Why join us?

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Why join us?

At Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, we have a passionate, dynamic and active team. Whether it’s our crew, charity team or face-to-face fundraisers, every member of our team helps to shape our vision for delivering exceptional pre-hospital critical care to patients in need.


In our employee engagement survey, our people told us:




Benefits and rewards

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance continues to develop a supportive and enabling environment that allows our people to thrive.


We offer the following:

Hybrid working environment

We offer a hybrid of remote and office working for our charity employees. A 37.5 hour working week, with working hours between 8:30am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday (head office based employees).

Annual leave allowance

Our annual leave entitlement is 28 days per annum, plus bank holidays (pro-rated for part-time working). The charity office is closed between Christmas and New Year, providing an additional three days holiday each year (included in the 28 day allowance).

Free parking

Free, restricted, on-site parking at the charity office and airbase.

Relevant equipment provided

Laptop and mobile phone as roles dictate, and branded clothing.

Two museum scenes: workers adjusting a painting, and a crowd viewing an exhibit under glass.



People wellbeing

We offer:

Social events and team days

The charity regularly organises employee events and promotes the participation of various fundraising events including opportunities outside of working hours. There are also whole team days at Henstridge Airbase held at least twice a year.


Employee assistance programme

Access to qualified counsellors 24/7 and advice to help to ease everyday worries including financial and legal issues or emotional support via our partner, Simply Health. Additional Financial Guidance Service and financial planning support provided by our partner EbCam.


Absence through illness

Enhanced cover for absence through illness, including an Income Replacement Insurance for employees who find themselves unable to work due to illness or injury, subject to meeting the required criteria.

Head office

In our head office we provide tea, coffee and water and frequently sweet treats. We also have a dedicated break room for people to enjoy some time away from their desk.


Compassionate leave

The charity provides limited time off to deal with family emergencies.


Funded vaccinations

As part of our ongoing support for the wellbeing of our people, the charity funds the cost of certain vaccinations, such as the winter flu jab, which may not be routinely delivered free of charge via the NHS.


Benefits

We offer the following:

Life cover

We provide a lump sum benefit of four times your salary, offering financial security for your loved ones up until State Pension Age.


Healthcare insurance plan

All employees are entitled to join our company healthcare plan. Basic level cover benefits include access to a GP, dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody, counselling advice and support.



Pension scheme

The charity contributes 8% for qualifying charity employees; the employee contribution is mandatory.



Cycle to work scheme

The charity facilitates the cycle to work scheme through: www.bike2workscheme.co.uk



Staff discounts

People working for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance are eligible for a Blue Light Card which allows access to NHS discounts at hundreds of retailers. There is a small annual cost for the card.

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