Staff Guide to Health and Wellbeing

Introduction

Employee Relations and Communications

The positive contribution of staff is a considerable factor in the long term sustainability of the University. Without your efforts, energy, enthusiasm and commitment Edge Hill would not be as successful as it is today or as well positioned to face future challenges.

Updates by the Vice-Chancellor The Vice-Chancellor issues a weekly email update to all staff with information and news relating to the University, the Higher Education Sector and related topics of interest. The Vice- Chancellor also delivers a termly address to which all staff are invited. Dates are advertised via the weekly email and the wiki pages.

The benefits, support, health and wellbeing initiatives detailed in this guide have been developed to help you feel valued, remain healthy, achieve a work life balance and enjoy social time with your family, friends and colleagues. Our provision is based on feedback that you have provided. If you feel there are any gaps we would welcome your suggestions for further enhancement. Staff Wellbeing Team

Employee Relations and Communications Staff Partnership Group The remit of the Staff Partnership Group (SPG) is to improve communications and all aspects of working life. The SPG focuses on the following key areas: • • •

•

Improving staff communication processes to ensure that you feel more informed Developing stronger consultation processes so that you are more involved in changes taking place Acting as a forum through which you are able to make suggestions, raise issues and voice concerns Providing guidance and support to all staff in achieving and enhancing equitable practices in all aspects of working life

Staff Adviser The HR Staff Adviser provides staff with confidential one to one advice and guidance on all HR policies, procedures and related matters, including the following: • Maternity, Paternity and Adoption policies • Family friendly policies and flexible working requests • Retirement options and pensions’ estimates • Accessing staff services such as Occupational Health and Counselling, as well as Access to Work • Reasonable adjustments in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act • Long term and short term absence support

Please contact the Staff Adviser to book an appointment to discuss any queries you might have concerning the above areas or any other HR related matter. Tel: 01695 584615

Staff Survey The annual staff survey offers you an opportunity to express your opinions about Edge Hill and provides us with valuable feedback to ensure we focus our efforts on employee satisfaction and continued success. Responses are confidential and are returned directly to independent consultants for independent analysis. The results of the survey are provided to the Staff Partnership Group and the Teaching and Support Staff Consultative and Negotiating Committees. Feedback is also disseminated to all staff via the ‘everyone’ email and the wiki pages. Recognised Trade Unions Edge Hill University recognises the following trade unions.

Universities & Colleges Union (UCU) – Academic Staff Contact the UCU Branch Secretary for further details. Unison – Support Staff Contact the Unison Branch Secretary for further details.

Policies and Procedures All University policies and procedures are agreed through consultative committees and staff representatives are able to comment and provide feedback on any proposals. Copies of polices and procedures can be found on the HR wiki pages.

Development and Career Progression Continuing Professional & Personal Development Edge Hill University encourages all staff to invest in themselves and their career by taking advantage of a range of development opportunities including a central programme of events and workshops provided by the Staff Learning and Development Department to support academic and research practice, leadership and management development, personal skills development, e-learning and ICT.

Fee Remission Edge Hill staff who wish to follow a programme of study for personal interest at Edge Hill can qualify for 50% fee remission if they meet the following criteria: they are on a permanent Edge Hill contract of employment; they have been employed at Edge Hill for more than 12 months; they work a minimum of 7 hours per week; they study on the programme outside of contracted working hours.

Financial Contribution to Professional Development Funding may be available for external accredited and non-accredited programmes and qualifications relevant to your role, subject to approval by the relevant Dean/Director.

Induction The corporate staff induction programme provides an understanding of the current context within higher education and key activities within the University, together with an opportunity to meet senior and key University staff and begin to develop a network of internal contacts.

Staff Volunteering The benefits of volunteering to both students and staff are plentiful and there are a wide range of opportunities to undertake volunteering through the Edge Hill University Careers Centre.

Work Shadowing Work shadowing provides an opportunity for you to find out about other roles within the University. For further information contact Staff Learning and Development.

Equality & Diversity Edge Hill University’s vision is to provide an environment where everyone feels able to participate, contribute, enjoy and influence their experience and where inclusive practices underpin all the University's activities. Respect for, and celebration of individual diversity will shape institutional strategy, direction and behaviour and staff involvement is welcomed in this shaping at local, focus group and committee level.

The Staff Partnership Group guides the University’s approach to Equality and Diversity and all relevant policies can be found on the HR wiki. Staff are encouraged to make any concerns known to the Staff Adviser.

Finances Awards for Long Service and Retirement A long service award of £250 will be made on completion of 25 years of Edge Hill service. Retirement awards will be made for completed years of Edge Hill service at the date of retirement to staff who are retiring from the University and accessing their pension: 10 years service £100 15 years service £150 20 years service £200

25 years service £250 30 years service £300 35 years service £350

The award will consist of vouchers chosen by the recipient from an agreed list.

For staff with continuous service at Edge Hill University of 25 years or more, a contribution will be made to a retirement party held at Edge Hill and catered for via the University’s Catering Department. The contribution will be to a maximum of £250.

Final Salary Pension Scheme The University offers a final salary pension scheme which is supported by the University’s contributions as well as those of your own. The University has three pension schemes the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) and the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS).

Financial Wellbeing Edge Hill University supports the Financial Services Authority (FSA), the UK's financial watchdog, to bring financial education and information into the workplace. Our annual Financial Wellbeing event provides advice and guidance on how to make the most of your money, budgeting, financial planning and debt management; understanding your bank account; pensions and saving for retirement. Information is totally impartial and there is no selling involved.

Free Uniforms and Safety Equipment (where relevant to role) Uniforms and safety equipment are provided to staff free of charge at the start of employment and replaced as required where this is relevant to the role.

Independent Legal Advice Confidential appointments are available to staff or students for confidential free legal advice from Brighouse Wolff Solicitors. Please note Brighouse Wolff are not able to provide advice on matters concerning the University or the Students’ Union. Legal Advice Clinics are held once a month. To make a confidential appointment telephone 01695 657301

Medicash Medicash Health Cash Plans offer low cost insurance packages that provide cash back towards healthcare bills and a wide range of other wellbeing benefits. With just a small monthly payment, cash plans provide a simple, affordable way to: • • •

Cover healthcare costs Manage your money Safeguard the health and wellbeing of you and your family

For information contact Payroll on 01695 657113

Relocation Expenses You may qualify for financial assistance towards the cost of moving house when you join Edge Hill under the relocation expenses scheme. For more information please contact HR Business Support.

Facilities Careers Service Edge Hill Careers Service can offer staff individual, confidential careers advice, including support with job applications. For information see [email protected] or edgehill.ac.uk/careers

Catering Services Our catering facilities offer a wide range of foods, drinks and services and aim to provide quality and choice at affordable prices. Catering outlets are located throughout the campus - The Hub and the SCR Coffee Lounge in the main building. The Faculty of Health and Social Care hosts Café Rewind, offering a selection of snacks, sandwiches and freshly brewed coffee. Waters Edge Restaurant in the Faculty of Education offers a range of international dishes. Book Ends Coffee Bar in the Library and The Arts Centre Bistro are open during term time, both provide a good selection of drinks and snacks.

Free Onsite Parking As car parking at Edge Hill University is extremely limited, parking is reserved for permit holders only. Parking for permit holders is free of charge under the supervision of the University Campus Support team. Further information and guidance on parking arrangements can be found in the Car Parking Policy which outlines the provisions and measures for effectively managing trafficc and car parking on the University’s Ormskirk campus. Green Travel: Edge Link Bus Service Staff can use their staff ID card to gain free travel on the Edge Link

bus service that operates between the University and Ormskirk bus station every 20 minutes, 6 days a week during term time.

