Benefits for UK staff
Oxfam is a great place to work, because every day you know your job - whatever you're doing - is making a difference to the lives of people all over the world. We're tackling poverty on three crucial levels. We respond fast in emergencies, and we stay long after to help people rebuild their lives. We work on long-term development projects with people who are determined to shape a better future for themselves. And we're tackling the root causes of poverty and suffering by campaigning for genuine, lasting change. We maximise our impact by engaging with people at a community,
national and global level.
By joining Oxfam GB, but you'll soon find yourself working with colleagues from 17 other affiliates all over the world. Oxfam now has more than 10,000 people working hard in over 90 countries. And we won't rest until we get the job done. So join us and let's change the world together!
Our comprehensive package in the UK includes a wide range of benefits as well as salaries benchmarked against the UK charity sector.
We offer a wide range of benefits as part of our package
Salary
Oxfam is an accredited Living Wage employer and has a commitment to pay a Living Wage, as set by the Living Wage Foundation for all UK employees. A pay review takes place annually and is subject to proficient or above performance against objectives and a minimum of 4 months performance in the review year.
Hours of Work and Flexible Working
The standard working week at Oxfam GB is 36 hours. Depending on your role and location start and finish times can be agreed between employee and manager around core hours. When possible we also offer part time working and other flexible arrangements.
Annual Holidays
25 days per annum, plus the public holidays (pro rata for part-time and fixed-term employees). This increases to 30 days after 5 years of service and then by one day every 5 years up to a maximum of 33 days per annum.
Sick Pay
Oxfam offers enhanced sick pay which increases with length of service.
Health cash plan
We have partnered with BHSF to enable employees to claim cash towards dental check-ups and treatment, eye-sight tests, new glasses and contact lenses and therapy treatments such as physiotherapy and chiropody. Reimbursement can be claimed up to an annual limit for routine and emergency health care. Employees can choose the level of cover which best suits them. Plans starts for as little as £1.56 per month and can cover direct family too.
Staff health service
In our Oxford Head Office we have a dedicated staff health team who support a safe and healthy working environment as well as provide advice and support to staff before, during and after international travel for Oxfam.
Pension
We have a competitive pension scheme which means we will double your contributions up to 10% of your gross pensionable pay. Eligible new recruits are automatically enrolled with a 2% employee and 4% employer contribution into a Stakeholder Pension Plan (with the right to opt out) after a 3 month postponement period. Employees can opt in early and increase their contributions.
For example, for employees receiving a gross salary:
- If the employee contributes 5%, Oxfam GB will contribute 10%
- If the employee contributes 3%, Oxfam GB will contribute 6%
Employee contributions are made by salary exchange, which gives full exemption from income tax and National Insurance.
Season Ticket Loan & Discounts on transport
Interest-free annual season ticket loans for public transport are available once any period of probation is complete. Other discounts on transport are available in Oxford and for the London-Oxford buses.
We are family friendly
Childcare Vouchers
Parents can spend up to £243 per month on childcare vouchers via salary sacrifice. This method frees the benefit from income tax and National Insurance contributions and therefore delivers a significant employee saving. Oxfam has partnered with Co-operative Employee Benefits to offer this benefit.
Oxford based Oxfam Nursery
Oxfam GB operates a workplace nursery in Oxford during normal working hours. The nursery has a highly qualified and experienced staff team who offer excellent quality care and learning experiences for children from 3 months to five years. It is within our offices in Oxford and fees start from a very competitive £38.20 per day.
Maternity
Employees with more than 52 weeks service who do return to work are entitled to 12 weeks full pay and then 27 weeks SMP plus 15% salary, subject to a limit of 100% of salary. A reduced entitlement applies to employees with less service or who are not planning to return to work. Full details are set out in our Maternity Leave and Pay policy. All employees, regardless of the length of their employment, are entitled to 52 weeks statutory maternity leave.
Enhanced Adoption pay
This varies depending on the length of employment at the beginning of the week when the employee is matched with a child. Employees with over two year's continuous service, who do return to work from Adoption Leave for at least 12 weeks (or part-time equivalent) may receive 13 weeks full pay and then 27 weeks Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP). Full details are set out in our Adoption Leave and Pay policy.
