Accessing Support | University of Bedfordshire

We understand that change can be unsettling, and we are committed to providing the right support to help colleagues navigate this process. Practical, emotional, and professional support is available to ensure everyone feels informed and supported.

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Our EAP offers free, confidential counselling for colleagues who may need support with mental health, wellbeing, or practical matters such as finances and budgeting.

Mental Health First Aiders

Trained Mental Health First Aiders are available to:

Offer a listening ear in a confidential, non-judgemental space
Provide emotional support
Signpost you to further resources and professional help

Trade Union Support

The University of Bedfordshire recognises UCU and Unison.
Union representatives are available to:

Offer advice and guidance
Provide representation
Support members throughout this process

The Treehouse Chaplaincy Team

Based on the Luton and Bedford campuses, the Chaplaincy Team welcomes staff of all faiths and beliefs.

Chaplains can provide a safe and supportive space if you are struggling with work-related or personal challenges.

A range of optional workshops will be offered to all colleagues, including:

Resilience and Wellbeing – managing stress, preventing burnout
Financial Wellbeing and Planning – for a variety of circumstances
Mental Health Awareness – supporting yourself and others
Bullying and Harassment – recognising and responding to inappropriate behaviour

You can access these courses via the People Development Hub

For colleagues involved in a selection process or considering new opportunities, additional support is available:

Application and Interview Skills Workshops - Sessions to help you prepare applications and interviews with confidence.
Formal Career Transition Support - Delivered by an external provider, including career coaching, CV writing, and job-search strategies.
Paid Time Off - Colleagues under notice of redundancy are entitled to reasonable paid time off to seek new employment or attend training.
People & Culture (P&C) Support - One-to-one guidance to help you understand your rights, options, and next steps.
Line Manager Support - Line managers will keep in regular contact, ensuring you are informed and supported throughout.

As part of the Academic Restructure consultation, the University is offering free career transition and outplacement support to all colleagues who are at risk in Categories 3 and 4. This support is delivered by our external specialist provider, Working Transitions, and is designed to help you navigate your next career steps with confidence.

What support is available?

You can access coaching sessions, tailored to your individual circumstances, goals, and preferences.

Support may include career coaching, CV development, job-search strategies, interview preparation, and guidance on next steps.
For colleagues on visas, Working Transitions can signpost to support in other countries (please note: this may have cost implications and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis).

How to access support

Review the Working Transitions Information Flyer.
Complete the Registration/Consent Form.
Send the completed form to Debbi Williams, Working Transitions at debbi.williams@workingtransitions.com.

Once your form is received, you will be invited to arrange an introductory information session before your coaching begins.

Links
• Working Transitions Flyer (PDF)
• Registration/Consent Form (Word Doc)

If you have any questions, please contact People & Culture.

Access to Career Platforms & Resources ( Handshake and Beds Career Builder) which offer:

Exclusive access to online job search tools and career development platforms
Resources for upskilling, training, and professional development
Guidance on leveraging LinkedIn and other networking tools
CV and job application support
Job search strategies and interview preparation

To access Handshake to search for opportunities, careers events and to network with employers

Go to: https://beds.joinhandshake.co.uk/

In the top right-hand corner, click on ‘No account? Sign in here’
Enter your personal email address and click, Continue
Follow the instructions to request your account. Please include the word 'Staff' in the Student Number box on the registration form.

Once you have completed the above steps your account request will be sent to the Careers Team to approve. Once approved, you will receive an email from Handshake which will include a link to create a password and complete the account set up process.

To access Beds Career Builder to develop skills via e-learning tools, CV building and development, mock video interviews and LinkedIn support

Go to : https://beds.careercentre.me/welcome/University-of-Bedfordshire using your normal staff login.

Careers guidance can also be found here :

The National Careers Service - https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/
Bedford - https://www.bedford.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers
Luton - https://m.luton.gov.uk/Page/Show/Jobs_and_careers/finding-a-job/skills-advice/Pages/default.aspx
Milton Keynes - https://www.worksforus.org.uk/

Careers guidance and support from the Careers and Employability Service:

Bookable one-to-one career coaching with a Careers Consultant to explore your options
Links to relevant industry bodies and professional networks
Advice on accessing financial and retraining support
Information on government-funded career support, training schemes, and employment services

If you require support from the Careers and Employability Service, please email michelle.everitt@beds.ac.uk who will link you with the most appropriate member of the Careers team.

Please visit our staff support pages here to access all our resources.

Wellbeing Support

Workshops to Support Wellbeing

Support with Applications and Selection

Career Transition Support

Careers and employability support