Durham University
As one of the UK’s leading and world top 100 universities, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community. We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team.
Set within the historically rich City of Durham in the Northeast of England, which is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is an undeniably beautiful place in which to base your work-life balance.
A globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other.
Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.
At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion. It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you.
Durham University’s Athena Swan institutional award recognises and celebrates good practice in recruiting and supporting the development of women and for providing flexible working practices for all. We have also signed up to the Race Equality Charter, a national framework for improving the representation, progression and success of minority ethnic staff and students within higher education. As a DU employee you will be able to join our vibrant staff network communities such as the LGBTQ+ one, Disability Staff Network, BAME group and Women@DU.
We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our workforce including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
Pay, Pensions & Reward at Durham University
We aim to create a working environment that recognises and rewards staff for their contribution to the University. In addition to competitive pay and excellent long term rewards via our pension schemes, we provide opportunities to develop in a unique learning environment.
There are many excellent benefits when you work at Durham University. Find out more at Staff Benefits and Rewards – Durham University.
Equality and Diversity at Durham University
Our people make us who we are
Here at Durham, we’re home to people from all backgrounds and identities doing extraordinary things. It’s our people who make Durham University what it is.
Our ambition is to continue growing a team that reflects the diversity of the regional, national, and international communities that we serve. However, we know that change is a long process, and that we’re not yet where we want to be.
To support us on our journey, we’ve launched a number of key initiatives to help us to embed equality, diversity and inclusion across our University. We’re focused on building a fair, inclusive and respectful place where our people feel supported and valued. It’s a workplace where anyone, from anywhere, can support each other to thrive.
Our inclusive culture statement (which is now part of our Core Lived Values) supports everyone in working towards the equality, diversity and inclusion strategic framework:
“Together we celebrate difference, value one another and are each responsible for creating a university community that is respectful and fair for all”.
Find out more here: EDI at Durham
We’re a Stonewall Diversity Champion
We joined the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme in 2013. It’s the UK’s leading forum for discussing and celebrating sexual orientation, gender identity, equality, diversity and inclusion at work. Over 700 organisations work with Stonewall through the Diversity Champions programme, and we’re proud to be playing our part by creating a working environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.
We’ve been awarded Athena SWAN bronze
The University was awarded a bronze institutional Athena SWAN award, in addition to the departmental awards we’ve already gained. A number of departments also have the silver award.
We recognise that we have made progress against the Athena SWAN principles and values, but we realise that there is still more to do, and we’re currently working towards achieving this.
We’re a member of the Race Equality Charter
The University is signed up to the Race Equality Charter (REC). Our membership has helped us to identify, reflect upon and address institutional and cultural barriers that stand in the way of our racially minoritised staff and students.
We’re a Disability Confident Leader
As a Disability Confident Leader, we’re helping to change behaviours, cultures and attitudes towards disabled people. And we’re committed to making sure working at Durham is a positive experience, beginning with our inclusive recruitment practices.
Our equality objectives
We’ve designed our equality objectives to help us tackle inequalities and build diversity and inclusion across our University. Our objectives are to:
- Address gender inequality
We want to tackle discipline-specific gender imbalances in student and staff groups, including reducing the gender pay gap.
- Attract and retain a diverse community of staff and students
We want to increase our number of students from disadvantaged groups, and improve the way we recruit, support, and progress BAME academic and professional staff.
- Embed a culture of respect and inclusivity
We want to foster an accessible, inclusive, and respectful learning, teaching, and research environment.
Read more about our equality objectives.
Supporting applicants with disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions
We’re committed to helping everyone who works here feel safe and comfortable, and we prioritise the health and wellbeing of all of our colleagues. That includes providing support to those who are disabled or who have a physical or mental health condition.
EDI Learning and Development
We’re here to help everyone learn – and that includes our people. Our comprehensive EDI learning and development programme is one of our key drivers for change, and some of our areas for development include the following programmes:
- Respect, Values & Behaviours (RVB)
We demonstrate our core lived values through our RVB learning and development programme to promote a respectful and inclusive work environment.
- Unconscious Bias
We provide an accessible, inclusive, and respectful learning, teaching, and research environment and deliver an unconscious bias workshop to support our work in this area.
- Anti-Racism
We are building a diverse and inclusive university community that is respectful and fair for all.
- LGBTQ+ Allyship
We work towards removing discipline-specific gender imbalances in student and staff groups, including reducing the gender pay gap.
- Skill Boosters
We offer our staff and students the opportunity to access over 40 self-directed e-learning micro courses. More than 20 of those have an EDI focus.
- Attract and retain a diverse community of staff and students
We want to increase our number of students from disadvantaged groups, and improve the way we recruit, support, and progress BAME academic and professional staff.
- Embed a culture of respect and inclusivity
We are embedding an accessible, inclusive, and respectful learning, teaching, and research environment.
Health and Wellbeing at Durham University
Support whenever you need it
Durham University is a welcoming place to be. It’s somewhere you can be yourself, whoever you are and whatever your background. We’re committed to being there for our people, and we’re proud to be able to offer lots of support that’s available whenever you need it.
Helping our staff look after their Health and Wellbeing is one of our priorities. Since our first Health and Wellbeing Strategy was approved by University Council in February 2021, we’ve launched a wide range of initiatives that can help you stay healthy and well – in and out of work.
Our Employee Assistance Programme
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – provided by Health Assured – provides a complete support network that offers expert advice and compassionate guidance 24/7, on a wide range of issues.
It’s designed to help you deal with personal and professional problems that could be affecting your home life or work life, health and general wellbeing.
You and your immediate family members can access the service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
You can also download the Health Assured app to access a selection of holistic health and wellbeing support, anywhere and anytime, including:
- Wellbeing videos and webinars.
- Topical articles.
- Four-week programmes.
- Mini health checks.
- Weekly mood checkers.
- In the moment counselling support.
Our health and wellbeing hub
We also provide a virtual library of wellbeing information, too. With a range of informative articles and self-help guides on offer, you can find support and advice on general health issues, as well as instant guidance for helping others who are experiencing their own physical and mental health challenges.
What’s more, our Health and Wellbeing Hub also includes advice on lifestyle changes, interactive health assessments, tailor-made health and fitness plans, and valuable support with some of life’s biggest challenges.
Whatever your role and support you need, we’re here for you.
Your induction
Durham University is a diverse organisation and it is important that we help you to find your place and to feel at home from the start. An effective induction can make it easy for you to quickly learn about our policies, processes and practices. And it can help you feel at home in your new environment and ensure you have everything you need to be able to contribute to the University’s successes.
We’ll also invite you to a Benefits and Wellbeing Fair to introduce you to the rewards and benefits that can help with your transition to life at Durham.
Read more about our induction process.