Library Access Learning Services provides a range of library services for Edge Hill staff. The online catalogue allows searches for material at any Learning Services site, and staff can place reservations and renew items on loan. Learning Services also participates in a number of schemes that allow Edge Hill staff borrowing and access rights at other HE institutions. There is also a Blackwell’s Bookstore located within the University Library.

Multi Faith Chaplaincy Service Edge Hill University respects your rights to freedom of religious belief and makes available a multi faith prayer room for staff and students. The prayer room is located in the Magnolia Room at Forest Court. This is available for both staff and students to use as a prayer room between 12-2pm and 4-5pm every weekday. To use the prayer room during these times please call at the Customer Information and Support Centre to collect the room key.

The Chaplaincy centre offers a multi failth service with Chaplains from different Christian denominations, the Jewish and Muslim faiths. Our Chaplains offer staff and students a confidential and supportive service from a faith perspective. For more information contact [email protected], 01695 6572000. If you would like to use a prayer room outside of these times please contact the SIC reception and Student Services staff will endeavour to provide a prayer room within the SIC building.

Shop and Supermarket The Campus Shop and McColls’ supermarket are open from 7.00 a.m. – 10 p.m. Both stock a variety of items, including groceries, newspapers, cards, confectionery, sandwiches, snacks and stationery supplies.

The Arts Centre The Arts Centre hosts a diverse range of high quality professional productions, including comedy, dance, drama, literature, music and family-friendly shows, designed to entertain students and staff. Additional discount for some productions is offered by the Staff Wellbeing programme. A film society also runs weekly during term time in the Studio Theatre which is also located in the Arts Centre.

Edge Hill Sport Edge Hill’s sports complex offers some of the best sporting facilities in the region and is fully accessible to wheelchair users and others with disabilities and provides excellent provision for both indoor and outdoor sports. Operated by the Edge Hill Sport team the facilities are open to staff and provide a wide and varied activity programme.

Sports Therapy Clinic Whether you are an elite or recreational athlete the Clinic offers treatment, rehabilitation and preventative advice on musculoskeletal conditions and sports injuries.

The clinic is staffed by BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy students under the supervision of qualified staff. For an appointment contact 01695 584264

Staff Common Room (SCR) Staff are provided with access to a staff common room. This is a social area where you can meet up with colleagues to take lunch and breaks away from the office. Sandwiches, hot and cold beverages and a selection of cakes are served from 10.00am until 2pm, Monday – Friday. Complimentary newspapers are delivered to the common room daily.

Health and Wellbeing Centre, Milton House The University Occupational Health Nurse Adviser, Counsellors and the Nursing Sister are located within the Health and Wellbeing Centre at Milton House. During term time the Nursing Sister is available from 8.30 a.m. until 4.30 p.m. Monday to Friday. You may access the service for drop in enquiries, information or routine checks for blood pressure, weight, height and BMI measurements.

Further details regarding the benefits listed are available on request from the Staff Wellbeing Team.

Health and Wellbeing Acupuncture

Chiropodist

• • • •

A session lasts approx. 20 minutes. (Charges apply)

Acupuncture has an important role to play in meeting the needs of people with long term health conditions and complex health needs and it can be particularly beneficial when applied to: Reduce levels of stress and anxiety Aid post operative recovery Relieve back pain Treat depression

(Charges apply)

Our highly qualified visiting chiropodist provides a professional and caring podiatry service and will treat a range of foot conditions. The procedures include the cutting of toenails, ingrown or not and the removal of corns and calluses.

Beauty Therapies

Beauty therapies have many benefits including helping you to look great and feel totally and utterly relaxed. Our visiting therapists provide a range of treatments for men and women at competitive prices including: Manicures Pedicures Microdermobrasion Facials Holistic Facilas Crystal Wand Therapy Waxing Treatments (Charges apply)

Health and Wellbeing Counselling Service

The University provides an impartial and non-judgemental counselling service to all staff. Members of the Counselling Team are experienced, qualified and professional counsellors with high levels of expertise in providing short-term therapeutic interventions. Confidentiality is a priority and is discussed and agreed with each client before they begin counselling. Early morning and evening appointments are available upon request. Appointments can be made by telephone, email or via the website.

