private home, motoring and leisure association. The wide range of benefits available are negotiated exclusively for the CSMA, and developed with the aim of helping members to get more for their money, and more out of life. It is a non-profit motivated organisation owned and run by its members, for its members, and any money made is invested back into member benefits. Benefits include: Free motor legal expenses cover, Free telephone legal advice on any private motoring or personal legal matter, Britannia Rescue's breakdown and recovery service at exclusively low rates. Highly competitive rates of insurance, including car, home, travel and life insurance. Specially negotiated rates of flexible travel or caravan insurance (Caravan Guard). Access to over 60,000 used cars and up to 25% can be saved on selected new cars. Independent financial advice at negotiated rates (Lighthouse financial advice), Special rates on certain attractions, including Legoland & Alton Towers. Club magazine Motoring & Leisure There are various committees covering camping and caravanning, motoring and motorcycling with a wealth of experience in organising rallies and events at home and abroad and also providing advice and guidance on a range of related subjects. Membership is 18 per year for both current and past Trinity House employees. There is a Club magazine available free to members which is delivered 10 times a year. Their website can be found at or telephone or am-8pm Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Sat-Sun for membership services. To join go online or telephone am-8pm Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Sat-Sun _7.docx 5

7 Civil Service Sports Council Sports & Leisure (CSSC) The CSSC plays an important role in improving the health and welfare of its members through encouraging teamwork and commitment within their working and leisure lives. It aims to provide a wealth of sporting and leisure opportunities. They stage local and national competitions. Members are able to take part in a huge variety of sports and leisure pursuits at whatever level preferred. A regular leisure scene magazine is issued to members and member s discounts have been negotiated with a huge variety of companies including travel, hotel and attractions. The CSSC is owned and mainly run by its members. Hundreds of volunteers run clubs and sports grounds, plan and organise sports and social events, manage area and departmental associations. The CSSC is divided into 12 regions each divided into areas. Subscription is at the rate of 3.70 ( 3.33 pensioner) per month. Membership can continue on leaving service. Their website can be found at or telephone number: Customer Services (Mon Thurs 9am -5pm & Fri 9am pm) _7.docx 6

8 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) This is a 24/7 365 day confidential service which provides free expert advice, invaluable information, specialist counselling and support. The service is operated by PAM Assist and is completely independent of Trinity House. All telephone calls are handled sensitively and professionally. PAM Assist can offer support and advice over everyday issues such as the pressures of work, debt advice and even positive life changes such as getting married. These issues can raise questions which can benefit from discussion, so whether you just want someone to talk to or you need structured advice, you can contact PAM Assist for access to experienced advisors who are trained to help. Some events are less easy to predict and harder to handle, PAM Assist will be available to provide practical assistance and fully trained support to help you through difficult times, such as family or personal crises, illness, managing money, moving house, work life, healthy choices, retirement. There is a website for wellbeing topics, with videos tackling issues such as stress management & health advice. Face to Face and online counselling is also available. Who can use this service The EAP is available to all employees of Trinity House. The cost of this service is provided in full by Trinity House. Further information A leaflet is available from HR or from the leaflet displays within your work area. To make use of the service ring (freephone), 24 hours a day, 365 days a year or - log in at the top of the page using Username: Trinity and password: House _7.docx 7

9 Gym Equipment This has been supplied by Trinity House and is available to use on TH Vessels Galatea and Patricia and at the Swansea depot. At Swansea depot the gym may be used during lunch time only, between 1230 and 1330 Monday to Friday. Before anyone can use the equipment they have to undertake an induction by the recognised trainer and complete a physical activity readiness form. Free all equipment supplied by Trinity House. Induction performed by a TH employee. Gym Membership Trinity House has an agreement with Tendring District Council (TDC) to provide employees with discounted gym membership when opting for The One Card scheme for 1 August 2013 to 31 July The One Card allows access to use the facilities at the following leisure centres: - Clacton Leisure Centre Dovercourt Pool / Harwich Sports Centre Frinton and Walton Pool Brightlingsea Pool / Brightlingsea Sports Centre Manningtree Sports Centre TH has negotiated a 20% discount of the annual membership cost, bringing the cost from 385 to 308 per annum ( per month) for the year 2013/2014. This arrangement will be reviewed annually at the end of July each year. TH also subsidises the fees by 11 per month. This subsidy is subject to Tax and NI deductions at an employee s normal rate as it is a taxable benefit. Therefore, taking into account the adjustment to tax and NI, as an estimate, an employee will incur the following total costs: plus 3.37 per month for those within the 20% tax bracket. Total payroll deduction per month plus 4.62 per month (or 5.57/ 5.72 dependant on NI for tax year 2013/14) for those within the 40% tax bracket. Total payroll deduction ( 20.24/ 20.39) per month That s a total saving of (or / / for employees within the higher tax bracket) per year!! To be eligible for the discounted rate of 20% saving, we must have 15 employees signed up and contributing to the scheme for 12 months. If an employee leaves during the 12 month period, the balance of the full annual fee will be deducted from their final pay. Further information & application form See Imanage document v9 Further information about the facilities at each centre can be found at _7.docx 8

