Work/Life Balance
Members of staff at all levels successfully combine a productive research career with a fulfilling life outside of work. The Department and the wider University supports this in a number of ways. This page provides links and information about both University and Departmental provision in this area.
The University provides a generous maternity leave package, which includes 26 weeks of leave on full pay for qualifying staff, as well as provision for paternity, adoption and parental leave.
The Medical Sciences Division has established a returning carer's fund, to assist those returning to work following a break to care for children or other close family members. Information on the scheme, and details of how to apply, can be found here (accessible to University members only).
In addition, the Department also offers additional support to women on maternity leave. We also hold a popular, annual family party, for departmental staff members, students and their families.
Please download our Parental Leave guide for all staff.
Departmental staff members and students have access to the University's nursery places (both within the University's in-house nurseries, and subsidised places within community nurseries). Staff members are able to benefit from reduced nursery and childcare fees via the Salary Sacrifice, Tax-Free Childcare and Childcare Voucher schemes. The University also works in partnership with holiday playscheme providers to provide childcare during the school holidays (which can be paid for with childcare vouchers).
University Nursery Sponsored Priority Scheme: The University has a scheme that enables colleges and departments to nominate staff for a priority on the University nursery waiting list (called a “sponsored priority”). Psychiatry has three sponsored priority places and details of eligibility and how to apply can be found below. Please note that a sponsored priority does not guarantee a nursery place, and recipients of a sponsored priority will be liable to pay all nursery fees.
Policy for the allocation of a Sponsored Nursery Priority
Application for a Sponsored Nursery Priority
Flexible working
Many staff members work flexibly, for example working only during term-time, working flexible hours, working full-time across four days per week, and working from home as needed, and we aim to accommodate flexible working wherever possible. In some cases, arrangements are managed informally within research groups, whilst in other cases staff members formally request flexible working.
Benefits and discounts
University staff members have access to a range of benefits and discounts, which includes discounts on travel, hotels, local restaurants and financial and insurance products.