Support for the different needs of our Early Career Researchers’s is available in many ways. The support provided is from within the department and from the wider university. This page will guide you to the places where you can find help for different issues and topics.
The University provides help for HR related issues including appraisals, promotion, fixed term contracts, staying safe and trade unions.
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/waar/HR/index.page
If you need to contact HR this is usually done through “Ask HR” an online support system staffed by a team of experienced HR professionals, available on-call throughout the working day in person, via telephone or by email. The Ask HR team can provide advice and guidance on HR topics, and where necessary direct your query to a specialist HR team.
We recognise that bringing a child into the world can be a challenging time for any parent. The University offers a number of schemes and policies to support expectant and new parents.
Maternity Leave
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/hr/services/maternity-leave/index.page
Adoption Leave
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/hr/services/adoption-leave/index.page
Paternity Leave
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/hr/services/paternity-leave/index.page
Parental Leave and Shared Parental Leave
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/hr/services/parental-leave/index.page
Staff may also be eligible for Tax-free Childcare
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/hr/services/tax-free-childcare/index.page
The University has an Early Years Centre on Highfield campus, which is available for the use of staff and students with children aged four months to five years.
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/about/services/childcare.page
Following a course of maternity, paternity or adoption leave, parents can consider the options available for flexible working if they require more time to care for their child or children this should be talked over with your line manager.
The University provides all staff with an environment that promotes health and well-being and ensures safe working. The occupational health service is there to help you and is provided in collaboration with the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/hr/services/occupational-health/index.page
The University also has an Employee Assistance Programme which provides
24 hour phone line free phone: Tel. +44 (0)80 0316 9337
Online support – www.legalandgeneral.com/eap.
Username/Access Code: worklife
This is completely confidential and no details will be routinely shared without your consent.
Further information on mental health issues can be found through our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion pages:
All ours staff are offered the opportunity to have a mentor. Your line manager is your mentor in the first instance but if you feel you would like advice or just a chat there are a number of staff offering advice on a range of subjects.