Across UKRI we can only deliver our vision and mission through the work of our amazing colleagues.
People are at the heart of UKRI. Whether you are a researcher, engineer, innovator, or in one of the many technical or professional services roles that underpin our operations, everyone has an important part in building a thriving research and innovation system.
Wellbeing, inclusion and community are important areas we are focused on. To support your professional growth we provide you with practical ways to develop your own career path and enable you to grow and thrive in your role at UKRI and beyond.
To support you outside of UKRI, we have a wide range of holistic approaches to maintaining a happy work life balance. This includes 30 days of annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent) each year.
We also promote and offer flexible working options including hybrid working, flexible hours and part time working, (aligned with business need) across many of roles within UKRI.
To make the most of your free time, you can enjoy a range of savings through our employee discount platform. Discounts are available for shopping at some of the best known:
In planning for retirement we offer a valuable defined benefit pension scheme for eligible employees that provides a guaranteed inflation-proof income at retirement, death in service, ill health and dependants benefits.
UKRI employees enjoy a fantastic level of annual leave set at 30 days with an additional 10.5 days public and privilege days (full time equivalent) each year.
This is in addition to:
Your pension is a big part of your overall reward package. Upon joining UKRI you will be automatically enrolled into one of our defined benefit pension schemes. This guarantees a set income when you retire as well as being index-linked so your pension will rise in line with inflation.
Your complete pension package includes:
Unlike defined contribution pension schemes, a defined benefit scheme means you have certainty about the way your pension builds up and can forecast what your pension will be on retirement.
Depending on the scheme you are enrolled in you may also have the option to pay extra towards your pension enabling you to save more towards your retirement.
At UKRI we aim to create a healthy workplace that supports our four pillars of wellbeing through physical, mental, social and financial resources and events to encourage colleagues to flourish and reach their full potential. This will in turn create a healthier and more resilient workforce, who can help deliver upon UKRI priorities and contribute to UKRI’s strategic objective to create a world-class organisation.
UKRI are constantly looking at developing new ways and ideas to support the wellbeing of all our colleagues inside and outside of work. We are pleased to be a part of evolving culture where it is safe to talk about wellbeing and where asking for support is a natural and positive step for all.
Our primary resource for employees for confidential support is our Employee Assistance Programme, (EAP), which offers:
Our EAP is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
We offer access to occupational sick pay, which gives six months at full pay and then a further six months at half pay in a rolling four year period. This is subject to the terms and conditions stated in the UKRI Sickness Absence policy.
Other health and wellbeing benefits include:
From the first day you join UKRI you can benefit from our enhanced paid family leave policies along with access to unpaid parental leave and career breaks in respect of prolonged periods of caring responsibilities.
Our family benefits are:
UKRI employees can access financial support for the cost of a season ticket or rent deposit loan through a tax free loan subject to the UKRI guidance on these areas.
Often the initial outlay for purchasing cost saving season tickets or finding the money to secure a deposit on a rental accommodation is significant. However, these schemes makes payment more manageable and affordable with repayments typically over a 12 month period.
Financial wellbeing support includes:
UKRI employees have access to a range of valuable savings through our employee discount platform. This includes discounts on everyday shopping at some of the UK’s most popular supermarkets, and savings from a broad range of well-known retailers across travel, leisure, home, garden, and DIY.
UKRI employees can:
Volunteering is a great way for you to give something back to the community, as well as providing an opportunity to build new skills. As an UKRI employee you can contribute your time towards volunteering activities, by requesting up to two days paid leave a year.
Volunteering opportunities include:
UKRI employees have the opportunity to join one of UKRI’s nine recognised trade unions and our staff networks which include:
We also have multi-faith and wellbeing rooms for quiet contemplation and prayer at a number of our locations.
UKRI employees have access to a broad range of academic, health, wellbeing and educational seminars, with events scheduled on a regular basis.
At a number of our locations, we arrange:
To support employees across UKRI, we are proud to be members of the following organisations and groups and our action plans incorporate these individual standards.
We are:
A large number of UKRI’s sites are situated in prime locations for commuting to work by public transport.
For employees who travel to work by car, many of our sites are ideally located with strong road links, with free onsite secure parking often available.
Should you prefer to take a greener and more active commute to work, UKRI employees can join our Cycle to Work scheme to benefit from the tax and National Insurance savings available through this salary sacrifice scheme. Once you arrive at your location secure bike areas are available alongside showering facilities drying room and lockers in most areas.