If you feel the issue is not urgent then you will normally be offered an appointment within 1-2 weeks. However if it is an emergency we will offer you an appointment on the same or next working day. All employees are entitled to six free sessions with a counsellor. Tel: 01695 650988 Email: [email protected]

Dentist

In a partnership arrangement with Ravat & Ray Dental Practice the University is able to provide (subject always to the requirements of NHS protocols and procedures) access to sports mouth guard surgeries, dental hygiene clinics, dental check up surgeries and dental health promotion clinics within the Health and Wellbeing Centre, Milton House. Appointments last 15 minutes and staff will be expected to pay for their treatment on the day of appointment.

If X-rays or treatment are required there will be carried out in the main surgery at the West Lancashire Health Centre at Ormskirk Hospital

Diet and Nutrition

Eye Tests

A good diet is central to overall good health. Adopting a healthy diet will improve your general health, keep your weight under control, help to lower cholesterol, help keep your blood pressure down and reduce your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.

Why regular sight tests are so vital Sight tests not only tell you if you need new glasses or a change of prescription, they are also a vital health check. They can detect many general health problems and early signs of eye conditions before any symptoms become apparent – many of which can be treated if found early enough.

Our Occupational Health Adviser can deliver team workshops on ‘Eating well and reducing Health Risk’ and provide individual support for those with diet and nutrition concerns.

During the Wellbeing event Slimming World and Weight Watchers consultants visit the University to offer information and guidance on weight loss programs.

Visual Display Unit users are entitled to a free eye test and the use of a voucher scheme affiliated with Specsavers Opticians through the University. The application process is as follows: • • •

Any staff member, identified as a ‘user’ through the workstation assessment process, is informed of their eligibility for an eyesight test Staff members who wish to have an eyesight test must complete an ‘Application for Eyesight Test Form’ located in the Health and Safety Web pages and submit it to their line manager Line managers should contact the FM Helpdesk by email [email protected] quoting VDU Eyecare Voucher

Food and Mood

Fitness Classes

The Food and Mood workshop explores the relationship between what you eat and how you feel. How food and nutrition can significantly affect your mental and emotional wellbeing will be explained so if you want to know how to 'eat yourself happier' then this workshop is for you. The workshop is regularly run by the Counselling Team at the Health and Well-being Centre, Milton House

A range of fitness classes are provided by Edge Hill Sport, most of which take place in the Dance Studio of the Wilson Centre adjacent to Edge Hill Sport. Classes vary from relaxing, stretching yoga to high impact, intense aerobics sessions. Lunch time sessions are subsidised for staff. (Charges may apply – depending on membership agreements.)

Flu Jabs

Fruit Deliveries

Each year the flu virus is slighlty different, its severity is unpredictable. Some flu seasons are worse than others, it depends on the type of flu virus going around and the number of people who are susceptible to it each winter.

To promote the health benefits of fruit and to help staff achieve their recommended 5 a day the Staff Wellbeing Team organise free fruit for staff at various times throughout the academic year.

To help prevent the spread of flu at work we offer staff a free flu vaccination as they can provide good seasonal protection (70-80% reliability) against all strains of flu.

No appointment is needed. Just turn up at one of the drop in sessions advertised in October.

A fresh fruit and vegetable stall is set up in the Hub every Tuesday from 12.00 p.m. until 2.00 p.m. for staff to purchase a wealth of local seasonal produce at very competitive prices. In addition to buying on the day orders can be taken for family fruit and vegetable bags which are sold for £2.50 each.

Health and Wellbeing Event

Ill Health Guidance and Support

The Health and Wellbeing Event delivers a variety of services and activities aimed at promoting wellbeing and a healthy work-life balance. The event is scheduled during January and February. Managers are requested to enable and encourage staff to participate and benefit from the wide range of activities and services provided.

