Introduction

The University is undertaking the first phase of what will become annual staff surveys, to understand your perception of Kent as a place to work. This is a chance for you to give feedback about what your working environment is like now and what needs to be done so that it develops in a positive way that enables you to do your best.

The surveys are being rolled out in four phases to enable efficient administration and to ensure we have the capacity to provide follow-up support to respond to any issues highlighted. The first phase begins 5 June, with the remaining phases planned for September, November/December and March 2018.

Responses will be entirely anonymous and we have made the survey deliberately short so you will find it quick to complete (5-10 minutes). When the time comes for your department/school, you will be sent an email from staffsurvey@kent.ac.uk with a link to the online survey. Your opinion matters, so please respond to the survey and encourage others to do the same. We want to get as high a response rate as possible so that we can gain credible insight into what we do well and what we need to develop.

The information we collect will also be used to support our Athena SWAN work and to help us make changes to enhance your working life.

Find out more, including the survey schedule, as well as guides for staff,  managers and Athena SWAN Self-Assessment Teams

If you and your family are affected by Brexit, don't miss the opportunity to share learning and experiences with others in a similar situation at this networking day, being hosted by the University in response to staff feedback.

The event is open to all staff and their families and will take place on Saturday 20 May in The Gulbenkian between 10.00 and 16.00, with complimentary refreshments provided. While the limited first come, first service legal advice appointments are now fully booked, lawyers from Kesar & Co Solicitors will be on hand throughout the morning, leading pop-up conversation starters on specific topics such as 'family members' and 'citizenship'.

Your children can be entertained while you mingle, with film screenings as well as drama and craft activities for younger and older age groups.

Book your place by completing the Family Networking Event booking form.

General enquiries can be emailed to ldev@kent.ac.uk

Human Resources are pleased to announce the following people practices have been updated and/or created:

• Internal Secondments - Policy & procedure (link to PDF)
• Interview Expenses - Policy & procedure
• Retirement - Staff Guide
• Efficiency Retirement Scheme - Policy statement (link to PDF)
• Probation Scheme - for professional managerial, support & research staff