10 Health Care There is a range of health care including private medical insurance available to Trinity House employees at discounted rates. Details are summarised below. 1. Beneden Healthcare Society Beneden is a mutual not for profit friendly society run by members, providing low cost back up healthcare. There are no upper age restrictions and no exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions. The following services are available from day one of membership: 24 hr 7 days a week GP confidential telephone consultation service and 24/7 stress counselling helpline. Long term care advice service to help find suitable arrangements for members and relatives via a specialist company Grace Consulting Health concern advice line to point members in the direction of other organisations that can provide support, care or advice Discounted Health Screening Free magazine Services available after 6 months of membership: If the NHS waiting list is considered to be too long, diagnostic consultations can be arranged with either a consultant recommended by a GP or a Beneden Consultant, up to 1,500 for any condition. Treatment and surgery performed at specially selected regional surgical centres or at Beneden hospital. Physiotherapy tailored to your needs. Counselling or psychology service in addition to the stress counselling helpline.. Up to 5,000 financial support for members living with cancer or TB to help meet extra expenses that come as a direct result of the illness ie help with costs of home help, travelling to/from hospital, prepayment prescription, hiring special equipment. The current rate is 7.80 per person, per month. There is no increase in charges as the member gets older. Family members can be added at the same rate. All contributions work for the benefit of its members. There are no shareholders. Services are not restricted and there are no extra charges for current or previous medical conditions. Their website can be found at Telephone (8am 5pm Mon-Fri). Existing members: Lines open 8am - 8pm, Mon-Fri (excluding bank holidays) 8am 4pm Sat _7.docx 9

11 2. Civil Service Healthcare A health insurance specialist offering fully comprehensive health insurance, covering the costs of your hospital stay or a low cost cash plan, providing cash back towards dental, optical and other everyday healthcare needs. Different needs are allowed for and the fact that circumstances can change. In this respect a flexible health insurance plan called your choice is offered. This offers a menu of cover options so that a personal package of health protection can be offered. The health care plan can be created depending on how much cover is required and how much the applicant wants to spend. Essential This is the only part of your choice which has been made compulsory. The Essential option provides comprehensive health coverage allowing you to increase cover or choose additional options. It offers a core level of coverage including inpatient or day patient treatment, outpatient treatment or tests, including specialised scans such as MRI, CT and PET, private road ambulance, nursing at home and NHS cash allowance. Additional options: Expert Diagnostics This option gives peace of mind when investigation for an injury or illness is required. Tests and consultations would be arranged quickly at a hospital convenient to the member. Therapy & Care The Therapy & Care option offers cover for a range of traditional, complementary and alternative therapies with a qualified Therapist. A member will also be able to gain access to services which aid and support recovery after a spell in hospital. Heart & Cancer Due to the potential complexity and duration of heart and cancer problems these can often be some of the most expensive conditions to treat. For those affected, and for those looking after a loved one, it can also be a very stressful and emotional period. The Heart & Cancer option gives peace of mind if the member, or an insured dependant, needs treatment for an acute heart or cancer condition. Cash Benefits The Cash Benefits option can help alleviate the occasional costs of everyday healthcare expenses with cash back to help pay towards treatment for dental, optical and health screenings. For example, the member can receive cash reimbursement, up to agreed limits, for visits to the Dentist, Hygienist, Optician, for prescription contact lenses, and towards a full health screening. Obtain a quote by telephoning If health insurance is wanted for the family, children under 1 year old and your first child under 18 years of age can be included on your policy absolutely free. Their website can be found at The booklet Your Choice Health Insurance _7.docx 10

