Mum and child using laptop

Benefits of working for the RCOphth

We offer a supportive working environment in friendly, modern offices in a central London location with excellent transport links. Find out more about the benefits of working for the College.

We offer a supportive working environment is friendly, modern offices in a central London location with excellent transport links.  We are pleased to offer the following benefits to employees:

Family-friendly

Hybrid Working

The RCOphth places great value on its staff having a healthy work/life balance and takes a proactive and positive approach in promoting this. We allow employees to work up to three days a week from home/remotely, subject to commitments in any given week.

Flexi-time

The College operates a flexi-time process. The standard flexi-time band starts at 7.30 am and ends at 6.00 pm with core hours being 10.00 am-4.00 pm

Staff Discounts

Staff have access to discounts and rewards at many major brands including health & well-being, retail and restaurants.

 Annual Leave

We offer 25 days annual leave, or the pro-rata equivalent for part-time staff. Annual leave increases by one day for each complete year of service up to a maximum of 30 days.

Parental leave pay

Enhanced parental leave pay is available to eligible staff members.

Childcare vouchers

A salary sacrifice scheme to support the payment of childcare is available to eligible staff members.

Statutory Holidays and College closure days

Public holidays, when the office is closed, are recognised as statutory holidays with pay. The College is also closed between Christmas and New Year. These days are in addition to your annual leave entitlement and are therefore not deducted from your leave balance.

Moving day

Staff are given 1 day of leave to move to a new house which is not deducted from your annual leave balance.

Planning for your future

Pension

The College offers a highly attractive defined contribution pension plan, which is handled by Royal London for the majority of new starters. Up to a maximum employer contribution of 12%, the employer contributions are equal to the employee’s contributions.

 Life Assurance

For staff members who are in the pension scheme, life assurance is provided at 4 times your annual salary, during employment,  plus a spouses pension and children’s allowances.

Travel

Season ticket advance

Staff who have satisfactorily completed six months’ probation may apply for an interest-free loan for the purchase of an annual season ticket for travel between home and work at the College. A proportion of the sum will be deducted from their salaries monthly.

Cycle to work scheme

A salary sacrifice scheme to aid the purchase of a bicycle for travelling to work is available.

Career development

Learning and development

All staff are offered opportunities for learning and development, in addition to a comprehensive e-learning package.

Study loans

Staff who have satisfactorily completed two years of service may apply for a study grant and loan.  Subject to the approval of the course to be studied, the College will grant up to 60% of the course fees* and will provide an interest-free loan for the balance. The balance is to be repaid over an agreed period.

*total course fees should not exceed £5,000

Health and wellbeing

Eye tests

The cost of eye tests (up to £30) will be reimbursed.

Employee assistance scheme

Provided by Bupa, the employee assistance helpline provides free confidential support 24 hours a day. Qualified counsellors can support emotional well-being, stress and bereavement as well as provide advice on money management and consumer rights. Staff also have access to up to five face-to-face counselling sessions

Food and drink

Tea and coffee (including a Nespresso machine) are provided on each staff office floor.

Flu vaccinations

The cost of flu vaccinations will be reimbursed.

Summer Fridays

Staff can finish 90 minutes early from mid July to end of August.

This is an example of the current benefits offered by the College and is not contractual.

Current Vacancies

If you have a passion for high quality eyecare for all and the skills and experience to contribute to our work, please take a look at our RCOphth vacancies.

Vacancies