Since the Covid-19 pandemic, these benefits are on the top of our employees’ priorities, and as always, it’s essential that these key benefits are supporting all of our employees from diverse backgrounds.
Here’s an (almost) definitive list of employee benefits when working with us at YMCA Thames Gateway.
What’s included
Health Benefits
Health & Wellbeing
We’ve mentioned the advantages of our fitness benefits, and perks like flexible working, but ultimately, what matters most to our employees is that their fundamental health – and that of their families – is being looked after.
HSF Cash Plan
HSF is available to all staff and enables you to claim money back on the cost of everyday treatments such as dental and optical check-ups as well as specialist treatments and investigations. With over 30 health benefits available, it provides an added security for you and your family’s health.
HSF Assist
As part of your HSF health plan, you’ll have access to HSF Assist.
This provides unlimited access to a variety of assistance helplines and services: GP Advice Line, Virtual Doctor, Counselling, Health Information website and Legal Helpline.
Employee Assistance Programme & Counselling
Our Employee Assist programme is provided by Aviva Care first, an app is available to all employees.
This service is available 24/7 and provides counselling and support to help employees deal with any events or issues that can affect their everyday work and personal life.

Flexible Working
Role permitting, we offer flexible shift patterns which includes working remotely/from home. Vacancies include full-time, part-time and bank work.
Healthcare Benefits
Pension & Life Assurance
We all need to save for our future and paying into a retirement plan is more important than ever.
Workplace Pension Scheme
Scottish Widows
Once employees have passed their probation they are eligible to join our Scottish Widows workplace pension scheme.
- Employee contributes from 4.4% but this can be increased.
- We contribute 8%. Employees will also receive tax relief. The company contribution remains the same.


Our basic pension scheme
The People’s Pension
Employees aged 22 and over and earning £10k plus pa are automatically enrolled onto this following two months service (you can join before this if you choose to).
Employees and employer (us) both contribute 4% of your net salary. If you’re contributions are eligible, you will also receive tax relief.
Life Assurance
Death in Service benefit applies to all paid members of staff
What this means is that if you die during the time that you work for us, your next of kin, or whoever you nominate, will receive 4 x your basic annual salary (tax-free) in life assurance.

Financial Benefits
Discounts & Rewards
We all deserve to treat ourselves – whatever salary we’re on.



Annual Leave
Our holiday entitlement is more generous than most
- Entry level: 25 days plus Bank Holidays
- After 10 years’ service: 30 days plus Bank Holidays
- Leadership team: 30 days plus Bank Holidays


Learning & Training
We have plenty of opportunities for development
- International engagement opportunities
- Continued professional development (CPD)
- Apprenticeship training
- Leadership development programmes
Travel Benefits
Saving you money on your commute to work
- Where available, we provide FREE on-site parking
- Season ticket loans
- Interest-free staff loans (i.e. to purchase a bike)

Service Benefits
Long Service Awards
We appreciate our employees and as part of that we award exclusive benefits to those who serve our charity for a significant amount of years.

10 Years' Service
£50 gift or gift voucher of individuals choice/preference
After 10 years’ service: 30 days plus Bank Holidays
15 Years' Service
£100 gift and/or gift voucher of individuals choice/preference
After 10 years’ service: 30 days plus Bank Holidays
20 Years' Service
£200 gift and/or gift voucher of individuals choice/preference
After 10 years’ service: 30 days plus Bank Holidays
25 Years' Service
£300 gift and/or gift voucher of individuals choice/preference
After 10 years’ service: 30 days plus Bank Holidays
30+ Years' Service
£500 gift and/or gift voucher of individuals choice/preference
After 10 years’ service: 30 days plus Bank Holidays