The Staff Adviser provides confidential one to one advice and guidance on a wide range of health and wellbeing issues which may be impacting on your work. Advice can be provided on all staff related policies including maternity, paternity and capability ill health and offer guidance on how to positively address workplace issues.

Indian Head Massage

Lifestyle Assessment

Indian Head Massage concentrates on those areas affected by mental and emotional stress, the upper back, shoulders neck and scalp. The therapist working with a firm and gentle rhythm relieves muscular discomfort and tension as well as calming and relaxing the client.

The Staff Wellbeing Team arranges regular free Lifestyle Assessments providing staff with an opportunity to book an appointment with our Occupational Health Nurse Adviser for a wellbeing and lifestyle check.

Clients are seated throughout the treatment and remain fully clothed. A session will last approx 20minutes. (Charges apply)

Benefits include: • Relief of physical and mental fatigue • Relief of stress and muscular tension • Improved circulation • Stimulation and improvement of circulatory and lymphatic systems • Improved sleep

Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphatic drainage is a delicate form of massage that stimulates the body’s lymphatic system, improving metabolism, helping the body to eliminate waste and toxins and providing a boost to the immune system. Lymphatic drainage massage boosts the immune system so, as welll as helping the body ward off illness, treatment can facilitate general feelings of health and vitality. A session will last approximately 20 minutes (Charges apply).

The Wellbeing Team also arranges externally provided bone density testing and smoking cessation sessions twice a year.

Light Box Therapy

Occupational Health

If you suffer from a touch of the ‘Winter Blues’ you may be one of the estimated 7% of the population who every winter between September and April; and in particular during December, January and February, suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).

Occupational Health is concerned with the effect of work on health, and the effect of health on work. Our on site Occupational Health Nurse Adviser will support you if you have health problems and will provide impartial advice to help achieve full attendance at work.

Increasing your exposure to levels of light through the use of a ‘Light Box’ during these months may alleviate symptoms. The Wellbeing Team has light boxes available for staff for a minimal charge. Please contact the team for terms and conditions.

The main duties of the Occupational Health team are: • • • • •

Pre Employment Health Checks Promotion of good health and wellbeing Rehabilitation and Recovery Health Assessment on Referral Stress Awareness

Managers wishing to refer a member of staff to the Occupational Health Service should contact their HR Adviser for guidance.

Osteopathy

“Positive Steps Programme” Exercise Prescription Scheme

Osteopathy is a manipulation technique that detects and treats problems with the muscles, nerves and joints.

The Positive Steps Programme is a scheme that provides exercise prescriptions for referred clients with a 10 week guided exercise programme specifically tailored and appropriate to meet their special exercise requirements.

An osteopath will find and treat damaged parts of your body by gently stretching, massaging and manipulating the muscles and joints. The treatment can help to relieve problems such as back pain, neck pain and headaches. (Charges apply)

A range of mutually agreed goals for a variety of conditions will be agreed to treat conditions including; angina, cardiac phase IV rehabilitation, diabetes, arthritis, obesity, hypertension, asthma, anxiety and depression. For further information contact Rob Stewart [email protected] (Charges may apply)

Physiotheraphy Service

Provided by Mr Jonathan Hall, MMACP, MCSP, HPC. Treatment available for all manner of musculoskeletal conditions such as neck and back pain and shoulder, knee and ankle problems. For further information contact the Staff Wellbeing Team (Charges apply)

Pre Retirement Planning

Reasonable Adjustments

If you are approaching retirement you may wish to increase your awareness of the issues surrounding retirement and pension benefits by attending one of our Pre Retirement events. The course will help you to plan your retirement covering leisure and managing change, healthy living, State Benefits Overview, Financial Planning - Income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax and discretionary Will trusts. Please contact the Staff Development team for course dates. Pre Retirement sessions are also available to staff and their partners via the wellbeing program..

Under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and the Equalities Act 2010 the University has a duty to consider reasonable adjustments that could be made to a role should an employee have or develop a disability or health condition that requires support. Employees are encouraged to disclose any disability or health condition and seek guidance from the Staff Adviser regarding reasonable adjustments which would enable them to do their work.