Shared parental leave
Shared Parental Leave (SPL) is designed to enable working parents, in England, Wales and Scotland, to share leave and to take time off in a more flexible way. It will allow both parents to be at home together if this is what they choose. All eligible employees have a statutory right to take Shared Parental Leave.
Partner Leave
Employees whose recognised partner is pregnant or who are adopting a child under the age of 18 and are not claiming adoption leave or adoption pay are entitled to up to 2 weeks paid leave on full pay in the UK.
Dependency Leave
Employees are entitled to apply for leave for the urgent care of a dependant and should discuss the amount of leave required with their manager. This leave is a separate provision from Urgent Private Business (UPB is currently up to 4 days) and is available as a contingency in addition to the employee's entitlement to annual leave.
We support our employees in many ways
Gym membership discounts
We have teamed with several major gyms nationwide so our staff can enjoy discounted membership.
A free gym membership for your mind, the Headspace app for free
We have partnered with Headspace, the world's most popular meditation app, to offer a free subscription to all Oxfam employees.
Cycle to Work Scheme in partnership with 'On Your Bike'
This scheme provides a tax efficient way to obtain a bicycle and accessories up to the value of £1,000. Repayments are made over 12 months by means of salary sacrifice in order to obtain full relief from both income tax and National Insurance. To be eligible, employees need to have completed their probationary period and have an employment contract which lasts for at least 12 months from the date the bicycle is collected. The arrangement is run in partnership with 'On Your Bike'.
Employee Assistance Support
All Oxfam UK employees can access counselling confidentially. In Oxford, we also have a team of trained mental health first aiders, who can provide confidential initial help and support.
Other discounts
We have partnered with several nationwide companies who offer discounts to Oxfam staff on e.g. insurance, optical, etc.
You will grow with us ...
Learning & Development
Oxfam GB is committed to developing and supporting the learning of all staff across the organisation, as we recognise that staff development is central to being as effective as we can be in our fight against the injustice of poverty. We have a wide internal L&D offer, with on-the job learning opportunities, mentoring, certified coaching, in house courses, and much more. We also support employees with external learning opportunities through study leave, and financial support may be offered to individuals who are studying for professional qualifications.
You will feel connected to an exciting community of volunteers, staff and partners across the world
Staff events and opportunities
We have events and opportunities for staff over the year; these vary according to where you are based. For example we organise lunchtime talks, visitor talks, team events and celebrations.
Staff can volunteer for a work day in one of our Oxfam shops at Christmas, or join in campaigning events in the UK.
Staff & volunteers based in Oxford can also be part of the Visitor Host Scheme to help our international visitors feel welcome and well supported during their visit to headquarters by offering to accompany to social or sporting events, meet for coffee, take on city sightseeing tours, etc.
Exposure tours
In most years we run a series of programme visits which give some staff and volunteers the opportunity to spend up to two weeks visiting communities and projects we support in a particular country and so gain direct experience of the impact of our work.
Outside the UK (national roles)
All of our employees play a key part in achieving our vision - to end poverty and suffering - now is the time to join us and play your part!
Oxfam aims to recruit and retain diverse, passionate people who have the necessary skills, knowledge and commitment to meet our vision. We therefore have a pay system which is both competitive in our sector and reflects our values.
Our Reward System Aims to:
- Enable career progression within Oxfam.
- Recognise achievement, skills, competence and development.
- Support and enables recruitment and retention of the best candidates for Oxfam.
- Enable an increase in the Voice of the Global South.
- Be equitable, fair, transparent and flexible.
- Balance the needs and expectations of our stakeholders.
- Encourage and enables management accountability.
Our total reward package is:
Salary
A competitive gross salary which takes into account the local market, internal equity and your skills and competences.
An Annual pay review will be carried out on a country basis in order to make any adjustments to pay based on the market, cost of living etc.
Hours of Work and Flexible Working
Your working hours will be set as per the country staff handbook for the country you will be based in.
Your start and finish times will be agreed around the country's core hours.
