International staff welcome handbook - Academic Development
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International staff welcome handbook
Welcome to
Coventry University Contents
Introduction Information for your first weeks here
We are very pleased to welcome you to 4 Campus Map
Coventry University. 5 Getting to Coventry
6 Opening a bank account
To guide and support you in your move
to Coventry, we have included useful 7 Taxes and National Insurance
information and links, including advice 8 Registering with the Police & Money Advice Services
about where you can find extra support if
9 Driving, buying/importing a car/Bringing pets to the UK
needed. Please be aware that some links
in this document may only be accessible 10 Accommodation
once you have joined the university. If 11 Settling in Coventry and in your home
you need any help, support or further
12 Household bills & Home furniture and appliances
information abut your move, please contact
your Line Manager or the People Team on 13 Transport
peopleservices.pt@Coventry.ac.uk. 14 Food and drink on campus
15 Childcare and schooling
It is a brilliant time to join Coventry
University as we are expanding vastly and
great things are happening in the city itself. Getting around Coventry and British culture
Coventry was recently named 2021 UK
16-18 The city of Coventry
City of Culture. This is a great achievement
for Coventry and for the university. To read 19 Restaurants, supermarkets and shopping
more information about what the City of 20 Places to visit around Coventry
Culture means for Coventry click here.
21 British culture hints and tips
In 2018, we celebrated 175 years since
our groundbreaking institution began Employee well – being and benefits
in Coventry. A focus on growth and
22 Coventry University staff systems
continuous improvement in teaching and
learning, research and internationalisation 23 Family friendly policies
has seen the university rise rapidly in both 24 Employee well being
the Guardian University rankings and in the
Times and Sunday Times Higher Education 25 Employee benefits
UK rankings.
Other useful info
Internationalisation is the key to Coventry
University's success and this is embedded 26 Health and Safety
in everything we do. One of our institutional
goals is for 95% of our staff to be engaged
with international activities by 2021.
As this is the first edition of this handbook, we would welcome your feedback on the Please note that the university does not endorse any of the external websites listed
current content and suggestions for further improvement. anywhere in this guidance.
3
Campus
Campusmap
Map Getting to Coventry
The closest airports to Coventry is Birmingham International
Airport (BHX) – 10.6 miles / 17.1 km.
There are trains which directly go from Birmingham
CTION
JUN
International Airport to Coventry town centre, the train
1 journey will take approximately 20 minutes.
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You can also travel by bus, the journey from Birmingham
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Gate
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details and bus routes here).
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If you fly into London Heathrow, Stanstead, Luton or
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HALES STRE Bus Coach
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Milennium
Singer HallView
Station Station
CV1 5RA
RAGLAN STREET Gatwick you can catch a train to London and travel to
THE
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BUR
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Coventry is one of the most accessible locations in the
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EE UK. Situated right at the heart of the country, you can
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Charles Ward
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comfortably arrive at any of your destinations either by
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Priory Godiva Place
Trinity Building (coming 2018) Liberty
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car, bus, coach, plane or train. Just one hour from central
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Sir William
Coventry is well linked to all the major towns and cities
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TheHub
Lyons
across the country.
Bugatti
TR Council House
EE Herbert Jaguar
T Art Gallery and Museum
Far Gosford Street
EARL S C Graham P Car Park If you are interested in renting a car for your journey from
TREET Sutherland CV1 5PH
JORDAN WELL
GOSF Multi-storey the airport, please see additional information here:
ORD Car Park
Ink STRE www.travelsupermarket.com/en-gb/car-hire/
Richard Crossman ET
Well William Morris
united-kingdom
LITTLE PARK
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Ellen Prin
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Civic Centre Terry P
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For more information visit:
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www.coventry.ac.uk/travel-directions-info
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Sir Frederick
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STREET
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John Sports Lanchester
Engineering &
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Laing Centre Beatrice Computing
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Frank Shilling
Magistrates C C
NEW Whittle
If you would like more information on booking transport
building
Court County C
building (coming 2020)
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Portal
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Bu P such as coach/ train tickets or to view useful links to
on CV1 2DS
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Severn airports and transport companies websites please visit here
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Severn CV1 2JH
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Stu ntre
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or here.
CV1 2PL
Police Station CV1 2HS
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Design Hub Centre
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IV1
IV7
STATION SQUARE
IV2
To Coventry Train Station CV1 2TT
IV3
IV6
Approx one mile from CV1 2TR IV4
City Centre IV5
Car parking spaces are very limited at the
Innovation
Mile Lane Village university. If you are visiting a member of staff,
it may be possible for your host to reserve
you a car parking space. Please check in
advance. This facility will not normally apply
to visitors attending Open Days, Conferences
or other large-scale events.
KEY
Ringroad subway Staff pay/display parking Student pay/display parking Disabled parking is available throughout
Ringroad junction
access
the city centre.
Principal pathway Non-university parking Disabled parking
with wheelchair access Please note that the visitors who park in
Power assisted
door access Principal pathway C Cycle parking One way system
the university car parks without displaying
with steps a valid permit may be clamped.
