Here you will learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority from our great pension scheme, our wide range of flexible working options to our generous annual leave.
Non-teaching staff
Balancing Life and Work
Check out our annual leave, flexible working policies and more.
EA understands that effectively managing your life and work is essential for staff wellbeing. In addition to providing generous annual leave and a range of family friendly/flexible working arrangements, EA also has comprehensive policies to support staff who may need to take time off work to undertake public duties or deal with short-term caring responsibilities.
Flexible Working options
EA provides a wide range of flexible working options for staff aimed at supporting them to achieve a healthy work life balance from career breaks to agile working.
Annual Leave
All employees have a statutory entitlement to minimum paid holidays and contractual annual leave entitlement for EA non-teaching staff PLUS an average of 12 public and extra-statutory holidays, exceeding the minimum legal entitlement of 5.6 weeks.
This entitlement applies to 5 day working pattern. For alternative working patterns an equivalent leave entitlement should be calculated.
Family Leave
We offer a wide range of family leave options including adoption, maternity, paternity and shared parental leave. These allowances exceed the statutory minimum after 1 year's service.
Special and Domestic Leave Provision
We support a wide range of special and domestic leave to support you during your career including marriage leave and compassionate leave.
Flexible Retirement
Employees of the Education Authority can request flexible retirement after they have reached the age of 55 years.
For further information on Leave and Working Arrangements.
Financial Wellbeing
We are a large complex organisation which provides a high volume of job opportunities and enables various flexible working patterns. Whilst this enables our staff to support their finances and work life balance we recognise the need to include support around the financial wellbeing of our employees.
Pay
Non-Teaching staff are primarily paid in line with National Joint Council (NJC) pay scales. Other staff groups include Soulbury; Youth and Community Workers and Officers on Teacher Related Salary Scales. Annual pay uplifts are issued via Joint Negotiating Council circulars as follows:
- NJC staff
- Soulbury:
- Youth and Community Workers; Instructors and Tutors;
- Officers on Teacher Related Scales; Peripatetic Instrumental Tutors.
For more information on the EA payscales click here.
NILGOSC Pension scheme
EA provides eligible employees with access to the NILGOSC local government occupational pension scheme when they commence work.
The employer contribution rate for this scheme for the 2022/2023 year is 19.5%. Your contribution rate depends on how much you are paid but it will be between 5.5% and 10.5% of your pensionable pay.
For more information on the pension scheme click here.
Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC)
AVC schemes allow members of workplace pension schemes to pay extra contributions to build up additional benefits for NILGOSC members (Non-Teaching).
Other offers
- Mobile phone discounts with O2 and Vodafone: All EA Staff can avail of discounts with both O2 and Vodafone.
- Leisure Centre discounts: We are delighted to provide all EA staff the opportunity to avail of Corporate Gym membership across all Local Council areas.
- Free will-writing service
- Tax free childcare
- Pay-roll giving
- Financial health workshop
- Hyundai staff discounts
- Housing Matters NI discount
Health and Wellbeing
A happy, healthy, dedicated and skilled workforce with an effective Workplace Wellbeing Strategy can deliver mutual benefits to our people, our families, the business and to the wider society. Our Health and Wellbeing Strategy demonstrates our commitment to the overall health of our people to enable the achievement of those goals. Our aim is to create a fully inclusive Health and Wellbeing culture that supports staff when they need it most.
EA HealthWell Hub and HealthWell Programme
The EA HealthWell Hub is a digital resource providing EA staff with support, education, signposting and information on a wide range of topics as a way of improving their overall health and wellbeing.
Our HealthWell Programme provides staff with the latest health and wellbeing initiatives, sessions and campaigns with all content focusing on our 5 key themes – Financial Health, Social Health, Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds and Giving Back.
Cycle2Work Scheme
To promote healthier journeys to work and to reduce environmental pollution, the 1999 Finance Act introduced an annual tax exemption which allows employers to loan cycles and cyclists safety equipment to employees as a tax-free benefit. The EA are pleased to continue our partnership with Halfords in a new and improved Cycle2Work Scheme.
