Staff Guide to Health and Wellbeing

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

The benefits, support, health and wellbeing initiatives detailed inthis guide have been developed to help you feel valued, remainhealthy, achieve a work life balance and enjoy social time with yourfamily, friends and colleagues. Our provision is based on feedbackthat you have provided. If you feel there are any gaps we would welcomeyour suggestions for further enhancement.

Staff Wellbeing Team

Updates by the Vice-ChancellorThe Vice-Chancellor issues a weekly email update to all staff withinformation and news relating to the University, the HigherEducation Sector and related topics of interest. The Vice- Chancelloralso delivers a termly address to which all staff are invited. Datesare advertised via the weekly email and the wiki pages.

Introduction Employee Relations and Communications

Staff Partnership GroupThe remit of the Staff Partnership Group (SPG) is to improvecommunications 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 AdviserThe HR Staff Adviser provides staff with confidential one to one adviceand 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 discussany queries you might have concerning the above areas or any otherHR related matter. Tel: 01695 584615

Staff SurveyThe annual staff survey offers you an opportunity to express youropinions about Edge Hill and provides us with valuable feedback toensure we focus our efforts on employee satisfaction and continuedsuccess. Responses are confidential and are returned directly toindependent consultants for independent analysis.

The results of the survey are provided to the Staff Partnership Groupand the Teaching and Support Staff Consultative and NegotiatingCommittees. Feedback is also disseminated to all staff via the ‘everyone’email and the wiki pages.

Recognised Trade UnionsEdge Hill University recognises the following trade unions.

Universities & Colleges Union (UCU) – Academic StaffContact the UCU Branch Secretary for further details.

Unison – Support Staff Contact the Unison Branch Secretary for further details.

Policies and ProceduresAll University policies and procedures are agreed through consultativecommittees and staff representatives are able to comment and providefeedback on any proposals. Copies of polices and procedures can befound on the HR wiki pages.

Employee Relations and Communications

Continuing Professional & Personal DevelopmentEdge Hill University encourages all staff to invest in themselves andtheir career by taking advantage of a range of development opportunitiesincluding a central programme of events and workshops provided bythe Staff Learning and Development Department to support academicand research practice, leadership and management development,personal skills development, e-learning and ICT.

Fee RemissionEdge Hill staff who wish to follow a programme of study for personalinterest at Edge Hill can qualify for 50% fee remission if they meetthe following criteria: they are on a permanent Edge Hill contract ofemployment; they have been employed at Edge Hill for more than12 months; they work a minimum of 7 hours per week; they study onthe programme outside of contracted working hours.

Financial Contribution to Professional DevelopmentFunding may be available for external accredited and non-accreditedprogrammes and qualifications relevant to your role, subject toapproval by the relevant Dean/Director.

InductionThe corporate staff induction programme provides an understandingof the current context within higher education and key activitieswithin the University, together with an opportunity to meet seniorand key University staff and begin to develop a network of internalcontacts.

Staff VolunteeringThe benefits of volunteering to both students and staff are plentifuland there are a wide range of opportunities to undertake volunteeringthrough the Edge Hill University Careers Centre.

Work ShadowingWork shadowing provides an opportunity for you to find out aboutother roles within the University.

For further information contact Staff Learning and Development.

Development and Career Progression

Edge Hill University’s vision is to provide an environment whereeveryone feels able to participate, contribute, enjoy and influencetheir experience and where inclusive practices underpin all theUniversity's activities. Respect for, and celebration of individualdiversity will shape institutional strategy, direction and behaviourand staff involvement is welcomed in this shaping at local, focusgroup and committee level.

The Staff Partnership Group guides the University’s approach toEquality and Diversity and all relevant policies can be found on theHR wiki.

Staff are encouraged to make any concerns known to the Staff Adviser.

Equality & Diversity

Awards for Long Service and RetirementA long service award of £250 will be made on completion of 25 yearsof Edge Hill service. Retirement awards will be made for completedyears of Edge Hill service at the date of retirement to staff who areretiring from the University and accessing their pension:

10 years service £100 25 years service £25015 years service £150 30 years service £300 20 years service £200 35 years service £350

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

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

Final Salary Pension SchemeThe University offers a final salary pension scheme which issupported by the University’s contributions as well as those of yourown. The University has three pension schemes the Local GovernmentPension Scheme (LGPS) the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) andthe Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS).

Financial WellbeingEdge Hill University supports the Financial Services Authority(FSA), the UK's financial watchdog, to bring financial education andinformation into the workplace.

Our annual Financial Wellbeing event provides advice and guidanceon how to make the most of your money, budgeting, financial planningand debt management; understanding your bank account; pensionsand saving for retirement. Information is totally impartial and thereis no selling involved.