Non-powered access Footbridge Student accommodation
The main university switchboard number
All Coventry University buildings have wheelchair access and accessible toilets for disabled persons is 024 7688 7688.
4 5
Opening a bank account Taxes and National Insurance
It is essential to open a bank account when you move to the UK in order to receive payments from Coventry University and to be able to get Income Tax rates and Personal Your tax-free Personal Allowance
accommodation. This section explains how to set up a bank account. Allowances
The standard Personal Allowance is
Opening a bank account UK law and banking (*Accurate as of 1 June 2019) Income Tax £12,500, which is the amount of income you
is a tax you pay on your income. You do not do not have to pay tax on.
Information on how to open a bank account UK law requires banks to make checks on have to pay tax on all types of income.
is available via this link. There is also a customers opening accounts to prevent Your Personal Allowance may be bigger
useful booklet that you can download on fraud. In the case of international staff, You pay tax on things like: if you claim Marriage Allowance or Blind
this topic from the BBA (British Bankers’ banks will require proof of identity, usually in money you earn from employment Person’s Allowance. It is smaller if your
Association) website. the form of a signed passport, together with profits you make if you’re self-employed income is over £100,000.
proof of your address in your home country - including from services you sell through
Why do I need a bank account? and your address in the UK. Proving your websites or apps For more information on taxes in the UK,
address in the UK may be more difficult you should consult the UK Government’s
Whilst in the UK you will need to have a but the following documents may be some state benefits
website: www.gov.uk/income-tax-rates.
bank account to make sure that your money acceptable: most pensions, including state pensions,
is kept safely and so that you can transfer company and personal pensions and National Insurance Number
money in and out, write cheques, pay bills by A tenancy agreement, or retirement annuities
standing order or direct debit and use a cash A letter from the university confirming you rental income (unless you’re a live-in Information from www.gov.uk/apply-
card to buy goods or take money out from are employed at Coventry University and landlord and get less than the rent a national-insurance-number
an ATM (Automated Teller Machine). confirming your UK address. The People room limit)
Team can help with this request. benefits you get from your job In order to work and pay taxes in the UK,
Which bank is right for me? obtaining a National Insurance Number (NI
income from a trust Number) is essential. A NI number will be
The bank may also want to see proof of
There are many banks in the UK offering interest on savings over your savings used to take money from your monthly pay,
your previous or permanent address in the
different products and services, so it is a allowance which then goes into providing the state with
country that you come from.
good idea to spend some time to find the funds for pensions, healthcare etc.
bank that will best serve your needs. Click How much Income Tax you pay in each tax
Your national identity card or driving licence
here to compare different types of credit and year depends on: You may have a NI Number printed on the
may be acceptable for this purpose.
debit cards and to help you find the right one how much of your income is above your back of your biometric residence permit
for your needs. If you would like to compare Personal Allowance (BRP). You don’t need to apply for a National
Please note that they normally only accept
current accounts please click here. Insurance number if you already have one, or
original documents, not copies. how much of your income falls within
one is printed on your BRP.
each tax band for further information visit
The following links will be able to help you
How long does it take to create a www.gov.uk/income-tax-rates)
locate the right bank for you: If you do not have one, you must apply for
bank account? The current tax year is from 6 April 2019 a National Insurance number if you plan
Map of Banks in Coventry to 5 April 2020. to work, apply for a student loan or claim
It can take two or three weeks to open an
List of Banks in Coventry City Centre benefits. You can only apply for it once
account if you need to obtain documents.
you’re in the UK. You must have the right
You will need to make sure that you have
to work or study in the UK to get a National
sufficient funds available to pay for things
Insurance number.
while you are waiting for your bank account
to open. You should bring a credit card,
You can start work before your National
cash card or travellers’ cheques with you
Insurance number arrives if you can prove
to Coventry so that you can pay for things
you can work in the UK. You should tell the
during this period. Do not bring a large
People Team that you’ve applied for one,
amount of cash with you or keep cash in
and give it to them when you have it.
your room for security reasons.
For more information about the
National Insurance Number and how to
apply please visit www.gov.uk/apply-
national-insurance-number.
6 7
Registering with the Police and Driving, buying/importing a car
Money Advice Services Bringing pets to the UK
Registering with the Police Driving Bringing your pets to the UK
Depending on which country you are When you move to the UK, it is likely that It is possible to bring your pets from
moving from, you may need to register with you will want to be able to drive so as to overseas, however, please bear in mind that
the local police within seven days of arriving make the most of the surrounding areas. some animals may require quarantine for
in to the UK as it could affect your visa. Driving licenses from Northern Ireland, several months prior to import to the UK.
European Union or European Economic Check the rules about any pets you might
The Immigration Regulation Act 1971 Area are valid in the United Kingdom. want to bring as early as possible, to make
(Registration with the police) is a legal sure that you can meet any requirements
requirement made by the Home Office. For those moving from outside of the regarding microchipping, vaccinations, pet
Failure to register with the police is a criminal EU, please check how long you can drive passports and quarantine.
offence and could lead to prosecution. on your non-UK licence; the Government
website has a handy tool for this All pets will require an international pet
It will state on the back of your visa if you are (www.gov.uk/driving-nongb-licence) passport. Please check the Pets Travel
required to register with the police. For more and it is also worth reading up on Britain’s Scheme (PETS) for more information on
information on who needs to register, how to Highway Code. this. Detailed information about travelling to
register and where to register click here. the UK with pets is provided on the relevant
Buying or importing a car government website here.
