Students at the University of Kent make up 60% of the workforce of their student union and give high marks for the degree of flexible working, good benefits and team spirit on offer.

As well as providing representation for students, Kent Union runs bars, a nightclub and shops that fund support services such as a job shop and advice centre. More than three-quarters of employees are part-time, most of them students fitting in work around their courses.

A 70% positive score, ranking Kent Union 24th, shows that staff are happy with the balance between their work, home or university life. Full-time employees are entitled to a minimum of 29 days’ leave, which is on a pro-rata basis for part-timers, and they can carry forward or buy five days more. People say work doesn’t interfere with other responsibilities (69%), that they have a strong sense of family in their teams (74%) and find their colleagues fun to be with (81%).

The organisation offers its workforce subsidised membership of local sports facilities, a private health scheme and occupational health support. The salary of a full-time retail assistant at the union is about £15,500, and people are happy with their pay and benefits (67%).

There is a strong culture of promoting from within — most of the current management team have worked their way up, including four of the six senior managers. The union invested more than £60,000 on development in the past financial year, with a particular emphasis on supporting managers. Staff say the training is of great personal benefit to them (67%).

Managers regularly express their appreciation when people do a good job (76%), support employees and talk openly and honestly to them (both 77% positive scores).

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