- Wellbeing support
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We recognise that deciding whether to apply for voluntary leave is a major decision that comes with its challenges. It involves weighing various factors, such as personal goals, family responsibilities, potential career changes, and the job search process.
We also understand that receiving the outcome of your application can bring up a wide range of emotions, and it's completely normal to feel overwhelmed during this time. It's important to take time to reflect on your feelings and remember that you're not alone. Whether you've decided to apply or not, the current situation may be challenging, and it's essential to prioritise your wellbeing.
We encourage you to reach out to someone you trust—whether that's a manager, colleague, mentor, or someone outside of work—who can provide a safe, non-judgmental space to talk things through. Expressing your thoughts and emotions can help you process the news and better understand your next steps.
Our Employee Assistance Programme is available to support you, offering counselling services focused on managing stress and building resilience. Additionally, ongoing wellbeing support is accessible through the Staff Wellbeing Hub, where you’ll find further resources, including access to our Mental Health First Aid Network too.
Your wellbeing matters, and we’re here to support you in any way we can. Don’t hesitate to seek support when you need it, whether through a conversation or by exploring other available resources
You may also find the following helpful:
Samaritans (UK) Provides confidential support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, available 24/7.
Mind (UK) A charity that offers mental health support and resources for managing stress, anxiety, and depression.
Mind - Side by Side - Is an online peer support community where can listen, share and be heard
Relate: A UK-based charity that provides relationship counselling, which could help staff manage personal relationships that might be affected during this time.
Shout Free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone who is struggling to cope
Able Futures Nine months confidential, no cost advice, guidance, and support from mental health professionals to help you cope with work while you manage a mental health condition such as anxiety, depression or stress.
- Financial Advice
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We have a free Mortgage advice service live on the Reward and Benefits web page. Staff can access this benefit via the Reward Gateway Platform.
Also, within the Reward Gateway platform there is also a financial/wellbeing hub which staff can utilise. Log into Reward Gateway and go to the wellbeing centre on the top banner on the homepage, there is a drop-down list where you will find the tab ‘money’ which focuses on financial wellbeing
You may also find the below helpful:
StepChange Debt Charity (UK): Provides free, confidential debt advice and helps individuals develop a manageable debt repayment plan if they are struggling financially after redundancy.
National Debtline: Offers free, confidential debt advice, and is a great resource for employees who may be concerned about their finances during redundancy.
MoneyHelper (UK Government): A comprehensive resource offering advice on managing money, budgeting, and accessing financial support. It can help employees navigate financial challenges during unemployment.
Citizens Advice: Citizens Advice can help employees understand how to handle their finances during redundancy, including managing debt, budgeting, and planning for the future
Money and Pension Service We help people – particularly those most in need – to improve their financial wellbeing and build a better, more confident future. Working collaboratively across the UK, we make sure customers can access high-quality money and pensions guidance and debt advice throughout their lives, how and when they need it
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- Reflecting on your next steps: LinkedIn Learning Pathways
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This LinkedIn Learning Pathway is a collection of tools and resources has been created to help you organise your thoughts about your career, reflect on your options and decide on your next steps
- Career Counselling
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One-on-one guidance to help individuals assess their skills, interests, and career goals.
National Careers Service (NCS) – Speak to a Careers Adviser. You can contact them in a variety of ways. They can be contacted via an online form, by using their webchat or calling them on 0800100900
University of Sussex Career Hub – Career development resources. Use your staff email to gain access (abc123@sussex.ac.uk).
Jobs.ac.uk Careers Advice - Career advice with Higher Education focused materials
Vitae - Explore researcher focused materials
The Times Higher - Visit the careers section to explore the resources available
The Guardian - Career advice from the Guardian
Careers Podcasts - Range of career podcasts
- CV and Application Writing
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Advice in creating or updating CVs and applications to effectively highlight skills and achievements.
University of Sussex Career Hub – Utilise CV360 with an opportunity to upload your CV for instant feedback and CV advice
National Careers Service – How to write a CV
National Careers Service – How to write a cover letter
National Careers Service – How to complete an application form
LinkedIn Learning – several courses available to support CV writing.
- Skills Assessment
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Tools to identify transferable skills and strengths, enabling individuals to highlight their value to prospective employers. Recommendations for upskilling or retraining opportunities.
National Careers Service – Skills Assessment
16 Personalities - A tool to support you in identifying your strengths
- Skills Development
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Workshops or training sessions focused on upskilling or reskilling, including technology training, soft skills development, or industry-specific certifications.
Free or cost effective online learning courses
In person and online
OD Events Calendar – see what’s coming up
Qualifications
Apprenticeships – some organisations advertise their roles as apprenticeships which mean you can earn while you achieve your qualifications.
Online Qualifications – Both Chichester College Group and East Sussex College offer a range of fully funded accredited online courses.
- Interview Preparation
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This may include tips on answering common interview questions and strategies for handling difficult questions
National Career Service – How to answer common interview questions
National Career Service – How to do well in an interview
National Career Service – Video Interview Tips
National Career Service – Phone Interview Tips
National Career Service – Preparing for Psychometric Tests
- Job Search
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A number of online job search sites to support job seeking:
Many organisations have their own job sites. Researching organisations that you would like to work for and checking the job opportunities available on their websites is a good strategy. You can often sign up for alerts from their sites.
- Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
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For those considering starting their own business, the FSB offers advice and resources.
