Long service award scheme

The Long Service Award Scheme was launched in 2017 as part of the University’s 50th anniversary celebrations. The scheme directly supports our core values, in particular that of ‘valuing people’, and is embedded within a culture of celebration of success and of individual achievement.

In recognition of this, celebratory events are arranged annually to recognise staff who have reached the key milestones of 15, 25, 40 or 50 years continuous service with the University.

Events will take place in all parts of the institution, with Schools and Professional Services hosting local receptions to recognise the success and long service of their staff. There is the potential for an individual School’s event to be incorporated into, or aligned with, its own graduation celebration events or alternatively a separate event may be arranged.

For staff reaching the key milestones of 25, 40 or 50 years, this achievement will also be celebrated additionally at institutional level at a special event hosted by the Principal. If a member of staff has reached one of these key milestones but has left the University at an earlier point in the qualifying year, they will still be invited to the Principal’s event to receive their award.

Table 1 below summarises the agreed arrangements to recognise different lengths of service.

In identifying Long Service, the following eligibility principles have been agreed:

• part-time staff will be treated equally to full-time staff, with payments the same for both groups
• staff with honorary and associate status are not eligible for the award, and service under these arrangements does not contribute to long service
• long service must be continuous
• continuous service includes service at predecessor institutions now merged into the University, providing that service is continuous between the two institutions

In attendance at the Principal’s reception to celebrate with staff members achieving 25, 40 and 50 years long service from a Directorate, will be the relevant Director. For staff celebrating 25, 40 and 50 years long service from a School, the Dean and School Manager will join the reception to celebrate with staff from their School.

There is no legislation that requires the University to recognise long service, but the University must comply with relevant tax and reporting rules, which may change from time to time. The University reserves the right to modify this policy and/or the accompanying process to remain compliant.

If you have any queries regarding the event, please contact the Reward and Recognition team.