Staff benefits
How we reward your hard work
Key benefits
Competitive salaries
We keep our salaries under review to ensure that everyone is fairly paid for their contribution to the University.
Our grading structure takes cost of living increases into account and is reviewed annually.
Use our Staff Benefits Calculator to find out your entitlement.
Salary calculatorDefined benefit pension plans
We contribute to your retirement savings at the same time as you, through two pension schemes:
- Local Government Pension Scheme (Professional Services staff)
- Teachers' Pension Scheme (Academic staff)
These are defined benefit pension schemes which pay members a secure income for life post-retirement.
Generous annual leave entitlement
Permanent, full-time staff are entitled to at least 41 days of leave a year, made up of:
- 30 days’ leave
- 8 bank holidays
- 3 discretionary closure days between Christmas and New Year.
Other benefits, discounts and perks
Flexible working
Flexibility can help you to feel more satisfied in your role, and ease some of the pressures of modern life. We offer family-friendly policies and flexible working options to help you achieve a healthy work-life balance.
Many roles offer hybrid working, with at least two days a week on campus. While hybrid arrangements aren’t available for everyone, many of our staff are eligible to apply for flexible working.
Our typical working week for a full-time member of staff is 37 hours. Many of our staff work part-time or on a job-share basis.
Check our job descriptions or email jobs@bathspa.ac.uk for further details on working arrangements.
Health and wellbeing
We know that getting a GP appointment can be difficult, which is why we’ve introduced an on-demand GP service for all non-casual staff.
You can arrange video and phone consultations, send simple enquiries to a GP, and have your prescriptions delivered to your home or local pharmacy.
Our Employee Assistance Programme is a confidential service providing information, support and counselling, with easy access whenever you need it.
We also contribute to the cost of eye tests and corrective lenses.
Employee Assistance Programme
Our benefits app makes it easy to access discounts and benefits in one place.
Spread the cost of large purchases such as tech and transport, and benefit from discounts at supermarkets, restaurants, cinemas, gyms, and much more.
Enhanced maternity and on-site nursery
We offer enhanced maternity leave, and a family-friendly, flexible work environment.
There’s also a day nursery and pre-school based at our Newton Park campus.
Transport schemes
You can spread the cost of commuting with an interest-free loan for bus or train season tickets. Our Cycle to Work Scheme can help you buy an electric bike up to the value of £3,000. There’s also an electric bike pool scheme.
We have 12 parking spaces for electric cars – 6 at Newton Park and 6 at Locksbrook Campus. Car-sharers benefit from priority parking bays and a guaranteed lift home scheme.
Discounts and help to buy tech
All colleagues have access to a wide range of discounts and financial benefits, available through an easy-to-use app.
We also offer a technology benefit which allows to spread the cost of the latest tech through a convenient salary exchange arrangement.
Choose from hundreds of top brand products including laptops, computers and tablets, games consoles, TVs, smart watches, kitchen appliances and more and spread the cost over 12 months.
Staff also get a 10% discount in the University’s art shop at Locksbrook Campus.
Culture and learning
Our Library offers staff free access to a wealth of resources, including books, journals, DVDs and an extensive range of electronic services, including LinkedIn Learning courses.
All staff can visit the Holburne Museum, Engine Shed, and Corsham Court for free with their BSU staff ID card.
Staff can also access free tickets to events throughout the year including exhibitions, plays, festivals and talks.
Staff networks
Created by staff for staff, these groups offer our people the chance to come together in support of each other to promote diversity, equality and inclusion. Members provide peer-to-peer support, get involved with planning events, and take part in policymaking.
Our networks
- Bath Spa+: open to all staff who identify as LGBTQ+, and their allies.
- Disabled Staff Network: open to all disabled staff, including anyone who is neurodivergent, people with chronic conditions, and anyone with caring responsibility for a disabled person.
- Global Inclusivity Network (GIN): for staff who identify as Black, Asian, mixed heritage, or being from another global majority background.
- Mental Health First Aider Staff Network: a safe space to explore how we can improve mental health for staff at BSU, which is open to any staff who are trained Mental Health First Aiders.
- Neurodivergent Staff Network: an informal peer support group.
- Parent and Carers Staff Network: for all staff that are Parents and Carers at Bath Spa.
- Staff Equalities Network: an open forum for all staff interested in equality and diversity at BSU.
- Women's Staff Network: open to all staff who are interested in promoting gender equality at BSU.
Equality and Wellbeing events
Each year, you’ll be invited to take part in free events which form part of our celebrations of Equality Week, Black History Month, Pride Month, International Women’s Day, and more.
Equality, diversity and inclusionWhat our staff say
“A real feeling of belonging”
"I love working at Bath Spa due to its community feel - there is a real feeling of belonging. People are friendly and approachable and you get to know people from all parts of the University."
“Free equality, diversity and wellbeing events”
"I truly appreciate the free equality, diversity and wellbeing events that take place each year. Learning about Black British history from David Olusoga and Bath's Carribbean community, hearing the lived experiences of trans people, and attending training with the charity Friends, Families and Travellers have been particular highlights."