Other SQA benefits

Flexible working

SQA understands the benefits of flexible working practices for the organisation and its staff and is committed to supporting work-life balance by encouraging flexible working arrangements. This support can range from ad hoc requests, for example having to come in to work later than normal, to making a permanent change to your pattern of working hours, such as 10am–6pm. Other arrangements which are covered by the policy are term-time working, annualised hours, working from home or compressed hours.

Flexitime under the Plantime system

SQA believes that staff should be allowed reasonable freedom to arrange their working day to suit their personal needs, while ensuring work is done and teams are adequately staffed throughout the day. The Plantime system covers all staff up to and including grade 5.

Holidays and public holidays

SQA offers a generous leave package of 27 days. In addition, all staff are entitled to 13 public holidays.

Life Assurance Scheme

SQA has established a Life Assurance scheme, which makes provision for a tax-free lump sum equal to one times the member of staff's salary to be paid to a nominated beneficiary of the deceased member of staff. The member of staff’s cover will cease immediately should their employment end with SQA.

Recognition

The staff recognition scheme rewards staff for their exceptional contributions. As an extension of saying 'thanks' for that extra special achievement, managers are able to award staff with vouchers, redeemable at a host of retail outlets.

SQA+ loyalty card

SQA has secured a free staff loyalty card which gives staff discounts on a wide range of goods and services. Accessed via the internet, staff can order online or by telephone, making savings on a variety items from CDs to mortgages.

Awards

SQA’s awards ceremony is an opportunity for the whole organisation to come together and celebrate the success and achievements of the staff. The annual event sees the efforts of the staff celebrated under a variety of categories, from long service to staff member of the year – a great excuse for a party!

Free on-site car parking

Car parking policy

Limited free car parking is available for cars at all of SQA's sites. Priority is given to disabled members of staff or those suffering with a medical condition.

Free drinks

SQA provides tea, coffee and mineral water to all members of staff free of charge (available from staff kitchens and vending machines).

Shower facilities

For those members of staff who do something energetic in their lunchtime or who occasionally need to change before leaving work, SQA has provided changing facilities and showers.