Staff
Benefits

At The Brilliant Club, we know that working hard to support others only works if we also take care of our own people. We are a small charity with limited resources, but we have built a benefits package that is generous, flexible and focused on what really matters: wellbeing, growth and balance.

Here’s what you can expect when you join us:

Time Off and Leave

  • 36 days’ annual leave (up to 41 days) – Everyone starts with 36 days, increasing each year to a maximum of 41 (pro rata). This includes bank holidays, so colleagues can choose the days off that matter most to them, whether that’s Easter, Eid, Diwali or something else. We close for a winter break, so everyone can switch off and recharge together.
  • Compassionate and bereavement leave – We offer generous paid leave when colleagues need to step away during difficult times.
  • Enhanced family leave – Our maternity, paternity and shared parental pay go above statutory minimums, because we want to support colleagues who grow their families.
  • Sabbatical policy – For colleagues who want time out to travel, study or explore other opportunities without leaving the charity, there’s the option to apply for an unpaid sabbatical.

Health and Wellbeing

  • Bupa health cash plan – Free, employer-funded membership that covers everyday health costs, like dental and optical, plus extras.
  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – Confidential support through counselling, coaching and even financial advice. A safe place to talk things through and get professional guidance.
  • Contractual sick pay – We offer more than the statutory minimum (20 days annually (pro rata for part-time staff)), so that when you’re unwell, you don’t have to worry straight away about your finances.
  • Hybrid working – We have offices in Leeds and London where colleagues are required to work at least one day a week, most people balance that with working from home for up to four days a week.
  • Purchase of home office equipment – We’ll provide what you need to work comfortably at home, whether that’s a second screen, an ergonomic chair or a desk.
  • Cycle scheme – Save money on a bike and equipment through our cycle-to-work programme.

Flexibility and Inclusion

  • Flexible working – We know that flexibility looks different for everyone, and we’re always happy to talk about what might work best. Across the charity, colleagues work in a range of patterns, from part-time and compressed hours to job shares and hybrid arrangements. Some people make short-term adjustments to help balance life’s ups and downs, while others find longer-term patterns that suit them and their teams. We aim to approach every request with openness and a spirit of collaboration, finding solutions that work both for our people and for the organisation.
  • Flexibility around Core Hours – Our core hours are 10am to 3pm, with flexibility around that to fit around your life. We also have organisation-wide ‘quiet times’ to help focus.
  • Early Friday finishes – Once a month, colleagues can log off halfway through Friday and start the weekend early. It’s a small shift that makes a big difference to wellbeing.
  • Work from abroad – Colleagues can apply to work overseas for up to 3 weeks once a year, giving flexibility for travel or time with family.
  • EDI networks and initiatives – We actively support staff networks and projects that champion equity, diversity and inclusion.

Pay and Financial Support

  • Pension scheme – We contribute 6% employer pension alongside a minimum 4% employee contribution, helping you save for the future.
  • Staff hardship fund – Trustees have approved a dedicated fund to support colleagues facing unexpected financial strain, such as cost-of-living pressures. Grants are available and do not need to be repaid.
  • Season ticket loans – We can help spread the cost of commuting through repayable loans. We also cover the cost of railcards for staff.
  • Discounts and savings – Through Tickets for Good and Discounts for Teachers, colleagues can access a wide range of offers, from concerts and events to everyday shopping.

Learning and Development

  • Five professional development days a year – Dedicated time, on top of annual leave, for training, courses or other opportunities that support your growth. Pro-rata for part-time colleagues.
  • Training budget – Funding is available for additional learning and development needs, from books to external courses. Applications are straightforward and open to all.
  • Learning loans – For more significant learning investments, we can support colleagues through a loan repayment scheme.

Why It Matters

We want The Brilliant Club to be a place where people can do meaningful work without burning out. Where wellbeing is taken seriously, learning is encouraged and flexibility is the norm. It’s not about flashy extras, but about creating a benefits package that genuinely supports people’s lives inside and outside of work.

We’re proud to be a Working Families ‘Happy to Talk Flexible Working’ accredited and Disability Confident employer, and we’re also We Show the Salary accredited. These commitments reflect how seriously we take fairness, inclusion and flexibility. We actively engage in initiatives that help us grow as an employer and make The Brilliant Club a place where people feel supported, valued and able to thrive.

We Show the Salary employer