Computer Weekly, in association with human resources magazine
Personnel Today, is searching for the best places to work in IT. We
aim to put together an "alternative prospectus" of good places to
work as selected by those who work in them. We have had a
phenomenal response and week-by-week we will bring you highlights
from some of the entries. This week we get Kelvin Haste's thoughts
on working for Somerset County Council in Taunton
Employer Zone: Kelvin Haste Name: Kelvin Haste
Job title: Database manager Company: Somerset County Council
Location: Taunton
Atmosphere
Describe your
office
The office is open plan and usually quiet. People
are always very willing to help.
What colour is the carpet in your office? Blue.
How close do you sit to your nearest colleague?
About
four paces.
Do you and your colleagues socialise outside of work?
Yes. We like to go to either the Wyvern club or the Pen and Quill
pub. We get together after work for a curry once a month.
Any other comments on atmosphere?
The atmosphere is
always good. We work at the heart of local government, so we are at
the front line for unforeseen events, such as fuel shortages,
flooding and foot and mouth. There is always someone to turn to for
help when you need it - and in turn you provide that assistance for
anyone else.
Location
Are there pubs within walking distance of
your office? What are they like?
Yes, at least 10. Most
are very good, with decent food as well. The cost of beer ranges
from £1.80 to £2.25 a pint.
We tend to congregate at the Old Library in Taunton, which is
actually the old public library. The atmosphere is very good and it
is less than 100 yards from the office.
Does your office have good transport links?
Our office
has very good transport links, but you could just as easily drive
as parking is free.
Any other comments on location?
Even though we are in
an urban environment, I don't feel that we are in the hub of IT
action.
Training
Has your company helped you develop a
career path? How has this happened?
Yes. The company
places a heavy emphasis on training and development. Regular
reviews are held to make sure everyone is kept well informed.
Do staff get the opportunity to move around the company to gain
experience?
Yes, people do get to move around and try
their hand at something different within the company.
Does your company have its own training department?
We
have an in-house training department that promotes training and
development.
I have been on a number of courses: developer courses, software
usage and reporting.
TechnologyDo you get access to cutting-edge technology?
Not
usually. Most of the cutting-edge technology is left to senior
management.
Is your software updated in line with the latest
releases?
Yes.
How old is the oldest computer in your office?
Two
years old.
How big is your monitor screen?
19 inches.
Describe any exciting projects you have worked on
I
have just finished setting up a database for the largest residents'
panel in the world.
BenefitsWhat benefits does your company provide?
I get 26
days' holiday a year. You can get three months' maternity leave and
there is a company pension.
Do you have team-building events? What sorts of things have you
done?
Team building events are usually centred on
discussion forums. We get some very positive results from these
events. Our team-building exercises are away days, where the whole
team gets away for a day to further links and strengthen bonds,
without the constant interruption of telephones and e-mail.
Does your company provide a subsidised canteen?
Yes,
the average meal costs about £3. The curries are wonderful. That is
by far my favourite meal.
Describe your IT department in three words
On the
ball.