Money advice services
If you are thinking of driving to work, it AirPets International also offers information
The Money Advice Service can offer free is worth checking with your department and services for relocating pets worldwide.
and impartial money advice. Set up by whether or not parking is available near your
government, they can help you with issues workplace (for information regarding parking Pet-friendly rentals
such as saving and investment, care at Coventry University, including Disabled
services, insurance and beyond. You could Parking, please click here). Pets are not always allowed in rental
either find their site online or call them on properties, which can present a challenge
0800 138 7777 for advice. Many people use the Park and Ride system for those hoping to bring their animals with
which involves parking on the edge of the them. Makeurmove and Mitula are dedicated
city and taking a bus into the centre. You can pet-friendly property rental sites, which
either cycle or use public transport to get to will help you locate properties for rent with
and around the city. landlords who welcome pets. You can
find more information on how to find a
If you would like to import your car from pet-friendly landlord at Lets with Pets.
overseas, please note that you will be
required to provide the relevant government
agencies with the correct documentation for
your car and to register it once it arrives in
the UK. It will also need to meet local vehicle
compliance standards and have insurance
arranged for it. You can find detailed
guidance about these requirements on the
UK government's car import website here.
You may prefer to wait until you arrive in
Coventry before you decide whether to buy
a car. You can buy a new or second-hand
car from a motor dealer, or by private sale,
e.g. via the Autotrader website. Cars must
be taxed and insured, and have an MOT
certificate if required (an MOT is an annual
test to make sure the vehicle is safe and
meets emissions standards, usually for
vehicles over 3 years old).
More information on driving in the UK is
available here:
www.gov.uk/browse/driving.
Finally, don't forget that the British drive on
the left side of the road.
8 9
Short-term Long term Settling in Settling in
accommodation accommodation Find a doctor and a dentist
your home
Once you have moved into your
One of the most important parts of moving In order to be able to rent or purchase a Once you have organised long-term
accommodation, you are advised to register
to a new country is finding the right type of property you will need a UK bank account accommodation you need to set up utilities,
for a doctor and dentist. Click here to enter
accommodation in the right part of town. (Please see relevant section of handbook for Council Tax and insurance for your home.
your postcode on the NHS website and find
When relocating to a different country, more information regarding this).
a list of local doctors’ (also known as General
it is recommended to find short-term Council Tax
Practitioner, or GP) surgeries. You can then
accommodation until you have settled When you are renting a property there are
choose one of the surgeries and sign up.
down and know where you want to live and two options: renting privately, or renting Council Tax is usually paid by everyone who
whether you would like to buy or rent. through an estate agent. If you decide to rent rents or owns a home and is over the age
In most cases you will have to go to the
privately this could work out cheaper. of 18. Council Tax costs vary on the band of
doctors’ surgery to show ID and proof of
Short-term accommodation housing you live in and your local council will
your current address, and complete an
However, as a tenant (the person who is use the money to pay for local services such
application form. It is sensible to contact the
We recommend that you arrange short renting) it is your responsibility to check that as schools, rubbish collection, roads and
surgery in advance so they can tell you what
term accommodation before you arrive in the landlord (the person renting the property street lighting.
you need to do in order to register.
the UK. That way, you will have somewhere to you) is following the legal requirements:
to stay for the first few weeks whilst you see the website for the Midland Landlord If you are living alone you will be entitled to
To register with a dentist, the process is the
are arranging longer term accommodation Accreditation Scheme to find more single persons discount; however, you will
same. Click here to enter your postcode
(which typically takes around 4 to 8 information. Some rental agreements may need to notify the council office. Council
on the NHS website to obtain a list of local
weeks). It will also allow you to get to know state that it is your responsibility to obtain Tax must be paid and failure to do so could
dental practices.
Coventry as a city before deciding which contents insurance (please visit relevant result in the Council taking you to court.
area to live in. The following link will help section of handbook for more information Click here for more information regarding
If you require medical attention and have not
you understand the housing terminology regarding this). Council Tax.
yet been able to register with a GP, Coventry
when looking for properties. Click here.
has a NHS Healthcare and Walk-in Centre.
The two links below are accommodation Insurance
It is open from 8am to 10pm to registered
Short-term accommodation websites websites which can help you find property to
and unregistered patients with or without an
rent or purchase in Coventry. Insurance helps you protect yourself against
appointment, 365 days per year.
Home Stay is mostly aimed at people looking Zoopla risks such as a house fire, car accident,
to stay with other people in their homes. Rightmove damage to your valuables or burglary. You
Emergency healthcare
Airbnb advertises opportunities to stay with can also get insurance that pays you money
people in their homes, plus accommodation There are a number of local estate agents if you get too ill to work or to provide for
For information about hospitals in Coventry,
similar to hotels. who can help you to rent or purchase a your family if you die. Visit the Money Advice
visit the University Hospitals Coventry and
property. Service to find out more about insurance and
Warwickshire (UHCW) website.
