Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At the University of Southampton we pride ourselves on our commitment to EDI; embedding inclusive and equitable practises into the heart of everything that we do. We believe that fostering a culture of equality and respect is essential for creating an environment where all individuals can thrive, contribute, and succeed. We recognize and celebrate the unique backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and identities that each member of our community brings. We believe that diversity enriches the academic experience, stimulates innovation, and fosters understanding across cultures and disciplines.
Our dedication to equality is reflected in our recruitment practices, policies, and programs. Through all our recruitment activities we are always looking to further diversify our workforce, we know effective EDI strategy should go beyond legal compliance and take an intersectional approach to EDI and we actively seek to attract and retain a diverse faculty, staff, and student body.
We believe that by cultivating a diverse community, we can better address the complex challenges facing society and contribute to positive social change.
In addition to supporting you through your candidate journey, you can rest assured that the University of Southampton is a workplace dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to fully participate in academic and social life. Proud to be a founding signatory of the Athena Swan gender equality charter we hold an institutional Silver and have recently been awarded the Race Equality Charter Bronze award. We are an Armed Forces Covenant signatory and welcome veterans. As a Disability Confident Leader we operate the Guaranteed Interview Scheme, if you apply under this scheme and meet the essential criteria for the role, you will automatically be invited to interview.
University Life
Enabling a good work-life balance for everyone is important to us. Here at Southampton, you’ll have the space to connect with colleagues, take a break in beautiful green areas, and enjoy sports and the arts.
“I am surrounded by supportive, creative colleagues who are all trying their hardest to make the world a better place. We are all on a journey of personal growth. Everyone’s journey looks slightly different – some love teaching and having a lasting impact on students; some want to facilitate their colleagues’ growth; some want to focus intently on their own personal research. I appreciate that no matter what the personal journey looks like, there is support and opportunities to try out different roles.”
Professor Age Chapman (she/her/hers) Professor of Computer Science, Head of the Digital Health and Biomedical Engineering group, School of Electronics and Computer Science
Committed to Creativity and our Community
We are deeply committed to our role as a civic university and the positive impact we make in Southampton and beyond.
In support of our Civic Agreement signed in March 2023, our staff and students are working in partnership with communities for mutual benefit across the region. We also provide opportunities for our staff, students and our local community to experience a wealth of arts and culture, including our John Hansard Gallery and Turner Sims.
Our Staff Community
People are at the heart of our University, and we work hard to build a welcoming, supportive, inclusive and empowering community.
Joining one of our University-wide staff networks can be a good way to meet new people, be part of a supportive community, and be involved in something you’re passionate about.
“The sense of togetherness, common purpose, shared experience and ultimately support I’ve benefited from through the Disability Staff Network have been incredibly empowering. I would highly recommend joining a network.”
To explore our mission to create an inclusive University community further visit our EDI webpage
Ready to apply? Return to our Themes section to identify the right role for you.
Core Benefits
The University offers competitive pay scales which are negotiated nationally and reviewed yearly. The pay bands for our academic roles are: Lecturer (Level 5) £44,263 - £56,021, Associate Professor (Level 6) £57,696 - £72,018 and Professor (Level 7) commencing at £75,097. The Level 7 pay scales for Education, Research and Enterprise (ERE) staff consists of three professorial bands. Staff at Levels 5 and 6 progress incrementally through the core zone at the rate of one pay point per year, subject to satisfactory performance. Pay and progression for Level 7 ERE staff is considered on a biennial basis in even-numbered years, whilst re-banding is considered on a biennial basis in odd-numbered years.
In addition to a generous holiday allowance of 30 days, staff also receive 8 days leave for Bank Holidays and 6 University Closure Days annually, usually falling between Christmas and New Year and around the Easter weekend.
The University runs the administration for several pension schemes for staff across all levels. Eligible new university employees will be enrolled into the relevant pension scheme for their position. Further information on pension schemes can be found here:
- Employees at Levels 1-3 will be enrolled into the University of Southampton Retirement Fund (USRF)
- Employees at Level 4 and above will be enrolled into the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS)
- Employees who do not meet the eligibility criteria for either USRF or USS will be auto-enrolled into the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST)
The University offers high quality family leave policies, as well as a range of provisions that support staff wellbeing.
Maternity and Adoption Leave: Generous contractual maternity and adoption pay, providing 26 weeks full pay, followed by 13 weeks of statutory pay for those that meet our qualifying criteria.
Paternity Leave: Two weeks’ leave on full pay.
Shared Parental Leave: Allowing eligible mothers, fathers, partners and adopters to choose how to share time off work after their child is born or placed for adoption.
Domestic and Compassionate Leave: Paid time off for domestic incidents or accidents, the sudden illness of children or other dependants, or to help you come to terms with the death of a loved one.
Extended Carers’ Leave: Additional paid time off to look after a dependant who is recovering from a serious illness, to look after a dependent who is terminally ill, or to settle a dependent into a care home.
Voluntary Employee Benefits
Where possible and appropriate to a role, the University looks to support flexible working and hybrid working arrangements. The University recognises the importance of supporting, celebrating and respecting life outside work.
Employees may apply to purchase additional holiday, up to a maximum of 5 days, via salary deduction. This applies to all staff regardless of length of service.
The University of Southampton partners with a leading low emission car salary sacrifice provider to provide employees with a tax-efficient way to lease a brand new fully electric or ultra-low emission car.
The University offers a cycle to work scheme for staff run by Cyclescheme. This scheme gives you the opportunity to take advantage of tax and National Insurance savings on the purchase of a bike, while keeping fit and contributing to a greener economy.
The University offers a voluntary dental scheme for staff which covers preventative and restorative treatment. The scheme offers the flexibility to visit your own dentist or one from Bupa’s national network and a simple claims process. The dental scheme is available to all employees with the option to include family members, with schemes starting from £10.61 per month.
Employees can get a free eye test paid for by the University if you habitually use display screen equipment such as computers, for a significant part of your normal work. The University of Southampton offers free eye tests through Specsavers.
Get 2 months cover free when you take out personal health cover with AXA Health, available for staff and their families.
Benefits include:
- Prompt access to treatment
- Video or phone GP consultations with our online GP service, powered by Doctor Care Anywhere
- Access the latest proven eligible treatments and drugs. (On specialist referral, subject to medical history and cover chosen. Outpatient drugs not covered)
The University has a vast number of discounts available with local and national providers, across a range of categories, such as:
- Health, Beauty and Wellbeing
- Food and Drink
- Entertainment, Sports and Leisure
- Trades and Services
- Travel and Tourism
- High Street and Independent Brands