MAKING SURE ALL 33,000 students love their time at Leeds University is the reason its union's employees come to work every day. The team of 435 staff are in charge of fun and a range of services on campus — and offer support when things go wrong for students. The majority of Leeds University Union's workforce operate in its main venue, bars or shops and say they get a buzz out of doing so (76% positive, in fourth place among mid-sized organisations in the not-for-profit sector). Staff have fun together (88%, the third best score) and feel like a family (78%, ranking fifth). Inspired by the popularity of The Great British Bake Off on television, the union devised a monthly themed baking competition culminating in a Grand Afternoon Tea for everyone produced by the two winners. Employees find their managers open and honest and say they care about team members as individuals (both 83%, in third place). Managers motivate staff to give their best every day (72%, fourth). Feedback sessions are often held in the style of a cafe, offering workers a deal they can't refuse: we give you biscuits, you give us ideas. The union is committed to fundraising activities through Leeds Raise and Give (RAG), which began by handing out old clothes and last year donated £250,000 to good causes. It also offers students the chance to spend a summer volunteering on projects such as working with children in Thailand or building a school in Uganda. The workforce is made up mostly of students, who pay their way through college with the help of £2m paid out by the union in wages. Flexibility is essential at times when students have to concentrate on lectures and exams. The union encourages its staff to take control of their work patterns and one department has set up its own Facebook page to allow staff to change their rotas more easily to suit their studies. Some staff can work from home when necessary. Their mission may be to make students love Leeds, but staff love working for the university union, too (79%, a top 10 score). www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk
