Introduction
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 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:
- supermarkets
- retailers
- restaurant
- leisure options
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.
Career and development
We are committed to the development of our employees and encourage them to make the most of the opportunities for personal and professional development in line with our People Standards at individual, team and organisational levels. Our support encompasses:
- personal and professional learning on demand with access to a suite of over 7,000 engaging digital learning resources via our People Learning platform
- access to join the Early Careers Network aimed at individuals who are early in their career, be that their first career, or returning from a career break
- becoming ready for your next career move through insightful learning relationships including coaching and mentoring
- expanding your horizons with a broad range of training options that equip you with valuable skills and development
- access to specialist learning and Continuing Professional Development opportunities
- unlocking your potential and gaining valuable skills through hands-on apprenticeship opportunities and on the job learning
- opportunities for growth and development through secondment experiences
- opportunity to request an unpaid career sabbatical for up to 12 months to pursue wider career and professional development outside of UKRI
- tax-free professional subscription reimbursement upon meeting specified criteria
- equipping you with the ability to develop others as action learners through the accredited Action Learning Facilitator programme
We also offer support to develop you as a leader including:
- discovering and nurturing your professional and leadership talent by accessing leading edge thinking
- award of nationally recognised credentials through completion of our Institute of (ILM) recognised programmes
- gaining confidence in your application of skills in managing others through the Management Development Programme
- support in leading your team or function through real change related challenges using action learning on our Leadership Through Change Programme
- facilitated communities of practice of like-minded colleagues learning together on our Emerging and Inspirational Leadership Programmes
Leave
UKRI employees enjoy a fantastic level of annual leave set at 30 days with an additional 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent) each year. This is in addition to:
- enhanced maternity, adoption, shared parental pay (up to 26 weeks full pay followed by 13 weeks statutory depending on how leave is shared with your partner) available from the day you join UKRI
- enhanced maternity support (paternity pay) at two weeks full pay
- paid special leave to support dealing with family or domestic emergencies as well as other voluntary and public duties
- unpaid parental leave for parents or guardians with children under the age of 18
- unpaid leave provision for carers with caring responsibilities (not limited to family)
- career breaks in respect of prolonged periods of caring responsibilities
- being supportive of hybrid working options subject to business need and agreement
Pension
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:
- pensions for dependants
- death in service benefits
- potential ill health retirement benefits
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.
Health and wellbeing
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:
- counselling
- relationship management
- legal support for staff and their immediate family members
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:
- reimbursement towards the cost of an eye examination and prescription glasses required for use with display screen equipment work
- seasonal flu vaccinations
- an onsite restaurant with freshly prepared food selections at most locations
- the opportunity to join our UKRI Health and Wellbeing group through our employee Viva platform
- access to support from the Charity for Civil Servants for matters around health, finances, caring responsibilities and wellbeing
Family benefits
UKRI have a forward thinking and supportive attitude towards our working families and carers.
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:
- enhanced maternity, adoption, shared parental pay (up to 26 weeks full pay followed by 13 weeks statutory pay depending on how leave is shared with your ) available from the day you join UKRI
- enhanced maternity support (paternity pay) at two weeks full pay
- unpaid parental leave for parents or guardians with children under the age of 18
- career breaks for prolonged periods of caring responsibilities
- access to a bespoke family and carers benefit, providing information and support in your home and work life along with links to put you in touch with other parents and carers in UKRI for wider networking and support
- practical help and support for carers through the Charity for Civil Servants
- unpaid leave provision for carers with caring responsibilities (not limited to family)
Financial wellbeing
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 make payment more manageable and affordable with repayments typically over a 12 month period.
Financial wellbeing support includes:
- rent deposit loan to support employees with rental deposit for privately rented accommodation
- season ticket loans to help employees spread the cost of commuting to work when using public transport
- support through the Charity for Civil Servants in cases of financial difficulties due to unexpected circumstances
Employee discounts
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:
- access free savings through UKRI’s employee discount platform available on supermarket and retail shopping, eating out, day trips and holidays
- get corporate discount available on Dell products
- join the Civil Servants Sports Council, for discounts on health and leisure activities and days out
Volunteering
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 a UKRI employee you can contribute your time towards volunteering activities, by requesting up to two days paid leave a year.
Volunteering opportunities include:
- opportunity to take up to two paid volunteering days per year (four if volunteering for emergency services)
- time off to support civic responsibilities such as, public service and forces training
Employee diversity, inclusion and network groups
At UKRI we wish to foster an inclusive and diverse research and innovation system, ‘by everyone, for everyone’. Through our staff networks and recognised trade unions, UKRI employees have a wide range of opportunities to become involved in shaping UKRI to become an ever more diverse and inclusive organisation.
UKRI employees have the opportunity to join one of UKRI’s nine recognised trade unions and our staff networks which include:
- Carers Network
- Disability Matters Network
- Early Career Network
- Multi-faith Network
- Pride Network
- Parenting Network
- Racial Inclusion and Striving for Equity (RISE Network)
- Women and Gender Equity Network (WaGE)
We also have multi-faith and wellbeing rooms for quiet contemplation and prayer at a number of our locations.
Societies, clubs and lunchtime seminars
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:
- access to a wide range of networks, seminars and support groups
- the opportunity to become a STEM Ambassador
- a variety of different social events and trips throughout the year
- support for various sporting activities
Accreditations and affiliations
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:
- proud to have been awarded the Inclusive Employers Standard, Bronze Award
- a signatory of the Technician Commitment and pledges to support our technicians
- signatories of the Researcher Development Concordat which pledges our support to Researchers
- a member of the Business Disability Forum
- proud to be members of the Working Families, Fertility Matters at Work and Employers for Carers organisations
Travel
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.
Find out more about UKRI
We invest in research and innovation to enrich lives, drive economic growth, and create jobs and high-quality public services across the UK. We are transforming tomorrow together.
To find out more visit our UKRI website or for the latest opportunities to join UKRI visit our Careers Portal.
Some elements of our non-contractual benefits offering may be subject to change.