A good year despite the pandemic - Head Of Operations British Society for Rheumatology Employee Review

Everyone is really friendly and helpful. There's a completely new senior management team and a new CEO. Staff are listened to and consulted - there's now a working group dedicated to making improvements for staff. Recently awarded IIP accreditation. We're all involved in the big decisions and setting our path for the future. Benefits are good and being improved. Atmosphere is focused but relaxed. Very social. Summer picnic, christmas party and team away days. Bring your dog to work days. Chance to work on big projects and initiatives to develop your skills. The members are really nice which really helps. Office has had a major refurb, it's modern, bright and lifted spirits. It's been a huge transformation over the last couple of years and it's in such a good place now.

Historical legacies can make things testing but these are rapidly being removed. Committee/volunteer structure can make some decisions difficult to reach - but it's the same in every membership organisation. Some systems and tech not was outdated but already lots of improvements made, particularly in aiding remote working. Roles are specialist so it's not always easy to share workload. Not for profit so salaries can't be as competitive.

Some of the employees are great to work with and are clearly passionate about their jobs. Work life balance is good. The office location is good and it is a nice building. Salaries are in general pretty good and average for the industry. There are some good employee benefits and support for staff available.

Leadership is weak and directionless. Too much power, influence and control is given over to certain teams. Work tasks are reactionary and pushed onto staff without a strategic plan, and there is no follow-up or review once tasks are completed, it just moves onto the next project. They are in danger of alienating some membership with the direction they are travelling in when thinking about outputs. Despite well written policies and employee handbooks, some decision making is opaque and unclear which is problematic in a small organisation. While small organisations can be great places to work, a downside is the lack of development opportunity in the organisation.