College teaching professionals now have more flexibility than ever to pursue a better pay and benefits package. Lecturers are currently in demand. In recruitment terms, it is a ‘candidate market’ so it is worthwhile finding out if you could be earning more, and asking for it.
Lecturers of sought-after subjects are certainly in a strong position when it comes to negotiating a remuneration package: colleges are fully aware that STEM teaching professionals are highly sought after currently so it’s likely that they will consider your propositions at the interview.
The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) supports a more flexible approach to lecturers’ and teachers’ pay, arguing that offering competitive pay is critical to the recruitment and retention of the highest calibre of teaching professionals: “(By 2020)… Employers have extensive autonomy over pay and conditions within a broad national framework. They are responsible for performance management, pay progression and the link to student outcomes.”
Whether you are looking for a new role or think you deserve more where you are, it’s up to you to challenge the employer to compete for your talents.
1. Although there is a pay scale recommended by the Association of Colleges for Further Education unqualified and qualified lecturers, advanced teaching and training and leadership and management grades, colleges are at liberty to set their own pay and conditions.
2. Golden handshakes. Many institutions now are offering a welcome payment to the tune of several thousand pounds for their hard-to-fill roles. Terms and conditions vary but if you are willing to commit to a number of years you could benefit from a discretionary payment.
3.Relocation packages. Colleges in rural or inner-city areas are becoming more likely to offer a relocation package to attract teachers from London or large cities. It won’t buy you a house but it will help with the move.
4.City Weighting. If you lecture in inner London your salary should increase by £2,725. For Outer London it’s £1,790 and it’s £704 around the fringe. Many colleges in other large cities will also offer compensation for the increased cost of living to attract teaching talent.
5. Leadership or assessor responsibilities. Over the last year, many colleges have merged to meet new government guidelines and so it may be possible that changes in the college’s or faculty’s structure have resulted in funds available for lecturers who want to move into leadership. If you qualify as an assessor,the full time pay does not vary much from a full-time lecturer, but you can work freelance or take additional hours travelling out to student/candidates to verify and sign-off their coursework. Many colleges will support your training for assessor status.
Even if you don’t want to move employers, you are free to negotiate your next pay increment. Why not offer to take on more responsibility at your current place of work in a specialism you are interested in?