• To offer academic leadership to the School’s academic and professional support staff, managing and supporting them in a way that enables them to fulfil their potential and perform against expectations;
  
  
• To ensure students on the School’s courses have a high quality experience of teaching and local pastoral care;
  
  
• To ensure the School’s courses perform highly against all relevant quality review and inspection standards, undertaking effective continual improvement planning;
  
  
• To develop all aspects of the School’s academic provision, identifying, evaluating and responding creatively and innovatively to new ideas and market trends in their subject;
  
  
• To manage resources of the School (financial, human and physical) so that agreed targets are met including the necessary development and innovation to secure further success;
  
  
• To ensure that the School has an appropriate and evolving portfolio of courses and consultancy/ professional development products and activities;
• To ensure that the School has a portfolio of research, including funded projects, commensurate with its size and subject focus;
  
  
• To ensure that agreed student recruitment and retention targets are met;
  
  
• To ensure that the School carries out appropriate strategic and business planning as required;
  
  
• To keep the Faculty, the University and its schools/departments fully informed of external developments in any area relevant to the School’s area of specialism;
  
  
• To contribute to the academic development of the Faculty and the wider University community, and to chair and participate as appropriate in University/Faculty committees and/or project task groups;
  
  
• To maintain a personal level of research and scholarly activity and/ or professional practice as appropriate, and contribute to national and international subject development;
  
  
• To maintain the engagement of the School and its members in the operation and development of the University, ensuring that they are fully informed of developments and changes in policy and practice, and operate accordingly.

Interviews will take place on 8 February 2024

There will be two elements of the selection process:

• You will have an interview with a Panel chaired by the Vice Chancellor which will begin
  with a 10 minute presentation from yourself on a topic that is pertinent to the University
  of Bedfordshire's strategic goals.
  
  
• You will meet the staff and students from across the Faculty and they will ask you
  questions and engage in conversation regarding key topics pertaining to nursing and
  midwifery in the higher education sector.

Paid Opticians Appointments and Glasses

If you use Display Screen Equipment for more than 3 hours per day you are entitled to a free eye test every two years. Where special spectacles or other 'corrective appliances' are required solely for computer use, the University will contribute to the cost. Eye test guidelines Eye-Test-Guidelines Dec 2019 [PDF]

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for colleagues and their immediate family

You have access to a 24/7 helpline which provides confidential free counselling and advice on matters related to personal and professional health and wellbeing. The programme is also designed to help manage stress related issues and allow you to access to practical advice and information as well as legal advice and debt advice, similar to the Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

Cycle to Work Scheme

To promote healthier living and being more environmentally conscious, we run a cycle to work scheme whereby the University initially purchases bicycles for colleagues and the colleague then repays the cost over a 12-month period through a hire charge.

Colleagues that enter into this scheme will make savings on income tax and national insurance. Cycle to Work Scheme guidelines [PDF]

Exclusive use of the University’s Aspire Gyms

Our Aspire Gyms are convenient fitness facilities based on the Luton and Bedford campuses Colleagues have access to an exclusive range of affordable membership options as well as personal training opportunities to ensure all feel welcome in these facilities. Find out more at Sport at Beds

Get Active

For just £10 a semester or £20 for the year, you can access 40+ weekly Get Active sessions across both Bedford and Luton campuses in addition to one-off tasters throughout the year. Although our sessions are aimed at beginners and those who are currently less active, they are open to all colleagues regardless of ability or experience. Find out more at Sport at Beds

Get Creative

For those of you who would really like to do something a little different, try out our Get Creative scheme. Art and design classes are held in Luton and Bedford, while drama classes are held in Luton and singing classes in Bedford.

Free Sports Therapy Treatments from our students

Our free student-run Sports Therapy Clinic is available on our Luton campus to staff and students and is open within term time only. The assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and sports massage is carried out by one of our BSc Sports Therapy students and all treatments are offered under the supervision of a graduate Sports Therapist. The clinics also provide our students with vital practical experience within a clinical environment. To request an appointment email clinic@beds.ac.uk

Health and Wellbeing Fair

The Health and Safety Team runs an annual free health and wellbeing event for both staff and students at either our Luton or Bedford campuses. The day-long event, usually held in January, provides a wealth of information, advice and support around healthy living and eating options and help to stop smoking. Plus a variety of free services including taster sessions of our Aspire gym services and introductory therapy massages from our Physiotherapy and Sports Therapy School. External specialists are also on hand to provide blood pressure and body mass index testing.

