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Staff Benefits

Staff Benefits

Aberdeen University is committed to offering a competitive reward package. In this section employees can explore all benefits available to them. We strive to support working parents, provide work life balance and wellbeing options, help you save with a range of discounts and support your career progression.

We are continually enhancing the benefits we offer to employees and welcome any suggestions that could further expand the rewards we offer. Please send your suggestions to reward@abdn.ac.uk.

Work Life Balance

The University supports work life balance through offering a range of schemes on top of a generous annual leave entitlement.

Financial

Information on the University pay structure and pension schemes as well as saving with the local credit union.

Related information

Grampian Credit Union

Grampian Credit Union Logo

The University is in partnership with Grampian Credit Union, which is an independent savings and loans co-operative.

The Credit Union is available to anyone who lives or works in the Grampian area, i.e. Aberdeen city, Aberdeenshire and Moray.

Our partnership with Grampian Credit Union means that all members of University of Aberdeen staff can join and save from monthly salary deduction.

Services include:

  • Adult, Junior and Christmas savings accounts – saving from £12.00 per month or more
  • Loans for members, with affordable interest rates – first loans £200 to £5,000
  • Payroll partner loans available - £1,000 repayable in 12 months from salary deduction
  • Access Credit Union accounts online or by phone or email request  – withdrawals direct to your bank
  • Join online, or print membership application from website, or request forms from Credit Union
  • Deposits covered fully by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme

Grampian Credit Union is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Firm reference number 213701

Contacts:

To find out more about Grampian Credit Union, go to www.grampiancreditunion.co.uk

Information leaflets and membership application are available under Forms list on the Credit Union website, or check Grampian Credit Union Information Leaflet.

250 Union Street
Aberdeen
AB10 1TN

Tel: 01224 561506
Email: admin@grampiancreditunion.co.uk

Your Credit Union needs you…

Come and help shape the future of Grampian Credit Union!

 

We have vacancies for Non-Executive Directors, and members of our Supervisory Committee. These vacancies have arisen from Directors & Supervisory Committee members reaching the end of their current terms, or because they are moving on.

Information about the available roles, responsibilities and essential skills required for both roles can be accessed on the website.

Volunteering with us in the mentioned roles is rewarding and offers the satisfaction of knowing you are helping our credit union to grow, develop, and maintain a successful organisation for the common good. Moreover, you will develop or hone transferable skills.

Want to know more about volunteering with us? please contact us via email - admin@grampiancreditunion.co.uk 

Also, would you (a member of Grampian Credit Union) like to nominate someone that you think would be interested in our roles? Please contact us via email admin@grampiancreditunion.co.uk  OR call us on 01224 561506
Financial Planning Webinars - July 2022

The University will be hosting a series of pensions and financial planning webinars delivered by Tilney Financial Planning. Tilney are Chartered Financial Planners with many years' experience in the Financial Services sector. 

The following webinars are available and can be attended in combination with booking a one-to-one session with a Tilney advisor. To book a space follow the online booking process. You will contacted in advance of the seminar with a link to join.

Over the last fifteen years, Tilney have been providing bespoke and specific specialist financial planning guidance and advice to all levels of staff in the university sector. Throughout this time, Tilney have gained in-depth knowledge of university related pension schemes and have built a substantial amount of experience in assisting university staff meet their financial planning objectives efficiently and effectively

Generic Financial Planning Webinar

- What are the key areas to consider when making any financial plan

- Use of financial protection, savings and retirement planning

- Understanding how to effectively use your income towards meeting financial objectives and personal goals.

Understanding your financial objectives has never been more critical given these uncertain times. Having a bespoke and holistic financial plan in place will ensure that your goals have a far greater opportunity to be realised. Tilney will take you through a presentation that covers all key aspects of financial planning including protection, investments and retirement.

4 July 2022, 09:30

5 July 2022, 09:30

Nearing Retirement Webinar

- Impact of taking benefits early

- How to maximise pension accrual in the last years of working life

- Planning considerations for life in retirement

Once we reach age fifty, our thoughts may naturally turn towards retirement objectives and how we wish to spend time after work. Careful thought is required around when and how you wish to retire and what lifestyle you wish to have. Tilney will take you through the key aspects of planning for a financially healthy retirement including how you can enhance your current situation.

6 July 2022, 09:30
7 July 2022, 09:30

Pension Tax Webinar

- Lifetime allowance considerations

- How to maximise pension accrual in the last years of working life if no tax issues

- Planning considerations if annual allowance issues

- Planning considerations – should I stay in the pension scheme

The 2020 changes in the annual allowance create an planning opportunity. Careful thought is required around when and how you wish to retire and what impact if any the Lifetime Allowance will have. Tilney will take you through the key aspects of planning for a financially healthy retirement including how you can enhance your current situation.