If required, when considering if reasonable adjustments are possible, professional guidance will be sought from the Occupational Health Nurse Adviser and / or Access to Work.

Reiki

Relaxation Sessions

Reiki is a natural healing energy that works on every level, not just the physical, and is understood to promote the body’s regenerative self-healing ability.

Following a relaxation session many people experience

The treatment involves the practitioner placing the hands on, or a few centimetres away from the recipient’s body. Reiki can :

• • • • •

Create deep relaxation and aid the body to release stress and tension Aid better sleep Reduce blood pressure Help to relieve pain Support the immune system.

(Charges apply)

• • • • • •

More energy Better sleep Less stress and anxiety Increased concentration Less headaches Less physical tension.

Reflexology

Stress Reducing At Desk Massage

Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to the feet and hands utilising specific thumb, finger and hand techniques based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands with a premise that such work effects a physical change in the body. A session will last approx 20 minutes.

At desk massage is a fast, effective and versatile form of therapeutic treatment. It concentrates on the back, shoulders, neck, arms, hands and scalp.

Benefits include: • Creates relaxation • Reduces pain • Improves blood flow (Charges apply)

No oils are used during the 15 minute session delivered at your desk. Benefits include: • • • • •

Relaxes muscles, releases tension and eases aches and pains Can help reduce the likelihood of RSI (repetitive strain injuries) Alleviates symptoms of stress such as headaches, eyestrain and insomnia Promotes overall health and has a balancing effect on the body Leaves you feeling relaxed, revitalised and energised

These sessions are available during the Wellbeing Event but may be arranged for your team at a competitive price.

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Swimming Sessions

Urban Walks

Edge Hill's swimming pool is open to all staff, a copy of the pool timetable with staff swim sessions can be found at: edgehill.ac.uk/sportingedge/Swimming

We all know how hard it is to fit in exercise into our busy working days but significant health benefits can be obtained by taking the right amount of physical activity. The current adult recommendation is at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity on five or more days of the week.

Early morning and lunch time staff swim sessions are subsidised by the Staff Wellbeing Team.

Brisk walking is the perfect activity to help you meet the current recommendations and therefore a series of six lunch time walks have been commissioned from the Urban Walk Company to encourage staff to take a break away from the work place and become more active. A copy of the Urban Walk leaflet can be found on the Wellbing Team wiki pages. Benefits include: • • • • •

Reduce high blood pressure Prevention of Diabetes Helps reduce weight Mental health benefits Reduces risk of falls

Work Life Balance

Book Club

While most staff realise the importance of taking a lunch break, having the discipline to do so during a busy day is not always easy. However every effort should be made to take a break from work in order to maintain healthy emotional reserves, improve your energy levels and minimise stress levels and other health related problems.

The Edge Hill Book Club meets once a month on a Wednesday at lunchtime in the University Library. The reading list is agreed by members who then discuss the chosen book in a relaxed pressure-free environment.

Lack of concentration, headaches, sore eyes, fatigue and muscle/ joint stiffness are just some of the signs that a break is needed, but even without these signs it is important to keep a routine of taking regular breaks to maintain optimum performance and wellbeing.

To ensure that you make the most of your lunch break it is important that you spend time away from the work environment. To encourage this, a range of lunch time activities are available for you to consider.

Badminton

A badmintion session for staff is run every Tuesday in the new gym from 5.00pm-6.00pm - cost £1.50 per person. Please call Richard Pugh on extension 4557 or email: [email protected]

The books and a reading journal are purchased by the Wellbeing Team and passed on to members at generously discounted prices. The ‘Book Club’ provides an ideal opportunity to expand your reading genre and meet some great people whilst doing so.

Choir

Photography Club

Singing floods the brain with healthy chemicals, reduces stress and can alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety. It is also a really good way of meeting new people and making friends.