Finances

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

Independent Legal AdviceConfidential appointments are available to staff or students forconfidential free legal advice from Brighouse Wolff Solicitors. Pleasenote Brighouse Wolff are not able to provide advice on mattersconcerning the University or the Students’ Union. Legal Advice Clinicsare held once a month.

To make a confidential appointment telephone 01695 657301

MedicashMedicash Health Cash Plans offer low cost insurance packages thatprovide cash back towards healthcare bills and a wide range of otherwellbeing benefits. With just a small monthly payment, cash plansprovide 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 ExpensesYou may qualify for financial assistance towards the cost of movinghouse when you join Edge Hill under the relocation expensesscheme. For more information please contact HR Business Support.

Careers ServiceEdge Hill Careers Service can offer staff individual, confidentialcareers advice, including support with job applications. For informationsee careersadvice@edgehill.ac.uk or edgehill.ac.uk/careers

Catering ServicesOur catering facilities offer a wide range of foods, drinks and servicesand aim to provide quality and choice at affordable prices. Cateringoutlets are located throughout the campus - The Hub and the SCRCoffee Lounge in the main building. The Faculty of Health and SocialCare hosts Café Rewind, offering a selection of snacks, sandwichesand freshly brewed coffee. Waters Edge Restaurant in the Faculty ofEducation offers a range of international dishes. Book Ends CoffeeBar in the Library and The Arts Centre Bistro are open during termtime, both provide a good selection of drinks and snacks.

Free Onsite ParkingAs car parking at Edge Hill University is extremely limited, parkingis reserved for permit holders only. Parking for permit holders isfree of charge under the supervision of the University Campus Supportteam. Further information and guidance on parking arrangementscan be found in the Car Parking Policy which outlines the provisionsand measures for effectively managing trafficc and car parking onthe University’s Ormskirk campus.

Green Travel: Edge Link Bus ServiceStaff can use their staff ID card to gain free travel on the Edge Link

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

Library AccessLearning Services provides a range of library services for Edge Hillstaff. The online catalogue allows searches for material at any LearningServices site, and staff can place reservations and renew items onloan. Learning Services also participates in a number of schemesthat allow Edge Hill staff borrowing and access rights at other HEinstitutions. There is also a Blackwell’s Bookstore located within theUniversity Library.

Facilities

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

The Chaplaincy centre offers a multi failth service with Chaplainsfrom different Christian denominations, the Jewish and Muslimfaiths. Our Chaplains offer staff and students a confidential andsupportive service from a faith perspective. For more informationcontact chaplaincy@edgehill.ac.uk, 01695 6572000.

If you would like to use a prayer room outside of these times pleasecontact the SIC reception and Student Services staff will endeavourto provide a prayer room within the SIC building.

Shop and SupermarketThe 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 CentreThe Arts Centre hosts a diverse range of high quality professionalproductions, including comedy, dance, drama, literature, music andfamily-friendly shows, designed to entertain students and staff.Additional discount for some productions is offered by the StaffWellbeing programme. A film society also runs weekly during termtime in the Studio Theatre which is also located in the Arts Centre.

Edge Hill SportEdge Hill’s sports complex offers some of the best sporting facilitiesin the region and is fully accessible to wheelchair users and otherswith disabilities and provides excellent provision for both indoorand outdoor sports.

Operated by the Edge Hill Sport team the facilities are open to staffand provide a wide and varied activity programme.

Sports Therapy ClinicWhether you are an elite or recreational athlete the Clinic offerstreatment, rehabilitation and preventative advice on musculoskeletalconditions and sports injuries.

The clinic is staffed by BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy students underthe 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 asocial area where you can meet up with colleagues to take lunch andbreaks away from the office. Sandwiches, hot and cold beveragesand a selection of cakes are served from 10.00am until 2pm,Monday – Friday. Complimentary newspapers are delivered to thecommon room daily.

Health and Wellbeing Centre, Milton HouseThe University Occupational Health Nurse Adviser, Counsellorsand the Nursing Sister are located within the Health and WellbeingCentre at Milton House. During term time the Nursing Sister isavailable from 8.30 a.m. until 4.30 p.m. Monday to Friday. You mayaccess the service for drop in enquiries, information or routine checksfor blood pressure, weight, height and BMI measurements.