8 July 2022, 09:30
Financial Wellbeing One-to-One Sessions – July 2022

The University will be hosting a series of pensions and financial planning surgeries delivered by Tilney Financial Planning. Tilney are Chartered Financial Planners with many years' experience in the Financial Services sector.  These Financial Planning and Pension surgeries offer the ability for staff members to discuss their circumstances on a one-to-one basis.  This involves an informal initial meeting where Tilney would guide staff as to whether it would be appropriate to seek further advice.  Alternatively, Tilney can provide reassurance that your arrangements give no cause for concern.

 

See below for more information on the schedule of surgeries and to book a slot through the course booking system.

 

Sessions will be delivered online. To book a session:

  1. Click the URL for the data and time you’d like to book.

  2. Follow the Course Booking guidance.

  3. Our Tilney rep will contact you by email soon and provide a link for you to join the session.

*If a place has already been taken you can add yourself to the waiting list or alternative look to book another slot.

 

For further information please contact reward@abdn.ac.uk.

 

Monday 4 July

Tuesday 5 July

Wednesday 6 July

Thursday 7 July

Friday 8 October

 

Career Progression

The University supports its employees’ career progression through a variety of initiatives.

Related information

Tuition Fees - for Staff

Staff under contract of employment with the University wishing to undertake studies at the University may be entitled to full or partial payment of their tuition fees from their Department or Section. This is conditional on meeting certain criteria and obtaining permission from the Head of College.

The Staff Tuition Fees Policy sets out the full details and conditions of this.

Staff wishing to request assistance with their tuition fees can complete and submit a Staff Tuition Fees application form, once they have consulted the policy and secured the relevant School and College level approvals.
Recognition

Rewarding staff for their achievements and long service with the University.

Related information

Long Service Awards

The University of Aberdeen recognises continuous long service of employees with 25, 40 and 50 years of service and Rowett Institute with 30 and 40 years service.  Staff who reach the qualifying years of continuous service receive a Mastercard to the value specified below and a certificate to commemorate their achievement. :

University of  Aberdeen 

  • 25 years - £250 
  • 40 years - £1000
  • 50 years - £1000 (plus a gift to the value of £30)

Rowett Institute:

  • 30 years - £500
  • 40 Years - £750

A celebratory event is arranged annually in February or March to recognise staff who have reached the key milestones during the previous year.

2023 Event 

Was held in the Linklater Rooms on 6th March 2023 where we celebrated a total of 545 years service. 

Click here to find out more   

2022 Event

we were able to hold this in person again in the Linklater Rooms on Monday 9th May where we celebrated a combined 665 years of service at University of Aberdeen and Rowett Institute .

.2021 Event

Things were a bit different this year as we couldn't have our usual ceremony. Instead we had a virtual get together via MS Teams, hosted by the Senior Management Team. Our Long Service Awardees were treated to afternoon tea, delivered by our Colleagues in Campus Services. To see who was presented with awards this year click on the video below.

2020 Event

On 12th February 2020, 23 people celebrated more than 500 years service at the event held in the LInklater Rooms. Click on the links below to see pictures of the event.
Childcare and Family Friendly Policies

Information on schemes supporting employees with the cost of childcare as well as relevant policies for working parents.

Related information

Childcare Vouchers

The University offers two salary sacrifice schemes to help eligible employees with the cost of childcare. These are:

  • Childcare Vouchers Salary Sacrifice Scheme (**applicable to existing members of the scheme only, Scheme is now closed to new applicants due to government review)
  • Rocking Horse Nursery Fees Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Both schemes are based on salary sacrifice which enables employees to benefit from Tax and National Insurance savings on their childcare costs. Employees sacrifice part of their gross salary - reduced taxable pay lowers the amount they pay in Tax and National Insurance. Eligibility for salary sacrifice depends on the level of income – salary sacrifice cannot reduce employee’s earnings below the minimum wage.  

With the Childcare Vouchers scheme employees nominate part of their monthly salary payment, in return for Childcare Voucher Credit, allowing you to take up to £55 per week (£243 per month) in Childcare Voucher credit. With Nursery Fees Scheme, the sacrificed salary is paid directly to the Rocking Horse nursery.

CHILDCARE VOUCHERS SCHEME (**applicable to existing members of the scheme only, Scheme is now closed to new applicants due to government review)

If you joined the scheme prior to October 2018, the Childcare Vouchers can be used to pay for any approved or registered childcare, including childminders, nannies, nurseries, breakfast and afterschool clubs, play schemes and summer camps, as well as the care element of boarding schools. The scheme is provided & administered by Edenred.

You can keep getting the vouchers if:

  • You have joined the scheme and your wages have been adjusted before the schemes closes in October 2018
  • You stay with the same employer and they continue to run the scheme
  • You do not take an unpaid career break of longer than a year

Please note, the government reviewed this scheme and subsequently closed it to new members in October 2018. All eligible employees can only register for the Tax Free Childcare scheme.