The aim of the Photography Club is to promote the enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of photography with a view to producing better pictures and is for anyone who wants to :

“Voices from the Edge” the Edge Hill Choir meet once a week, every Tuesday from 1pm to 2pm in Room PA61. There are no auditions and the ability to read music is not required just a love of singing at any level. The choir are a friendly, welcoming group who are always pleased to see new faces.

• • • • • •

Create better pictures Improve their technical skills Develop their critical and aesthetic judgement Find an outlet to show their work Meet like-minded enthusiasts Make new friends

If you don’t have your own camera you can borrow one from Learning Services, Media and ICT Support (you will require a library card).

Car Wash and Valet Service

Getting into a shiny clean car at the end of the day without the hassle of having to do it yourself can be a treat. So why not indulge yourself and book your car in for a wash or valet. Our monthly car service is offered at competitive rates and will be completed while you are at work.

New Parents at Work

If you are an expectant parent or have just had a new baby, it’s only natural that you will have lots of questions and loads to think about. Any mum or dad will tell you that parenting take practice. The great thing about chatting to other new mums and dads is that they know just how you feel. To help you meet staff who are sharing the same experience we are setting up a new social group. The group will meet once a month where you are invited to join us for an informal get together in a relaxed environment.

Knit and Knatter

Days Out

As well as being a fulfilling hobby, knitting has been shown to have a range of health benefits.

To help you make the most of fun days out with family and friends, the Wellbing Team have negotiated discounted tickets for a wide range of local attractions and events, including:

• • • •

Reduces high blood pressure Relieves stress Can help keep arthritic hand joints limber Provides a workout for your brain

For most members however the knitting group provides a great opportunity to take a break from work and to meet new people. Our knitting circle meets once a week every Thursday from 1-2pm and welcomes new members of all levels. Each year the group hopes to put their knitting efforts to good use by raising money for charity. Needles and wool are supplied by the Staff Wellbeing Team.

• • • • • • •

Chester Zoo Farmageddon Gulliver’s World Knowsley Safari Park Martin Mere Southport Air Show Southport Flower Show

Visits to the theatre, shopping trips and a Christmas Pantomime regularly feature in the Wellbeing Social Calendar as do tickets for Wigan Rugby League and Everton Football matches.

Free Family Film Club

The Studio Theatre hosts a monthly Saturday FREE ‘Family Film Club’ where staff and their families can enjoy the latest DVD releases and free pop corn.

For further information about our social activities and how to purchase tickets please visit the Staff Wellbeing wiki pages.

Work Life Balance Adoption Leave All employees regardless of length of service are entitled to 52 weeks adoption leave; 26 weeks Ordinary Adoption Leave (OAL) and 26 weeks Additional Adoption Leave (AAL). Employees with 26 weeks continuous service at the beginning of the week in which notification of having been matched with the child (the matching week) is received will be entitled to Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP) and Occupational Adoption Pay (OAP); subject to lower earnings limit. Annual Leave You have a legal and contractual entitlement to annual leave. Your entitlement is detailed in your contract of employment. There is an automatic entitlement to carry over 3 days leave to the next leave year.

Buying Additional Leave The University is committed to supporting employees to achieve a healthy balance between their work and personal lives and provides staff with an opportunity to purchase up to 10 days additional leave. To be eligible for this benefit staff need to have successfully completed their 12 month probationary period.

Childcare Vouchers Edge Hill offers childcare vouchers that are non-taxable and exempt from National Insurance contributions. This is a benefit available to all eligible working parents. Concessionary Holidays In addition to a contractual entitlement to annual leave you are also entitled to 13 statutory, extra-statutory and concessionary holidays (pro-rata for part time staff).

Flexi Time Scheme The University currently operates a flexi time scheme which is available for support roles where it is operationally feasible. The scheme allows a degree of flexibility to enable staff to vary their start and finish time to suit both their needs and the needs of the University. Staff are allowed to take flexi time leave of up to one full day or two half days during each 4 week flexi period.

