Benefits

We offer a competitive salary package with clear opportunities for salary progression. Most colleagues are part of an incremental pay structure, meaning they are eligible to receive an annual pay increment, subject to satisfactory performance, until they reach the top of their grade.

As an accredited Living Wage Employer, we are committed to ensuring fair pay for all employees. In addition, staff benefit from an annual nationally agreed pay award, typically effective from 1 August.

The University offers a generous annual leave entitlement of 30 days for colleagues on Professional Services and Management contracts and 35 days for those on Academic Contracts of Employment, in addition to 8 UK bank holidays.

Staff also benefit from a minimum of four concessionary days each year, typically provided during the University's extended closure around some UK public holidays.

Part-time colleagues receive the same annual leave, bank holidays and concessionary days on a pro-rata basis, in line with their contracted hours.

We are committed to helping our colleagues achieve a healthy work-life balance. Wherever possible, we offer a range of flexible working options, including flexible hours and job share opportunities, to support individual needs and responsibilities.

We also embrace agile working and are open to discussions about hybrid and home working arrangements where these are appropriate for the role, helping our staff work in ways that enable them to thrive both professionally and personally.

Whatever your family circumstances, we're here to support you. Our family-friendly leave and pay benefits are designed to help you balance work and home life and are fully aligned with current UK employment legislation. Where possible, we go beyond the statutory minimum, giving you greater support when you need it most.

This includes:

Maternity Leave and enhanced Maternity Pay with eligible employees receiving up to 13 weeks full pay (including Statutory Maternity Pay) and 13 weeks half-pay plus Statutory Maternity Pay.

Paternity Leave and enhanced Paternity Pay with eligible employees receiving three weeks of occupational paternity leave, which can be taken as a continuous period or split into separate periods to meet individual needs.

Fertility Leave with eligible employees receiving up to five days of paid fertility leave per cycle, for up to three cycles, to support them during IVF treatment.

Flexible and Hybrid Working with the University supporting flexible working requests wherever possible. For eligible roles, our hybrid working model enables staff to typically work 2–3 days from home, subject to business and service requirements.

We regularly review our family-friendly benefits to ensure they remain compliant with employment legislation and reflect best practice, helping employees to balance their work and family responsibilities.

Our WLV Benefits Platform, powered by Pluxee, gives you access to a wide range of exclusive discounts, savings and wellbeing benefits designed to help you make the most of your money, both at work and at home.

Everyday Savings

Enjoy discounts and cashback with hundreds of leading retailers, including savings on:
•    High street shopping
•    Supermarkets
•    Holidays and travel
•    Cinema tickets and entertainment
•    Days out and leisure activities
•    Apple products and technology
•    Sky Store and other digital services

You'll also have access to eVouchers, providing instant savings online and in-store with retailers including Tesco, Argos, IKEA and John Lewis.

Spree Cashback Card

The Spree Cashback Card is a prepaid Visa card that automatically earns cashback when you shop with participating retailers, both online and in store. Popular partners include M&S, Sainsbury's, ASDA, Boots and Nike.

Cycle Scheme

Our enhanced Cycle Scheme helps you spread the cost of purchasing a bicycle and safety equipment through salary sacrifice, whilst making tax and National Insurance savings. The scheme now offers a spending limit of up to £5,000, making it easier than ever to invest in sustainable travel.

Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
Through our partnership with Tusker, eligible colleagues can lease a brand-new electric vehicle through a salary sacrifice arrangement, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to drive an electric car.

Financial Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting your financial wellbeing through a range of additional benefits, including:
•    Standard Life Pension Salary Sacrifice Scheme
•    Free professional Will writing service
•    Financial Wellbeing Support through Attivo, offering access to practical guidance, tools and resources to help you manage your finances with confidence.
•    Refurbished Tech
•    EE mobile phone discounts
•    VDU Eyecare Vouchers and Specsavers discounts
•    Flu Vaccination Vouchers
•    Childcare voucher salary sacrifice scheme (available to existing members only)
•    Paycare Health Plan (optional)

Health and Lifestyle

Staff can also benefit from discounted memberships and services, including selected corporate gym memberships and sports facilities, helping you stay active and support your wellbeing.

Recognition and Reward

We believe in celebrating the contribution and achievements of our colleagues.

Our annual Vice-Chancellor's Awards for Staff Excellence recognise the exceptional impact of both academic and professional services staff who have made a significant contribution to the University and the student experience.

We also celebrate colleagues who reach significant career milestones through our Long Service Awards, recognising dedicated service to the University. Eligible staff are invited to a special recognition ceremony and receive a commemorative award, including a £200 voucher in recognition of their commitment and contribution.

We are committed to supporting your financial wellbeing, both now and in the future. Through our generous workplace pension scheme with Standard Life, you'll benefit from contributions from both you and the University, helping you build a secure financial future and plan confidently for retirement.

Supporting the health and wellbeing of our colleagues is a key priority. We offer a range of services and resources designed to support your physical, mental and financial wellbeing throughout your career at the University.