Health Care Support
- Benenden Scheme: EA staff, teaching and non-teaching, are provided with the opportunity to join an NHS complementary healthcare scheme in partnership with Benenden Health.
- Hospital Saturday Fund: A policy with the Hospital Saturday Fund health plan provides you and your family with cover for your primary medical expenses.
Mental Health Support
- Inspire Workplaces provides a confidential and independent counselling support service for all staff that is available 24/7 365 days per year (Freephone: 0808 800 0002).
- Mental Health First Aiders are based in a range of locations and Directorates across the EA to be a point of contact and offer workplace support for anyone who is going through some form of mental health issue or emotional distress.
Open Access Sessions
An array of open access sessions under our key themes that are available to view and access at a time that is suitable to you.
Open Access Session that we have available to all staff at a time that suits them are below:
- ActivHealth: An online fitness channel in partnership with Activhealth where you can access a wide range of exercise classes.
- Staff Interest Groups: A number of Staff Interest Groups to promote social interaction with colleagues while enjoying and exploring various hobbies and interests including open water swimming and reading.
- Health And Wellbeing Champions: Health and Wellbeing Champions are employees who volunteer to run and or support wellbeing activities within their workplace.
Learning and Development
Developing all our people is one of our key strategic priorities and it’s one that we take very seriously. There are lots of great learning and development opportunities in the organisation for all our staff.
Professional Development
We employ a wide range of registered professional staff from teachers to social workers, procurement professionals, solicitors and beyond. We support our professional staff to maintain and develop their professional expertise through internal programmes, and access to external development and professional bodies.
Career Progression
We support the career development of all of our employees through a range of skills, knowledge and leadership development opportunities to encourage personal and professional growth. 1:1 Performance and Achievement conversations are held regularly between managers and their individual staff to discuss development goals and career progression.
Many of our employees have had successful careers with us having been encouraged and supported to take advantage of vacancies and secondment opportunities to progress.
Leadership & Management Development
Staff and managers at all levels and in all roles in EA can avail of our leadership and management development initiatives, including bite size learning, self-directed learning and formal leadership and management development programmes.
These programmes provide a consistent approach to development, all aligned with our leadership framework the Game Changing People Model. The model advocates leading at all levels and sets out the standard for leadership behaviours that all staff should aspire to.
Find out more about our Game Changing People Model and Organisational Development and Learning.
Equality and Diversity
Our Equality & Diversity unit is committed to making sure our workforce is as diverse as our society, and is responsible for many schemes, initiatives and networking groups that support and provide equality of opportunity for all our staff.
Equal Opportunities
Our Equal Opportunities Unit is proactive in identifying areas where Diversity categories are under-represented and works towards attracting people to roles of all kinds to ensure our workforce is as diverse as our society through targeted equality and diversity initiatives.
LINK – Disability & Carers Staff Network
LINK is our Disability & Carers staff network which promotes a positive culture around disability across the organisation and provides peer to peer support to members.
For more information see our Staff Networks page.
GLEAM - LGBTQ+ & Friends Staff Network
GLEAM is a staff network designed to promote a better understanding of LGBTQ+ Inclusion and make LGBT experiences more visible in the organisation through a programme of activities and the co-ordination of staff attendance at related events. GLEAM also works with other employers to share best practice and provides valuable networking opportunities for members including informal mentoring and coaching.
For more information see our Staff Networks page.
Disability Employment Support Service (DESS)
The Disability Employment Support Service which supports our staff in schools and offices who have or acquire a disability. DESS makes sure staff have access to additional support and equipment whenever needed in addition to supporting those with disabilities with career advancement opportunities as well as making sure line management is suitably equipped to support them directly as well.
Menopause Workplace Policy
The Menopause Policy recognises that women may need additional consideration, support and adjustments during the time of change before, during and after the menopause.
The Education Authority values the contributions all our employees make to delivering better outcomes for children and young people and will support staff in work by having a positive attitude to the menopause, working proactively to make adjustments where necessary to support women experiencing the menopause and to ensure the workplace does not unintentionally make their symptoms worse.
For more information see our Menopause Policy.
Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse Workplace Policy
The EA is committed to promoting a workplace culture with zero tolerance for abuse that recognises that the responsibility for domestic and sexual violence and abuse lies with the perpetrator. Our ‘zero tolerance’ position on domestic and sexual violence and abuse is committed to ensuring that any employee who is the victim of domestic and sexual violence and abuse has the right to raise the issue with their employer in the knowledge that they will receive appropriate support and assistance.
For more information see our Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse Workplace Policy.
Trade Unions
We are committed to working positively with its Trade Union colleagues for the good of EA staff with a range of well-established structures in place to maximise the employee voice.
We actively encourages staff to consider trade union membership as the Trade Unions have an important role to play in making the EA a great place to work.
Contact details for the relevant Trade Unions recognised are provided below.
Teaching staff
Balancing Life and Work
Check out our annual leave, flexible working policies and more.
We understand that effectively managing your life and work is essential for staff wellbeing. In addition to providing a range of family friendly/flexible working arrangements, EA also has comprehensive policies to support staff who may need to take time off work to undertake public duties or deal with short-term caring responsibilities.
Flexible Working options
EA provides a wide range of flexible working options for staff aimed at supporting them to achieve a healthy work life balance from career breaks to temporary variations of contract.
Family Leave
We offer a wide range of family leave options including adoption, maternity, paternity and shared parental leave. These allowances exceed the statutory minimum after 1 year's service.
Special and Domestic Leave Provision
EA supports a wide range of special and domestic leave to support you during your career including marriage leave and compassionate leave.
Phased Retirement
Teaching staff employed by the Education Authority can request phased retirement, after they have reached the age of 55 years.
For further information on Leave and Working Arrangements.
Financial Wellbeing
EA is a large complex organisation which provides a high volume of job opportunities and enables various flexible working patterns. Whilst this enables our staff to support their finances and work life balance we recognise the need to include support around the financial wellbeing of our employees.
Pay
For more information about pay for Teaching Staff please visit our Pay & Conditions page.
NITPS Pension Scheme
EA provides eligible employees with access to the NITPS local government occupational pension scheme when they commence work. For more details on the pension scheme visit Department of Education Pension Scheme information.
Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC)
AVC schemes allow members of workplace pension schemes to pay extra contributions to build up additional benefits. For more information click here
Additional Offers
- Mobile phone discounts with O2 and Vodafone: All EA Staff can avail of discounts with both O2 and Vodafone.
- Leisure Centre discounts: We are delighted to provide all EA staff the opportunity to avail of Corporate Gym membership across all Local Council areas.
- Free will-writing service
- Tax free childcare
- Pay-roll giving
- Financial health workshop
- Hyundai staff discounts
- Housing Matters NI discount
Health and Wellbeing
A happy, healthy, dedicated and skilled workforce with an effective Workplace Wellbeing Strategy can deliver mutual benefits to our people, our families, the business and to the wider society. Our Health and Wellbeing Strategy demonstrates our commitment to the overall health of our people to enable the achievement of those goals. Our aim is to create a fully inclusive Health and Wellbeing culture that supports staff when they need it most.
- EA HealthWell Hub and HealthWell Programme
The HealthWell Hub is a digital resource providing EA staff with support, education, signposting and information on a wide range of topics as a way of improving their overall health and wellbeing.
Our HealthWell Programme provides staff with the latest health and wellbeing initiatives, sessions and campaigns with all content focusing on our 5 key themes – Financial Health, Social Health, Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds and Giving Back.
- Cycle2Work scheme
To promote healthier journeys to work and to reduce environmental pollution, the 1999 Finance Act introduced an annual tax exemption which allows employers to loan cycles and cyclists safety equipment to employees as a tax-free benefit. The EA are pleased to continue our partnership with Halfords in a new and improved Cycle2Work Scheme.
- Health Care Support
Benenden Scheme: EA staff, teaching and non-teaching, are provided with the opportunity to join an NHS complementary healthcare scheme in partnership with Benenden Health.
Hospital Saturday Fund: A policy with the Hospital Saturday Fund health plan provides you and your family with cover for your primary medical expenses
- Mental Health Support
Inspire Workplaces provides a confidential and independent counselling support service for all staff that is available 24/7 365 days per year (Freephone: 0808 800 0002)
Mental Health First Aiders are based in a range of schools and locations across the EA to be a point of contact and offer workplace support for anyone who is going through some form of mental health issue or emotional distress.
