Staff Benefits

Each of our 5 campus locations across the country has their own unique feel. Wherever you're based, there's always something for you to get involved in, and we want you to be a part of it.

The University’s ‘travel to' area offers a range of housing from city centre to rural environments. Housing is varied and in Cumbria and North Lancashire is competitively priced, particularly against similar properties in South East England.

We offer a grading structure based on a nationally agreed single salary spine with salary values which are index linked. Progression through our grades is by incremental steps (effective 1st August, subject to 6 months service) until the top of the grade is reached.

We operate two pension schemes depending on grade – Teachers Pension Scheme and a group personal pension operated by Scottish Widows, and you will be automatically enrolled into the scheme appropriate to your role.

We also offer excellent annual leave entitlements based on a full time minimum of 41 days per annum (including bank holidays). Colleagues in Grade 7 and above receive a full time entitlement of 43 days per annum (including bank holidays).

In order to provide further flexibility on top of our already existing generous annual leave entitlement, colleagues also have the opportunity to buy up to an additional 10 days annual leave (pro rata) per holiday year.

Wherever practical, the ability to work a hybrid working pattern involving a proportion of the working week being worked off-campus is available.

We anticipate that all colleagues will engage in continuing professional and occupational development to enable them to meet their own and the University’s objectives. Our Organisational Development and Academic Quality teams offer a portfolio of support activities including fee waivers for certain UoC courses.

Financial support is also available for further study undertaken outside UoC. Academic colleagues are also supported to achieve Advance HE accreditation of their teaching.

A Sabbatical leave scheme allows academic colleagues who apply for an extended period of leave to undertake research, innovation, teaching development and/or knowledge transfer that support UoC strategies.

All colleagues are expected to participate in processes to help them develop and meet their professional objectives – these include objective setting, performance and development review, coaching and feedback and career development discussions.

We are committed through our Health and Wellbeing action plan, to support all colleagues with their own self-care, recognising that people face a diverse range of issues.

The plan encompasses both the physical and mental health of everyone, whilst also recognising that our culture, values, personal development, and work environment, contribute greatly to our overall wellbeing.

Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers access to a free, confidential helpline which provides unlimited access to information to help colleagues deal with a range of problems, no matter how big or small, which may affect their personal lives or performance at work.

We also offer colleagues a range of other support and guidance through our Health and Wellbeing Hub. This includes an Access to Work Mental Health Support Service.

As part of our health and wellbeing action plan, we offer:

1. Excellent rates for our sports centre memberships (which also include access to external partner providers)
2. A salary sacrifice Cycle to Work Scheme through Enjoy Benefits offering colleagues the ability to purchase a bike or e-bike up to the value of £2500

We work in partnership with Health Shield, who offer Healthcare Cash Plans. It is possible to claim back significantly more than you pay for membership, saving you money on everyday healthcare.