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Our confidential Employee Assistance Programme, provided by Care First, offers free 24/7 support for a wide range of personal and work-related issues. Colleagues also have access to Information Specialists, trained by Citizens Advice, who can provide practical guidance on topics such as finances, housing, family matters and legal issues.

Wellbeing Support 

We are pleased to share wellbeing information and resources from Dr Louise Newson, a respected physician, author, and menopause specialist. Dr Newson is widely recognised for her work in improving awareness, education, and support around women's health and wellbeing.

We are grateful to have received permission to signpost colleagues to selected materials from Dr Newson's website, helping to provide staff with access to evidence-informed information and practical guidance. These resources complement the University's commitment to supporting the health, wellbeing, and inclusion of all colleagues, enabling staff to make informed choices about their wellbeing.

Mental Health Support

We are committed to supporting positive mental health through a range of confidential services, including:
•    Care First Counselling – Professional counselling and emotional support, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
•    Togetherall – Free online mental health support, available anytime, anywhere.
•    Mental Health Support Service – Delivered in partnership with Remploy and the Department for Work and Pensions, providing confidential advice and tailored support for up to nine months.

Dying to Work Charter

We are proud to be a signatory of the Dying to Work Charter, demonstrating our commitment to supporting colleagues facing a terminal illness with compassion, dignity and the reassurance of fair workplace practices.

Menopause Matters

We are committed to supporting colleagues experiencing menopause and creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. Our Menopause Matters support provides access to guidance, resources and information to help colleagues and managers better understand menopause and the support available.

Health and Lifestyle Benefits

We also offer a range of benefits to help you stay healthy and active, including:
•    Free eyesight tests for eligible Display Screen Equipment (DSE) users through Specsavers, the University's appointed optician, with a contribution towards computer-use glasses where applicable.
•    Seasonal flu vaccination vouchers.
•    Corporate discounts on gym memberships and sports facilities.
•    Access to Occupational Health services, where appropriate.

Additional support and resources are provided for:
•    Bereavement
•    Menopause and Menstruation
•    Eyecare
•    Fitness
•    Occupational Health
•    Crisis Support 
•    Mental Health Support
•    Musculoskeletal support

Further information on our wellbeing support is available through our Wellbeing Hub.

We are committed to enhancing the health and well-being of our staff.  We have a wide range of support mechanisms available

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

The University's Employee Assistance Programme provider is Care first more information is available on the Health & Wellbeing Hub 

Care first Information Specialists

Expert advisors, trained by Citizens Advice, can provide comprehensive answers and assistance on a wide range of issues which affect daily life. The service is completely confidential and free of charge.

Care first Counsellors

Available 24/7 to offer support, advice and counselling on any workplace or personal related issue. No matter how small or big the problem, Care first counsellors are available to you. All Care first counsellors are professionally qualified and accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Mental Health Support Service

The University of Wolverhampton has partnered with Remploy and the Department of Work and Pensions to offer a mental health support service to all staff, free of charge. 

• The service is fully confidential and offers expert advice and support for nine months.
• Togetherall, online support for your mental health.
• Everyone at the University of Wolverhampton can access free online mental health support with Togetherall, any time, any day.

Free eyesight testing

Free eyesight tests are available to employees of the University that are users of Display Screen Equipment (DSE).  These tests are available once every 2 years.

Specsavers are the university appointed opticians. You may only receive a funded eye-test at Specsavers, which is the University's appointed opticians.

If the results of your test show that you require glasses solely and specifically for computer use, then you will be able to claim a contribution towards these from your Faculty/department as well.

Additional health benefits

We offer all employees the following benefits:

• Vouchers for Flu inoculation.
• On-site gyms and sports facilities
• Fitness classes and groups
• Access to an Occupational Health team, where applicable

At the University of Wolverhampton, we're committed to helping our colleagues grow and succeed. A key part of our employee benefits package is providing the opportunities, resources and support our colleagues need to develop in their current role and achieve their future career aspirations. We offer a wide range of learning and development opportunities, empowering colleagues at every stage of their career to build new skills, enhance their knowledge and realise their full potential.

Our development opportunities include:

Leadership Development Framework
Our Leadership Development Framework, delivered in partnership with Hemsley Fraser, supports leaders and managers to build the skills, confidence and behaviours needed to lead effectively and create a positive experience for colleagues.

Aurora Programme
Delivered in partnership with Advance HE, the Aurora Programme supports women in higher education to develop their leadership capability, build confidence and prepare for future leadership opportunities.

Aurora Alumni Group
The Aurora Alumni Group brings together colleagues who have previously participated in the Aurora Programme, providing an opportunity to maintain connections, share experiences and continue their leadership development beyond the programme. The group supports ongoing peer networking, collaboration and knowledge sharing, while providing opportunities for alumni to stay connected with the wider Aurora community and contribute to the development of future participants.