Supporting our communities by giving staff time to donate blood

The University will support employees who have appointments to donate blood during the working day, at specified locations* close to the campus where they are usually based, up to 3 hours in a working day, three times a year.

Appointments should be booked following consultation with your line manager.

*Locations

• Luton – Luton Donor Centre, St. Georges Square, Bridge Street, Luton LU1 2NF
• Bedford - Kings House, Kings Arm Church, 245 Ampthill Road, Bedford MK42 9AZ, and The Centenary Hall, 104 Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford MK42 8BG
• Aylesbury - The Methodist Church Centre, Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, HP20 2NQ and Fire Station, Stocklake, Aylesbury, Bucks HP20 1BD
• Putteridge Bury - Luton Donor Centre, St. Georges Square, Bridge Street, Luton LU1 2NF
• Milton Keynes - Milton Keynes, Church Christ Cornerstone, 300 Saxon Gate West, Milton Keynes MK9 2ES

Community and Faith

The Community and Faith teams provide a warm welcome and confidential support to staff and students of all faiths and beliefs, including non-religious beliefs. Chaplains are available to give you time, to listen, to help you find guidance if you need it, and to pray with you if you wish. We can draw on the assistance of local faith and community groups. We partner with staff groups and departments on initiatives which enhance spirituality, well-being and charitable giving.

Staff Support

In the event of work-related and personal difficulties or sickness, Chaplains are available to visit you at home or hospital or have a chat in a café over a cup of coffee.

We are also able to offer regular or tailor-made Rituals for life-events, celebrations and transitions.

Just drop in or contact the Treehouse or Seedbeds team to make an appointment.

Bereavement

Chaplains are experienced and qualified to take Funerals and provide support in times of bereavement. Families and colleagues often appreciate the connection chaplains have to offer between the work-place and community.

Emergency Help and Support

Involving Chaplains at the earliest stages of staff or student death or serious incident is very helpful in enabling individuals and groups to access support. We will visit and assist with creating spaces and opportunities to express difficult feelings and find comfort - an example is a Memory Station.

Chaplains provide an Out of Hours Service and are available for pastoral emergencies, contactable by mobile phone 24/7.

Faith and Belief Facilities

We provide Prayer and Quiet Rooms and facilities for world faiths and beliefs, and we can give you details of local places of worship and belief and connect you with the local community.

Extra Bank Holidays

There are up to 5 additional bank holidays (often referred to as concessionary holiday) in the year when the University is closed. These are typically three at Christmas and two at Easter. These additional bank holidays are paid leave and are given at the discretion of the Vice Chancellor.

Childcare Vouchers

Childcare vouchers are a Government scheme aimed at helping working parents. Families can save hundreds of pounds every year by using childcare vouchers, with extra savings if both parents take part. Here at the University of Bedfordshire, childcare vouchers are offered through an external provider, Sodexo.

Fee Waiver for Children of Staff

If your child enrols, or is already enrolled, on a full time undergraduate course with us, then we will waive their fee for the Honours Year of their degree.

Wedding Package Discount

A 10% staff discount is available on the Orchid Wedding Package at our neo-Elizabethan manor house Putteridge Bury. This package includes full use of the house and gardens, welcome drinks, canapes, a three course meal with half a bottle of house wine per guest, the evening buffet plus much more. 

Putteridge Bury can also be hired for other occasions such as birthdays, funerals etc. If you are looking for a venue for your special function then get in contact with Events Manager Kayleigh Nimmo to see how the team can help you.

Read more at Putteridge Bury Weddings

Study Assistance for CPD Courses

In certain circumstances, the University will help you to undertake one of our own degrees (or other award-bearing) programmes by granting partial remission of the tuition fees as well as providing time off for studying.

CPD Framework for Academic Staff

The University is committed to helping and supporting staff in the development of their teaching practice. More information on CPD for teaching staff can be found in the Centre for Learning Excellence.

Staff Development Calendar

Staff told us that they wanted more development opportunities, so in response we created a new staff development calendar which is regularly updated and includes a variety of useful sessions for both professional service and academic staff which are free to attend. Examples of the varied sessions include: 'Developing Relationships with Business and External Organisations' and 'Unconscious Bias in Recruitment and Selection' to 'Leadership and Creativity in Teaching' and 'Using SITS'.

