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Recognition, Promotion and Progression

We’re committed to helping you progress your career at Newcastle University when you join us.

Career development, progression and recognition for the great work you do can be one of the most important elements of a job you love.

That’s why we have processes to develop colleagues for promotions and/or pay progression.

Progressions and promotions

Pay review for non-academic colleagues

We have a specific pay review process for all colleagues in levels A-H in the following job families:

  • Administrative, Professional and Managerial
  • Specialist
  • Technical
  • Professional Services
  • Operational Services

This pay review aims to provide fair pay to colleagues in relation to their job and contribution to the university.

It covers UK-based colleagues and those on assignment overseas. The pay review takes place every year, commencing in March.

Academic promotion

We have a programme focused on promotions for non-professorial academic colleagues. This includes teaching and research colleagues​, up to and including Grade I Professorial level and equivalent. As well as job promotions, it includes:

  • accelerated pay increases
  • discretionary incremental pay increases
  • lump-sum bonus payments
Academic pay review

Academic pay review is our process for awarding increments and one-off bonuses to academic colleagues. This recognises excellent performance in the context of the university's vision and strategy. This process applies to academic colleagues on all pathways from Grade F to IA.

Merit awards

Merit awards are an integral part of our package of reward and recognition for our most senior colleagues. They recognise exceptional professors and senior managers.

This scheme applies to all university colleagues paid on the Grade IB pay scale, or on an equivalent off-scale point. It applies to non-clinical Professors, Directors and other Senior Managers. A separate process exists for the review of Executive Board members.

The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers

We uphold the principles of The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers. This is also known as the Researcher Development Concordat. Newcastle University has the Developing Excellent Researchers Subcommittee, which oversees its implementation.

We give research colleagues 10 days for professional development. The concordat “is for researchers to develop their professional competencies and gain experience to support their future career”.

Recognition

We’re proud to have many colleague recognition schemes to reward our employees ​who go above and beyond. 

Spotlight awards scheme

Through this scheme, managers can formally recognise the achievements and efforts of colleagues. They can do this as and when they feel it is appropriate. In particular, we designed the awards to recognise performance against the following criteria:

  • demonstrating role model behaviour – being an example for others to follow
  • going the extra mile – succeeding above and beyond normal expectations
  • enhancing our reputation – showing the university in the best possible light
  • delivering excellence – exceeding internal and external customers' needs
  • demonstrating an outstanding commitment to enhancing the student experience
Two friends laughing at a laptop

Long service awards

We celebrate our long-serving colleagues at annual awards ceremonies. We recognise long service when colleagues achieve 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 years' service with us. As a reward for their continued commitment, colleagues can choose between:

  • cash gifts
  • equivalent charity donations
  • leave days

All options increase in value for each milestone reached.

Professional discussion with people applauding

Celebrating Success

The Vice-Chancellor and President host the Celebrating Success Award events quarterly. They celebrate amazing achievements across all departments and areas of the university.

The events are informal and provide an opportunity to network and chat to colleagues over a drink and a canapé. We present awards including:

  • spotlights
  • the VC’s Academic Distinction and Contribution Awards
  • the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion awards
Rewards sign