The Tax Free Childcare scheme is not based on salary sacrifice and there is no employer involvement as parents are responsible for confirming their eligibility and setting up their online account. Further information can be found on the government website.

Please note, the University cover the cost of the salary sacrifice scheme during the period of statutory maternity pay however employees will not be allowed to gain financial advantage during this period. As such, the University does not allow banking of childcare vouchers or nursery fees and requests for refunds and will only cover the cost of childcare at a rate prior to maternity leave. In addition, couples employed by the University are not permitted to switch the childcare vouchers or nursery fees salary sacrifice scheme membership for the purpose of financial gain during the statutory pay period of maternity leave.

Contacts

To register, please contact:

Eva Borkowska - HR Partner (Reward & Policy)
Rocking Horse - Nursery Fees Salary Sacrifice Scheme

The University offers two salary sacrifice schemes to help eligible employees with the cost of childcare. These are:

  • Childcare Vouchers Salary Sacrifice Scheme (**applicable to existing members of the scheme only, Scheme is now closed to new applicants due to government review)
  • Rocking Horse Nursery Fees Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Both schemes are based on salary sacrifice which enables employees to benefit from Tax and National Insurance savings on their childcare costs. Employees sacrifice part of their gross salary - reduced taxable pay lowers the amount they pay in Tax and National Insurance. Eligibility for salary sacrifice depends on the level of income – salary sacrifice cannot reduce employee’s earnings below the minimum wage.  

On 31 August 2015, the Rocking Horse Nursery moved in to a new purpose-built energy efficient building.

It is located on the University's Old Aberdeen campus. Nursery fees for the Rocking Horse Nursery can be salary sacrificed.

The Rocking Horse Nursery is an independent nursery registered with the Scottish Care Inspectorate. It was setup in 1989 under the terms of a Trust to provide nursery facilities primarily for the students and staff of the University of Aberdeen. The Trust is a non-profit making body and the Nursery is self-supporting. There are places for 78 children at any one time.

Please note, the University cover the cost of the salary sacrifice scheme during the period of statutory maternity pay however employees will not be allowed to gain financial advantage during this period. As such, the University does not allow banking of childcare vouchers or nursery fees and requests for refunds and will only cover the cost of childcare at a rate prior to maternity leave. In addition, couples employed by the University are not permitted to switch the childcare vouchers or nursery fees salary sacrifice scheme membership for the purpose of financial gain during the statutory pay period of maternity leave.

For further information, please visit the Nursery website.
Employers for Childcare

Employers for Childcare is a charity which provides free, impartial and confidential advice to families on the financial support available as well as other help that they may be entitled to. This support includes advice to parents, carers and people with disability.

For further information please go to EmployersForChildcare or refer to this document
Travel to Work

Save on your commute to work through a travel club or cycle to work.

Related information

Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme

The University operates a Cycle to work scheme which allows staff to obtain a bike and/or cycling accessories to use for cycling to work while making tax and National Insurance savings from gross pay. Staff choose their combination of bike and accessories and then rent the equipment through salary sacrifice from the University. By joining the scheme staff can hire a tax-free bike for work, which, for most people, means a saving of between 25% and 39% on a new bike.

The scheme is open for new members for three months typically around April/May/June each year. The Cycle to Work scheme is operated through Cyclescheme and they allow access to a wide range of suppliers, both online and in local shops, a full list can be accessed here. For further information on how the scheme works please visit Cyclescheme.

There are a number of important points staff should consider before deciding to take part in the Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme. Sacrificing part of your salary means you earn less – this might affect your state pension and contribution based state benefits. If you are unsure about whether or not you should participate in the Cycle to Work scheme you should seek your own financial advice.

Most employees will benefit from the Cycle to Work scheme but in some circumstances it may not be advantageous to join.

To be eligible for the scheme staff must have a contract that will match or exceed the duration of the payment phase of the salary sacrifice agreement (12 months). They must have sufficient salary to sacrifice such that any sacrifice made will not take them under the Living Wage arte. They also must agree to the full terms and conditions of the scheme provider.
Commuter travel Club (First Bus)

As an employee of The University of Aberdeen you can sign up to the First Bus Commuter Travel Club which offers 10% off your electronic subscription ticket. This discount cannot be applied to paper tickets.

Please note, this is a voluntary benefit and it is provided by First Bus – registration process and T&C’s are determined by First Bus.

