The benefits of working at the University
As a valued member of staff at the University you'll have access to a range of benefits and schemes to support you both in and out of work.
Work-life balance
Hybrid working
We are a campus based residential university and as such the expectation is that all staff will spend some of their time on campus.The university is committed to allowing its employees to work to a hybrid model with a combination of working on campus and remotely, where possible. Hybrid working benefits your own work-life balance, but also allows us to deliver our work more effectively in the long term and support us in creating a more inclusive working environment.
Family friendly policies
We have a range of generous family-friendly policies to support a work-life balance including parental leave, maternity/adoption and paid time off for emergency caring responsibilities which go above statutory entitlements.
Annual and additional leave
The amount of annual leave you are entitled to is dependent on your grade:
- 27 days pro rata for grades 1 to 6
- 30 days pro rata for grades 7 to 9
In addition to eight bank holidays, you’ll benefit from the three days between Christmas and new year when the University closes (pro rata for part-time staff).
Additional annual leave
You have the option of purchasing up to 10 additional days annual leave each year (pro rata for part time staff). The cost is spread over 12 months.
Financial wellbeing and reward
Pay
Our main University pay structure includes grades with a normal expectation of annual progression of approximately 2-3% a year up to the grade maximum.
Beyond the grade maximum, there’s opportunity for further progression based on exceptional performance. The pay rates are uplifted annually in line with a sector negotiated pay award. Our minimum pay rate is in line with the Voluntary Living Wage.
Our professors and equivalent level senior staff are eligible for an annual pay review where exceptional performance in the role is recognised and rewarded.
Pension scheme
As a member of staff at the University of Sheffield you have access to one of our generous pension schemes. There are three schemes available:
- University of Sheffield Pension Scheme (USPS), a cash balance scheme, for staff on grades 1 to 5.
- Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), a hybrid scheme with both defined benefits and defined contribution sections, for staff on grade 6 and above.
- NHS Pension Scheme (NHSPS), is available to staff working on any grade within the NHS subject to meeting strict eligibility criteria.
Financial education
Planning your financial future is extremely important. To help aid your understanding and take control of your financial future, you can attend free financial and pensions education webinars which are tailored for different career stages and our pension schemes.
Salary-linked loans
We work with an external provider, who are able to offer you a fair and responsible way to borrow money from them at a preferential rate which will allow you to manage or consolidate any existing personal debts. The University arranges the salary-deducted loan repayments and passes the funds over to our loan provider.
The arrangements are at no cost or financial benefit to the University.
Recognition awards
A range of awards which are available to reward you for excellent performance and going above and beyond the expectations of your role.
The awards range include a formal e-card thank you, annual leave, gift vouchers, additional payments and a range of team awards.
Health and wellbeing
We're committed to providing an environment that supports and encourages the wellbeing of our staff. All employees can access a comprehensive package of wellbeing initiatives and services including:
Staff Mental Health Adviser Service
Staff are able to access our in-house Staff Mental Health Adviser Service that offers specialist and confidential advice and support for staff experiencing mental health challenges and draws on tailored interventions appropriate to each individual's circumstances.
Support for those going through the menopause, experiencing fertility treatment and having a baby
We’re the first university in the UK to partner with Peppy Health to provide colleagues and their loved ones with personalised support for:
- staff and their partners from expert menopause practitioners
- anyone considering having a child, trying to conceive, undergoing fertility treatment and dealing with loss
- anyone during pregnancy, adoption, fostering and surrogacy as well as early parenthood.
Paid leave for IVF treatment
We recognise the emotional and physical challenges which may arise from undergoing fertility treatments. Staff with more than 26 weeks service may take up to five days paid leave (pro rata) per treatment cycle, with up to two days leave per cycle for partners (pro-rata).
Back care
All staff get free ten-minute phone calls and video consultations from Remedy Physio. If you wish to continue treatments then you can take advantage of discounted rates.
Westfield Health
We've partnered with Westfield Health to give all staff access to health cover for at a discounted rate through payroll. You can get money back up to set limits on optical check ups, dental appointments and private consultations.
