Benefits
As part of our commitment to staff wellbeing and job satisfaction, we have been working hard to enhance the benefits that make the Royal College of Surgeons of England such an outstanding place to work.
At the College, we aim to enhance the overall employee experience, improve work life balance, and provide financial and personal benefits to our employees throughout their time with us.
Work life balance
The College advocates hybrid working, with a mix of remote and office-based working to support work life balance. Staff are asked to attend the office at least one day per week (or the monthly equivalent, pro rata for part-time staff) to promote collaboration and interaction.
College staff can benefit from:
- Enhanced annual leave: 27 days paid holiday plus bank holidays
- Enhanced flexible working options including compressed hours or other formal flexible working arrangements
- Enhanced parenthood leave entitlements and pay: all parents are entitled to receive 52 weeks leave and enhanced pay terms when they or their partner is expecting (subject to the qualifying period being met)
- Family-friendly working options and flexible working arrangements including full-time, part-time and compressed hours
- Four College closure days over the festive period
- Hybrid working: the College advocates hybrid working, with a mix of remote and office-based working to support work life balance. Staff are asked to attend the office at least one day per week (or the monthly equivalent, pro rata for part-time staff) to promote collaboration and interaction
- Paid time off for fertility/IVF treatment
- Special paid leave options including carers' leave, study leave, compassionate leave, pregnancy loss leave and parental bereavement leave
- Sabbaticals: qualifying staff are able to apply for a sabbatical for a duration of up to 12 months either via an unpaid scheme (2 years’ service) or paid scheme (5 years’ service)
- Volunteering: the College supports staff to volunteer for up to 2 working days per annum to provide them with the opportunity to give time to causes they feel passionate about
What is the best thing about the College culture?
"The College has a really good flexible working policy. As a relatively new mother looking for a new job it was really important that I found somewhere where I’d be trusted to do my hours in a way that suits me and my family commitments which is exactly what the Royal College of Surgeons of England offer. The College is really accepting of the different home/family situations we’re in and everyone is really supportive of people’s unique needs. I do a condensed hours model… This allows me to have a day looking after my daughter and it reduces the pressure of having an extra nursery bill for that day.” - Annie O'Malley, Project Manager, Learning
Finance and pensions
- Pension: our pension schemes offer significantly enhanced employer contributions
- Will writing: we offer a free will writing service to all staff
- Tech scheme: we offer interest-free loans of up to £1,000 to invest in technology
- Season ticket loan: we offer an interest-free season ticket loan to help with the cost of employee commutes
- Cycle to work scheme: we offer a tax-free loan of up to £1,000 to invest in a bicycle and cycling equipment
- Discount at the office café: we offer 20% discount in our on-site café
- Retail discounts: staff get to make use of various monetary discounts with high-street retailers and other perks within our discount platform
- UNIdays: as a College employee you are able to sign up to UniDays and make use of discounts and deals.
Health and wellbeing
The College is committed to ensuring employee wellbeing is a priority and we take care of our teams.
- Enhanced College sick pay scheme: (subject to length of service)
- Employee Assistance Programme: all staff have access to Health Assured, an award winning confidential advice and counselling service 24 hours a day, 7 days per week
- Mental Health First Aiders: our dedicated College mental health first aiders provide support and guidance with any mental health needs
- Menopause Champions: College Menopause Champions are there to support staff through every stage of the menopause
- Workplace adjustments: we are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer committed to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment that considers the needs of all individuals who work with us. Read more about workplace adjustments on our diversity page
Why do you feel so valued working at the College?
“One of the reasons I feel so valued working here is that I have always been supported in my personal and professional development…. I’ve been sponsored through an engineering degree, a masters degree, and I’m now a fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management....The work that everybody does here, it does have a real impact and it makes a difference to the lives of so many people.”
John O'Riordan, Head of Building and Estates
Community
Staff council
Staff council is a representative body composed of employees from various departments or levels within the organisation. It serves as a communication channel between employees and management. Staff councils often address employee concerns, provide input on policies and decisions, and work to enhance the overall employee experience.
- Access and Inclusion network: a group that focuses on promoting equal access and inclusion for all employees. This network works to remove barriers and obstacles that may prevent individuals, especially those with disabilities, from fully participating in the workplace
- Sustainability network: a group that is dedicated to advancing sustainability efforts. Members of this network may work on projects related to environmental sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and ethical business practices to minimize the College’s impact on the environment and society
- Diversity and inclusion network: a group that promotes diversity and inclusivity within the College. This network works to create a workplace culture that values and celebrates differences in ethnicity, gender, age, background, and more. It focuses on implementing diversity and inclusion policies, raising awareness, and providing support to underrepresented groups
- LGBTQ+ network: a group that provides support and advocacy for lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and other non-heteronormative individuals within the College. This network helps create a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ employees, raises awareness about LGBTQ+ issues, and advocates for equal rights and opportunities
- Trans and gender support: College staff can feel fully supported with affirmation and transition under the College’s Transgender Equality Policy.
Social
Our staff club organises social events and activities to foster a sense of community among employees. These clubs often plan social outings, sports activities, and other events aimed at promoting team cohesion and work life balance.
How does your current job compare to previous jobs you’ve had?
“I would say that values like respect, collaboration, and excellence are what I appreciate the most about my current job. I admire how people here are exceptionally respectful, open to collaboration, and committed to driving excellence together...In addition to that, the College building and its history are simply amazing. Since day one, I have been awestruck by the College’s rich history and the fact that there’s a museum at the workplace is truly remarkable! When I first stepped into the building, I was taken aback by its architecture and the way it blends historical elements with modern elements. For me, this symbolizes how our organisation values history and experience, while actively striving for progress and innovation.”
What has surprised you most about working at the College?
“I specifically remember my induction when our CEO, Andrew asked us for solutions to improve collaboration at the workplace. I emailed my suggestions, not expecting a reply in return. But to my surprise, Andrew not only replied to my suggestions but also ensured they were forwarded to the right people for evaluation and implementation.
I have never seen such an open relationship between an Executive Director and an employee. People here are always interested in hearing new ideas and in their implementation, which creates an outstanding culture to be a part of!"
Tanaya Mukati, Project Manager, IT