Introduction

A statement has been released by the Home Office which could provide helpful information to EU nationals who reside and work in the UK. It notes that when the UK eventually leaves the EU, it is fully expected that the legal status of EU nationals living in the UK, and that of UK nationals in EU member states, will be properly protected.

The statement also provides some helpful responses to the following questions:

• I have lived in the UK for more than 5 years. What does the vote to leave the EU mean for me?
• What if I have lived in the UK for less than 5 years?
• Does the government plan to remove EU nationals from the UK?

The full statement and answers to the questions above can be found HERE.

Information for staff following the EU referendum decision, including FAQs are available on the Staff Information pages of the HR website. The site will be updated as more information becomes available.

Following the UK vote to leave the European Union, the University has reinforced its commitment to remain a European university and to continue to provide one of the best student experiences in the UK.

In a statement to staff and students, the Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Julia Goodfellow said:

'The University of Kent is proud to be outward facing and international. We are especially proud of our diverse student body and our European and international staff. We recognise that we benefit greatly from this diversity.'

'I am naturally disappointed at the result of the EU referendum. It reflects neither my personal views nor those of the University. I recognise, nonetheless, the democratic process that has led to this outcome.'

The University will work with Universities UK and other agencies, seeking advice and guidance throughout the period of transition particularly on the issues directly affecting our non-UK European Union students and staff.

Staff and students have been emailed and we will be arranging information events, faqs and other assistance over the coming days and weeks.

In the meantime, any non-UK European staff members with particular concerns should contact Human Resources Department (M.Atkinson@kent.ac.uk).

Presentations will be held at Canterbury on 20 June 2016 by Mike Harrison from Mercer, on behalf of USS. On 1 April 2016 there was a change to the way your future USS benefits are calculated. From 1 October 2016, there will be a new opportunity to save through the new USS Investment Builder. All USS members will have the option to contribute. Find out more by attending a presentation on 20 June on the Canterbury campus at 10am or 2pm in Grimond lecture theatre 2. Please register here.

You can read more about the changes at USS for the future.

From 6 April 2016 National Insurance contributions will increase for those staff who are members of USS, SAUL, LGPS and the NHS pension scheme. Please click on the image to find out more.

- 1 March 2016

Human Resources are pleased to announce that Kent has launched a Code of Conduct for all staff.

The Code provides a clear framework within which all members of staff are expected to conduct themselves.

For further information please go to: www.kent.ac.uk/hr-staffinformation/policies/codeofconduct

- 29 January 2016

Changes to SAUL from 1 April 2016

Final changes have now been announced to SAUL from 1 April 2016. Following the employer consultation process which ended on 13 September 2015, the SAUL Negotiating Committee met to consider all the responses received before making a recommendation to the Trustee. The Trustee subsequently approved the changes which were outlined in the consultation document. Further details can be found on the SAUL website, including Q&A and a summary of issues raised during consultation.

USS consultation process - outcome

Human Resources are pleased to announce that the Privy Council has formally approved the University's reformed Statute 7. With effect from Monday 17 August, all staff will now be covered by Statute 7 which was previously only applicable to staff in grades 7 and above.

Statute 7 is the University Statute that sets out how key employment matters (such as grievance resolution, performance improvement and discipline) are to be managed. The revised processes are clear, transparent and will provide a consistent and equal approach to how employment matters are handled.

If you want to find out more about the reform process, view the revised Statute and the associated Ordinances (procedures), please visit the 'Reforming Statute 7' section of the HR website: www.kent.ac.uk/hr-staffinformation/statute

Kent is one of five institutions to retain the European Commission Award. The Award demonstrates commitment to implementing the UK Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers and the European Charter for Researchers  and Code of Conduct for their Recruitment .

As part of its two-year review, the University was required to highlight  key achievements and progress since 2013, as well as confirm   strategy, success measures and next steps for 2015-2017. The review was overseen by Vitae , which champions researcher development in the UK.

Simon Kerridge, Director of Research Services at Kent and Co-Chair of its Researcher Development Working Group, said: ‘Renewal of the HR Excellence in Research Award, alongside our strong REF result for research intensity, demonstrates the University’s commitment to supporting excellence in research and the career development of researchers at Kent.’