‘Since delivering exceptional communications programmes relies on exceptional ability as professionals, at Virgo it’s the people that really matter. We don’t just pay lip service we really do dedicate a significant amount of time and energy into recruiting, nurturing and developing our team. We believe that by making this investment, not just talking about it, we will continue to cultivate the best of the best.’
Anna Parfitt, HR Director
In our pursuit of the best we aim for Virgo to be the best place to work. We believe we surpass other agencies in many ways, including our delivery on our promise of positive reward and recognition. Our people are hungry for challenge and stretch which means many progress through the business with close support from their managers and colleagues. We pride ourselves on our commitment and investment in developing our people and this is shown by the 15 internal promotions over the last year.
Virgo HEALTH was recognised as an ‘Investor in People’ in October 2007 for our commitment to employee development and creating a happy, productive working environment.
“This assessment has highlighted how the values of a company can make a real difference to why people ‘choose’ to work at Virgo. People genuinely want to succeed and continually improve services to clients. Despite working to targets everyone is prepared to help colleagues to achieve the overall goals. Teamwork is paramount to the success of this business.”
Julie-Ann Hayes, IIP Assessor, October 2007
Developing our team
New joiners to Virgo receive a tailored induction programme and a buddy to ensure they feel part of the team from day one. We run an extensive programme of both internal and external training sessions, plus our bespoke leadership programme for managers and a mentoring scheme for all staff. Everyone has regular performance reviews and an annual behaviour based 360 degree appraisal which identifies meaningful development objectives as well as providing an opportunity for a ‘pat on the back’ for doing a great job!
The rewards
At Virgo we are committed to rewarding our people. We offer a competitive salary plus a range of Virgo adVantage benefits including annual performance related bonus, private medical cover, non-contributory company pension scheme, 26 days holiday, anniversary vouchers, £250 annual well being treat, birthday cakes, fantastic social events (courtesy of the Socialights team) and biscuits in constant supply!
We also love to listen and share information, and we do this through regular ‘Virgo Voice’ internal meetings, our ideas box, and at the quarterly business updates.
Joining the Virgo team
Our strategy is to seek out and recruit those who share our Virgo values and behaviours. We can only ever be as good as the people who join and work with us which is why there is absolutely no room for compromise.
If you feel that you have something to offer Virgo and are interested in joining our team please get in touch with our HR Director, anna.parfitt@virgohealth.com, or call +44 (0) 20 8939 2450 to find out more.
Becky, Senior Account Manager
As a Senior Account Manager, my role is to make sure our clients’ PR programmes run smoothly and we meet our objectives. This typically involves being a key point of contact for the clients, thinking about who in the team is best placed to take on actions and keep everything moving forwards, on time and within the budget allocated.
I find Virgo a fun place to work because you get opportunities you wouldn’t be given in another agency, staff are made a real priority and, even when it gets busy, there is still a positive, vibrant atmosphere in the office.
Tim, Account Director
One of my key interests is NHS policy and I’ve been a member of the specialist Policy team at Virgo since I joined. Through my involvement, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many of the key movers and shakers in the NHS and pharmaceutical industry and it’s been hugely rewarding to use the insight I’ve gained in the development and delivery of a variety of successful media campaigns.
Lisa, Director, Consumer Health
My special area of interest is media, having trained as a broadcast journalist before embarking on my PR career. I started at Virgo as an Account Director in 2005 and have been given a host of opportunities ever since. Every single person working here is inspirational and the sense of team is incredibly strong – we always strive to do the very best we can no matter what challenges we face, having lots of laughs and fun along the way!
Rachel, Senior Account Executive
I joined Virgo just over a year ago. I am now a Senior Account Executive and find Virgo an enormously rewarding and happy place to work. I have been particularly impressed by the importance which is placed on training and personal development.
The often touted picture of PR agencies being inhospitable places to work, full of people who are just out for themselves couldn’t be further from the truth at Virgo. We work as a team and even at a junior level you feel a valued part of the company.
Ondine, Account Director
Virgo’s non hierarchal ethos has meant I’ve had chance to work closely with and learn from the expertise and experience of more senior members of the Virgo team. I have benefited from an intensive development programme that includes a mentor.
For me working in a company that delivers exceptional services to the client and also the opportunity to work with exceptional people is very important. I think Virgo excels in always going the extra mile, striving to deliver beyond expectations.