Support for staff with caring responsibilities
We understand that dual pressures of work and home life can be difficult for those with these additional responsibilities and we want to make sure that all members of staff can thrive at work by offering practical support, raising awareness and establishing a culture of support.
In October 2021 we launched a new Time Off For Emergency Caring Responsibilities policy which provides enhanced provision of up to five additional days (pro rata) paid leave, to cover emergency caring responsibilities for all staff across our university who combine work and caring responsibilities.
Benefits and discounts
Shopping discounts
Our Shop & Save scheme enables you to make savings or earn shopping rewards. From electronics, fashion, food, leisure, fitness and holidays, you’ll be able to grab discounts and earn shopping rewards from your favourite high street shops.
Cinema discounts
Enjoy a night at the cinema with discounted cinema tickets available for you and the family, at a range of venues throughout the UK.
Cycle to work
This government-backed initiative enables you to save on the cost of a bicycle and safety accessories which are suitable for commuting to work. You can then make savings on the amount of Tax and National Insurance you pay.
Give as you earn
Our charitable giving scheme helps you to give back to the wider community at a lesser cost through salary sacrifice, meaning your chosen charity receives a larger donation.
An inclusive and diverse workplace
We're fully committed to sustaining a positive and mutually supportive working environment free from harassment, discrimination, bullying and victimisation where staff can work collaboratively and productively together, and where all staff are equally valued and respected.
Through working collaboratively with faculties, the Students' Union, academics and professional service staff, we aim to remove barriers that you may face and promote equality of opportunity so that you can achieve your full potential at our University.
Race equality
Our Race Equality Strategy and Action Plan outlines our commitment to improving and progressing race equality.
Gender equality
Disability inclusion
We're proud to be a certified Disability Confident Employer, which reflects our commitment to recruit and retain disabled people and those with health conditions. We’re also currently working on a strategy and action plan to improve the provisions we offer to those who are disabled.
LGBT+ equality
We are developing an internal LGBT+ strategy ensuring our work in this area brings about the most benefit to LBGT+ staff and students.
Staff development
Our professional learning and development opportunities will help you to reach your potential.
Staff induction
When you start working at the University we provide resources, events and information, helping you as a new member of staff at the University of Sheffield. You will also have access to a series of mandatory training to ensure you can work safely in your new role.
Staff Review and Development Scheme (SRDS)
You’ll have an annual meeting with your manager or designated reviewer to reflect on your previous 12 months, explore development opportunities and agree objectives for the coming year ahead.
People development
We have a range of programmes and learning modules to support your development, enhance your skills and expand your working relationships and networks, including our How To series and Grow Mentoring Programme.
Research development concordat
The Researcher Development team offers a wide range of development opportunities through the programme Think Ahead, a framework for the continuous professional development of researchers at the University of Sheffield, supporting individual career ambitions in and beyond academia.
Learning and teaching
Our Elevate programme provides support and development opportunities for all staff involved in learning and teaching (including PGR students). This includes online guidance, a programme of workshops and events, one to one advice consultations and bespoke workshops.
Student-facing roles
Supporting the Supporters is a staff development and training programme provided by Student Support Services. The programme is available to staff in roles which are student facing including student support and administration. Covering a wide range of topics, the sessions are delivered by University staff with expertise in their subject areas.
Leaders and managers
We run programmes such as Sheffield Leader: Management Fundamentals, Experienced Manager Development and Executive Team Development. Explore our manager toolkits that provide flexible access to key policies and procedures to help you effectively fulfil your management role.
Technical and Professional Services Development and Progression
To support our technical and professional services colleagues to succeed in developing and stepping into new roles in their department or across the University, we have established two key mechanisms that will help us to identify and prioritise internal talent and maximise knowledge exchange and organisational learning.
These two key mechanisms are:
- Creating and utilising a Shared Skills Framework that maps developmental activities available to support learning and progression.
- Identifying, publishing and promoting Professional Services Career Routes.