ICT courses

You are eligible to access E-Learning courses provided by Microsoft. These cover a variety of applications, and include Microsoft Excel, Word, Access, SharePoint, OneNote and Outlook. They also cater for different versions (2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016) and levels (Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced). Microsoft also offer our staff advanced training on its products via eLearning and advanced technical IT Trainingvia its Virtual Training Academy. Find out more about how to access these courses here.

University Library

Staff automatically get membership of the University's libraries. As well as borrowing books, this offers online access to a wide range of digital materials including journals, newspapers, databases and other trade websites. There is reference access to a range of print journals and these resources are perfect for professional research and personal development.

In addition, staff can make use of Luton Library's bookable rooms, plus its group study spaces offer an alternative meeting space for small team discussions and projects.

The University of Bedfordshire is also a member of a number of co-operative schemes which you can use which give you access to a number of other libraries across the UK.

Annual Staff Conference

Each year the University holds a conference which all staff are entitled to attend and which includes staff development sessions around a particular theme as well as networking and knowledge sharing.

Public Policy Lectures and Events

Every year there are a number of events that the University runs which are free for staff to attend providing access to prestigious external speakers from Sire Robert Winston to Chris Packham. To keep up to date with our latest events, or to post an event that you may be running on campus, then please visit our Events Calendar.

Vice Chancellor's Proud to Be Beds Awards

Our annual Vice Chancellor's Awards provides staff and students the chance to recognise those who have helped enhance the Student Experience and University culture. Categories include 'Inspirational Teacher', 'Partner of the Year' and 'Living by our values'.

Long Service

Long Service Awards are given to those colleagues in recognition of 10 and 25 years continuous service. Staff will receive a £100 cheque upon reaching their 10 year anniversary and a £300 cheque on their 25 year anniversary. All staff receive a certificate which is presented at the staff summer party.

SU Rewards

Earn 5p in rewards points for every £1 you spend in any of the Beds SU Venues (The Hub, Bedford & The Metro Bar, Luton). Reward points can then be used to purchase food and drinks in our venues, including Starbucks Coffee! Simply show your staff ID card at the till and points will be added.

Pizza Express (Luton only)

A 25% discount is available on food at Pizza Express in Luton on production of your staff ID card.

Big Yellow Storage

Big Yellow Storage is offering University of Bedfordshire staff an extra 10 per cent discount.

Maybe you're moving home and you don't have room for all your things or you've just had a baby and your spare room is no longer spare. You might be re-decorating your house but don't want to re-decorate the furniture. Whatever the reason, you can get some space with Big Yellow. Simply bring your things to Big Yellow's clean, dry, secure rooms for as few as seven days or as long as you need.

Costco

With Costco membership, University of Bedfordshire staff can enjoy great savings on thousands of quality products at the lowest possible price at all UK Costco locations and over 568 worldwide.

In addition to offering quality products at low warehouse prices, their outlet at Milton Keynes offers a variety of convenient member services such as One Hour Photo, Optical, Tyre Purchase and Fitting, Food Court, Personalised Sheet Cakes and a pre-order system from our Service Deli. They are also now able to offer NHS sight tests (to find out if you qualify for this please contact their Optical Department).

Active Luton

This is a not-for-profit sports and leisure trust operating a variety of facilities in Luton. Special corporate rates have been agreed at all Active Luton centres. Active Luton

Alexander Sports Centre, Bedford

Offers an extensive range of sporting opportunities. Please see Alexander Sports Centre for more information.

Treatz Dessert Parlour - Luton

University staff can enjoy 10% off at Treatz Dessert Parlour on Upper George Street in Luton (opposite the Town Hall).

Please show your staff card when placing your order to be eligible for the discount.

ISIC Association

If you’re working as a full-time teacher or professor only, you can enjoy teacher discounts with the International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC). The teacher card (ITIC) is an internationally recognised ID card that offers numerous discounts and savings, at home and abroad. Such as 20% discount on national express coaches, 20% discount on Virgin Experience Days and much more. See a full list of offers

Discounts through NUS Extra Cards

NUS Extra offers a great range of discounts, both online and on the highstreets for just £12. This includes up to 40% at Pizza Express, 10% off at Co-op, discount on cinema tickets, plus with ISIC now included, you will also have access to 1000's of international discounts.

To see all discounts and apply for a card simply visit NUS extra and complete the online form. Don't worry too much about what course details you enter, just ensure you use your University email address (firstname.surname@beds.ac.uk) where your email address is requested. This will verify that you a eligible for a card.