When possible you may be able to have other flexible working arrangements arrangements.
Holidays and other leave arrangements
These will be set as per the country staff handbook for the country you will be based in.
Other leave arrangements maybe available to you including compassionate leave, urgent private business, maternity leave, dependency leave etc and will all be detailed in the country staff handbook.
Medical cover
We want to look after our staff and ensure that our staff members have access to basic and essential medical treatment and so will provide this for all employees, their recognised partner and any dependents up to the country maximum limits in the Oxfam Medical Plan. In addition unlimited emergency treatment for all employees and up to £5,000 per annum for any maternity related costs for you or your partner.
Sick Pay
If you are ill, in order to support your recovery and return to work Oxfam will offer you sick pay up to the country agreed maximum (as per the country staff handbook).
Pension
We believe in the importance of planning for the longer term and retirement, Therefore Oxfam GB normally contributes up to a certain percentage of your gross pensionable pay per year towards your retirement.
Life Assurance
In order to support your family should the worst happen, you will be covered by the Oxfam life Assurance. In the event of your death your designed beneficiaries would receive:
- If you do not have recognised partner and/dependents; 3 x gross pensionable annual salary (without Oxfam recognised partner or dependants (up to age 18 years) at time of death)
- If you do have recognised partner and/dependents 4 x gross pensionable annual salary (with Oxfam recognised partner or dependants (up to age 18 years) at time of death)
If you relocate to your work country then we will help you move, settle, and stay connected to home.
Removal Expenses
We support removal costs up to a certain amount to ensure that you don't incur additional costs when having to relocate at Oxfam's request.
We are family friendly
Maternity
We understand the importance of having time off to care for your baby and so we will provide you with maternity leave and pay - this will be as per the country staff handbook.
We support our employees in many ways
We know that life has ups and downs and so in addition to the medical plan we offer counselling to all staff members, their partner and recognised dependants. This is for up to 6 sessions.
We have partnered with Headspace, the world's most popular mindfulness app, to offer a free subscription to all Oxfam employees.
You will grow with us ...
Learning & Development
Oxfam GB is committed to developing and supporting the learning of all staff across the organisation, as we recognise that staff development is central to being as effective as we can be in our fight against the injustice of poverty. We have a wide internal L&D offer, with on-the job learning opportunities, mentoring, coaching, in house courses, including management & leadership programmes and much more. We also support employees with external learning opportunities through study leave, and financial support may be offered to individuals who are studying for professional
qualifications.
You will feel connected to an exciting community of VOLUNTEERS, staff and partners across the world
Staff events and opportunities
We have events and opportunities for staff over the year, these vary according to where you are based. For example we organise lunchtime talks, visitors talks, team events and celebrations.
International roles
All of our employees play a key part in achieving our vision - to end poverty and suffering - now is the time to join us and play your part!
Oxfam aims to recruit and retain diverse, passionate people who have the necessary skills, knowledge and commitment to meet our vision. We therefore have a pay system which is both competitive in our sector and reflects our values.
Our Reward System Aims to:
- Enable career progression within Oxfam.
- Recognise achievement, skills, competence and development.
- Support and enables recruitment and retention of the best candidates for Oxfam.
- Enable an increase in the Voice of the Global South.
- Be equitable, fair, transparent and flexible.
- Balance the needs and expectations of our stakeholders.
- Encourage and enables management accountability.
Our total reward package is:
Salary
A competitive guaranteed net salary which takes into account the international market, internal equity and your skills and competences.
An Annual pay review will be carried out for international staff in order to make any adjustments to pay based on international market research, average global inflation, business needs and affordability.
Tax and Social Security
Because you receive a net salary, we will cover any tax or social security liabilities relating to your net salary whether in your home country or your country of work.
Hours of Work and Flexible Working
Your working hours will be set as per the country staff handbook for the country you will be based in.
Your start and finish times will be agreed around the country's core hours.
When possible you may be able to have other flexible working arrangements.
Holidays and other leave arrangements
These will be relevant to the country you are working in unless you are working in a roving role in which case leave will be equivalent to 33 days per year (including the public holidays in your host location).