12 3. The Dreadnought Unit The Dreadnought operates from St Thomas Hospital, London, as a NHS-funded contract to treat merchant seafarers. They are given priority treatment when possible, to ensure that they can return to work quickly. Patients are treated according to clinical need and placed in the ward most suitable for their medical condition. Referrals come into the administration office and prospective patients are sent a patient information form to establish whether they are eligible to use the Dreadnought facilities. The form gathers such information as confirmation as to whether the patient s treatment is urgent, soon or routine, and when the patient is available for an appointment to avoid cancelled or missed appointments for times when seafarers are away at sea. Accommodation may also be arranged due to the distances that may be travelled by seafarers from home/ship. Who within TH is eligible for treatment? The following are eligible for elective priority treatment at the Dreadnought Unit: Active SVS employees Employees essential to the function of the fleet Dependants where the illness of the spouse or child (under 18) causes the SVS employee grave concern. The following (but not their dependants) are also eligible to be considered for elective treatment: Retired SVS employees Funded by the NHS Their website can be found at Telephone: _7.docx 11

13 4. Simply Health (Previously known as HSA) Simply health offers various plans to suit the needs of most individuals. Simply Cash Plan - to help you plan for the cost of visits to the dentist or optician, incidental in-patient stays, complimentary therapies including physiotherapist, osteopathy and chiropractic treatment, whether it's for a check-up, treatment or an emergency. A simple monthly payment, from per month (with up to 4 children under age 18 covered for free), means you get cash back on your health costs, up to your annual limit. There are four levels of cover with a range of benefits on offer. Tel (Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm). Simply Dental Plan to help you manage the cost of routine visits to your dentist and get insurance for the unexpected. A simple monthly payment, from 7.95 per month (up to four children under age 18 can be added from 2.95 extra per month), means you get money back towards your dental bills, up to your annual limit. There are two levels of cover with a range of benefits. After a three month qualifying period you get cash back on regular treatments, and have peace of mind knowing that you're covered for dental accidents or emergencies. Tel (Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm). Simply Personal Health This offers three modules. There is diagnosis cover which is compulsory and helps you to find out what is wrong. Optional modules are treatment and/or heart and cancer cover; heart or cancer treatment each having a lifetime limit of 50,000. You get access to the care you need, when you need it. All you need to worry about is looking after yourself and getting better. Tel (Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm). Simply Accident Plan You or your family could receive a tax free payment in the event of an accident which results in a bodily injury. Up to four children under the age of 18 living at home can be covered for free. Payment starts at 4.95 a month for up to 150,000 of cover. Tel (Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm) or for existing customers Further details can be obtained from the telephone numbers given above, the general helpline: , customerservices@simplyhealth.co.uk. or from the website: _7.docx 12

14 Seafarer s Advice & Information Line (formerly the Seafarers Benefits Advice Line) A telephone advice service operated by the Greenwich Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) on behalf of the Seamen s Hospital Society to provide free, independent, impartial and confidential advice to merchant seafarers, fishermen and their families and dependants. It can provide a full benefit advice service, so that, in addition to giving advice on the phone or by post, it can negotiate on behalf of a caller with the appropriate authorities. Help includes: Benefit checks Calculations to check the amount of state benefit and tax credit to which there may be an entitlement. Help with benefit appeals. Letter writing help with important letters, forms and legal documents. Information advisers are trained and experienced to provide information in many different situations. Telephone calls are charged at a local rate from anywhere throughout the UK. The line is open between and Monday to Friday. A message can be left out of hours or by . Their website can be found at Telephone: or Monday to Friday from 10.00am to 4.00pm _7.docx 13

15 TH Salary Sacrifice A Salary sacrifice agreement is where an employee formally agrees to a reduction in their taxable salary. Usually the sacrifice is made in return for the employer s agreement to provide the employee with some form of non-cash benefit. The sacrifice is achieved by varying an employee s terms & conditions of employment relating to pay. For example, with childcare vouchers the employee receives the amount equivalent to the reduction in childcare vouchers which is exempt from NI and Tax contributions. Childcare Vouchers Childcare vouchers are a government initiative designed to help working parents pay for childcare. You can convert part of your salary into vouchers saving the tax and NI you would normally pay on that amount. The vouchers are ordered and issued through your employer s payroll and you have the choice of either paper vouchers sent to your home address or e-vouchers which allow you to go online and make payments direct into your carer s bank account. Carers will need to be part of the Sodexho affiliate programme to be able to accept vouchers as payment. If they have not registered they can do so by completing a simple form. Website: Help line: HR : Leaflet Information for Parents available from HR Details of the scheme are contained in the HR manual which can be found on Worksite at HR/Employee Relations/HR Manual/Section 9 Staff Benefits/9.2 Salary Sacrifice _7.docx 14