If you are seeking university–owned or if it is beneficial to you.
managed accommodation, FutureLets Alternatively, if you are interested in university If you need an ambulance, dial 999. This
(wholly owned subsidiary of Coventry – owned or managed accommodation, It is highly recommended that you buy home
emergency service line is open 24/7.
University) offers both serviced apartments please visit: insurance to protect your belongings. There
and short term lets (in our Cycle Works and are many different types of insurances for
www.futurelets.co.uk/property-search If you are unsure whether or not you need
Singer Hall locations) different goods, some of the main ones
an ambulance, you can call the NHS non-
www.futurelets.co.uk are home insurance, pet insurance, travel
When looking for accommodation be emergency number 111 for medical advice;
insurance, vehicle insurance and contents
aware that access to schools and doctors’ the line is open 24/7. You will receive a full
Coventry offers a variety of hotels and insurance.
surgeries are based on catchment areas: assessment from a highly trained advisor
bed and breakfast accommodation. The people living closest to the services have who will decide whether you need an
following comparison websites offer listings Using the sites below will allow you to
priority. It is advisable to click on the link to ambulance or refer you to a health care
and reviews: compare different deals and different types of
check the schools before making a decision professional.
Trivago insurance which best suit your needs:
to move location. Click here for a list of
Money Super Market
Booking.com doctors surgeries (or “GPs”) in Coventry For more information about healthcare, visit
and the surrounding area and the services the NHS Services website. GoCompare
Expedia
they provide. comparethemarket.com
Trip Advisor Pharmacies
Hotels.com If you are looking to purchase a property, If you rent accommodation you need
estate agents will be able assist you in If the doctor has decided that you need to check with the landlord or letting
finding the right property. to take medication you will be given a agents if they already have utility
prescription. You will need to take the companies set up. The next section will
prescription document to a chemist or look into sorting things out for health
pharmacy in order for you to receive the and the house.
medication.
For minor health issues, like a cold, you
can sometimes speak to the pharmacist on
duty to get basic medical advice (instead of
seeing a doctor).
Boots pharmacy at the Arena Shopping Park
is 24 hours.
10 11
Household bills Transport
This section will give you more information on bills that you will need to pay once you have moved into your accommodation. So that you are safe when walking around
the city you should also make sure that
Utilities (gas, electric, water) TV licence Telephone and broadband (internet) you understand your responsibility as a
pedestrian. Please refer to The Highway
Some rental properties may include the cost A TV licence enables you to watch or record In order to get your home phone and Code: Rules for Pedestrians.
of all gas, electric and water in the monthly TV programmes on any channel, or to use broadband (internet) up and running, it will be
price. However, this will vary depending on “catch up” services such as BBC iPlayer and necessary to sort out line rental. This is a set Public transport
the letting agents or landlord. Once you move ITV Hub. You will need to have a TV license fee (payable monthly or annually) that allows
into the property it is recommended that you to watch live TV on a laptop or other device. you to use the telephone line. Telephone calls Information about all of Coventry’s bus
take meter readings for gas, electricity and If you do not purchase a TV license but still and internet are charged on top of this fee. routes, timetables and fares is available
water to make sure you only pay for what watch live TV this is a criminal offence and online. Coventry’s central bus station is
you have used. Otherwise, the suppliers will you can be fined up to £1000. There are many package deals available that called Pool Meadow, located on Fairfax St,
charge you an estimate of usage. combine telephone calls and internet (e.g. Coventry CV1 5AD.
A TV license can be paid for monthly, British Telecom, Sky, Virgin). The prices vary
Click on the following links to receive quotes quarterly, weekly or as an upfront yearly according to what is included in the deal Coventry’s train (or railway) station is located
from different gas and electric providers. payment. It is transferrable if you move to (e.g. telephone call allowance or broadband on Eaton Road, Coventry CV1 2GT.
uSwitch a different property. Currently a standard speed). It is always worthwhile doing some Alternatively you can use a taxi, which will
moneysupermarket.com colour TV licence costs £147 a year. If you research and asking colleagues before pick you up from your location and take you
do not have a TV, do not have an aerial or committing to a long contract. to your destination. Normally, you will need
comparethemarket
do not watch TV you will have to visit the TV to pay cash when taking a taxi.
The sole water supplier for the Coventry area licencing website to declare this.
is Severn Trent. Uber is a taxi service which accepts payment
via their app or online (if you have a bank
account set up with them).
Home furniture and appliances
Hiring / buying a car
There are rules in the UK regarding children
having car seats. It is important you make
time to familiarise yourself with these.