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

AcupunctureAcupuncture has an important role to play in meeting the needs ofpeople with long term health conditions and complex health needsand 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)

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

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

Beauty TherapiesBeauty therapies have many benefits including helping you to lookgreat and feel totally and utterly relaxed. Our visiting therapists pro-vide a range of treatments for men and women at competitive pricesincluding:

ManicuresPedicuresMicrodermobrasion FacialsHolistic FacilasCrystal Wand TherapyWaxing Treatments

(Charges apply)

Health and Wellbeing

Counselling ServiceThe University provides an impartial and non-judgemental counsellingservice to all staff. Members of the Counselling Team are experienced,qualified and professional counsellors with high levels of expertisein providing short-term therapeutic interventions. Confidentiality isa priority and is discussed and agreed with each client before theybegin 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 offeredan appointment within 1-2 weeks. However if it is an emergency wewill offer you an appointment on the same or next working day.All employees are entitled to six free sessions with a counsellor.

Tel: 01695 650988Email: counselling@edgehill.ac.uk

DentistIn a partnership arrangement with Ravat & Ray Dental Practice theUniversity is able to provide (subject always to the requirements ofNHS protocols and procedures) access to sports mouth guard surgeries,dental hygiene clinics, dental check up surgeries and dental healthpromotion clinics within the Health and Wellbeing Centre, Milton House.

Appointments last 15 minutes and staff will be expected to pay fortheir treatment on the day of appointment.

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

Health and Wellbeing

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

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

During the Wellbeing event Slimming World and Weight Watchersconsultants visit the University to offer information and guidance onweight loss programs.

Why regular sight tests are so vitalSight tests not only tell you if you need new glasses or a change ofprescription, they are also a vital health check. They can detect manygeneral health problems and early signs of eye conditions before anysymptoms become apparent – many of which can be treated if foundearly enough.

Visual Display Unit users are entitled to a free eye test and the useof a voucher scheme affiliated with Specsavers Opticians throughthe 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

FMHelpdesk@edgehill.ac.uk quoting VDU Eyecare Voucher

Diet and Nutrition Eye Tests

The Food and Mood workshop explores the relationship betweenwhat you eat and how you feel. How food and nutrition can significantlyaffect your mental and emotional wellbeing will be explained so ifyou want to know how to 'eat yourself happier' then this workshopis for you. The workshop is regularly run by the Counselling Teamat the Health and Well-being Centre, Milton House

A range of fitness classes are provided by Edge Hill Sport, most ofwhich take place in the Dance Studio of the Wilson Centre adjacentto Edge Hill Sport. Classes vary from relaxing, stretching yoga tohigh impact, intense aerobics sessions. Lunch time sessions aresubsidised for staff.

(Charges may apply – depending on membership agreements.)

Food and Mood Fitness Classes

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 fluvirus going around and the number of people who are susceptible toit each winter.

To help prevent the spread of flu at work we offer staff a free fluvaccination 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 sessionsadvertised in October.

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

A fresh fruit and vegetable stall is set up in the Hub every Tuesdayfrom 12.00 p.m. until 2.00 p.m. for staff to purchase a wealth oflocal seasonal produce at very competitive prices. In addition to buyingon the day orders can be taken for family fruit and vegetable bagswhich are sold for £2.50 each.

Flu Jabs Fruit Deliveries

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

The Staff Adviser provides confidential one to one advice andguidance on a wide range of health and wellbeing issues which maybe 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 topositively address workplace issues.

Health and Wellbeing Event Ill Health Guidance and Support

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

Clients are seated throughout the treatment and remain fullyclothed. 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 DrainageLymphatic drainage is a delicate form of massage that stimulatesthe body’s lymphatic system, improving metabolism, helping thebody to eliminate waste and toxins and providing a boost to the immunesystem. Lymphatic drainage massage boosts the immune system so,as welll as helping the body ward off illness, treatment can facilitategeneral feelings of health and vitality. A session will last approximately20 minutes (Charges apply).

The Staff Wellbeing Team arranges regular free Lifestyle Assessmentsproviding staff with an opportunity to book an appointment withour Occupational Health Nurse Adviser for a wellbeing and lifestylecheck.

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

Indian Head Massage Lifestyle Assessment

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

Increasing your exposure to levels of light through the use of a ‘LightBox’ during these months may alleviate symptoms. The WellbeingTeam has light boxes available for staff for a minimal charge. Pleasecontact the team for terms and conditions.

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

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 OccupationalHealth Service should contact their HR Adviser for guidance.

Light Box Therapy Occupational Health

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

An osteopath will find and treat damaged parts of your body by gentlystretching, massaging and manipulating the muscles and joints.

The treatment can help to relieve problems such as back pain, neckpain and headaches. (Charges apply)

The Positive Steps Programme is a scheme that provides exerciseprescriptions for referred clients with a 10 week guided exerciseprogramme specifically tailored and appropriate to meet their specialexercise requirements.

A range of mutually agreed goals for a variety of conditions will be agreedto treat conditions including; angina, cardiac phase IV rehabilitation,diabetes, arthritis, obesity, hypertension, asthma, anxiety anddepression.

For further information contact Rob Stewartstewart@edgehill.ac.uk

(Charges may apply)

Physiotheraphy ServiceProvided by Mr Jonathan Hall, MMACP, MCSP, HPC. Treatmentavailable for all manner of musculoskeletal conditions such as neckand back pain and shoulder, knee and ankle problems.

For further information contact the Staff Wellbeing Team

(Charges apply)

Osteopathy “Positive Steps Programme” Exercise Prescription Scheme

If you are approaching retirement you may wish to increase yourawareness of the issues surrounding retirement and pensionbenefits by attending one of our Pre Retirement events. The coursewill help you to plan your retirement covering leisure and managingchange, healthy living, State Benefits Overview, Financial Planning- Income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax and discretionaryWill trusts. Please contact the Staff Development team for coursedates. Pre Retirement sessions are also available to staff and theirpartners via the wellbeing program..

Under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and the EqualitiesAct 2010 the University has a duty to consider reasonable adjustmentsthat could be made to a role should an employee have or develop adisability or health condition that requires support. Employees areencouraged to disclose any disability or health condition and seekguidance from the Staff Adviser regarding reasonable adjustmentswhich would enable them to do their work.

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

Pre Retirement Planning Reasonable Adjustments

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

The treatment involves the practitioner placing the hands on, or a fewcentimetres 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)

Following a relaxation session many people experience

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

Reiki Relaxation Sessions

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

Benefits include:• Creates relaxation• Reduces pain• Improves blood flow

(Charges apply)

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

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 bearranged for your team at a competitive price.

Reflexology Stress Reducing At Desk Massage

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

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

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

Brisk walking is the perfect activity to help you meet the currentrecommendations and therefore a series of six lunch time walkshave been commissioned from the Urban Walk Company toencourage staff to take a break away from the work place and becomemore active. A copy of the Urban Walk leaflet can be found on theWellbing Team wiki pages.

Benefits include:

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

Swimming Sessions Urban Walks

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

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

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

BadmintonA badmintion session for staff is run every Tuesday in the new gymfrom 5.00pm-6.00pm - cost £1.50 per person. Please call RichardPugh on extension 4557 or email: pughric@edgehill.ac.uk

The Edge Hill Book Club meets once a month on a Wednesday atlunchtime in the University Library. The reading list is agreedby members who then discuss the chosen book in a relaxedpressure-free environment.

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

Work Life Balance Book Club

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

“Voices from the Edge” the Edge Hill Choir meet once a week, everyTuesday from 1pm to 2pm in Room PA61. There are no auditionsand the ability to read music is not required just a love of singing atany level. The choir are a friendly, welcoming group who are alwayspleased to see new faces.

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

• 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 LearningServices, Media and ICT Support (you will require a library card).

Car Wash and Valet ServiceGetting into a shiny clean car at the end of the day without the hassleof having to do it yourself can be a treat. So why not indulge yourselfand book your car in for a wash or valet. Our monthly car service isoffered at competitive rates and will be completed while you are at work.

New Parents at WorkIf you are an expectant parent or have just had a new baby, it’s onlynatural that you will have lots of questions and loads to think about.Any mum or dad will tell you that parenting take practice. The greatthing about chatting to other new mums and dads is that they knowjust how you feel. To help you meet staff who are sharing the sameexperience we are setting up a new social group. The group will meetonce a month where you are invited to join us for an informal gettogether in a relaxed environment.

Choir Photography Club

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

• 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 greatopportunity to take a break from work and to meet new people.Our knitting circle meets once a week every Thursday from 1-2pmand welcomes new members of all levels. Each year the group hopes toput their knitting efforts to good use by raising money for charity. Needlesand wool are supplied by the Staff Wellbeing Team.

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

• 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 Pantomimeregularly feature in the Wellbeing Social Calendar as do tickets forWigan Rugby League and Everton Football matches.

Free Family Film ClubThe Studio Theatre hosts a monthly Saturday FREE ‘Family FilmClub’ where staff and their families can enjoy the latest DVDreleases and free pop corn.

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

Knit and Knatter Days Out

Adoption LeaveAll employees regardless of length of service are entitled to 52 weeksadoption leave; 26 weeks Ordinary Adoption Leave (OAL) and 26weeks Additional Adoption Leave (AAL). Employees with 26 weekscontinuous service at the beginning of the week in which notificationof having been matched with the child (the matching week) isreceived will be entitled to Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP) andOccupational Adoption Pay (OAP); subject to lower earnings limit.

Annual LeaveYou have a legal and contractual entitlement to annual leave. Yourentitlement is detailed in your contract of employment. There is anautomatic entitlement to carry over 3 days leave to the next leave year.

Buying Additional LeaveThe University is committed to supporting employees to achieve ahealthy balance between their work and personal lives and providesstaff with an opportunity to purchase up to 10 days additional leave.To be eligible for this benefit staff need to have successfullycompleted their 12 month probationary period.

Childcare VouchersEdge Hill offers childcare vouchers that are non-taxable and exemptfrom National Insurance contributions. This is a benefit availableto all eligible working parents.

Concessionary HolidaysIn addition to a contractual entitlement to annual leave you are alsoentitled to 13 statutory, extra-statutory and concessionary holidays(pro-rata for part time staff).

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

Work Life Balance

Flexible Working The University recognises that employees may need to work flexiblyto ensure a work life balance and to support their wellbeing. Someemployees with 26 weeks continuous service have a legal right torequest flexible working and the University will give due considerationto 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 requestand the business needs and all possible reasonable options.

Above the basic legal right, Edge Hill will also consider requestsfrom all other employees.

Maternity LeaveAll employees regardless of length of service are entitled to a minimumof 52 weeks leave; 26 weeks Ordinary Maternity Leave (OML) and26 weeks Additional Maternity Leave (AML). Employees with 26weeks continuous service at the beginning of the 15th week prior tothe expected date of childbirth will be entitled to Statutory MaternityPay (SMP) and Occupational Maternity Pay (OMP); subject to lowerearnings limit.

Parental LeaveParents who meet certain qualifying criteria can take up to 13 weeksunpaid leave in respect of each child aged under 5 (pro-rata forpart-time employees) and parents of children with disabilities areentitled to up to 18 weeks parental leave.

The leave must be taken for the purpose of caring for the child or tomake arrangements for the good of the child.

Paternity LeaveFathers who have 26 weeks continuity of employment at the 15thweek before the expected week of childbirth (EWC) are entitled toa single block of two weeks Paternity Leave.

Edge Hill will grant employees with 26 weeks service at the 15thweek before the EWC two weeks leave, paid at the employee’s fullrate of pay.

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

Stepping DownThe University will support staff who may wish to consider changingtheir role as they approach retirement and will endeavour to be asflexible as possible to accommodate requests.

Apple Childcare Vouchers 0845 6029459

Careers Service 01695 584866

Counselling Service 01695 650988

FM Helpdesk 01695 584455

HR Helpdesk 01695 584860

IT Helpdesk 01695 584424

Lancashire Pensions 01772 534864

Medicash 0151 702 0265

Milton House 01695 657265

Staff Wellbeing Team 01695 650967

Payroll 01695 657113

Prudential 01236 763486

Arts Centre 01695 584480

Sporting Edge 01695 584745

Sports Therapy Clinic 01695 584264

Learning and Development 01695 650792

Staff Adviser 01695 584615

Tax Office 0845 300 3939

Teachers’ Pensions 0845 606 6166

Contact Numbers

Ageingwww.bbc.co.uk/health/health_over_50www.ageconcern.org.uk www.dignityincare.org.uk

Diabeteswww.cbc.co.uk/health/conditions/diabetes

Drug/Alcohol Abusewww.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/mental_health/drugs_use

Healthy Eatingwww.nhs.uk/livewell/healthy-eating/pages/healthyeating www.nhs.uk/livewell/5aday/pages/5adayhome

Heart Healthwww.bhf.org.uk www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/heart

Men's Healthwww.menshealthforum.org.uk www.bbc.co.uk/health/mens_health www.nhs.uk/livewell

Mental Healthedgehill.ac.uk/studentservices/counsellingwww.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/mental_healthwww.mind.org.ukwww.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleid=653 www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Women's Healthwww.nhs.uk/livewell www.bbc.co.uk/health/womens_health www.library.nhs.uk/womenshealth

Sexual Healthwww.tht.org.uk www.fpa.org.uk

Smokingwww.gosmokefree.nhs.uk

Weight Managementwww.nhs.uk/livewell/loseweight/pages/loseweighthome

Useful Websites

Staff Wellbeing TeamLady MargaretEdge Hill UniversitySt Helens Road, OrmskirkLancashire L39 4QP

Tel: 01695 650967Ext: 7967Email: staffwellbeingteam@edgehill.ac.uk Intranet: go.edgehill.ac.uk/wiki/display/sswg

edgehill.ac.uk