Pay and benefits

Pay

Our competitive pay structure offers annual incremental progression across most of our grades (subject to six months’ service) until the grade maximum is reached. In addition, nationally agreed pay uplifts are normally applied each year to reflect the cost-of-living increase.

Pension

To help you plan and save for the future, you will have the opportunity to join one of our attractive occupational pension schemes:

• Grades 1 to 5: the University of St Andrews Superannuation and Life Assurance Scheme (S&LAS) offers a University contribution of 17.93% and an employee contribution of 7.77%
• Grades 6 to 9: the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) offers a University contribution of 14.5% and an employee contribution of 6.1%

Both schemes include comprehensive life assurance cover.

If you are in grades 1 to 5 and you do not join the University scheme you will be automatically enrolled into NOW: Pensions (5% employee contribution and 5% employer contribution).

Enhanced holiday entitlement

We offer a generous annual leave allowance.

• Grades 1 to 4 are entitled to 35 days per year, increasing to 37 days after 4 years and 39 days after 6 years of service
• Grades 5 to 9 are entitled to 39 days per year

This entitlement is inclusive of five statutory holidays. 

Excluding some essential services, the University closes over the Christmas and New Year period.

Flexible working

We support a healthy balance between work and life by offering flexible options such as part-time and term-time working, compressed hours, job-sharing, and hybrid working options.

Hybrid working

We support hybrid working, where feasible, helping our staff achieve a better balance between their personal and professional lives. Eligible employees are required to work at least 50% of their contracted working hours on-site to maintain the significant benefits of in-person working including team cohesion, collaboration and personal wellbeing.

Parent and carers benefits

The University recognises that many of our staff have family and caring responsibilities. We offer a range of policies that go beyond statutory requirements.

These include:

• enhanced pay for family leave (maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental leave)
• paid neonatal leave
• paid leave for fertility treatment
• paid emergency time-off for dependants
• paid carers leave
• paid parental bereavement leave

We also have a University nursery which offers discounted rates for staff and students, and several local childcare providers also offer reduced rates for University members.

Health and wellbeing are actively promoted and supported at the University.

We enable access to a range of support including:

• employee assistance programme (EAP)
• an in-house occupational health team
• mediation service
• counselling and CBT therapy
• chaplaincy services for all faiths and none
• Able Futures, a government scheme which provides support for mental health at work
• access to wellbeing resource on physical, mental, nutritional, relational and workplace wellbeing
• wellbeing officers in all schools and professional services units to signpost available resources and organising local initiatives
• access to the University gym and sports facilities (see additional details below) 

Discounted bus tickets

University staff can benefit from a 75% discount on bus travel with Stagecoach and Moffat & Williamson for journeys around St Andrews, North East Fife and East Scotland. This helps you reduce your travel costs and your carbon footprint.

The scheme enables you to purchase seven-day and 28-day MegaRider tickets, along with Flexi5 tickets within the St Andrews zone, North East Fife zone, and East Scotland zone (it does not cover the cost of single, return or DayRider tickets)

Cycle to work scheme

Our cycle-to-work scheme promotes sustainable travel while helping you save on a new bike and safety equipment, with purchases of up to £2,500.

Car parking

The University offers several staff-only car parks around St Andrews. These require a valid parking permit in your vehicle. Parking spaces are not reserved and having a permit does not guarantee a spot.

Eden Campus at Guardbridge offers plenty of free on-site parking for staff, including eight electric vehicle charging points.

If you're moving closer to the University for your new role, you may be eligible for relocation support, subject to specific criteria.

Saints Sport

Benefit from 33% off monthly or annual membership of Saints Sport.

This gives access to:

• the main gym
• a fitness class programme and facilities
• multi-sport courts and pitches
• an indoor tennis centre
• a climbing wall

Walter Bower House gym

Access the on-site gym at Eden Campus in Guardbridge for £15 per month. This gives you access to a comprehensive selection of both cardiovascular and strength equipment.

Junior Saints

Junior Saints offers a range of activities for children throughout the year, including sports camps during school holidays, which are available to University staff at a discounted rate.

University Library

Staff members have access to the University Library and associated resources. Borrow up to 50 physical items, access online resources, and use the inter-library loan facility.

Cafés

The University has several cafés where you can unwind with a cup of tea or enjoy lunch with colleagues in a welcoming, friendly atmosphere.

Local business discounts

The University is committed to supporting local businesses, many of which offer exclusive discounts for staff.

As a member of the education sector, you'll also have access to a variety of additional discounts on products and services.

Mobile phones

You can enjoy exclusive discounts on mobile phone plans. Choose from reduced monthly rates on handsets and data plans:

• Vodafone Advantage offers up to 25% off phone or SIM plans
• O2 Open offers up to 25% off the Airtime Plan

IT equipment and devices

You can take advantage of exclusive discounts on a range of IT equipment and devices:

• Hewlett Packard – claim up to 40% off HP products through their HP Student & Teacher Store
• Dell – save 10% on Dell products through Dell Advantage
• Apple – enjoy discounts on products through their Education Store  

Costco Warehouse discount

University staff are eligible to apply for a Costco individual membership card for an annual fee of £33.60. This grants access to Costco Warehouse stores nationwide.

Giving to charity

As a University employee, you can make charitable donations directly from your pre-tax salary through the Give As You Earn scheme, reducing your costs while increasing your support for the causes you care about.

TOTUM membership

You will be able to sign up for a TOTUM membership, giving you access to a wide range of big-brand discounts and savings.