Store name What they sell Closest location to Coventry town centre
There are several places to hire a car from in
Coventry. Two popular rental companies are:
IKEA Home furnishings. 2 Croft Road Enterprise rent-a-car - as an employee
West Midlands CV1 3AZ of the university you are entitled to a 5%
discount through CU Rewards
Thrifty
Wilkinson's Household items such as stationary, and pet Cathedral Lane Shopping Centre
products and snack food. Coventry CV1 1LL If you would like to compare different car
rental companies and their rates click on one
B&M House hold items such as food, stationary, small Unit P, Gallagher Retail Park of the following comparison websites below:
home furnishings. Stoney Stanton Road Travel Supermarket
Coventry CV6 5QE Kayak
If you are thinking of buying a vehicle, visiting
Dunelm Bedding, curtains and material products. Airport Retail Park
local car garages and dealerships will allow
London Road
you to browse cars and ask questions. Please
Coventry CV3 4RP
also visit the section regarding buying a car.
British Heart Foundation This store sells a wide variety of good quality pre- 25-35 Market Way Cycling
Furniture & Electrical owned furniture and home appliances. Coventry
CV1 1DF For information about cycling in Coventry
(including bicycle buying, bicycle parking,
cycling routes, etc) please go here.
Emmaus Shop This store sells a wide variety of good quality pre- 70 Red Lane The university has 16 folding bikes located
owned furniture and home appliances. Coventry across campus for staff to use if they need to
CV6 5EQ travel across campus for university business.
Each bike is provided with a helmet, a ‘D’
lock and lights.
Argos This store sells almost everything you will need from 41 City Arcade
technology, home appliances, health and beauty, Queen Victoria Road
toys, clothes and much more. CV1 3HX
12 13
Food and drink Childcare and schooling
There are many places to eat and drink Pre-school Schools
within the university and these places are
spread out across several buildings. To enquire about playgroups or child minders For information regarding schools and
in the city please contact the Coventry Family education (including types of school, national
Our Campus WayFinder Information service on 024 7683 437 or by curriculum, children with special education
www.senttocoventry.info/cov-uni e-mailing coventrycis@coventry.gov.uk. needs, school admissions, etc) please visit
is a useful tool for finding your way around the Governments website here.
the campus. You can also visit the family support website.
For information on the different types of
For places to eat in Coventry, please visit the The Nursery at Coventry University is open schools (pre-school, primary and secondary)
Section on Supermarkets, Restaurants and to children of the ages three months to four in Coventry, refer to the Coventry City
Shopping. years and is run by qualified, dedicated staff. Council website. The website includes
The Nursery is located conveniently for both detailed information and application forms for
the campus and the city-centre, and is open primary and secondary schools for children
to all - parents who are students, university of all ages.
staff, and to those who don't have a
connection to the university. For information The schools admissions website has
such as prices, Ofsted reports and where information about finding a school near to
the University Nursery is located, visit the your home (please note when applying for
following link www.coventry.ac.uk/life- school places that as a general rule priority
on-campus/nursery. is given to children who live within a school's
catchment area).
Childcare costs and sources of funding
In the UK there is an organisation called
Costs of pre-school childcare will vary Ofsted, which inspects and regulates
depending on the type of childcare and services that care for children and young
provider (nanny, childminder, and nursery). people, including schools. Once you have
Nursery costs for a full time place (Monday- obtained a list of schools in your area, you
Friday) can typically vary between £880 and can to search each school on the Ofsted
£1,200 per month. website to find out how well it is performing.
For information on Free Early Education and In the UK, the school stages are:
Childcare for 2, 3 and 4 year olds please go Primary school: ages 4-11 (sometimes
here. divided into Infant School for ages 4-7 and
Junior School for ages 7-11)
Tax-free childcare is also available from the Secondary school: ages 11–16
Government to help parents with the cost of Sixth Form: ages 16–18 (pupils may
childcare. For more information, please visit: continue at a secondary school, or attend
www.childcarechoices.gov.uk. either a Sixth Form college or Further
Education college)
Primary schools in Coventry serve children
between the ages of 4 and 11 years. In most
areas one school will provide for all primary
age pupils; in one area there is a separate
school for Infants (aged 4-7) and Juniors
(aged 8-11). Some schools also have
nursery classes, which admit children in the
academic year before they are due to start
school.
Coventry children may be admitted to
primary schools at the beginning of the
school year after their fourth birthday,
provided they have reached the age of four
by the 31 August. However, children must
start school at the beginning of the term
following their fifth birthday.
(www.coventry.gov.uk/info/148/school_
admissions/114/primary_school_
admissions)
14 15
The city of Coventry
Coventry is an historic city dating back to In 2012 the city enjoyed taking part in Conveniently situated in the centre of
Saxon and Roman settlements as well as the Olympic Games, hosting international Coventry, the university enjoys excellent
developing significantly during medieval football matches at its Ricoh Arena; and public transport links and close proximity
times, and has a proud history in weaving, artists and performers in the city created to major road networks – London is just
watchmaking, cycle manufacture and the the incredible 6 metre cycle-powered Lady over one hour by train and the city is easily
automotive and engineering industries. Godiva puppet which travelled to London to connected to the surrounding countryside
take part in the Olympic opening Ceremony. of Warwickshire.