Flexible Working The University recognises that employees may need to work flexibly to ensure a work life balance and to support their wellbeing. Some employees with 26 weeks continuous service have a legal right to request flexible working and the University will give due consideration to requests received. • •

Parents of a child aged sixteen or under or a disabled child aged eighteen or under are eligible to request flexible hours for the care of the child. Carers of adults who are in need of care: carers who care, or expect to be caring, for a spouse, partner, civil partner or relative or who live at the same address as the person being cared for can make applications.

Applications are carefully reviewed considering both the request and the business needs and all possible reasonable options. Above the basic legal right, Edge Hill will also consider requests from all other employees.

Maternity Leave All employees regardless of length of service are entitled to a minimum of 52 weeks leave; 26 weeks Ordinary Maternity Leave (OML) and 26 weeks Additional Maternity Leave (AML). Employees with 26 weeks continuous service at the beginning of the 15th week prior to the expected date of childbirth will be entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) and Occupational Maternity Pay (OMP); subject to lower earnings limit.

Parental Leave Parents who meet certain qualifying criteria can take up to 13 weeks unpaid leave in respect of each child aged under 5 (pro-rata for part-time employees) and parents of children with disabilities are entitled to up to 18 weeks parental leave. The leave must be taken for the purpose of caring for the child or to make arrangements for the good of the child.

Paternity Leave Fathers who have 26 weeks continuity of employment at the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth (EWC) are entitled to a single block of two weeks Paternity Leave. Edge Hill will grant employees with 26 weeks service at the 15th week before the EWC two weeks leave, paid at the employee’s full rate of pay.

Special/Compassionate Leave Special or compassionate leave may be granted for a number of reasons; e.g. moving house, Degree Ceremonies, Study Leave, Territorial Army Leave, Governors’ Leave, Bereavement Leave, Funeral of Close Relative, Discretionary Leave.

Stepping Down The University will support staff who may wish to consider changing their role as they approach retirement and will endeavour to be as flexible as possible to accommodate requests.

Contact Numbers Apple Childcare Vouchers

0845 6029459

Payroll

01695 657113

Counselling Service

01695 650988

Arts Centre

01695 584480

Careers Service FM Helpdesk

HR Helpdesk IT Helpdesk

Lancashire Pensions Medicash

Milton House

Staff Wellbeing Team

01695 584866 01695 584455

01695 584860 01695 584424 01772 534864

0151 702 0265 01695 657265

01695 650967

Prudential

Sporting Edge

Sports Therapy Clinic

Learning and Development Staff Adviser Tax Office

Teachers’ Pensions

01236 763486 01695 584745

01695 584264 01695 650792 01695 584615

0845 300 3939 0845 606 6166

Useful Websites Ageing www.bbc.co.uk/health/health_over_50 www.ageconcern.org.uk www.dignityincare.org.uk

Diabetes www.cbc.co.uk/health/conditions/diabetes

Drug/Alcohol Abuse www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/mental_health/drugs_use Healthy Eating www.nhs.uk/livewell/healthy-eating/pages/healthyeating www.nhs.uk/livewell/5aday/pages/5adayhome Heart Health www.bhf.org.uk www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/heart Men's Health www.menshealthforum.org.uk www.bbc.co.uk/health/mens_health www.nhs.uk/livewell

Mental Health edgehill.ac.uk/studentservices/counselling www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/mental_health www.mind.org.uk www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleid=653 www.mentalhealth.org.uk Women's Health www.nhs.uk/livewell www.bbc.co.uk/health/womens_health www.library.nhs.uk/womenshealth Sexual Health www.tht.org.uk www.fpa.org.uk

Smoking www.gosmokefree.nhs.uk

Weight Management www.nhs.uk/livewell/loseweight/pages/loseweighthome

Staff Wellbeing Team Lady Margaret Edge Hill University St Helens Road, Ormskirk Lancashire L39 4QP

Tel: 01695 650967 Ext: 7967 Email: [email protected] Intranet: go.edgehill.ac.uk/wiki/display/sswg

edgehill.ac.uk