Staff Benefits

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When you work for the Students’ Union you join a vibrant and diverse community which is open and friendly with a welcoming face for all.

Most of our staff are located at the Highfield campus of the University of Southampton where we enjoy attractive grounds and gardens which even offer the joy of ducklings in the springtime! We also have staff located at the Winchester campus who benefit from the beautiful park next door and working close to the city centre.

We are delighted to be able to offer a number of benefits to our staff over and above their monthly remuneration.

Holiday

Annual leave entitlement of 24 days or 30 days dependent on role (pro rata if relevant). Additionally, all bank holidays and further closure days (8) around Christmas, Easter and August. You can also purchase up to 1 week of leave!

Pension

We offer a generous pension scheme (SUSURF). We contribute 10% and employees have flexibility on how much they would like to contribute (0% - 6%). For our fixed-term roles, we offer the NEST Pension scheme.

Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Through our salary sacrifice scheme you can reduce costs on the following: - Pension (SUSURF after 3 months service) - Cycle to Work Scheme (in accordance with eligibility criteria)

Flexible Working

We support flexible working. Although we work from Highfield (Southampton) most of the week, we’re open to chatting about what would suit you, as well as work for your team, and the wider organisation.

Organisational get togethers

We come together at all-staff communications events to share updates and celebrate achievements. We also have various socials throughout the year and an end of year Festive Party.

SUSU Interest Free Loan

We offer an interest-free loan scheme of up to £750 to be repaid over 12 months (eligibility criteria apply).

Volunteering

You can have 1 full paid day per year for volunteering, or trade in up to 1 day of annual leave to receive twice the duration paid time off for volunteering.

Employee Assistance Programme

We’ve partnered with Spectrum Life, a helpline available 24/7 for you and any immediate family. Whether you’re having a challenge with family life, finances, or health, they can be a listening ear.

Keeping Healthy

We cover the costs of up to £80 for an eye test and glasses. You also have access to the University Sport and Wellbeing Centre for a discounted monthly price. Additionally, you can enrol yourself and your immediate family on Benenden Health, which comes with instant access to resources and medical services.

Travel

You can have a discounted bus pass for UniLink and BlueStar buses and also get a bus pass loan to be repaid in monthly instalments. You will be eligible for discounted bus passes, whether that be purchased directly yourself or through our bus pass loan which is paid back in monthly instalments. With our Cycle to Work scheme, you can choose a bike up to the value of £3000 (eligibility criteria apply), paying nothing up front and splitting the cost into monthly payments.

Development

You will be able to access LinkedIn Learning containing over 21,000 courses in 24 languages for free (saving you £30 a month!). You can also join our internal SUSU mentoring with fellow colleagues, or our Charity Mentoring Network (with mentors from over 50 charities).

In addition to the benefits offered by the Students’ Union, our staff are also eligible for benefits provided by the University of Southampton. Please click on the areas below to find out more.