Benefits include:

  • Unlimited bus travel for work or leisure
  • Free to join
  • Cheapest monthly bus tickets
  • Automatic mobile ticket renewal

Please follow the below steps in order to sign up:

  • Visit firstgroup.co.uk/aberdeen/ctc 
  • Register on the First Bus webpage using the form at the bottom
  • Select Aberdeen University as your employer from the dropdown menu
  • Use your University email address to validate access to the scheme
  • First Bus will then send you a link via email. Just click this to complete the online registration and purchase a subscription ticket.

For any queries regarding the electronic tickets during the Coronavirus pandemic, please contact First Bus directly:

  • From Monday 20th April, customers will be able to contact First Bus by phone between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
  • First Bus will contine to monitor Twitter 7am until 7pm, Monday to Friday, and on Saturdays and Sundays, between 9am and 5pm.
  • Our website is always on at www.firstgroup.com 

First Bus has designed their very own Kids Educational Pack to keep your children entertained during the coronavirus lockdown. The pack is designed for children in Primary 1 to Primary 7, your print at home pack can be found here.
Health and Wellbeing

The University supports its employees’ wellbeing through a range of options, including discounted medical insurance and Aberdeen Sport Village membership.

Related information

BUPA medical insurance

The University BUPA scheme allows you to access preferential rates for medical insurance. The scheme operates on a group risk basis and employees can join throughout the year with premiums deducted from your salary each month.

For quotes or specific queries, please email hr@abdn.ac.uk

Please note, all queries or quote requests will be forwarded to BUPA and cannot be answered/provided by the University staff.

For more information on the scheme please see the
UoA Rewards

UoA Rewards offers a great range of discounts on travel bookings, high street vouchers, gift cards, days out, leisure activities and much more! 

To start enjoying the benefits on offer register or log in to the site at the link below. (The site can be accessed from your desktop, laptop or the browser in your smart device.)

CareFirst

Also accessible via UoA Rewards is our counselling service provided by Care First, offering an enhanced support package to staff with a 24-hour telephone counselling service, as well as face-to-face counselling sessions and an online portal and app.

For more details log into the UoA Rewards site and select ‘Employee Assistance’ from the Benefits menu, or visit the dedicated CareFirst pages.

To ensure staff have the opportunity to engage with the new platforms, we’ve passed on basic staff details to the providers to facilitate welcome emails. If you would like your details to be removed from the platforms or find out more about the data being used please email Kenny Bruce, HR Systems Manager.

When registering on the site the ‘Address Line 2’ of your home address is set as mandatory. We are aware not everyone will have something to populate this section.

To complete registration any character can be entered into this box and amended in the My Account area when registration is complete.

DO NOT USE YOUR UNIVERSITY PASSWORD FOR THIS SITE.
Staff should choose a different password not related to their University password and never enter their University Password into anything other than University hosted services ( abdn.ac.uk ) or ( microsoft.com, live.com, and outlook.com ) for Office 365.

Bequeathed – free will writing service for staff

Free Will offer for University of Aberdeen Staff

We are excited to announce that the University have launched a free will writing service for staff and their partners. The University has partnered with Bequeathed to offer an exclusive service to help you write your will for free.

We feel that it is important to encourage people, no matter what age to think about writing a will.  It is really important to have one in place to ensure that you choose where your estate goes otherwise, the rules laid out in law will determine who inherits.

If you already have a will in place, this service can also help you if you are considering redrafting your will, ensuring that it still reflects your current circumstances.

With Bequeathed you can write a free will in 3 simple steps:

  1. Complete an online interview

The questions asked help you gather all the information required to make your will quickly. It takes around 20 minutes and the team is online to help.

  1. Get advice from an accredited firm

When you’ve completed the online form, Bequeathed will arrange a 30 minute appointment with a legal firm. Choose phone or video call, your home or their office. The firm will discuss your situation and your wishes and confirm the will fully caters for your needs.

  1. Sign and witness your will

After your appointment, the legal firm will send you your free Will For Good. Just sign it in front of witnesses and return to the firm. They will check it has been executed correctly.

There is no charge for a standard will. If your circumstances are more complicated and you require further legal advice, the legal firm will explain what’s needed and give you a quote to consider, with no obligation to accept.

When you make your will, you’ll notice there’s an option to include a gift to the University.

There’s no obligation to do this and making your will is something you’ll want to think carefully about. Many want to remember their loved ones, which is only right. But after those closest to you have been looked after, you might consider remembering the University of Aberdeen in this way too.

Leaving a gift in your will is one of the most powerful ways to make sure that your values live on after you’re gone, and we can arrange that your gift is used in an area that’s special to you.  

“During my time at the University, I have been made to feel very welcome by students and staff and their passion and warmth has inspired me to leave a gift in my will.” – Current Staff Member

To get started click on the link https://www.abdn.ac.uk/giving/giving/make-a-free-will-626.php

If you have any questions about this offer, please contact: Vanessa Holmes, Development Officer for Legacy Giving, vanessa.holmes@abdn.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0)1224 274132