Diversifying Leadership 
We support colleagues from the Global Majority community through Advance HE’s Diversifying Leadership programme, which is designed to support professionals from racially minoritised backgrounds. The programme provides participants with the opportunity to develop their leadership confidence, explore their leadership identity, build networks and enhance their personal and professional development.

Apprenticeships
We offer a range of apprenticeship opportunities, enabling colleagues to gain nationally recognised qualifications while developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to support both personal career progression and the University's strategic ambitions.

Scholarships
Eligible staff can apply for scholarships towards the cost of a wide range of courses offered by the University. Staff who are not receiving a scholarship can also benefit from a 25% discount on courses they undertake.

Academic Promotions
The University values the contribution, expertise and development of its academic staff. Our Academic Promotions process provides colleagues with opportunities to progress their careers and gain recognition for their achievements and contribution to the University. The process supports progression from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer, as well as promotion to Associate Professor and Professor, with clear criteria and a structured application process.

Vice-Chancellor's Leadership Development Scheme
The Vice-Chancellor's Leadership Development Scheme provides up to £7,500 in financial sponsorship for eligible academic and professional services colleagues towards approved external leadership development programmes. The scheme supports the development of strategic leadership capability, innovation and organisational transformation, helping colleagues prepare for future leadership opportunities.

Coaching and Mentoring
Our coaching and mentoring opportunities provide colleagues with personalised support to build confidence, develop new skills, share knowledge and achieve their professional goals, while fostering a culture of continuous learning across the University.

Learning tools include:

Jisc Digital Skills Assessment Tool (DSAT)
Colleagues can use the Jisc Digital Skills Assessment Tool to understand their digital skills and identify opportunities for further development.

AI Training
From September 2026, colleagues will have access to AI training, including essential training for all staff to build confidence and understanding of AI and its use in the workplace.

Parking
We offer free parking in University-designated car parks for staff across our campuses, helping to make commuting convenient and cost-effective.

Electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities are also available at selected campus locations, supporting colleagues who choose to travel more sustainably. Charging fees apply, and users should follow the instructions provided at each charging point.

Further information on parking locations, permits and electric vehicle charging is available on the University's parking webpages.

Cycle Scheme
Our enhanced Cycle Scheme helps you spread the cost of purchasing a bicycle and safety equipment through salary sacrifice, whilst making tax and National Insurance savings. The scheme now offers a spending limit of up to £5,000, making it easier than ever to invest in sustainable travel.

Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
Through our partnership with Tusker, eligible colleagues can lease a brand-new electric vehicle through a salary sacrifice arrangement, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to drive an electric car.

At the University of Wolverhampton, our staff networks are run by staff, for staff, bringing together colleagues from across our faculties, departments and professional services. They provide inclusive spaces where employees can connect with others who share similar experiences, build supportive relationships, and contribute to a more inclusive University community.

Our staff networks offer opportunities for peer support, networking, professional development and social connection. They also play an important role in shaping University policies, influencing working practices and ensuring that the voices of our diverse staff community are heard. We recognise the valuable contribution that staff networks make in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued and able to thrive.

ARIA Staff Network

The ARIA Staff Network brings colleagues together to help embed our Accountable, Resilient, Inclusive and Ambitious (ARIA) values across the University. It supports a positive culture and colleague wellbeing through campaigns, events, shared experiences and connections, while promoting the Wellbeing Hub, staff benefits and other support available to colleagues.

Women's Staff Network

The Women's Staff Network supports colleagues by providing opportunities to connect, share experiences and champion gender equality across the University. Working in partnership with the University, the network helps address the challenges faced by women in higher education and contributes to initiatives that promote equality, inclusion and career progression, including the University's Athena SWAN work.

Men’s Staff Network
The Men’s Network provides a supportive space for colleagues to connect, share experiences and discuss topics that impact men’s wellbeing and experiences at work. The network helps build awareness, encourage open conversations and promote a more inclusive workplace.

Global Majority Staff Network

The Global Majority Staff Network is open to staff from all Global Majority backgrounds, regardless of grade, role or contract type.

The network provides a supportive community that celebrates ethnic and cultural diversity, raises awareness of equality issues and helps shape the University's approach to race equality, religion and belief.

Carers Staff Network
We recognise that many colleagues balance work with caring responsibilities and are committed to creating a workplace where carers feel supported and valued. Our Carers Network provides opportunities to connect with colleagues, share experiences, access resources and contribute to improving support for carers across the University.

LGBTQ+ Staff Network

The LGBTQ+ Staff Network is open to all University staff and is committed to promoting an inclusive environment for colleagues. The network also works to engage with LGBTQ+ communities and other universities to share experiences and build connections.

Disability Staff Network

The Disability Staff Network provides a supportive space for disabled colleagues to share experiences, promote good practice and help create a more inclusive workplace. The network works with the University to influence positive change and improve the experience of disabled colleagues.

Trade Unions

The University recognises UNISON and the University and College Union (UCU) as the trade unions for staff. They play an important role in representing employees, supporting individuals and working in partnership with the University through consultation and negotiation on employment matters.