FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Who can I talk to if I have a question? 

If you have an issue at work your first port of call would be contact your line manager/supervisor.  For advice you can always contact HR or for pay queries contact Payroll. If the issue is with health and safety you can contact our QuEST team, for more personal issues you can contact our Wellbeing Champions more information found on their community on Viva Engage or our external Employee Assistance Program.

When and how do I get paid?

Every colleague is paid by bank transfer every four weeks or monthly depending on the division you are working for, what payment cycle you are on will be confirmed in your contract.

What do I need to bring with me on day 1?

If you are attending an Operations Centre or an Office, we would always recommend you bring a packed lunch and a drink on your first day.

What should I wear?

For an office environment, we encourage smart, casual. Jeans are acceptable. Should you be starting in an Operations role, we recommend comfortable clothing that covers arms and legs, and all PPE will be provided on your first day.

When and where should I arrive on day 1?

You will be advised on where to be on your first day and at what time prior to your start date. If you’ve not heard anything 4-5 days prior to your start date, please contact our Resourcing team on [email protected]

Can I request extra training? 

Yes. Here at phs Group, we have our online learning system- U Learn. It is essentially a one stop shop e learning platform with job related training and over 750 development events to choose from. If the training you require is not on our U Learn platform, you can reach out to our L&D team who can provide additional training courses including apprenticeships, specific to your needs.

Do people socialise together?

Yes. Throughout the year, phs are also involved in numerous charity and social events. Recent social events have included celebrating the 2024 Olympics, internal summer & Christmas events, as well as other religious events throughout the year. We also have our internal social media platform- Viva Engage where you can connect, interact and share ideas with all phs colleges.

Who can I talk to if I have a cool idea outside my formal job remit? 

We have a variety of Viva Engage communities, which include anything from cycling club, dad jokes, a parents and caring network and a menopause support group. This online platform is also where people can share their personal life events and give/ seek advice amongst other phs colleagues who share similar interests.

Who can I ask if I have questions about my job or the company?

Your first point of contact would be you line manager or supervisor. You can also contact our Resourcing team or Learning and Development team to discuss any career opportunities. A monthly careers opportunity email is also distributed via internal channels with useful links and updates on internal vacancies.

Where can I get help if I’m struggling? 

Your line manager will be able to assist with most queries although; our external Employee Assistance Program can provide free advice on mental health, financial wellbeing and legal advice, for more information please ask your line manager. Our Wellbeing Champions can also point you in the right direction.

How much on-the-job training is there?

This varies from role to role, but all new starters will benefit from a training programme that includes an induction period and on-the-job training with our experienced teams to ensure you have the support you need to perform your role effectively.

How does holiday work?

We offer 23 days holiday plus bank holidays for full time employees, and a buy and sell scheme when you complete the probationary period that will increase your annual leave by up to 3 days if you so choose. Part time roles will have pro rata holiday. Holidays are booked off in agreement with your manager, and some departments have a holiday rota as there may already be people who have holiday booked within those departments. You should always check with your manager before booking any holiday dates.

What benefits do I get?

We have a wide range of benefits, including phs Perks providing discounts (instant vouchers, reloadable cards and cashback) with over 850 retailers including supermarkets, technology, DIY and holidays. We also have the ‘phs online shop’ where you can buy household items for the price we pay. Other benefits include a Buy and Sell Holiday scheme, a Cycle to Work scheme, our Employee Assistance Programme, and a Refer A Friend reward for recommending a friend or family member to come and work with us where you can receive at least £250.