Colleagues from the HR Helpdesk will be on hand to answer questions in relation to a number of wellbeing-related policies such as:
Whether you are applying for a new mortgage or you are an existing mortgage holder, in the current increasing interest rate environment it is now more important than ever to seek market-based advice when considering your mortgage options.
Rates differ greatly between lenders and whilst your existing bank may ultimately offer you the best terms available at a given point in time, they are not obliged to tell you that better terms are available elsewhere. Therefore it is vital that you:
A regular speaker in UCD, Trevor is a director of Affinity Advisors, an award winning financial advisory firm specialising in the provision of market-based mortgage, reviews and protection advice. He has over 25 years mortgage market experience and is current Chairman of The Association of Irish Mortgage Advisors.
Trevor offers a free on-site advisory service available to all UCD employees. For further information log on to the Affinity Advisors UCD page or contact Trevor Grant on 087 2721146 or 01 6533120 or email (opens in a new window)trevor@affinityadv.ie. Should you decide to engage Affinity Advisors they will waive their fee of €750 for arranging mortgage facilities for UCD employees.
The UCD AVC (Additional Voluntary Contribution) Scheme complements the benefits of UCD main pension scheme and allows members regardless of age or service to supplement their retirement benefit within Revenue Limits. The UCD AVC Scheme Consultants are Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd. and Irish Life are the AVC Investment Managers and Administrators.
Learn more at the stand.
Amee Massey will be at the WTW stand to answer questions about UCD's Voluntary Life Assurance and Income Protection plans.
Amee has been with Willis Towers Watson for over 15 years and has over 17 years’ experience in the employee benefits industry specialising in group risk consulting, retirement consultancy and personal financial planning. Amee has considerable experience within the risk benefits industry working with large private and public sector organisations, developing a specialist in voluntary group risk benefits, particularly in large public sector bodies. Amee provides advice to clients on all aspects of employee benefits, specialising in health, life, disability & wellness benefits.
Learn more at the stand.
Niamh O'Sullivan from Laya Healthcare will be on hand to answer questions on Laya plans and membership.
New 10% Laya discount for UCD employees
University College Dublin have secured a 10% discount on any chosen scheme for all employees. All subscriptions can be paid through internal salary deduction (ISD). Read more about what's covered and how you can sign up in this Laya healthcare discount information flyer.
Book a health screening session via our 'treats for employees' page.
Interested in healthier commuting options? Find out how to claim your tax free bike or commuter ticket and meet the team from TravelHub. Greenaer Electric Bike Specialists will also be onsite to display a range of exciting electric and cargo bikes, ideal for commuting to work!
The bike to work scheme covers purchases (including safety equipment) up to:
HSF provides employee cash plans to help cover the cost of everyday health care expenses like GP fees, prescription costs, dental fees and glasses. Benefits include hospital, physiotherapy and complementary treatments, specialist consultations, health screening, personal injury and eye laser surgery. They also provide an Employee Assistance programme, HSF Assist® which includes access to a GP Advice Line, Virtual Doctor, Counselling Services and Legal Advice line.
Unlike other types of health insurance, HSF health plan schemes are not claims or age related. Their plans can be used as a complement to existing PMI Schemes or as an alternative. HSF health plan is available to UCD Employees at the Corporate rate premium and with their family schemes, spouse/partner and any dependent children under age 21 can be included on cover at no extra cost.
Everyone who joins HSF health plan, just by belonging, are making a contribution to the important work of the charity, as the profits from the health cash plan go to the parent charity. Not something which usually happens when an insurance policy is taken out.
Learn more about HSF
Watch the new (opens in a new window)HSF video for further information on the plans available to you. If you would like to receive a booklet or have a chat about the cover that is available to you contact Craig Broome on +353 8767 65171 or (opens in a new window)craig.broome@hsf.ie
Craig Broome is the HSF health plan Senior Account executive for UCD, working with HSF for over 8 years and as being a HSF policy holder for himself and his family for over 12 years. Any questions regarding the health plans please do not hesitate to contact Craig who will be happy to assist with any further information required.
The HSF health plan office is based in Ennis, Co. Clare and you can contact the customer service or claims team Monday – Friday 0900 to 1700hrs on 0818 451 451 or email (opens in a new window)info@hsf.ie / (opens in a new window)claims@hsf.ie
UCD Sport & Fitness will be on site to provide information on UCD's facilities and membership. Members enjoy a huge selection of over 140 free fitness classes per week including the world-famous Les Mills fitness class experience. Getting fit, losing weight or toning up has never been easier!
Talk to the Sport & Fitness team at their stand.
UCD EDI supports a number of employee networks, which provide opportunities for colleagues to get together and make connections. On the day, there will be an opportunity to chat to the representatives of the network and find out more about their initiatives and upcoming events. If you would like to join the network, it will be a great chance to do it.
Procare pharmacy based in the Sports Centre will be present during Wellbeing Day to discuss all your requirements including their discount of 10% for their top-selling products for menopause and perimenopause.
Call in to their stand to learn more about these discounts.
Breast Cancer Ireland seeks to promote good breast health amongst women and men of all ages across Ireland. With a carefully developed programme, we provide education to transition year students, teachers, companies, sporting and community groups nationally.
The Breast Health and Education Awareness Programme aims to educate women and men of all ages about the importance of good breast health and highlight the eight signs and symptoms of breast cancer. With the hope that should an abnormality occur, it will be identified early and the treatment outcome will be a lot more positive.
Learn more at the stand.
The support colleagues’ panels (see list below) were established to give people a chance and opportunity to talk to their work colleagues. This peer-to-peer support offers an informal confidential conversation. Come and talk to the representatives of the support groups to learn more about how they can be contacted, what the meeting looks like and what types of support they can offer. If you are interested in joining one of the support colleagues’ panels, you can chat to one of them or the EDI team.
