When Matthew Richards joined the London Borough of Barnet as its head of recruitment and resourcing, one of his first tasks was to review the employee benefits offering.
It became apparent that most elements of HR had been outsourced, and the previous employee benefits arrangement had expired two years before. “It meant there was nothing in place and that we had a blank canvas to work from,” he says.
The organisation embarked on a competitive tender and procurement process, eventually partnering with Perkbox Vivup.
An important factor in the decision was the flexibility of its technology. “We wanted to market all our employee benefits on one platform, including elements that are unique to us,” Richards says. “We have our own gyms across the borough so it was important staff could access discounts to use those.”
The ability to add its branding to the portal was also a bonus, he adds.
Being able to access the platform across a range of devices was a core requirement, with an app for mobile phone users but also through laptops. Those who are less technology-savvy can use three cubicles in council premises to access the Vivup portal using a laptop with single sign-on technology. Three-quarters (76%) of employees are registered with the scheme, and 60% are active users.
From a benefits provision perspective, it was particularly keen to ensure access to employee discounts, both from high street brands but also local shops.
Another priority was being able to take advantage of salary sacrifice arrangements, which would help the council balance the need to provide employees with benefits with its public finance responsibilities.
“We wanted to find a product that was going to not just save our employees money but potentially save the borough money as well,” says Richards. Employees can access a range of benefits in this way, including a bikes-for-work scheme, home electronics plan, annual leave purchase scheme and gym membership, as well as making additional pension payments.
Nick Martindale is an experienced freelance journalist and editor, with a strong background in writing about HR, employee benefits and recruitment.View full profile
