Rewards and benefits
The University of Westminster offers a range of well-being and work-life balance benefits to recognise and reward the essential contribution our staff make to our success and growth.
Core benefits include:
- Thirty-five days annual leave per year, plus bank/national holidays and University of Westminster closure days (pro-rata for part-time staff)
- Access to a final salary pension scheme
- Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Sickness benefits increasing with your length of employment
- Benefits for long service
Key benefits
Annual leave
All University of Westminster employees enjoy a generous annual leave allowance of 35 days per year (pro rata for part-time staff). This is in addition to the statutory bank/national holidays and those times when we are closed in the interest of efficiency (eg the period between Christmas and New Year).
Current staff can view further detail in the annual leave policy on the Intranet.
Final salary pension schemes
All University of Westminster employees (with contracts of more than 12 weeks duration) can join one of our final salary pension schemes. There are currently three schemes available to staff:
- The Teachers' Pensions
- The Local Government Pension Scheme
- University Superannuation Scheme (open only to existing members – Final salary/career average)
Current staff can view further detail in the pension schemes information on the Intranet.
Flexible working
A number of supportive policies aid work-life balance and create a family-friendly workplace at the University of Westminster. These include home-working and policies on special leave.
All staff have the right to request flexible working, particularly parents of young children and those with caring responsibilities. Flexibility may apply to your hours of work, the times that you work and where you work.
Well-being
Private healthcare schemes
All employees at the University of Westminster have the option to join the Universities and Colleges Personal Healthcare Scheme, operated by AXA PPP Healthcare. This gives access to private medical care for employees, their partner and dependants at a competitive subscription rate.
We also offer staff the opportunity to subscribe to the Simply Health Cash plan (previously known as the HSA Health Cash Plan) which covers private healthcare services and treatments.
Visit the Simply Health website.
Health and fitness services
The University of Westminster has a wide range of sporting facilities for both staff and students, including gyms at Regent Street and Harrow campuses, as well as the Chiswick Sports Ground. Staff are offered reduced monthly and annual membership rates.
Polyclinic
The University of Westminster Polyclinic provides low-cost access to a range of complementary therapies including acupuncture, bodywork massage and herbal medicine. For full details of the therapies available and how to make an appointment please view the Polyclinic's webpages.
Employee counselling and support
The Universities and College Employee Support helpline provides information on a range of practical issues such as family care, health, employment, law, finance, housing and education to all employees and their immediate families.
Current staff can view further details on our employee counselling and support Intranet webpage.
Eye care voucher scheme
All members of staff who use Display Screen Equipment are entitled to free regular eye tests in accordance with the University of Westminster’s eye care voucher scheme.
Sickness
We are committed to improving the health, well-being and attendance of all employees to improve organisational effectiveness.
Current staff should refer to our absence policy on the Intranet for full details.
Family friendly
Maternity leave and pay
The University of Westminster operates a generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave package which is more favourable than statutory requirements.
Child Care voucher scheme
We offer a child care voucher scheme for members of staff with children.
For further details current staff can view the child care voucher Intranet web pages.
Flexible working
A number of supportive policies aid work-life balance and create a family-friendly workplace at the University of Westminster. These include home-working and policies on special leave.
All employees have the right to request flexible working arrangements, particularly parents of young children and those with caring responsibilities. Flexibility may apply with respect to your hours of work, the times that you work and your place of work.Lifestyle and recognition
Season ticket loans
An interest free loan is available for staff to buy an annual rail, London underground, bus or other season ticket with a recognised transport operator for your journey to and from work. Employees are eligible for this benefit upon successful completion of probationary period.
For more details, current staff can view our Intranet season ticket loan webpage.
Give as you earn
The University of Westminster operates a Give as you Earn scheme whereby employees can choose to make a regular donation to charity each month through payroll. This is a completely tax-free, simple and flexible way for you to support your favourite charity on a regular basis.
Cycle to work
We have an agreement with Cyclescheme Ltd to run an assisted bike purchase scheme for staff. The scheme takes advantage of a tax concession offered by the Government. Under this agreement, employees who have contracts of employment that outlast the duration of the salary sacrifice (pay back) period can benefit from obtaining a tax-free bike and accessories (eg safety equipment).
Staff must be over 18 years old and have completed their probationary period to be eligible. Staff participating in the scheme can expect to save between 33-41 per cent off the high street price of a bike, depending on your individual tax status.
Current staff can view further information on the University of Westminster’s Intranet.
Long Service Award
We value and appreciate the loyalty and hard work of our long-serving staff. Employees who have completed 25 years continuous service can purchase a gift of their choosing of up to £250 value.
Qualifying continuous service includes work for the Polytechnic of Central London, Harrow, Paddington and Holborn Colleges.
Application should be made to Human Resources Services Team (ext 66992).
