Benefits and rewards
At Birmingham City University, our benefits are designed to support your financial wellbeing, health, family life, travel and connection with our community. Alongside a competitive salary and pension, eligible colleagues can access a wide range of savings, schemes and wellbeing support.
Financial benefits and everyday savings
Access more than 750 retail discounts and cashback offers through BCU Rewards, alongside discounts on campus catering, Costco membership and free entry to Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Colleagues can also view a personalised Total Reward Statement showing the overall value of their salary, pension and benefits.
Health and wellbeing
Staff wellbeing is a key strategic priority at BCU. An enhanced Employee Assistance Programme provides you with 24/7 independent, confidential support including counselling, personal advice, financial or life and leadership coaching and more.
Our benefits also include a Health Cash Plan, dental insurance options, discounted gym memberships and fitness classes, eye-care support and access to the BCU Rewards Wellbeing Centre, offering exercise videos, healthy recipes, articles and practical wellbeing advice.
Working with staff, we have developed enhanced policies, guidance and resources relating to menopause, breastfeeding, IVF and fertility, and miscarriage and stillbirth.
A valuable pension
Our pension schemes are an important part of BCU’s overall pay and reward package. Eligible colleagues will be enrolled into the pension scheme applicable to their role, with BCU making a significant employer contribution towards their future retirement.
Depending on the role and employment arrangements, colleagues may have access to the BCU Support Services Retirement Plan, Local Government Pension Scheme, Teachers’ Pension Scheme, or USS.
Pension membership also provides valuable protection for you and your family, including ill-health protection and death-in-service benefits. Employee contributions receive income-tax relief, and some schemes may offer salary-exchange arrangements that provide additional National Insurance savings.
Travel benefits
Travel more sustainably through our Cycle Scheme, discounted Transport for West Midlands season tickets, and our electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
Family-friendly support
BCU colleagues can access discounts of between 10% and 20% with selected local nursery providers, helping to reduce the cost of childcare.
Regular webinars and resources are also available through our external partnerships supporting working parents and carers.
Community and belonging
Connect with colleagues through our employee groups and staff-led networks. Staff can also take an additional day of paid leave each year to volunteer and make a positive contribution to the wider community.
Giving something back
Through Give As You Earn, colleagues can make tax-efficient charitable donations directly from their salary.
BCU colleagues may also benefit from additional offers throughout the year, including access to free events, concerts and selected health and sports