Walsall College offer what we believe is an exciting and vibrant environment where you will have a range of employee benefits and the support of a great team, where working relationships between staff and students are very strong and create a friendly, inclusive and safe environment for all.
We value our staff and want them to enjoy a rewarding and professionally fulfilling work life. With that in mind our staff are able to benefit in a variety of ways.
Staff Benefits
Please click on the logos below for further information:
Health and Wellbeing
ZEST is Walsall College’s Health and Wellbeing events and initiatives. Throughout the year, we launch ZEST health and wellbeing events offering a comprehensive package of wellbeing initiatives, services and activities to encourage and motivate staff to look after their health, both physically and emotionally.
Gym Membership Trial
Gym Membership at The Hub – First 3 months are free!!!! Improve your health and fitness in our state-of-the-art gym and spa. With 40 different stations to choose from, cardio and resistance machines as well as free weights and a range of dance, aerobic and fitness classes, it has never been easier to get in shape. With all the finesse of a private Health Club, the gym combines with our steam room, sauna jacuzzi, dance studio and range of indoor sports to offer just the inspiration you need to move towards a healthier, more active and fulfilling lifestyle. As a new member of the team we would like to offer you a free 3 month trial at our gym, and if you wish to become a member at a later date we will offer you a staff discount for annual membership.
Simply Heallth
Simplyhealth is a benefit that aims to keep you healthy while minimising the additional worry about cost. The next time you need to go to the dentist, optician or even have treatment from a physiotherapist, you can claim some or all of the money directly back from Simplyhealth, up to an annual limit. Level 1 of the plan is fully funded by Walsall College. Available to contracted staff, excludes hourly paid staff.
Annual Leave Package
Walsall College offer a generous annual leave package for all on academic and business contracts, which includes additional concessionary and extra statutory leave days. Your annual leave entitlement is outlined in your contract of employment.
Free Eye Tests
Free eye tests for VDU users.
Ride To Work Scheme
Evans Cycles is the UK’s largest specialist cycle retailer and our Ride-to-Work scheme provides access to their full range of quality bikes, E-Bikes, clothing and accessories, whilst making a saving of up to 43% on the total value. Ride-to-Work is ‘anytime application’ meaning you may apply as soon as you are ready to get cycling, you do not need to wait for an application window to open up!
Student Card Discount
You can apply for an NUS/ Totum student discount card to get access to a variety of discounts at shops, clothing stores, restaurants and cinemas, just use your college email address when you join. To find out more please go to https://www.totum.com/ . If you have any questions, please contact the HR team.
Discount For Teachers
Teacher & Education Staff Discounts. Film-buffs, fashion-lovers or gig-goers, Discounts For Teachers has something for everyone.
MOT Discount
In ‘n’ Out Autocentre in Wednesbury offers a discount on MOT’s and Services to Walsall College staff. Just show your ID badge when you take in your car.
Free Will Writing Service
Walsall College have teamed up with Will Writing Specialists, Dunham McCarthy, to help you to plan for the future. The free service is provided remotely, either by telephone or video call, at a time to suit you. You will have a Will specialist to help you complete each step from start to finish.
Professional development opportunities
Career and professional development opportunities.
Teachers Pension Scheme
We offer academic staff the opportunity to join the Teachers Pension Scheme. The scheme offers pension and tax lump sum benefits on retirement, as well as 3 x pensionable salary life assurance benefits. Walsall College contributions for the Teachers Pension Scheme is 23.86%.
Local Government Pension Scheme
We offer non academic staff the opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). The scheme offers pension and tax lump sum benefits on retirement, as well as 3 x pensionable salary life assurance benefits. Walsall College contributions for the LGPS Scheme is 16.3%.
Health And Wellbeing
Wellbeing
Wellbeing at Walsall College is committed to supporting the Health and Wellbeing of all of our staff and we have a range of facilities and resources to help us do this: We have a Wellbeing & Mental Health Strategy, emphasising the importance of our ‘people’ at Walsall College: This document outlines our college wide approach to wellbeing and mental health. It builds on existing activity to ensure that wellbeing is essential in ‘creating the right conditions’ for our staff. The approach is focused on the themes of Culture & behaviours, Leadership & Management, Prevention, Collaboration & Impact and Our Practices. This is part of our long-term commitment to supporting employee health and wellbeing that is reviewed regularly and adapted as necessary. It Aims to create a safe working environment where staff feel able to access, discuss and ask for support for their health and wellbeing.
