Earlier this week, you may have read a news story from Leeds Trinity University on how we have been supporting our students when it comes to the cost of living. My blog looks at how we also work to support staff and key stakeholders in our institution who will also be affected by the cost of living crisis.

The Leeds Anchor Network brings together some of the city’s largest organisations, including Leeds City Council, the NHS and academic institutions. Leeds Trinity University joined the network in 2019 and I am pleased that, as an employer, we are able to work alongside the anchor institutions to make a difference across the city through procurement, service delivery or as a civic partner. Leeds Trinity University’s Strategic Plan for 2021-2026 is underpinned by our work in the Leeds city region. Being an anchor institution means that our civic role is core to what we and our partners do. 

As part of my role within the People and Culture team here at Leeds Trinity, I have the opportunity to contribute to the network through its Healthy Workplaces Group and the Financial Wellbeing Network. The latter of those has supported the development of Leeds Financial Wellbeing Week and I am proud that my colleagues here at Leeds Trinity have an opportunity to take part in it, especially during a time when financial wellbeing is being spoken about so openly due to the current economic situation.

Leeds Financial Wellbeing week is a week-long programme of events that aims to give useful advice on a range of money matters to people working in Leeds. Throughout the week there are a series of webinars from local and national partners who will provide information and support on a host of money related topics. I encourage colleagues to engage with the events and pick up useful tips that could be beneficial now and for years to come.

Providing our colleagues access to financial education and resources highlights how important financial wellbeing is here at Leeds Trinity University and has been the case for several years. Our Learning and Development programme includes financial education sections such as mid-career planning, pre-retirement planning and regular overviews from our pension scheme providers. 

The commitment to our colleagues is also highlighted in being an accredited living wage employer with all staff guaranteed a salary based on the cost of living.  In recognition of the ongoing financial challenges, a ‘cost of living’ payment was made to all salaried colleagues as a gesture of support during these challenging times. 

Another initiative I am proud Leeds Trinity University has implemented is to ensure a hot meal priced at just £2.00 is available every day in our on-campus canteen for staff and students, with both meat and vegetarian options on offer.

Further support is also provided through our Trinity Perks benefits (in partnership with Sodexo). This is accessed via the colleagues’ portal and offers a range of discounts for a whole host of retailers and services such as supermarkets, high street stores, food and drink outlets and cinemas.

For more information on Leeds Financial Wellbeing Week, visit the website. 

Darren Worsnop is Head of HR Systems, Analytics and Reward at Leeds Trinity University.