Please note that the Support Colleges panels are not a replacement for professional services and supports and can refer employees to HR and University policies to ensure consistent, up-to-date and accurate information.
Don't forget, in addition to peer-to-peer supports, every employee has access to a free, 24/7h Employee Assistance Service (https://www.ucd.ie/engage/employeerelations/employeeassistanceservice/)
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Colleagues
This group was established to support employees who may be feeling overwhelmed at any stage of their lives or are concerned about their mental health and wellbeing. They provide non-judgemental, confidential support and information to employees on a strictly confidential basis and are available should you wish to make contact with them to have a chat and find out more about supports that are available if needed. All members of this Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Colleagues Group have been trained in Mental Health First Aid with (opens in a new window)Mental Health First Aid Ireland.
https://www.ucd.ie/equality/support/mentalhealth/mentalhealthandwellbeingsupportcolleagues/
Parent Buddy Programme
The Parent Buddy Programme facilitates UCD employees preparing to be parents, going on and/or returning from maternity, adoption, paternity leave, parental leave or with children of any age to connect with a Parent Buddy who is an employee and a parent in UCD.
The Buddy programme is an informal arrangement connecting you with employees to give advice and tips on preparing for parenthood and balancing parenting with your career.
Buddies support colleagues in the following ways:
https://www.ucd.ie/equality/support/supportsforparents/parentbuddyprogramme/
Dignity and Respect Support Colleagues
The panel of 'Dignity & Respect Support Colleagues' are fully trained employees appointed on a voluntary basis by the President. This peer-to-peer support is available to all UCD employees.
The Support Colleagues act as a listening ear and can provide:
Dignity & Respect Support Colleagues do not advocate on behalf of any employee or student or get involved in any formal complaint.
Learn more at https://www.ucd.ie/dignityandrespect/supports/dignityrespectsupportcolleagues/
Spectrum.Life - UCD's Employee Assistance Provider
The UCD Employee Assistance Service (EAS) is a 24/7 free and confidential support service designed to assist you in dealing more effectively with any personal or work-related problems you might be facing. The service is operated confidentially by Spectrum.Life, the largest provider of employee health and wellness services in Ireland.
Fergus Maher, Mental Health Promotion Officer will be on the stand and giving a seminar, so drop down and have a chat about the supports available through the EAS.
UCD has a growing number of clubs aimed at employees and you can find out more about these clubs and how you can get involved at our stand in the hall.
Staff Music Group
Established in 2022, the music group brings together current and retired employees who play in support of the UCD Community Choir or at community (opens in a new window)events around the university. Members have a very broad range of musical backgrounds and experience and new members are always welcome. If you play a musical instrument and wish to get involved then email (opens in a new window)staffmusicgroup@ucd.ie for more details.
Staff Photography Club
Welcome to the home of the UCD Staff Photography Club. The Club aims to provide a relaxed and welcoming setting for staff to learn more about photography, share their photos and develop their skills. Membership is open to any staff member with an interest in photography, regardless of skill level. You won't need a 'fancy' camera and we'll try as much as possible to tailor monthly challenges to camerphone users as well as SLR owners.
Visit the new Staff Photo Club website.
Tabletop Games Club
Following an open call for employees interested in board games, the Tabletop Games Club has now commenced with meetings one Monday a month from 5-8pm. If you are interested in 40K, Kill Team or Age of Sigmar then get in touch via (opens in a new window)engage@ucd.ie.
This is the first board game club to be introduced and other clubs, focused on more general games, are planned (subject to numbers).
UCD Purl Jam (craft group)
(opens in a new window)UCD Purl Jam is a craft group at UCD mainly focused on knitting and crochet. Students and staff are welcome to join us. We work together on all sorts of different projects, including tea cosies, hats, scarves, baby items, Christmas decorations and gifts – you name it, we can knit it! We welcome all levels of experience, from total beginner to totally experienced. Come along and join in the Jam!
For more information and to sign up to the mailing list, contact Niamh Nestor, Student Adviser: (opens in a new window)niamh.nestor@ucd.ie.
UCD Community Choir
Join in the fun every Tuesday during term time from 1-2pm, on the 4th floor of UCD O’Brien Centre for Science.
No experience is required and all are welcome to come along.
Enquiries to (opens in a new window)niamh.nestor@ucd.ie
Staff & Postgraduate Tennis Club
(opens in a new window)UCD Staff & Postgraduate Tennis Club has, for many decades, organised a variety of lawn tennis activities year round for people working, researching and studying year round at University College Dublin, Ireland.
Contact (opens in a new window)ucd.sptc@gmail.com for more.
Colleagues from the Dignity and Respect Support Service will be available to talk about the work of the service, D&R training and workshops. You will also have an opportunity to hear about the Dignity and Respect Support Colleagues.
We invite you to visit the EDI stand and talk to the EDI Team. This will be a great opportunity to find out more about the wide range of EDI supports, initiatives, sub-groups, EDI related policies and training offers. We will be happy to share our work with you, show you where to find information about a specific EDI topic or who is the VP for EDI in your Collage. We can also talk about how we can collaborate or promote EDI related initiatives or events that you, your school or unit are organising. You can also ask us how you can get involved in the EDI work. We will be delighted to talk to you and meet you in-person.
Below is the list of some of the areas EDI supports and policies:
To find out more about EDI, came talk to us and visit our EDI website: https://www.ucd.ie/equality/
Find out the wellbeing support that unions can offer. We'll have representatives from SIPTU, IFUT and UNITE in the hall on the day.
Call by the trade unions stand to learn more.