Join the Team

• We want each and every one of our students to succeed
• We do the right thing by our students and customers – that means we do whatever we can to ensure that no student falls behind in their studies, and that no customer is unhappy with the service they receive

• We model integrity in everything we do
• We never compromise on honesty or trustworthiness
• We adhere closely to laws and compliance standards
• We do what we say we will do, and fulfil our promises to staff

• High standards drive everything we do
• We deliver excellence, strive for continuous improvement and respond dynamically to change
• Each one of us is personally responsible and accountable for the quality of whatever we do
• We listen to our students and understand their expectations
• We strive to exceed expectations in quality and delivery

• At UCEM each member of staff does everything they can to help other staff and students to achieve their goals
• We respect others and their opinions, we are open to ideas, we trust each other
• We promote a supportive working environment across UCEM that extends to our students
• We value and reward each individual’s skills, working towards common goals with shared objectives and through collaborative practice

• Paid holiday, 4 elements:

1. Normal holiday (26/28 days Full Time Equivalent per annum), increases with service.
2. Bank and public holidays.
3. Designated closure days (up to 5 days per annum).
4. Additional holiday: Paid ‘Wellbeing’ day(s), Buy and Sell/Carry Over options – at least one Buy window and one Sell/Carry Over window per annum.

• Occupational sickness pay from day one of employment; this tops up statutory sick pay provision.
• Salary exchange pension scheme (auto-enrolment): 7% employer contribution, 2.5% minimum employee contribution.  Employee can increase contributions; employee can also opt-out of salary exchange.  Some employees have access to the USS pension scheme (auto-enrolment): 14.5% employer contribution, 6.1% minimum employee contribution (not a salary exchange scheme).
• Life assurance/death in service for all employees, minimum x4 annual salary cover.
• Flexibility in relation to place of work (office based, hybrid working, remote working). Note: one option will be selected as the contractual position based on the role. Certain roles may not be suitable for fully- remote working; where this is the case it will be made clear during the recruitment process.

• Contractual flexible working built around a core hours’ model.
• Core office days set as Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
• Holiday increases with service (28 days after 5 years).
• Holiday buy option is up to 5 days’ Full Time Equivalent per holiday year.
• Holiday sell or carry over option is up to 2 days’ per holiday year (choose one or neither).
• Policies in place for all types of family-friendly statutory leave with enhanced pay available from day one of employment (in addition to statutory pay where applicable).

• Employer-paid health cash plan for employees, with options available to enhance cover (enhancements are employee-paid).
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) available 24/7 365 days per year: telephone and face to face counselling; online resources including both a portal and app.
• Access to Thrive Mental Wellbeing: offers confidential, proactive, and preventative mental health support via an app and web-based portal. Includes access to online therapy.
• Dedicated wellbeing area on the intranet, containing an ever-growing number of resources relating to physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
• Discounted gym memberships.
• Optical care support, employer-paid (see Eye Test Policy and Form).
• Dental insurance for employees, voluntary basis (employee-paid).
• First aid training for first aiders (including mental health).
• Fire warden training for fire wardens.
• Social committee events, some subsidised by UCEM.
• Charity and voluntary paid day, per annum.
• Promotion of sustainable living (employee sustainability pledges).
• Employer paid Private Medical Insurance (specific job roles only).

Other benefits and employee recognition

• Paid professional body subscription, one per annum per employee.
• Peer to peer recognition via a dedicated online platform including: Values awards (employee recognition as part of All Staff Webinars) and Star Awards (employee recognition as part of Christmas party).
• Long service awards (financial award at 10, 20 and 30 years’ service).
• Employee Referral Bonus Scheme.
• Sabbatical Leave policy (eligibility criteria applies).
• Opportunity to join the Sustainability Champions network to contribute towards shaping a culture of sustainability at UCEM.

Benefits specific to office working

• Modern office environment with strong sustainability credentials, assessed and certified as Excellent on the BREEAM rating scale:
  • Break-out spaces.
  • Collaborative working spaces.
  • Kitchen and rest facilities, including outside deck.
  • Shower and changing facilities, including lockers.
  • Contemplation room.
  • Locked bike shelter.
• Free tea, coffee and milk in The Hub and all kitchen facilities.
• Fresh fruit available for free (selected days only).