Family Friendly

The Department of Oncology recognises the importance of attaining a balance between all the different priorities that our colleagues have in their lives. With this in mind, the Department seeks to foster a supportive working environment that enables our staff to find the balance that works for them. The University offers a wealth of information and support for staff in regards to caring responsibilities. Below, you can find information on some of the initiatives on offer.

MY FAMILY CARE

My Family Care is a University benefit for all employees that offers access to emergency back-up childcare and adultcare, a 'speak to an expert' phone line, and a wide range of guides and webinars through a website called the Work + Family space.

Access to the services, phone lines and web guidance is free for University employees, but you will need to meet the costs of any care that you book.

More information can be found here.

Childcare

The University offers a comprehensive range of childcare services at affordable prices and works closely with various professional bodies to continue to enhance its provision.

The University currently runs four nurseries across Oxford and has partnered with a large number of nursery providers who deliver quality childcare for University staff and student parents.

A planning application has been submitted to the City Council to open a fifth nursery on the Old Road Campus.

The following pages may be of interest to you:

• University Nurseries (nursery providers, waiting lists, FAQ and application processes)
• Childcare Voucher Scheme
• Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Holiday Playschemes
• Parenting Organisations
• Information on Oxfordshire schools

Family Leave

The University has policies on all types of family leave (maternity, adoption, paternity, shared parental, unpaid), and schemes are in operation.

SUPPORT FOR CARERS

The University recognises that caring is an important role, and seeks to support staff with caring responsibilities wherever possible. Caring responsibilities can affect us all, may arise without warning, and may be temporary, long-term or permanent.  You may have caring responsibilities for relatives, or friends, or family overseas. Or you may be trying to juggle multiple caring responsibilities.

You can find more information on how the University supports staff by clicking here.

There is also a provision for short-term leave for carers - information about this is available on the University website here.

Returning Carers' Fund

The Returning Carers' Fund is a small-grants scheme to support women and men who have taken a break of at least six months for caring responsibilities to re-establish their research careers.

The scheme is open to all members of academic and research staff employed by the University, including those holding joint appointments, but excluding those who have achieved full professorial title or who hold statutory chairs. Those currently on leave can apply for support on their return to work.

The grants will pay for a range of activities, such as short-term administrative or research assistance, teaching buy-outs, conference attendance, visits of research collaborators and training in new research methods.