Why work at Coventry?
The University
Coventry University is a diverse and exciting place to work and we share the enthusiasm of our staff and students to be the best at whatever they choose to do. As one of the City’s biggest employers, we offer some impressive benefits for our staff and are committed to delivering the very best opportunities. We have a comprehensive training, personal and professional development programme that provides our employees with the skills to enhance their performance in the workplace and grow in their careers. There’s a final salary pension scheme, generous holiday allowance and flexible working opportunities as well as lifestyle benefits including childcare vouchers, discounted membership to the £4 million sports and recreation centre and schemes such as Cycle to Work and the CU Car Share initiative.
The City
Coventry is an historic city dating back to Saxon and Roman settlements as well as developing significantly during medieval times, and has a proud history in weaving, watchmaking, cycle manufacture and the automotive and engineering industries. Following devastating bombing during World War II, the city became a symbol of hope and regeneration and was the first city to ‘twin’ with another city in the world – the city is now twinned with 27 other towns and cities internationally. This also paved the way for the city to become a centre for peace and reconciliation and at its heart is the modern Cathedral designed by Sir Basil Spence, right next to the University campus. More recently, the city has enjoyed taking part in the Olympic Games, hosting international football matches at its Ricoh Arena; and artists and performers in the city created the incredible 6 metre cycle-powered Lady Godiva puppet which travelled to London to take part in the Olympic opening Ceremony. The city has a diverse range of activities to enjoy, including major pop concerts, ice hockey, football, theatre and has some interesting local attractions including the British Road Transport Museum, Herbert Art Gallery and Museum and a wide range of restaurants and cafes. For more information on the city, take a look at this city guide.
Conveniently situated in the centre of Coventry, the University enjoys excellent public transport links and close proximity to major road networks – London is just over one hour by train and the city is easily connected to the surrounding countryside of Warwickshire.
Easy commuting to Coventry means that you will have a wide choice of areas to consider living if you need to relocate to join our team - there is the city itself with many multicultural suburbs, thriving towns and villages located in beautiful nearby countryside.
Relocating
If you are relocating to Coventry or the surrounding area, you can be assured that we will do all we can to help you and your family successfully settle into the area. The University offers a relocation scheme (terms and conditions apply), which provides financial assistance towards the expenses associated with relocation. In addition we can offer advice, guidance and support to make the move as pain-free as possible. The University also has its own letting agent, FutureLets who may be able to help you find suitable accommodation.
Schools and childcare provision in the area
Coventry has around 19 secondary schools providing services to children aged 11 to 18. For full information concerning schools in Coventry (including Coventry's OfSTED reports for 2018) please visit the Coventry City Council website. The website has detailed information and application forms for primary and secondary schools for all ages of children, in addition it includes useful information about early years childcare services and pre-school provision in the City.
To enquire about playgroups or childminders in the city please contact the Coventry Family Information Service:
- by telephone on 024 7683 4373
- by emailing coventrycis@coventry.gov.uk
- or, alternatively, visit the Coventry City Council website to find out more about your options.
Hotels and accommodation
If you are looking to stay in the city for a few nights while you attend your interview or in the short term, you will find a variety of hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation. The following links are a small selection that you might find useful:
- Ramada Coventry;
- Travelodge Coventry;
- Woodside Warwickshire;
- IBIS Coventry;
- Britannia Coventry;
- Premier Inn Coventry.
Healthcare
For information on how to register with a GP or a Dentist, please go to Coventry’s NHS website. If you require medical attention and have not yet been able to register with a GP, Coventry has a NHS Healthcare and Walk-in Centre. The Walk-in Centre provides patients with additional choice and access to healthcare in Coventry. It is an 8am to 10pm GP-led service, open to registered and unregistered patients with or without an appointment, 365 days per year.
Hospitals
To find out more about the hospitals in Coventry, please visit the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) website.
The information above is for initial guidance only. We are committed to providing you with all the advice and guidance you need to make your move as smooth as possible. Therefore, if you have any specific questions or concerns that are not covered by the above, please do not hesitate to contact us directly on +44 (0) 24 7688 7699/7707/8201 or email us at futures.hr@coventry.ac.uk.