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New Staff

Welcome to Aston!

Follow the link to see a welcome from the Vice-Chancellor,
Professor Julia King.

We appreciate that as a new member of staff you may have lots of questions about your department, the University, Birmingham and the UK. Whilst we cannot answer all of your questions here, we hope that the links below will point you in the right direction. 

The Staff Intranet has a specific section Working at Aston – it has a wealth of information and if the information you want is not specifically listed below it is likely to be included in that section.

Reception
 

  • About Aston University - Find out about the University – how we are organised, key facts and figures, and much more.

  • About Working in the Higher Education sector in the UK - Whether or not you are new to the UK, you will find this website has  helpful advice and resources. One focus is on making a smooth transition to living and working in the UK for those coming from overseas. But there are also excellent sections on the UK education system, and on learning and teaching and research in HE for those who have not worked in the sector before.

  • Benefits - Aston has a wide range of benefts/facilities in place for staff.  For example: an employee travel scheme, staff volunteering, generous annual leave, worklife balance policies, Sport Aston, Library and  Free Eye Tests to name a few.   

  • City Living - Information about living in the city, including eating out, theatres and cinemas, galleries and museums, and sport and leisure.

  • Environment and Sustainability - Here at Aston we are strongly committed to becoming a more sustainable University and have various initiatives in place to make this happen.  As new members of staff we would like you to get involved with these and help Aston to make a difference.  The vision for a sustainable future is clearly spelt out in our Aston 2020 strategy, within the University's Sustainability Policy and the Sustainable Procurement Policy.

  • Equality & Diversity - At Aston, we work hard to promote and advance equality and to celebrate the diversity of our University Community. You can find information about our policies and the progress we are making with our initiatives on our web pages.

  • Family & Childcare - We have facilities and family friendly policies to help you establish a good balance between work and family life.

  • Flexible Benefits - is a way in which you can make tax and National Insurance Contribution (NIC) savings whilst taking advantage of the various benefits we have set up for employees through the Cyclescheme, Childcare Vouchers, Low Emission Car Scheme etc.

  • Health & Safety - We all have responsibility for our own safety, and the safety of others. You are expected to view this resource as part of your induction to the University.

  • Induction  - The majority of induction takes place within your department. The Manager’s Guide to Local Induction has a checklist of information you should know. You will also be invited to a Welcome Lunch with the Vice-Chancellor -  please come along!

  • Mentoring Scheme - giving the member of staff the opportunity to discuss their personal development with someone not directly involved in making judgments about their performance.

  • Pensions - Aston has two occupational pension schemes available at Aston, Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS)
    (Staff of Grade 7 and above) and Aston University Pension Scheme (AUPS) (Staff Grades 1-6)

  • Travelling to Work - Aston encourages the use of public transport, cycling or walking to work as a way of protecting the environment.  We have schemes in place to provide discounted bus/rail travel, cycles and low emission cars.  If, however, you do come to work by car we have a staff car parking scheme available to all staff employed on the full University payroll

  • Unions - All members of staff are eligible to join one of the three recognised Unions UCU, Unite and GMB dependent on their role or job.