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People & culture
The passion and commitment of our people is the main driving force behind our success.
Doing what’s right for students starts with doing what’s right for our people
To elevate the student experience and remain a key part of the higher education sector, we know how important it is to retain true depth and breadth of expertise across our teams.
We are driven by our values and culture and a commitment to develop diverse and inclusive teams, filled with positive energy and new ideas. We provide a range of career pathways and make opportunities for progression available to all.
Supporting our Sustainability Strategy, we are developing greater representation of gender and ethnicity in senior positions to create a more diverse workforce. We believe it is important for everybody to be able to be themselves, have their voice heard and feel that they truly belong when they work with us.
OUR VALUES
CHALLENGE THE ORDINARY
We raise the bar in all that we do. Embracing potential and trying new things to lead, innovate and go from good to great.
UNITE AS ONE
We go and grow as one. Working together and championing our differences to win as a team and create a sense of belonging.
LEAD WITH HEART
We channel our energy to create a positive impact. Doing what’s right and aligned with our ethics to leave a legacy and support the next generation
STAY ON POINT
We’re committed to moving fast with focus and intent, ensuring safety, alignment, and efficiency in everything we do.
Investors in People 2024
Gold standard of culture
We’ve achieved the Investors in People 'We invest in People' gold accreditation.
With only 28% of organisations achieving gold, it demonstrates how we’re pulling together as one team and investing in our people.
Joe Lister, our Chief Executive said: "This is a great achievement so thanks to everyone who contributed to the research and the focus groups and more importantly to all our teams for making Unite Students what we are."
The Academy
Investing in lifelong learning for our employees
The Academy launched in October 2022 to enable on-the job learning and development for every Unite employee, at every career stage. Lifelong learning can be accessed in the form of workshops, online courses, skill sessions, leadership programmes, mentoring and coaching.
In 2022, we launched our learning Academy with a commitment to provide our employees with lifelong learning opportunities. It’s been designed to help everyone realise their potential, following a pathway to success based on five core principles:
• Talent: giving employees the power to realise their potential
• Learning: providing knowledge and skills within their role
• Development: building confidence to achieve
• Mentoring: share expertise and experience new perspectives
• Leadership: for their future career at Unite, and beyond
The Academy enables on-the job learning and development for every Unite employee, at every career stage. Lifelong learning can be accessed in the form of workshops, online courses, skill sessions, leadership programmes, mentoring and coaching.
In May 2023, Unite Students launched its Grow Beyond leadership programmes as part of the Academy, which includes Institute of Leadership & Management courses. Our Rising and Inspiring Leader six month fast-track programmes have supported our General Managers and Regional Leadership teams in transitioning into their new roles post consultation.
Being part of the Unite Students team
Our ambition is to be recognised as a quality place to work and we are dedicated to continuously raising standards and doing what’s right for our people.
Gender pay gap reporting
We recognise the importance of diversity & inclusion and the benefits it can bring to the workplace. We welcome the Government’s introduction of Gender Pay Gap reporting legislation under the Equality Act 2010 (Gender Pay Gap Information) Regulation 2017 and what it sets out to achieve.
Investors in People
We hold an Investors in People (IIP) Gold award, placing us in the top 3% of the UK organisations actively working with IIP. The award reflects our continuing commitment to our employees; creating a great place to work and developing our people to achieve their true potential.
Real Living Wage
We are proud to be a Real Living Wage employer. We understand the benefit of having a happy and motivated workforce who earn a fair salary for their hard work and commitment. We received the accreditation in 2015, the first in our sector, and we remain committed to maintaining the Real Living Wage for our employees going forward.
Talent development
We support our people in their own learning and development by providing access to a range of learning interventions. Our Talent Development team works with the business to identify learning solutions that enable our people to develop the capabilities they need.
Parental policies
We believe in a healthy work-life balance. Our family-friendly initiatives reflect our commitment to equality and provide our people with support and clear guidance to ensure they are fully aware of their entitlement.