Staff benefits at the University of Oxford

We recognise the importance of balancing work with your personal life. Eligible staff benefit from an enhanced annual leave entitlement of 38 days per year, inclusive of bank holidays and fixed closure days, pro-rated for part-time staff. Additional long-service leave is available after five years’ service, and staff may also request the purchase of additional annual leave.

The University offers a range of family-friendly policies and support for parents and carers. These include enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity leave, fertility treatment leave, carers’ leave, career breaks and flexible working options. Requests for flexible working are considered and accommodated where possible.

For information about the range of childcare services available to staff, including information and support for those seeking childcare in Oxford, see the Childcare Services website.

Eligible staff have access to occupational pension schemes, with scheme membership determined by role and employment category. These include:

• the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) is a national scheme for academic and academic-related staff;
• the University of Oxford Staff Pension Scheme (OSPS) is the University’s scheme for support staff, participating colleges and other related employers;
• the NHS Pension Scheme for eligible staff who meet the relevant criteria.

The University also offers salary exchange arrangements for pension contributions, subject to eligibility.

Other financial benefits include access to a relocation scheme for eligible new staff, a Give As You Earn charitable giving scheme, and support in exceptional cases of financial hardship.

The University is piloting an interest-free rental deposit loan scheme to support new staff with the upfront costs of securing accommodation when relocating to the Oxford area. Loans are available up to £3,000 and are repaid over 12 months through salary deductions. The scheme is being delivered as a pilot and is subject to available funding. 

The University provides a range of initiatives to support staff health and wellbeing.

All University employees, their partners and dependants can access the Spectrum.Life Employee Assistance Programme, a confidential service designed to support personal, professional and wellbeing concerns.

Staff may also benefit from:

• preferential membership rates at University sports facilities;
• access to the University Club, a dedicated space for Oxford's staff and postgraduate community, including alumni and retirees, featuring a café and bar, a gym, fitness classes and sports facilities including a multi-purpose pitch, bookable meeting and event space, and accommodation;
• a free Will Writing Service for employees and their partners;
• special private medical insurance rates through selected providers;
• eye tests for eligible display screen equipment users.

The University supports a range of travel options for staff.

Benefits include discounted bus passes, staff discounts on many annual rail season tickets to Oxford, and interest-free season ticket loans for eligible travel costs not covered by other schemes.

Staff may also be able to access bicycle loan arrangements, cycle-to-work support and a salary sacrifice scheme to run a brand new electric or plug-in hybrid car.

Oxford offers many opportunities for staff to build skills, develop careers and explore new areas of interest.

Learning and development support includes management and leadership programmes, mentoring and coaching opportunities, digital skills courses, language learning, and access to resources through Oxford University IT Services.

Working at Oxford provides access to a distinctive cultural and academic environment.

Staff can enjoy a range of benefits connected to the University’s colleges, gardens, libraries, museums and events. These may include free or discounted visitor access to selected University spaces and cultural institutions.

Oxford’s museums, libraries, gardens and green spaces form an important part of University life, and staff are encouraged to make use of the opportunities available to them.

University staff can access a range of local and online discounts. These may include staff discounts through selected external schemes, offers from participating local retailers, and discounts linked to University facilities and services.

Staff can also register for free access to selected publications, including The Economist, the Financial Times and Times Higher Education, with subscriptions provided through Bodleian Libraries.

Oxford offers more than a job. It offers the opportunity to contribute to a world-leading University while accessing a broad package of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development and life outside work.

The full range of benefits available will depend on the role, department and individual eligibility. Further details are provided during recruitment and onboarding.