- Open Access Sessions: An array of open access sessions under our key themes that are available to view and access at a time that is suitable to you.
Open Access Session that we have available to all staff at a time that suits them are below: - ActivHealth: An online fitness channel in partnership with Activhealth where you can access a wide range of exercise classes.
- Staff Interest Groups: A number of Staff Interest Groups to promote social interaction with colleagues while enjoying and exploring various hobbies and interests including Open Water Swimming and Reading.
- Health and Wellbeing Champions: Health and Wellbeing Champions are employees who volunteer to run and or support wellbeing activities within their workplace.
Learning and Development
Developing all our people is one of our key strategic priorities and it’s one that we take very seriously. There are lots of great learning and development opportunities in the organisation for all our staff.
Professional Development
We employ a wide range of registered professional staff from teachers to social workers, procurement professionals, solicitors and beyond. We support our professional staff to maintain and develop their professional expertise through internal programmes, such as those provided by our Teacher Professional Learning service, and access to external development and professional bodies.
Career Progression
We support the career development of all of our employees through a range of skills, knowledge and leadership development opportunities to encourage personal and professional growth.
Many of our employees have had successful careers with us having been encouraged and supported to take advantage of vacancies and secondment opportunities to progress.
Leadership & Management Development
Teaching staff at all levels and in all roles can avail of our leadership and management development initiatives, including bite size learning, self-directed learning and formal leadership and management development programmes.
Find out more:
Equality and Diversity
Our Equality & Diversity Unit is committed to making sure our workforce is as diverse as our society, and is responsible for many schemes, initiatives and networking groups that support and provide equality of opportunity for all our staff.
Equal Opportunities
Our Equal Opportunities Unit is proactive in identifying areas where Diversity categories are under-represented and works towards attracting people to roles of all kinds to ensure our workforce is as diverse as our society through targeted equality and diversity initiatives.
LINK – Disability & Carers Staff Network
LINK is our Disability & Carers staff network which promotes a positive culture around disability across the organisation and provides peer to peer support to members.
For more information see our Staff Networks page.
GLEAM- EA's LGBTQ+ & Friends Staff Network
GLEAM is a staff network designed to promote a better understanding of LGBTQ+ Inclusion and make LGBT experiences more visible in the organisation through a programme of activities and the co-ordination of staff attendance at related events. GLEAM also works with other employers to share best practice and provides valuable networking opportunities for members including informal mentoring and coaching.
For more information see our Staff Networks page.
Disability Employment Support Service (DESS)
The Disability Employment Support Service supports our staff in schools and offices who have or acquire a disability. DESS makes sure staff have access to additional support and equipment whenever needed in addition to supporting those with disabilities with career advancement opportunities as well as making sure line management is suitably equipped to support them directly as well.
For more information see our Disability Employment Support Service section.
Menopause Workplace Policy
The Menopause Policy recognises that women may need additional consideration, support and adjustments during the time of change before, during and after the menopause.
The Education Authority values the contributions all our employees make to delivering better outcomes for children and young people and will support staff in work by having a positive attitude to the menopause, working proactively to make adjustments where necessary to support women experiencing the menopause and to ensure the workplace does not unintentionally make their symptoms worse.
For more information see our Menopause Policy.
Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse Workplace Policy
The EA is committed to promoting a workplace culture with zero tolerance for abuse that recognises that the responsibility for domestic and sexual violence and abuse lies with the perpetrator. Our ‘zero tolerance’ position on domestic and sexual violence and abuse is committed to ensuring that any employee who is the victim of domestic and sexual violence and abuse has the right to raise the issue with their employer in the knowledge that they will receive appropriate support and assistance.
For more information see our Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse Workplace Policy.
Trade Unions
We are committed to working positively with its Trade Union colleagues for the good of EA staff with a range of well-established structures in place to maximise the employee voice.
We actively encourages staff to consider trade union membership as the Trade Unions have an important role to play in making the EA a great place to work.
Contact details for the relevant Trade Unions recognised are provided below.