Following devastating bombing during World
War II, the city became a symbol of hope The city has a diverse range of activities Easy commuting to Coventry means that you
and regeneration and was the first city to to enjoy, including major pop concerts, will have a wide choice of areas to consider
‘twin’ with another city in the world – the ice hockey, football, theatre and has some living if you need to relocate to join our team
city is now twinned with 27 other towns interesting local attractions including the - there is the city itself with many multicultural
and cities internationally. This also paved British Road Transport Museum, Herbert Art suburbs, thriving towns and villages located
the way for the city to become a centre for Gallery and Museum and a wide range of in beautiful nearby countryside.
peace and reconciliation and at its heart is restaurants and cafes. For more information
the modern Cathedral designed by Sir Basil on the city and for things to do, take a look
Spence, right next to the university campus. at the official city guide, click here.
16 17
Museums Restaurants, supermarkets and shopping
Herbert Art Gallery Supermarkets and eating out As part of the benefits package, Coventry Fargo Village
University offers staff pre-loadable cards
Coventry's own art gallery in placed near the There are a wide range of supermarkets which provide discounts in supermarkets Based in the heart of Coventry, Fargo Village
Cathedral and next to some of the campus in the UK which mostly offer the same such as Sainsbury's and Morrison's. is full of creativity, from the Urban Café to
buildings; with various exhibitions and products. They will usually list additional These will be available to you once you join jewellery and clothes. To view the village
interactive displays it is a lovely place to visit. functions the store has, for example: Coventry University, more information on website click here.
pharmacy. In Coventry city centre, there are CU Rewards is available on the next section
Coventry Transport Museum smaller versions of supermarkets and these (Employee Benefits). Shopping
are usually open from 7am until 10/11pm.
Coventry has the world’s biggest collection Supermarkets are usually open at reduced There are a good variety of restaurants and There are many shops within Coventry City
of publicly owned collection of British motor hours on a Sunday but they do differ so cafes in Coventry. Centre to purchase clothes and homeware.
vehicles. please check. Supermarkets in or around Coventry also has several retail parks around
Coventry include Sainsburys, Tesco, Asda, Far Gosford Street has a number of the city which have a combination of different
Lidl, Aldi, Morrisons and Iceland. restaurants, takeaways and international outlet stores.
supermarkets.
Cinema and
recreation
There are two main cinemas in Coventry,
the Odeon, which is situated by Skydome
in the city centre, and Showcase, which is
located on the edge of the city near the M6.
Sports Centre’s,
Sport and Fitness
There are various gyms, fitness centres and
clubs around Coventry.
The university has an onsite gym which
offers competitive rates to staff.
Further details can be found by clicking here
For a list of exciting things to do in Coventry
such as entertainment, places to visit, food
places, shopping places and much more,
click here.
If you are looking for activities to do with the
children click here.
Coventry Cathedral
Visit the Coventry Cathedral website for
information about the Cathedrals history
and events.
18 19Places to visit around Coventry British culture hints and tips
Looking for things to do outside of work hours? The following list of town and cities close to Coventry are all well worth a visit. A few hints and tips about British culture and how you can quickly fit in with how the UK works.
Stratford upon Avon is a 30 minute Royal Leamington Spa is 12 minute direct Greetings Punctuality Clothes
drive from Coventry; it is an historical city train from Coventry or a 15-20 minute drive.
home to William Shakespeare. The city has Royal Leamington Spa is known as one of the When greeting someone, English people The British are famous for being on time You might find some of the fashion in
various tourist attractions along with a good most appealing towns in the UK with beautiful would say often ask ‘Are you alright?’ (Or the so you should always make sure you the UK to be unusual and you will soon
shopping atmosphere. architecture and a good mixture of shops. shortened ‘You alright?’), which is not really are punctual. Make sure you arrive for discover that some English people dress
considered a questions so if said in passing appointments and lectures at least 5 to please themselves and even to show
does not always require an answer. minutes in advance. their independence from fashion and
Birmingham is a 20 minute train journey Kenilworth is only a 15 minute drive from
accepted norms.
away from Coventry and has a lot of Coventry and is home to an English heritage
Queues Politeness
attractions. The Bullring shopping centre is Castle amongst other things.
Understatements
home to over 140 shops and services and is
The English love to queue and are very You will notice in England that British people
easily accessible from the train station.
Rugby is a 30 minute drive from Coventry and organised and patient in doing so. They form say ‘thank you’, ‘please’ and ‘sorry’ a lot This sometimes shows itself in seeming
is the birthplace of the famous sport of Rugby. orderly queues and you are expected to take and it can be considered rude if you don’t. self-deprecation and presents a challenge
Leicester is a 60 minute journey by train, or your correct turn and not push in front. If you accidentally bump into someone, say in understanding how things, people and
a 50 minute journey in the car. ‘sorry’. They probably will too, even if it was situations are really perceived by the British.
Privacy your fault! For example, what might be described
as ‘a bit expensive’ may well really mean
The Brits hold their privacy highly so we British people very rarely tell you to do ‘very expensive’ and ‘a little problem’ might
advise you not to ask extremely personal something directly; most often they would actually constitute ‘a huge stumbling block’
questions such as “How much money do suggest it or ask if you want to do it. A for a British counterpart.
you earn?” “How much do you weigh?” or common way to request something is ‘are
“Why aren’t you married?” you happy to do something?’ or ‘it would be If you would like to read more about British
great if you could do this’. culture please click here or here.
