Perks and incentives for staff

Understand what non-financial rewards and incentives you can give staff, so you can show your appreciation and stay compliant.

Updated
on 23 August 2026
See updates
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 2101
Contents
  1. Speak to your LA or trust before making changes 
  2. Consider inexpensive benefits and incentives
  3. Establish a staff social fund
  4. Staff perks/benefits package: ideas and examples 

Speak to your LA or trust before making changes 

This article offers suggestions of perks or incentives you could use. 

Before making any changes to your pay policy, it’s a good idea to speak to your local authority (LA) or trust first, and seek legal and/or HR advice to check your policy is watertight.

Also, you may need to report any benefits or expenses you provide to employees, and pay tax or National Insurance on them. Find out if you need to here.

Check the rules on financial awards

If your school follows the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD), your relevant body can only set specific types of benefits and payments.

You must review this process frequently and formally.

Read more about financial awards for recruitment and retention.

A teacher can give up the right to receive part of their salary in return for a benefit-in-kind as