16 Trinity House Lighthouse Service Additional Voluntary Contribution (THLSAVC) Scheme and Stakeholder arrangements The THLSAVC Schemes are money purchase type of arrangements which provide benefits in addition to existing pension arrangements. Trinity House currently uses two providers for its AVC scheme. These are Scottish Widows and Standard Life. Alternatively anyone can take out a Free Standing AVC (FSAVC) independently of Trinity House. Standard Life is the provider of the TH Stakeholder arrangement. An advantage of joining the THLSAVC Schemes is that some of the administration is undertaken by the Trinity House pension administrator on behalf of Scottish Widows or Standard Life. Scottish Widows and Standard Life also offer those joining the THLSAVC Scheme reduced charges specially negotiated by the Civil Service which THLSPS members are able to take advantage of. The member decides how much they want to pay into the AVC/Stakeholder Scheme. They can start, stop or change the level of payments at any time by writing to Scottish Widows/Standard Life, who will then make the appropriate arrangements directly with the Trinity House pensions administrator. Payments made receive tax relief at the member s highest rate. Tax treatment depends on personal circumstances and may be subject to change in the future. The member chooses the investment route for their contributions. There is a wide range of pension investment funds to suit the member s needs. Leaflets The Trinity House Lighthouse Service Additional Voluntary Contribution Scheme A Brief Guide and A Brief Guide to Stakeholder Pensions which can be found on Worksite at HR/Pensions/ (Standard Life) _7.docx 15

17 Civil Service Pensioners Alliance (CSPA) The CSPA has made regular representations on behalf of Civil Service Pensioners to Ministers, to MP's and to a number of Committees which have reviewed the future of pensions. Sometimes it has acted independently, on other occasions it has made common cause with other pensioner organisations. It is not a Trade Union but is run on a voluntary basis by retired Civil Servants. It is the only body recognised by Government Departments dealing with Civil Service pensions as speaking solely for all such pensioners. They co-operate on issues of common concern with other pensioner organisations such as Age Concern. The CSPA speaks on behalf of all Civil Service pensioners. Membership expresses support and gives the CSPA a stronger voice to defend and protect the value of Civil Service pensions. Membership is open to Trinity House pensioners and to active and former members who remain entitled to benefits and are within ten years of their pension age. Membership is not open to anyone whose pension is or will be from an insurance type pension scheme such as the Personal Pension Account. Other benefits include: Magazine. A magazine is sent free to members' homes every quarter with news about the CSPA campaigning activity and all issues affecting pensioners. Legal Advice from solicitors Parker Bullen. The service is limited to "one-off" telephone advice and is provided free of charge to members and is designed primarily to point members in the right direction. Wills & Enduring Powers of Attorney. Parker Bullen also offer to members and their spouses a cut-price service for preparing Wills and Enduring Power of Attorney. Independent Financial Adviser Affinity Financial Awareness offer an individual consultation, free of charge and without any obligation, for all CSPA members. Travel Club. The CSPA Travel Club provides discounts off the brochure price of most tour operators. Reduced Telephone Calls. Sky Blue Telecom offers members discounted telephone services. Funeral Services. Co-operative Funeral Services offer members 25 off their funeral prepayment plans and 10% off their service fees for traditional funerals. Individual membership is 1.50 per month if paid by deduction from pension or per year if paid by direct debit. Joint membership (with spouse or partner) is 2.10 per month if paid by deduction from pension or per year if paid by direct debit. Their website can be found at Telephone: _7.docx 16

18 Civil Service Retirement Fellowship The CSRF is a registered charity concerned with the social welfare of retired civil servants. Through a UK-wide network of volunteers they provide social activities, a visiting service and regular communication for retired civil servants. The CSRF offers support and companionship to all beneficiaries, helping them to enjoy their retirement fully and provides additional benefits and opportunities for all subscribers. Anyone who has ever been employed by Trinity House is classed as a beneficiary, along with their partners, widows/widowers and dependants. Benefits include: Free computer and technology advice line. National Visitors Network a new befriending initiative designed to provide a friendship and companionship to any beneficiary (pensioner, partner or dependant) who requestsa visit. Phone Buddy Scheme half of all people aged 75 and over, live alone and 1 in 10 people aged 65 or over say that they often feel lonely and that television is considered to be their main form of company. This scheme provides a regular source of friendship to many beneficiaries. Local groups offering varying programmes that might include visiting speakers, pub lunches, leisure pursuits, walks or trips. Book club read a book from the approved book list and submit a review. There is a new book every other month but you can go as fast or as slow as you want. Magazine Avanti is sent out quarterly to all subscribers. Group Days Out organise group tours, varying from purely panoramic to those with high levels of activity and originality. All tours are accompanied by a qualified guide. Subscribers are those who decide to support the CSRF financially, by a monthly deduction from pay or pension ( 2.20 per month) or an annual subscription ( 26.40). Their website can be found at Telephone: Monday to Thursday 0830 to 1645 and Friday 0830 to _7.docx 17