General FAQs
Q. Who should I contact with a general enquiry?
A. You should email us at humanresources@bbk.ac.uk.
Q. I would like to provide feedback on the service I have received, whom should I contact?
A. Please see our guidance for feedback and complaints.
Q. How can I find out what job opportunities there are at Birkbeck?
A. You can search for current opportunities and apply on-line. During the search you will also have the option to register for e-mail alerts for future positions matching your search criteria.
Q. How do I know if I am qualified or have the experience for a particular job?
A. When a post is advertised a set of further particulars is produced. Within this document there is a list of criteria, skills and attributes deemed to be essential to undertake the role, referred to as the person specification. You must demonstrate in your application how you meet each essential criterion. If you meet any of the desirable criteria, please tell us about this too.
Q. I am not a British/EEA national. Can I still apply for your advertised vacancies?
A. For most academic and research posts, or those that require a degree or specialist skills, we will often be able to obtain a work permit for a suitability qualified applicant who is not currently eligible to work in the UK. However, for all other posts it is extremely unlikely a work permit would be granted. In such cases, we would be unable to consider your application. Please see the Border & Immigration Agency web site for more information about working in the UK.
Q. I am not a British/EEA national but have permission to work in the UK for my current job. Can I still apply for any advertised vacancies?
A. You will need to refer to the terms of your visa as to whether the permission you have to work in the UK is transferable to another employer. Please see the Border & Immigration Agency web site for guidance.
Q. I am a non British/EEA national student currently studying in the UK. Can I take up employment with the College?
A. Yes. However, if you are a visa student, in most cases the terms of your student visa prevent Birkbeck from offering permanent work. It may be possible for you to work 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time in vacation. You should check carefully the conditions under which their visa has been granted.
Q. Are all posts advertised externally?
A. All College-funded posts that are for 6 months or more, are advertised in external media. This is in accordance with the College's commitment to equal opportunities and diversity. Certain rare exceptions may apply. In general we do not have a policy whereby posts are made available to Birkbeck staff in the first instance and only advertised externally if no member of staff is deemed suitable.
Q. I am applying from outside of the UK. What will happen if I am invited for interview?
A. If you are invited to attend an interview you will be provided with guidance as to any arrangements the school or department puts in place for overseas candidates. Often we arrange for candidates to travel to the UK for which we reimburse expense incurred for travel and accommodation. We also can arrange telephone interviews and video conferencing as determined by the panel.
Q. If I am successful with my application when will I be required to start?
A. Wherever possible the start date will be stated in the further particulars section of the job description. Start dates are often set to accommodate budgeting and/or work flow requirements so it may not be possible to vary this date. If you do not believe you would be able to commence employment on the date specified then please discuss this in advance of the sift stage with the contact in the school or department included on the job description.
Q. Does the College help with finding accommodation for new employees who are moving to the area?
A. Birkbeck does not have accommodation for employees. However the College recognises that staff relocating from overseas may require additional assistance when relocating to London. Should your application be successful then please contact the School or Department with whom you will be employed for further guidance.
Q. Does Birkbeck help with removal and relocation expenses for new employees who are moving to the area?
A. Birkbeck regretfully does not pay bridging loans or stamp duty, nor does it pay for rentals on property or provide any loans on properties. However, new members of College staff may apply for reimbursement of removal expenses in respect of personal and household effects and other expenses necessarily incurred within the UK as the result of accepting an appointment with Birkbeck. They will normally be refunded on the basis of three reasonable and competitive price quotations, with a maximum equivalent to 15% of their annual College salary (for staff relocating to the UK from abroad) or equivalent to a maximum of 10% of their annual College salary (for staff removals from elsewhere in the UK).
Q. How and when will I be paid?
A. Salaries are paid in arrears in 12 monthly payments (unless otherwise stated in the contract of employment) by bank transfer into a UK bank account. For most posts you will be paid on 27th of each month unless this falls on a Saturday or Sunday in which case you will be paid on the Friday before. Information about remuneration, tax and banking in the UK will be provided to candidates relocating to the UK from overseas.