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Staff Benefits

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Living Wage EmployerSelwyn College is a Living Wage Employer and we offer the opportunity to work in a historical, beautiful and friendly working environment. We are also on a bus route which stops on Grange Road and West Road.  Discounted fares are available.

Our generous benefits package typically includes:

  • Occupational pension scheme
  • Free on site parking
  • Free meals on duty, for those whose hours of work encompass a meal break
  • 25 days annual leave entitlement (plus bank holidays)
  • College sick pay
  • Free healthcare cash plan
  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
  • Discounts with local businesses
  • Additional Long Service leave
  • A range of family friendly benefits, including generous maternity and paternity benefits above statutory requirements
  • Flexible working
  • Opportunity for personal and professional development
  • Free use of the College Gym

Selwyn has a Staff Committee and also an active Social Committee which organises a wide range of events, including an annual staff outing and Christmas party which is funded by the College.

Training and Development

The College provides training opportunities for staff at all levels to ensure they have the skills to perform their duties with competence. All staff receive an annual appraisal, professional and personal development is encouraged and supported, and the College rewards high performing staff.

Selwyn Staff

Selwyn has a reputation for being a friendly place to work, and has a committed and friendly body of around 120 non-academic staff, including part-time and casual workers. A wide range of people from porters, gardeners, maintenance and administrative staff, to domestic and catering assistants, Senior College Officers, and Fellows, combine to provide a network of support services for our students, guests and visitors and alumni.

To find out what it’s really like to work at Selwyn, take a look at the following job profiles where current members of staff talk about their role at Selwyn …

Helen Stephens, Head Porter

Helen Stephens

Why did you apply for your job?
It was the next obvious move from Deputy Head Porter at Trinity College.

Tell me about a typical day for you.
There is no typical day in the life of a Head Porter!  Things come at you thick and fast from all angles, from the minor such as issuing a band aid to the major like security at the Snow Ball and everything in between.

What qualifications or experience are essential for this kind of role?
A love of people and a life time of experience.  You can’t and shouldn’t be doing the job if you don’t have these.  It helps to have patience, understanding, tact and diplomacy.

What is the best thing about working at Selwyn?
Every day is a day in history!  The place itself, its history, the people.

What opportunities has Selwyn provided for you?  
The chance to be a part of something amazing.

Samantha Carr, Graduate Admissions Secretary

Sam Carr

Why did you apply for your job?
When we moved from Zimbabwe to live in Cambridge, I had always said that I wanted to work at the University of Cambridge, because it is world famous.  When I saw the advertisement for the Graduate Secretary’s position at Selwyn College, I was very happy to apply for the position as I knew that this would mean working for one of the Colleges within the University of Cambridge.

Tell me about a typical day for you.
A typical day for me can be anything from dealing with a new graduate application and/or graduate admission enquiries, to assisting and dealing with correspondence on behalf of the Graduate Tutors and students. Answering various email/telephone enquiries, liaising with the different departments within the College and the University, especially at the start of the Academic year to make sure that everything runs smoothly for both the new students and continuing graduate students.  Finally, helping out in other areas of the Tutorial Office and Admissions Office by helping with Open Days or covering my colleagues’ work when they are on leave.

What qualifications or experience are essential for this kind of role?
You need to have a good command of the English language and be computer literate, so that you are able to work efficiently and effectively. You need to be a self-motivated person and work well under pressure and be able to prioritise your work load, so that you do not fall behind at busy times.  You need to be able to work on your own, however, you also need to be a team player, as there are times when you are asked to help other colleagues with their work load in busy times.

What is the best thing about working at Selwyn?
Selwyn is a very friendly College, and it is a pleasure to work in its beautiful surroundings, in a spacious office, with lovely colleagues.  I also really enjoy interacting with all the Fellows of the College, staff and the students, and feel like I am part of the community rather than being at work.

What opportunities has Selwyn provided for you?
Working at Selwyn has enabled me to do various courses, training and computer qualifications, which have been helpful to my work and career.

Darran Kerry, Maintenance Works Foreman & Carpenter

Darran Kerry

Why did you apply for your job?
I was self-employed for 15 years and work was becoming more difficult to find.  I applied to have the opportunity to work on old buildings and job security.

Tell me about a typical day for you.
I do a wide variety of repairs around the College, which can range from fixing broken locks to making bespoke furniture.

What qualifications or experience are essential for this kind of role?
You need a good knowledge of building work, carpentry and joinery.

What is the best thing about working at Selwyn?
The variety of work, the College surroundings, and the friendly atmosphere generated by the different members of staff.

What is the best thing about working at Selwyn?
Selwyn has allowed me to attend courses in management to improve my career within the College.