In some countries, where working and living conditions are particularly difficult, stressful or insecure, alternative Rest and Recuperation (R&R) arrangements to local leave may exist, enabling you to regularly take a break from your usual work location. This varies from country to country.
Medical cover
We want to look after our staff and ensure that our staff members have access to basic and essential medical treatment and so will provide this for all employees, their recognised partner and any dependents (if they relocate to the work country with them) up to the Global maximum limits in the Oxfam Medical Plan. In addition there is unlimited emergency treatment and up to £5,000 per annum for any maternity related costs for you or your partner.
Sick Pay
If you are ill, in order to support your recovery and return to work Oxfam will offer you sick pay up to the country agreed maximum (as per the country staff handbook).
Pension
We believe in the importance of planning for the longer term and retirement, Therefore Oxfam GB normally contributes up to a certain percentage of your gross pensionable pay per year towards your retirement.
Life Assurance
In order to support your family should the worst happen, you will be covered by the Oxfam life Assurance. In the event of your death your designed beneficiaries would receive:
- If you do not have recognised partner and/dependents; 4.1 x net pensionable annual salary (without Oxfam recognised partner or dependants (up to age 18 years) at time of death).
- If you do have recognised partner and/dependents 5.5 x net pensionable annual salary (with Oxfam recognised partner or dependants(up to age 18 years) at time of death).
Leisure Travel
We know that it can be difficult to arrange insurance from the Oxfam locations and so Oxfam will provide you and your family with travel insurance for when you go on holiday.
If you relocate to your work country then We help you move, settle, and stay connected to home
Flights home for you and your partner/dependants
We know how important it is to keep in touch with family and to maintain links and so flights home may be provided depending on the length/type of contract, to allow you to maintain links with family and friends in your home country.
Removal Expenses
We do understand that moving is not cheap and so if Oxfam requires you to relocate we may support removal costs up to an agreed amount.
If you are relocated for a short period of time, stay in shared accommodation with no clothes washing and cooking facilities and no access to transport then we may offer a per diem/expenses set these will be provided to cover reasonable additional costs incurred up to the country limit.
Accommodation
If you are required to relocate to an Oxfam country and depending on the length of your deployment, Oxfam will either provide shared accommodation or reimburse your accommodation costs up to the global maximums (based on family size).
Education
Oxfam understands the impact on children of moving countries and schools and the need to have a globally portable education to support your future global mobility. Therefore if you and your family have to relocate to an Oxfam work country then we may reimburse towards the costs of education in country (up to the agreed maximums).
Expensive Country Allowance
For countries where the cost of living is higher than the UK, and for longer term postings i.e. over a year, we will provide an expensive country allowance. This allowance varies depending on how much more expensive the work location is, and is reviewed on an annual basis.
Hard to work Allowance
Hard to work allowance: this will be provided for postings where the environment may be particularly difficult, stressful or insecure and is reviewed on a regular basis.
We are family friendly
Maternity
We understand the importance of having time off to care for your baby and so we will provide you with maternity leave and pay - this will be as per the country staff handbook.
We support our employees in many ways
We know that life has ups and downs and so in addition to the medical plan we offer counselling to all staff members, their partner and recognised dependants. This is for up to 6 sessions.
We have partnered with Headspace, the world's most popular meditation app, to offer a free subscription to all Oxfam employees.
All Oxfam GB staff members have access to counselling as appropriate, initially with a counsellor experienced in international context through Healix.
You will grow with us...
Learning & Development
Oxfam GB is committed to developing and supporting the learning of all staff across the organisation, as we recognise that staff development is central to being as effective as we can be in our fight against the injustice of poverty. We have a wide internal L&D offer, with on-the job learning opportunities, mentoring, coaching, in house courses, including management & leadership programmes and much more. We also support employees with external learning opportunities through study leave, and financial support may be offered to individuals who are studying for
professional qualifications.
You will feel connected to an exciting community of VOLUNTEERS, staff and partners across the world
Staff events and opportunities
We have events and opportunities for staff over the year, these vary according to where you are based. For example we organise lunchtime talks, visitors talks, team events and celebrations.