About University of Birmingham
What is the University of Birmingham?
The University of Birmingham says "Founded in 1900, the University of Birmingham was England's first civic university" and calls itself "the original 'redbrick' University, part of the prestigious Russell Group". Its about page says "The 10 Nobel Laureates we count among our staff and alumni have contributed to some of science's greatest discoveries", and its strategy, Birmingham 2030, "sets out our aspiration to establish Birmingham in the top 50 of the world's leading universities". Its jobs page describes "thriving campuses in Birmingham and Dubai" with "a large selection of opportunities in a range of academic, professional, technical, manual and administrative roles", and says it is proud to hold the "Advance HE Race Equality Charter and Athena Swan Charter" and to be a "Disability Confident Employer".
Where will I work?
Its main campus is in Edgbaston, Birmingham, and its jobs page says "One of the things our staff say most about working for us in Birmingham is that they love campus life", with grounds that "boast beautiful gardens, sports facilities, shops, and eateries". Its staff-benefits page says the campus has its own University train station and is "on many main bus routes", and lists "Family friendly flexible working and hybrid working where possible". Its postings give the site as "University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK", and the vacancies it advertises include library, laboratory, research and administration roles; a second campus is in Dubai International Academic City.
What is the University of Birmingham team like?
Its joining page lists six staff networks: "Enabling Staff Network (For staff with disabilities)", "Parents and Carers Network", "Race Equality Network", "Rainbow Network (For LGBTQ+ staff)", "Women's Network" and "Neurodiversity Network", and says "All staff are also provided with unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning". It offers "the Birmingham Professional programme to all professional services staff", designed "to enable staff to grow and develop in their careers as well as contribute to the leadership and management culture at the University". Its benefits page adds "Academic Development Programme for new Assistant Professors", "Coaching and Mentoring schemes" and an "Early Careers Academy and networks groups".
Work-Life Balance
Its staff-benefits page lists "40 days annual leave per year (pro-rata for part time staff), including 8 bank holidays and 7 closed days", and its closed-days page says "In addition to the UK Bank Holidays, the University closes for a further seven days in each academic year including Christmas, New Year and the Tuesday and Wednesday after Easter". Its joining page breaks the 40 days into "25 days of 'bookable' annual holiday, seven closed days, and eight bank holidays" for full-time professional services, administrative and other academic-related staff, adds "Full salary is payable during holidays", and lets staff "Purchase up to 10 extra days of additional leave if you need them". For academic staff it says "No specified periods of holiday are laid down", with holidays taken "in consultation with the Head of School". It also lists "Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave", "3 on site award winning day care nurseries with discounted rates for staff", an "Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)" with "Confidential counselling services available 24/7", and "one day a year to volunteer as part of our Birmingham in Action initiative".
Perks and Benefits
- 40 days a year for professional services staff: 25 bookable days, seven closed days and eight bank holidays, with up to 10 extra days to buy
- Hybrid working where possible, and family friendly flexible working
- Generous, tax-efficient workplace pension schemes
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Three on-site day nurseries with discounted rates for staff
- An Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 confidential counselling, and one day a year to volunteer
- Free LinkedIn Learning, the Birmingham Professional programme, coaching and mentoring
- Salary sacrifice public transport season tickets, discounted electric car leasing and a cycle to work scheme
- Discounts on holidays, computer equipment, groceries and utility bills, discounted gym membership and free staff entry to Winterbourne House and Gardens
- Relocation support for some roles, including an interest-free loan of up to £10,000 for relocation and immigration costs