Learn about new employee benefits coming soon

Colleagues will soon be able to benefit from two new employee schemes designed to make shopping on a budget simple and help stay healthy.

The Home and Electronics Scheme will give you the ability to spread the cost of purchasing items such as laptops or white goods through a salary sacrifice arrangement.

The second scheme is an Online GP Service designed to make healthcare more accessible and convenient by providing phone and video consultations with a registered doctor.

The schemes are being delivered through the Vivup platform and you can find out more by visiting https://www.vivup.co.uk/users/sign_in

Further information, including answers to frequently asked questions, will be published in the Employee Benefits section of the intranet ahead of the launch of both schemes on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.

Please watch the video below where Hayley Barnett, our Head of Corporate Support, explains more about these benefits.

What is the Home and Electronics Scheme?

The Home and Electronics Scheme gives employees access to a wide range of products, including tablets, mobile phones, TVs, home appliances, gaming equipment and more. Purchases are made through our provider, Vivup, with products available from well-known retailers such as Currys and John Lewis.

How does it work?

Rather than paying for an item upfront, you can spread the cost over 12 or 24 months through salary sacrifice deductions from your pay. Depending on your circumstances, this can provide savings on tax, National Insurance and pension contributions.

Orders can range from £100, making the scheme suitable whether you're purchasing a small household appliance or investing in larger technology purchases.

Things to consider

As with any employee benefit, it's important to understand how the scheme works before applying. Equipment provided through the scheme is treated by HMRC as a Benefit in Kind (BiK), which means a tax liability may arise and a P11D will be submitted. Colleagues should also consider any potential impact on their pension, as salary sacrifice arrangements reduce pensionable pay. A 5% administration fee will be added to the cost of each order and included within the salary sacrifice deduction. 

Colleagues are encouraged to compare prices before placing an order, particularly during retailer sales and promotional periods, to ensure the scheme offers the best value for their circumstances.

Find out more

To access the Home and Electronics Scheme, you'll need to register on the Vivup employee benefits portal at https://www.vivup.co.uk/users/sign_in

Registration allows you to browse the products available, compare prices and learn more about how the scheme works. There is no obligation to place an order after registering.

In addition to the Home and Electronics Scheme, the Vivup portal provides access to information on other employee benefits, including Lifestyle Savings, Employee Wellbeing, Capital Credit Union, Cycle to Work, Fleet Solutions, Give As You Earn, HSF Health Plan and My Money Matters.

What is the Online GP Service?

This service offers unlimited telephone and video consultations with registered GPs, allowing you to book appointments at a time that suits you. Consultations can take place from the comfort of your home or any other convenient location.

The service includes:

• Access to registered GPs
• Open referrals
• Private prescriptions (prescription costs apply)
• Cover for eligible dependants

Why are we introducing this benefit?

Accessing a GP appointment can sometimes be challenging, particularly when balancing work and personal commitments. Research shows the average wait for a GP appointment is around 10 days, while more than half of people who needed to see their GP in the last year avoided making an appointment altogether.

The Online GP Service is being introduced to help employees access healthcare more quickly and conveniently, reducing the need to take time away from work for routine appointments. It’s designed to make accessing healthcare simpler and more convenient, helping employees get advice and support when they need it most.

Find out more

The Online GP Service will be available through the Vivup portal from 4 November. To access the service, you'll need to register at https://www.vivup.co.uk/users/sign_in

Apply now to be a future leader

Applications are now open for the next cohort of the Aspiring Future Leaders pathway. Designed for colleagues who are in their first leadership roles or curious and motivated to make that next step.

Why join?

• greater confidence in leading others
• practical leadership skills you can apply
• better self-awareness through reflection and feedback
• access to coaching, mentoring and peer support
• stronger networks across the organisation
• preparation for future career opportunities

How you’ll learn

These development methods are aligned to The East Lothian Way and our leadership behaviours.

 

What do participants say?

PA Service Administrator Fiona Glass says: "The programme has enabled me to grow in confidence, particularly in people management, while helping me better understand my strengths, communication style and areas for further development.

"I particularly enjoyed the practical structure of the workshops, leaving each session with tangible takeaways that I could apply in my role, as well as the opportunity to connect with and learn from colleagues across the cohort.

"One of my biggest insights has been recognising the distinction between management and leadership, and how strong leadership helps create a positive culture."

Ready to develop your leadership potential?

Applications close on Friday 30 October. You can apply for the Aspiring Future Leaders pathway through the intranet (front page or search Leadership Development in the A to Z of services). Alternatively email leadershipdev@eastlothian.gov.uk to find out more. 

FREE training: Microsoft Office essentials

Edinburgh College is offering a free Microsoft Office Essentials course for East Lothian residents. 

Developed in partnership with East Lothian Works, the course will help people develop core digital skills in a supportive setting. 

The practical course is designed for adults who want to build confidence using computers and Microsoft Office applications for everyday life, learning and work. Whether you are returning to learning, looking to improve your skills or want to become more confident with technology, this course provides a welcoming introduction to digital skills.

The course starts on Thursday 22 October and will run for six weeks (6pm to 8pm) at Edinburgh College's Milton Road campus. 

How to apply:

Visit: Computing in the Community Microsoft Office Essentials | Edinburgh College