Life at Head & Short

Black tie dinner/dance – Christmas 2006

Head & Short Podiatrists is committed to equal opportunities in every aspect of employment.We believe that this strong foundation will maximise human potential throughout the organisation and that different ideas, beliefs and cultural traditions can only add value to the business and the people that work within it.

We oppose any form of less favourable treatment being shown to employees or job applicants on the grounds of any of the following:

  • Gender, re-assignment of gender or sexual orientation
  • Race, ethnic or national origin
  • Marital status
  • Colour
  • Age
  • Religion or political conviction
  • Membership or non-membership of a trade union
  • Disability
  • Real or suspected HIV infection
  • Association with any of the above

Each and every individual within the organisation is responsible for ensuring that the spirit of equal opportunity is fostered.

The way we are……

How we do things…

It’s not easy to put into words what’s behind the way we look after our patients. Or the idea behind a new product or service. Or even what makes Head & Short what it is. But our people, vision, beliefs and values do a pretty good job.

People vision…

We’re creating a place where people love to work. And a community of people who feel valued and inspired to deliver a brilliant customer experience every time.

We believe that…

  • – to look after our patients and shareholders, we need to look after our people
  • – diversity in spirit and character, as well as social diversity, should always be encouraged
  • – our patients should be at the heart of everything we do
  • – you should always see the best in people and trust them to do the right thing
  • – it’s okay to make a mistake
  • – equal opportunities and a healthy work/life balance should be available to all
  • – we should deliver results and make a difference

Human…

Behaving with integrity, honest, respect and empathy. Treating others as they would like to be treated and valuing everyone’s contribution.

Drive…

Having an ambition to succeed, focused on delivering results and exceeding patient’s expectations – every time.

Freedom…

Feeling enabled and empowered to be the best that we can be, free to do the right thing for our patients and for each other.

Courage…

Making our own decisions, seizing the moment and taking responsibility for our actions. Be bold, act fast.

Fun…

Creating a climate where being at work is enjoyable

“We’re uniquely placed to make a difference for our patients, by providing the very best in podiatry patient care”

Well looked after…..

The team works very hard and when you work hard you want to feel the benefit. So that’s why we’ve put together a generous package of benefits and perks to reward you and your efforts.

Here’s what’s on offer:

– Competitive earnings: paid at the end of each month. We operate an online system accessible 24/7 for Podiatrists, updated weekly, so you can see what you are earning

– Rewards and incentives: paid each year, based on personal performance in addition to the 20% staff discount*.

– Holiday (for employees): you’ll start on 28 days a year including bank holidays (for fee-sharing associates your pay is generous enough to take great holidays – and yes, you are allowed to take time off!)

– Pensions: we have provided pensions to all of our staff for over 10 years (way before the government decided to make pensions mandatory for all workers). Fee sharing associates can also join (most do as its a personal portable scheme) and save for your future

– Free in-house training: gives you education and practical experience throughout the year to help you in your career (click here for more info….)

– Train to gain/NVQ: as government funded training appears we take advantage of it (and lots we fund too). In 2008 the receptionists studied their NVQ level 2 in customer services and all passed!! In 2009 they took various courses including NVQ level 3 in customer services and in 2010 the ECDL and passed with flying colours! There are equal opportunities for training depending on an individual’s skill set and the needs of the business.

– Post graduate qualifications: we encourage Podiatrists to gain their MSc and as several of the staff are either studying for theirs, or already have them, we encourage one-to-one in-house mentoring. It’s good to be able to discuss your course with someone who’s already been through what you’re going through – isn’t it?

But it’s not all money and education….with contributory private healthcare schemes** for you and your family, and a stake-holder pension scheme** we’ll make sure you’re looked after too (all employees are automatically enrolled into the pension scheme).

Your learning and development start right from the beginning with your induction training – designed specifically for your job. And as you grow with us you’ll find plenty of opportunities to help you develop. For instance, there’s specific training that’ll help you to improve and add to the skills you need to do your job. Then there are plenty of opportunities for you to further your career with us.

To make sure we carry on getting better at what we do, you’ll have the chance to tell us what’s working and what isn’t. And there are plenty of ways your voice will be heard, with newsletters, our intranet messaging, a team briefing system and employee consultation meetings. We love to hear your ideas, and if they’re good and add value to our business, staff or patient care we’ll incorporate them – and recognise your contribution!

*subject to terms and conditions – does not apply to everyone

** voluntary to join

Head & Short Podiatrists Ltd. – Registered in England
Company Registration No. 6741445 VAT Registration No. 975 7625 65