Employment and Benefits

Offers of employment
All offers of employment are conditional upon further information such as employment references and health declarations being satisfactory to us, and may include a requirement for additional screening such as a satisfactory criminal record disclosure being obtained.

Probationary period
All new staff have the opportunity to review their progress with their manager during the initial period of employment as they work towards a successful completion of their probationary period. Appointment will be confirmed upon the successful completion of the probationary period which varies dependant on the job role

Salaries
An offer of employment will be within the advertised salary band, taking into account the experience and qualifications of the person appointed.  Salaries are reviewed annually in August.

Hours of work
The normal hours of work for full time staff are 37 each week.  Most business support staff work from 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, with a 4:30pm finish on Fridays, and one hour lunch break each day, although there is some local variation to meet differing operational needs in departments. Lecturing staff work to a norm of 37 hours each week, with times of attendance mainly determined by the teaching timetable, possibly including some evening classes. Senior staff are expected to work a minimum of 37 hours each week.
Hours of work for part-time hourly-paid staff are agreed on appointment.

Holidays.
The holiday year runs from 1st September to 31st August and holiday entitlement varies dependent on job role and length of service. For example, the holiday entitlement for business support staff is based on service, with a minimum of 25 days and a maximum of 30 days each year. Lecturers have 40 days holiday each year.
Hourly-paid staff receive payment for holiday on a pro rata basis.   
 Additionally, all staff receive payment for Bank Holidays, provided these fall on what would otherwise have been a normal working day.

Pension
The College subscribes to both the Local Government Pension Scheme and the Teachers Pension Scheme. Entry into the appropriate scheme is available to all staff.  Both are contributory ‘final salary’ schemes, which include pension provision, life insurance and death in service benefits.

Benefits during sickness absence
The College provides generous benefits linked to length of service.

Maternity/paternity
The College provides benefits in excess of the statutory minimum, including full pay during paternity leave.

Childcare Vouchers
The College operates a childcare voucher scheme which enables employees to make savings on childcare costs by sacrificing part of their salary for childcare vouchers.  Within specified limits, these vouchers are non-taxable and exempt from National Insurance contributions and therefore represent a saving for employees who receive them.  The Childcare Vouchers received are then used to pay for childcare services.

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
The college operates an EAP for all employees.  Employees can take up this benefit from day one of employment.  This scheme is a confidential life management and personal support service, that is available to all employee’s and direct family members (who reside as the same address) available, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  The service offers a quick, confidential and highly professional way to resolve the challenges and unfamiliar situations that you may encounter either in your work or personal life.  The service provided consists of telephone and online advice and if required face to face counselling.

Cyclescheme
The College operates a cycle to work scheme to allow core employees to purchase a new bike and accessories and make savings on income tax and National Insurance. These savings can be equivalent to around 40% of the retail price of the bike and equipment package. The College leases the bike and equipment to the employee through a salary sacrifice scheme. The employee signs up for 12 monthly salary deductions and at the end of the period pays a nominal fee to take ownership of the bike and equipment.

Discounts
Colchester Institute is able to offer its employees a range of discounts from local organisations such as gyms & health clubs membership. These offers are regularly communicated to staff via email and the College Portal.

Induction
We try to ensure that new staff are well informed and supported in their new employment. As well as receiving individual support from line managers and colleagues, new employees attend a formal induction course. These courses, which are run each month, are introduced by the Principal and include information about corporate aims and objectives, who’s who in the organisation, the College academic and departmental structure, equality & diversity, health and safety matters and policies and procedures. The courses also give an opportunity to meet other new colleagues.

Staff development
The College has rigorous procedures for regular appraisals during the probationary period and annually. The emphasis is towards supporting training which meets the College strategic objectives. Whole-college needs are identified centrally and in-house training is frequently provided. For IT training, staff have open access to in-house training resources and workshops.

Communications / policies and procedures
The College has a comprehensive and up to date range of policies covering a broad range of staff and student issues. New policies or changes are communicated to employees using a variety of channels, including team meetings, our staff newsletter ‘Insight’ and the College Portal.

Opportunities for progression
All vacancies are published within the College and internal transfers and promotions are welcomed. Some groups of staff have clear progression routes, such as technicians, with a grade structure from Level 1 to Level 4, and teaching staff, where there are opportunities to apply for advancement to lecturing posts (Band 1 or Band 2), or to senior posts such as Curriculum Manager.

Equality & Diversity
Colchester Institute aims to provide a welcoming environment in which all learners and employees are encouraged to realise their full potential, where every individual is valued and offered equal opportunity to progress.
The college will treat all employees and learners with respect and dignity, and in an equivalent fashion, and will seek to provide a working and learning environment free from harassment, discrimination and victimisation.
The college will not tolerate any form of discriminatory behaviour from other employees, learners or members of the public.