Coventry language
Like most areas within the UK, Coventry has words and phrases which are specific to the area. In this section we have added some phrases for
you to have fun with! These are phrases that you will come across in different parts of the UK.
Thank you phrases Goodbye phrases Money words Sandwich words
Cheers Goodbye Ta ra Quid Batch Cob
Thanks See you soon In a bit Cash Buttie Roll
Ya beauty See ya Catch you later Dosh Bap Bagel
Lovely jubbly Cheerio Bye Wonga Barm Ciabatta
Ta Dolla Sarnie Baguette
Star Change Panini Stottie
20 21Coventry University staff systems Coventry University policies
This page highlights some of the key systems that you will use as an employee of the university. Coventry University is fully committed to the promotion of equality and recognises that employees have to balance the demands of their home
and working life. This section highlights some of the family-friendly policies which Coventry University offers. All up to date policies can be
Staff Portal found on the People Gateway.
When you join the university you will be able to login to the staff portal and view the pages of all the departments at the university. Equality statement Flexible working scheme Adoption leave
Equality, freedom and treating all persons with Coventry University understands that Following the adoption of a child, eligible
dignity and respect are fundamental human there may be times when variations to employees can take paid adoption leave.
rights. As such, the university is committed to contractual hours of work would be helpful The Adoption Leave and Pay policy provides
making these central in all its work. to employees. As part of our ongoing information on entitlements for staff wishing
commitment towards being able to recruit to take adoption leave.
A diverse student body and workforce and retain a flexible and diverse workforce,
benefit the university’s role as a provider of the Flexible Working Policy has been Shared parental leave
high quality education and employment in a developed in line with legislation and forms
modern and ever-changing society. part of a wider range of ‘family-friendly’ This policy outlines the university’s
policies/procedures. implementation of provisions under
The university is firmly committed to the legislation allowing parents (including
promotion of equality and will not unlawfully Location Independent Working (LIW) adoptive parents) to share leave (either paid
discriminate, or tolerate discrimination (direct or unpaid) for the purposes of caring for a
or indirect, harassment or victimisation) on Our Location Independent Working (LIW) child, following a birth or adoption.
CHRIS System
grounds of age, disability, ethnicity (including policy allows you to work at an alternative
race, colour and nationality), gender, gender place (or places) rather than at the university Unpaid parental leave
CHRIS is the university system for booking all holidays and recording sickness absence. It is a self-service program where you can update your
identity, marriage or civil partnership, campus. Your line manager will be able to
personal details, including emergency contacts, bank details, etc. You can also view and print your payslips using CHRIS.
pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief and confirm whether you are eligible for LIW. The Parental Leave Scheme provides unpaid
sexual orientation. This includes discrimination leave for childcare purposes in certain
by association or due to perception. Maternity leave circumstances.
Actions to promote equality are detailed in The Maternity Leave and Pay Policy Career break
Equality Schemes, including action plans, and provides information on entitlements for
related Policies which can be found at staff in relation to maternity leave and pay The Scheme is intended to provide a
www.coventry.ac.uk/cu/equality. provisions. facility for employees to request an unpaid
Progress and successes are monitored by extended period away from employment to
the Board of Governors and the Equality Paternity leave meet their personal needs whilst at the same
and Diversity Committee and are published time providing for regular contact with a view
annually. Following the birth of a child, eligible to facilitating an eventual return to work.
employees can take paid paternity leave.
The university is committed to the promotion The Paternity Leave and Pay policy provides
of equality and diversity in the application of information on entitlements for staff wishing
its policies and procedures, including in all of to take paternity leave.
the following policies:
People Gateway
The People Gateway is the university system which enables you to communicate with the People Team. You can log calls using this portal
and complete online forms such as the notification of appointment form. This is also where the People Team’s knowledge articles, policies and
procedures are held.
22 23Employee well-being Employee benefits
Staff clubs Spirituality and Faith Centre This section will give you more information of what the university has to offer to you as an employee.
At Coventry University there are a variety of The Spirituality and Faith centre is located Employee benefits We also offer discounted rates on healthcare Development opportunities
social clubs available where you can learn and within TheHUB building. There are quiet plans and advice on healthy living. To find
expand on skills and meet new people. More spaces for reflection and meditation; a As one of Coventry's biggest employers, out more about the extensive range of As a staff member you have access to a
information can be found on the Staff Portal. chapel, Muslim prayer rooms and a spiritually we offer some pretty impressive benefits benefits you can enjoy as a member of wide range of development resources and
focused social space for students and including pension schemes, generous holiday staff at Coventry University, please visit our opportunities. For up to date information,
Health and well-being—emotional, groups to meet. allowances, flexible working, great training, benefits site www.curewards.co.uk including a list of available courses, please
physical, spiritual personal and professional development and or contact the Rewards team at visit our Organisation Development page on
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion discounted membership to the university's Curewards.hr@coventry.ac.uk. the Staff Portal.