Kaarp

This is available to all public sector workers and provides specific benefits and discounts including entertainment, finance, health, motoring, shopping and travel. Offers include Alton Towers, Sea France, Sea Life Centres, Cafe Rouge and many more.

Park & Go

University staff can save more than 10 per cent on airport parking charges by booking in advance through Park & Go. For details or phone 0844 482 0261. Visit parkandgo.co.uk for details.

Terms and Conditions

• The University accept no liabilities resulting from the purchase of any products from Park & Go.
• The booking and services provided remain exclusively between the individual and Park & Go.

Superbreak

Super Break has been a short break specialist for over 30 years. And they pour all that knowledge, experience and passion back into creating your perfect escape.The University has partnered with Superbreak to offer staff a 10 per cent discount on your next much-needed escape.

Choosing Super Break allows you to book every element of your trip in one simple place; 2-5 star hotels, rail travel, Eurostar, flights and mini-cruises, plus all the little extras that help make each break really special.

From theatre tickets and events to sightseeing and attractions around the UK and overseas, they help tailor the entire package exactly how you want it.

Just like they have for over 1.5 million customers so far… with an impressive 97% Customer Service rating on Feefo.

Both ATOL and ABTA protected for added peace of mind and with no credit card or booking fees, Super Break is a reliable brand trusted by travel agents and customers.

Terms and Conditions

• The University has formed a partnership with Superbreak to offer staff a 10 per cent discount on published prices in their catalogues /website
• Superbreak is intended for staff's personal travel arrangements (etc) only and must not be used for business purposes. For business travel please refer to the relevant University policies which include using the recognised Travel Management Company (currently the Co-op).
• The University accept no liabilities resulting from purchase of any products via this site for any reason. The booking and travel arrangements remain exclusively between the individual and Superbreak.

Osteopathy treatment

University staff can access UCO (University College of Osteopathy) treatment at the Southwark Bridge Road clinical centre in the general clinic at a specially discounted rate of £19 per appointment. Just take along your University ID card.

Treatment is provided by senior UCO osteopathy degree students, supervised by tutors who are fully qualified osteopaths. The clinic is based at 98-118 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 0BQ - near to Borough tube station (Northern line).

Health at Hand

As a member of Bedfordshire and Luton Chamber of Commerce, University employees can exclusively access AXA PPP healthcare's free information telephone service, around the clock, 365 days a year.

Their team of nurses, pharmacists, counsellors and midwives are available night and day to give you the benefit of their expertise. They'll answer your questions and provide valuable help and information on illnesses, treatments and medications.

Hardware and Software

All University staff can claim an educational discount when buying IT hardware for personal use from suppliers contracted on agreements through Southern Universities Purchasing Consortium (SUPC). This could include buying USB flash drives, scanners, DVD drives, desktop computers, laptops, printers and apple devices.

University Staff can also buy Microsoft Office for Mac or PC at a considerable discount via the Microsoft Home Use Programme.

Download Microsoft Office for free

Thanks to the University's arrangement with Microsoft, staff can now download and install Microsoft Office for Windows at no cost on up to five home computers.

Free Anti-Virus Software

The current Anti-Virus application in use at the University is Sophos Enterprise for PC and Macintosh. Staff can install and use Sophos at home if they wish.

Discounts on Apple Hardware Products

Shop at the Apple store or online for significant discounts on Apple hardware products such as iMac and iPad.

Discounts on Adobe Products

University staff can enjoy discounts on the Adobe Creative Cloud Apps, such as photography, design, video, and web. Students and teachers save 65% with student/teacher discounts.

Discounts on Nvidia

Visual computing technology firm Nvidia provides graphics cards for PC gaming, mobile gaming, cloud gaming, virtual computing, and more. Educational discounts are available from Nvidia for University staff members.

Discounts on Microsoft

Students, parents, teachers and their families can save 10% on select products from Microsoft Store. Products eligible for the academic discount have a special student price below the standard price.

Discounts on iDrive

A quick, efficient, and secure online backup service for educational institutions (like Drop box). A 50% discount for students, educational institutions, or anyone with a valid education domain based email address.

Discounts on Sketch

Sketch is a digital design toolkit with useful features, an intuitive interface and powerful plugins built by a community of developers. 50% off for Students, Teachers and Staff.