St Mary's University is a friendly and welcoming organisation situated in the green borough of Richmond upon Thames with great transport links and a beautiful campus.
We are a community of connection and purpose where people are the heart and individuality is celebrated. We are proud of St Mary’s as both a place to study and a place to work. We want to embrace the unique talents our staff bring and help them to grow in confidence and capability. This will enable them to contribute to the ongoing development of the University and our strong staff and student communities. Learn more about our six Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Staff Networks, our work as an employer who is Disability Confident Committed, and our ongoing Gender Equality and Race Equality initiatives.
Our generous benefits package
We offer an excellent benefits package which contains many features that are hard to find within the private sector – here are some we offer:
Annual leave & work life balance
- generous Annual Leave allowance
- Bank Holidays and up to 5 additional University closure days off (around Christmas and Easter)
- the University is supportive of working flexibly wherever possible.
Financial benefits
- access to a staff pension scheme - Teachers Pension Scheme (academics), or the St Mary's Staff Pension & Group Life Assurance Scheme (professional services)
- discounted food from our canteen and coffee shop
- interest-free travel Season Ticket loans up to £5,000 (proof of ability to pay will be looked at)
- cycle to work scheme.
Children & family
- an extensive family friendly package of enhanced policies such as flexible working, additional maternity/paternity leave, and emergency dependants leave
- a vibrant Parent & Carers network.
Health & wellbeing
- free and confidential Employee Assistance Programme, available 24 hours a day support for staff and family members who are experiencing problems e.g., emotional, financial, legal etc.
- discounted on-site gym membership fee
- access to a wide range of sport programmes and classes
- discounted physiotherapy and sports massage at St Mary's Clinic
- Occupational Health assessment when you first join, to ensure any workplace adjustments that are needed can be made
- Mental Health First Aiders to support your wellbeing and guide you to further support providers that you may need
- an inclusive Chaplaincy offering pastoral care for many faith traditions and none, as well as a dedicated onsite prayer room
- reimbursement for eye tests and glasses for DSE users
- Voluntary healthcare schemes e.g. health cash plan.
Recognition
- multiple staff recognition schemes
- long service awards.
Discounts
- staff discounts e.g. Costco, TOTUM, Discounts for Teachers
- various local discounts including at the Exchange (for certain events). The Exchange venue in Richmond hosts a variety of events including theatre, comedy, live music and community events.
The full list can be found here.
An inclusive local and wider induction
A structured and inclusive Employee Induction programme, to help you feel welcomed and valued as an important member of our team. This will include:
- a “buddy” within your team
- a team lunch
- Welcome to St Mary’s induction event which provides the opportunity to network with other members of staff and hear from the senior leadership team.
Career development
We help you develop your career through:
- the University Mentoring Scheme to provide advice and support for career progression
- we offer funding to help support those who wish to further their professional development via external courses/qualifications
- comprehensive academic professional development
- 24/7 Free access to a suite of eLearning courses available on SMILE
- access to internal training and development programmes
- ability to purchase up to five more days of annual leave through our "Annual Leave Buy Scheme"
- eligibility to apply for the additional role of Resident Mentor (subject to a position being available) after one year, receiving free accomodation in a hall of residence as well as remuneration for duties performed in the role.
Culture and learning for everyone
You can also access:
- onsite library membership, providing free access to a wide range of printed and online information resources
- online and in-person internal programmes (such as cultural training) which are free to staff
- staff networks that focus on equality, diversity and inclusion for all staff
- special community events to celebrate the rich diversity of our staff and student communities are held regularly
- opportunities to participate in the Sunflower Scheme, which raises awareness and support for staff and students with hidden disabilities