The University of Hull New staff members welcome brochure 2013 | Page 10

New Starters Welcome Guide Supporting our Staff The University of Hull values its staff and the contributions that they make. It understands the importance of having a well-motivated and postive workforce. That is why we offer our employees first-rate professional and personal development opportunities, competitive salary and pension packages and an environment that encourages excellence and diversity. Annual leave The leave year runs from 1 October in one year to 30 September in the following year. Please refer to your terms and conditions of service or contact your area Human Resources Administrator for further details of your annual entitlement. Pension schemes The University has several occupational pension schemes, and most employees will be entitled to join one of these. It also operates Smart Pensions – a salary sacrifice arrangement which allows both staff and the University to make savings on National Insurance contributions. It applies only to those eligible to join the Universties Superannuation Scheme or the Scottish Widows defined contribution pension scheme. New staff will automatically be entered into the relevant pension scheme, using this Smart Pensions arrangement, but may opt out. For further details contact the Pensions team on (01482 46)6300 or email [email protected]. Family-friendly policies A number of policies are in place to help support and promote your wellbeing and work–life balance: for example, maternity, paternity and adoption leave, parental leave and time off for dependants, sabbatical and study leave. An occupational sickpay scheme is also in place if you are absent due to ill health. Training and development Our central staff development programme offers an extensive range of courses, workshops and online modules that support the University’s aims and assist employees in cultivating the knowledge and skills needed for their current and future roles. It includes, for example: Your manager will be able to advise on what is appropriate and colleagues are encouraged to register for these within their first few weeks. Appraisal All members of staff are required to undergo a formal annual appraisal. The purpose of this is to review your performance and development over the previous year and to agree objectives and opportunities for the forthcoming year. It is not linked to pay or promotion but is based on the assumption that each individual member of staff wishes to develop his or her abilities to the full. Details of the appraisal processes, documentation and training workshops can be found on the Staff Development web pages at www.hull.ac.uk/staffdevelopment. Staff Forums and networks The University supports the sharing of good practice and encourages staff to develop their professional practice through engagement in local University networks and groups. There are many groups within the University, each providing a source of support, information and guidance to its members in an ope