Agile Working
The Agile Work Scheme (AWS) was initially introduced in September 2021 following changes to working patterns during Covid and feedback from employees via the staff pulse survey.
Our Agile Working Scheme allows informal arrangements to be made where a member of staff, within agreed parameters which suit them, their fellow team members, and the needs of their department, can have greater flexibility around their normal hours, time, or location of their work with limited formal process. It harnesses technology to enable staff to work in ways which enhance performance and meet their needs, without traditional limitations of where and when tasks must be performed (e.g., working from home, flexing hours on a variable basis, etc.).
A campus community with a strong sense of belonging is something we are extremely proud of. We encourage staff to take part in BGU events such as staff development days, graduation ceremonies, and meetings in person, depending on BGU business needs.
General feedback collected regarding the scheme was extremely positive, employees are now achieving a greater work life balance through providing greater flexibility, for example, around medical appointments, travel in adverse weather conditions, and avoiding potential sickness absences when attending campus is not physically possible.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Bishop Grosseteste University teamed up with Health Assured to provide a free, 24/7 Employee Counselling and Support Service. They have a wealth of information and advice on topics such as anxiety, depression, debt, legal issues, bereavement, and relationships. The EAP offers a suite of wellbeing services so our employees can receive the best support.
Health Assured also offer BGU employees with a free health and wellbeing app which provides proactive wellbeing tools and engaging features to enhance their existing services. The app features:
o Interactive weekly mood tracker
o Four-week health plans
o Mini health checks
o Health hub & goals
o Breathing techniques
o Perks & discounts
Well-being Initiatives
In addition to providing employees with:
- 24/7 access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
BGU also provides an on-campus Chapel and Chaplaincy Team who offer support and advice, as well as host inclusive social events. There is also an on-site gym which offers subsidised membership and classes for employees.
Cycle2Work & Electric Car Scheme (Carbon Footprint)
Bishop Grosseteste University have initiatives such as the Cycle2Work and Electric Car Schemes.
The electric car scheme allows staff to lease electric vehicles and make savings on tax and national insurance contributions, while supporting the Universities sustainability implementation plan to help reduce carbon emissions. This is an exciting initiative for BGU which will give each member of staff the opportunity of going electric which will both help the environment and also result in travel savings.
It adds to the university’s ongoing efforts towards sustainable transport options which includes the cycle to work scheme, and the promotion of public transport, car-sharing where possible alongside other efforts in energy, waste and water management, sustainable purchasing.
The Electric Car Scheme will allow employees to lease electric cars through a third-party provider (LeasePlan) accompanied by many perks:
o A brand-new car every 36 months
o Save on income tax and NI
o No deposit
o No personal credit checks
o Hassle free motoring
Annual Leave
Leave entitlement for staff on Grades 2 – 6 is 25 days per annum, rising to 28 days after 3 years’ continuous service, plus bank and statutory holidays.Leave entitlement for staff on Grades 7+ is 35 days per annum, plus bank and statutory holidays. In addition to this we have a 3 day close down period over Christmas.
The annual leave year runs from 1 January – 31 December. Leave entitlement is pro-rata for part-time employees. Employees are allowed to carry over a maximum of 3 days at the end of the leave year.
Training & Development
BGU recognises that its employees are fundamental to its success. A strategic, professional approach to staff development helps the University to attract and retain high-calibre employees with the skills and competencies necessary to deliver its objectives.
Our Staff Learning & Development Policy has been developed to align with the University Strategy 2019-25 and reflects a belief in the need to develop all employees and provide an opportunity for them to reach their full potential.
We are committed to providing employees with development opportunities to ensure that individuals and departments are able to contribute fully to the achievement of department and University objectives in the context of the strategic plan.