Wellbeing champions
Wellbeing champions are volunteers from across the college who support our Wellbeing and Mental Health Strategy and help us to shape and support wellbeing across all areas of the college. Anyone can be a Wellbeing Champion, so if you have an enthusiasm for and interest in wellbeing, improving our working environment and supporting engagement please contact the Human Resources department.
Wellbeing & Mental Health Strategy
Our Corporate Strategy 2021 – 2024 sets out Walsall College’s vision. This wellbeing and mental health strategy aligns its approach from the Corporate Strategy and Our Shared Values of Passion; Integrity; Innovation; Equity; Collaboration; and Sustainability. Giving our students the best support, facilities and opportunities, and valuing our staff and delivering on equality, diversity and inclusion are all key enablers in achieving the goals of Walsall College: Create a safe and healthy work environment which fosters a culture of positive wellbeing and mental health whereby the wellbeing of our people is seen as integral to everything we do. Improve general wellbeing and mental health for our diverse workforce and ensure that wellbeing is seen as everyone’s responsibility Establish a healthy behaviour culture across Walsall College, building on our ways of working to consider lifestyle, safety, sustainability, and diversity, equality and inclusion Provide impactful wellbeing support based on the needs of our people, using a collaborative approach.
Able Futures
Able Futures is a confidential and independent programme to support employees who are experiencing any issues that are affecting their mental health at work (such as anxiety, stress or depression). This programme offers long term support for up to a nine-month period, including advice and guidance from a mental health specialist. You are able to refer yourself for FREE by contacting them directly on 0800 321 3137 (8am-10:30pm Monday to Friday)
Togetherall
Togetherall is a safe, online peer-to-peer mental health community that empowers individuals to anonymously seek and provide support 24/7, moderated by clinical professionals. Togetherall also acts as a hub of other wellbeing related courses and resources that foster positive mental health such as self-assessments, goal setting and journaling tools that can help us understand how you are feeling and track your progress. Our mental health is important and we believe that Togetherall will be a valuable addition to progress our approach to wellbeing for both staff and students. It is a safe, welcoming and confidential space where you can take positive steps towards improving mental health. It’s separate from the other supports you or your students might already be accessing and it’s totally free - you can use it as much or as little as you like.
Education Support
Education Support provide confidential and free support, including a helpline and financial assistance for all employees specifically employed in schools, colleges and universities. Education Support can be contacted on 0800 056 2561
Mental Health First Aider Team
The MHFA Team are trained with the skills, knowledge and understanding of first aid for mental health and how to effectively support staff experiencing distress. The MHFA Team help to create a positive environment, whereby staff and managers feel able to talk openly about mental health matters and can signpost on where to seek help if necessary. Our Internal team of Mental Health First Aiders can be contacted on this email address: mentalhealth@walsallcollege.ac.uk
Disability Confident Employer
Walsall College is a Disability Confident Employer, which means that we recruit and retain great people. We also: challenge attitudes and increase understanding of disability draw from the widest possible pool of talent secure high-quality staff who are skilled, loyal and hard working improve employee morale and commitment by demonstrating fair treatment commit to inclusion and diversity in the workplace.
Tommys Pregnancy at Work
We are a member of Tommy’s Pregnancy at Work which is a charity that supports parents-to-be offering expert advice and knowledge on a range of different matters.
Staff Networks
LGBTQ+ Staff Network
Our LGBTQ+ Staff Network is a staff community-driven initiative that aims to:
Create a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ employees within Walsall College.
Provide a space for LGBTQ+ employees to support each other, express concerns they may have, and spend time around people who understand their experiences.
Promote understanding and allyship among our workforce.
Advocate for equality and inclusivity in all aspects of our organisation.
Celebrate the contributions of our LGBTQ+ team members.
We encourage every member of the Walsall College family, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, to get involved. Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or as an ally, your voice and support are welcomed.
Menopause Workplace Pledge
Walsall College has signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge and take positive action to support anyone going through the menopause. As part of our commitment, we want to actively support those directly affected by the menopause, talk openly, positively and respectfully about the menopause and recognise that it affects our staff and provide support. We hold regular Menopause Meet Ups that are run as an open, respectful, safe space for staff to express their views freely and we actively encourage anyone to attend, including men and women of any age.
Race Matters Staff Network
We invite all staff members who are passionate about promoting equality and diversity to join us. Whether you have ideas to share, experiences to discuss, or simply want to be part of the conversation, or as an ally, your participation is crucial in making our workplace more inclusive and welcoming for everyone.