Our Values
We recognise that our staff are key to our continuing success. We are committed to creating a vibrant and inclusive working environment which supports colleagues to flourish and enjoy what they do. We want colleagues to feel valued, empowered, challenged, stimulated, involved, appreciated and trusted.
We provide comprehensive and progressive employment conditions, including flexible working, opportunities for staff development and career progression, and a commitment to enhancing the staff experience, underpinned by our Guiding Principles.
Our HR Strategy sets out how we will continue to provide a stimulating and rewarding work experience for all our staff, at all stages of their careers at Oxford Brookes.
Our staff experience strategy and action plan aim to ensure that the University provides the best possible working environment for colleagues, improving staff wellbeing, creating a sense of community in the workplace, and encouraging discussion and open communication amongst colleagues at all levels of the institution.
Other initiatives include our Brookes People Awards which recognise outstanding colleagues who exemplify our Guiding Principles, the annual Feel Good Festival, and Brookes Active.
Consultation and participation are important attributes of staff relations with colleagues contributing to key decisions and senior staff appointments. We have comprehensive internal communications, including interactive Talk to Vice-Chancellor's Group sessions about university direction and policy, staff newsletters, a staff Twitter stream and internal digital screens.
In the development and nurturing of intellectual and enterprising creativity, we make our highest contribution to society. Social responsibility demands that all aspects of our activity should be sustainable. Equality, inclusivity and the celebration of diversity must be the foundation for all we do. We will never be content with anything other than a wholehearted commitment to the quality of the student experience. We will continue to enhance the value - and the perception of value - of our social as well as educational mission.
Our Guiding Principles
These are defined as:
- Generosity of spirit: We believe people flourish in a culture of respect and support, where we celebrate difference and thrive on each others success. Our students manifest a generosity of spirit as they progress in the world.
- Confidence: We have confidence in our staff and students, and we know that we prepare our graduates well for a fulfilling and valuable life. Through their success, we continue to earn our outstanding reputation.
- Connectedness: Our academic excellence is underpinned by a history of learning by doing. Our connections and our Oxford roots are fundamental to our students experiences and our successful future.
- Enterprising creativity: We're adaptable and flexible, and consider a fresh approach in everything we do - because we know our sustainability depends on a pioneering spirit.
Oxford Brookes offers a wide range of benefits to enhance the staff experience.
- Pension: we offer the Local Government Pension Scheme for professional services staff and the Teachers’ Pension Scheme for most academic staff. Staff who join Brookes and are in active membership of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) can continue membership of this scheme.
- Professional Services Staff and Research Staff below grade 9 – starting at 38 days rising to 41 days with service.
- Travel to Work: Car parking at Brookes is limited and daily charges apply. To support your journey to work and as part of our sustainability agenda, Brookes links with Cyclescheme to provide a cost-effective way of purchasing a bicycle. There are showers for cyclists (and walkers) at all three main campuses, and cycle training courses can be arranged for new or nervous cyclists. We also have a car share website and offer season ticket loans.
- Catering facilities: there are varied catering options on all campuses.
- Nursery: the Brookes nursery, located at Headington, is rated by Ofsted as Good, and caters for children aged four months to five years.
- Onsite dentist: Studental is an NHS dentist situated on the Headington Campus and can be used by staff.
- Brookes Sports: extensive sports facilities for staff including fitness suites and classes, Oxfordshire’s premier climbing wall (Headington Campus), swimming pool (Harcourt Hill Campus) and a brand new gym (Wheatley Campus).
- Green spaces for recreation: All campuses have landscaped gardens
All campuses have landscaped gardens and quiet areas for recreation; and there are maps of ‘health walks’ (these are short routes through attractive surroundings close to all three campuses).
The University is committed to the health and welfare of its staff. The Occupational Health Service provides work-based support for illness and disability, and can refer staff for confidential counselling if necessary.
- Eye test and glasses reimbursement: all staff who use VDU’s are entitled to a subsidised eye test while they work at Brookes and contribution to the cost of glasses.
- Maternity, Adoption and Family Leave: we offer generous maternity leave with qualifying staff entitled to 63 weeks leave (both paid and unpaid). We offer the same leave for Adoption and Shared Parental Leave.
- Flexible working: we support work-life balance for all staff, including career breaks, job sharing, flexible hours, etc.
- Library: all staff are welcome to use our libraries. Staff may borrow up to 30 books or other items from our lending stock. There is full access to both print and online resources including e-books, e-journals and databases.