Health and well-being is the one stop shop bespoke £4m sport and recreation centre.
for all your health and wellbeing needs at Please visit our Equality, Diversity and Additional information on our staff benefits
Coventry University. It focuses on the whole Inclusion (ED&I) website for information In addition we have a number of lifestyle (including the NUS Card, which gives you
person by providing for your physical, spiritual relating to dignity and respect at work, staff benefits, such as our Cycle to Work Scheme, access to over 200 student discounts in the
and emotional needs. Through this combined equality groups and also for information that Financial Education Workshops, Tuition Fee UK) can also be found by going onto the
offer we provide an efficient and joined up you might find useful if you have a disability Discounts for children of staff all designed People Gateway, Staff Benefits section.
service which allows a variety of access or long term health condition or know to support your career, wellbeing and the
points for all staff and students to utilise. someone else who does. environment. For more information on the workplace
pensions available, please visit the People
These services comprise the Spirituality As a member of staff you can also enjoy Gateway or contact the People Team.
and Faith Centre, Welfare and Disabilities, an extensive range of benefits available on
Sport and Recreation, Counselling and a huge range of products and services,
the Medical Centre. Together we aim to including supermarket shopping, restaurants
ensure that, whilst at Coventry University, and visitor attractions.
your welfare is well taken care of. We value
you as an individual and aim to provide for
your individual needs as well as being a
source of information for other services and
opportunities which you may not have yet
considered. Health and well-being is about
opportunities and helping you make the
most of your life.
Please note that the Spirituality and Faith
Centre, Welfare and Disabilities, Counselling
and the Medical Centre are all located in
TheHUB on Jordan Well, Coventry.
More information relating to health and
well-being (including how to download our
Health and well-being app, interactive maps
to university buildings, emergency contacts
and help, information and links to up to date
public transport information) can be found on
the staff portal.
24 25Health and Safety – essential information
The university is very committed to ensuring Working with computers
the health, safety and welfare of its staff,
students and others who it may affect. This is The majority of university staff use a computer,
achieved by compliance with the numerous or have access to one. Using computers
sets of regulations in place to ensure health can be associated with pain in the neck,
and safety, but is equally by the positive shoulder, back or arm, and also with fatigue
culture of all our University Group colleagues and eyestrain.
whose actions greatly assist in maintaining a
healthy and safe working environment. These aches and pains are sometimes
collectively known as repetitive strain injuries
For guidance and policies on a wide range of (RSI), and they can be caused by a variety
health and safety related topics please visit of work-related tasks such as forceful or
our Health and Safety site. repetitive activity, or by poor posture. The
way that workstations are set up and used
First aid can manage these problems, or it can make
them worse. To prevent them ensure your
The university provides a high quality first aid workstation is correctly set up well and you
facility for staff and students.There are over take regular breaks when working intensively.
100 qualified first aiders who have attended
and passed an independent approved It is important that if at any time you feel your
course. Within the university the first aiders computer set up is causing aches or pains,
are split into two distinct groups, those within particularly to the hands, wrists, arm, back
buildings and the Protection Service. or neck, raise a call with ITS to request a
workstation assessment.
The first aiders allocated to buildings are
usually support staff working between Eye test for staff
8.30am and 5pm.
Under UK law all employers must provide
There are notices giving names, room employees that use a computer for work
numbers and telephone extensions with a free eye examination, and if the
displayed at entrances and throughout employee requires glasses specifically for
the building. Please take time to familiarise using computers they must also provide
yourself with this in your first days here. spectacles, again at no cost to the employee.
To meet this requirement we have procured
In addition, the Protection Service are all the services of Eyepod a mobile optician who
qualified first aiders and they provide cover visits the Coventry campus on a monthly
24/7. For routine first aid contact them on basis and a voucher scheme with Specsavers
x7363 or in an emergency x65 5555 for staff who cannot use the Eyepod.
(02477 655555 - external or mobiles).
Travel safety
Fire safety
Internationalisation is a key part of the
Each campus building has emergency University Group's Corporate Plan, and a
procedures which aim to ensure the safe large number of staff and students travel
evacuation of people from the building. on the university's behalf. The university
acknowledges that there are risks to the
The fire safety procedure identifies persons health and safety of people travelling on its
who manage the evacuation and all staff behalf, and it takes seriously its legal duty of
are requested to cooperate during an care for their wellbeing.
emergency. There are standard procedures
in all buildings displayed on red and blue The university has arrangements in place to
posters (see image) which can be found near manage risks to travellers, before you travel
entrances and staircases of buildings. Please please ensure you have visited our Travel
take time to familiarise yourself with these. If Safety Page on the staff portal.
there is any reason the standard evacuation
procedure would not be suitable for you (e.g.
cannot use stairs) a personal evacuation plan
can be provided.
26 27Academic Development
Group Organisation Development
Coventry University
CV1 5FB
(https://acdev.orgdev.coventry.domains)
Global Development and Delivery team
Coventry University
Portal House
163 New Union Street
Coventry
CV1 2PL
(find us on the People Gateway - Global People Hub)
www.coventry.ac.uk/international J478-19 © Coventry University.
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