The Department of Genetics is committed to providing a healthy working environment where physical and mental wellbeing is encouraged and supported. We recognise that a positive work culture impacts the health and happiness of everyone, and we aim to provide a workplace that embraces inclusivity and flexibility and allows staff to manage their time and commitments in the best way possible.
The Department's Wellbeing Advocates are Sam Laister (HR Coordinator, sl725@cam.ac.uk) Sean Scinta (HR/Postgraduate Administrator, ss2699@cam.ac.uk) and Ben Steventon (PI, bjs57@cam.ac.uk). Our Wellbeing Advocates are here to offer support, provide resources and signpost services and department members are encouraged to contact our advocates with any concerns.
Flexible Working
We are happy to support flexible working arrangements wherever possible, in keeping with the University’s Flexible Working Policy. This includes flexibility to working times, starting earlier or later in the day, and working from home for part of the week where this can be accommodated in your role. Staff wanting to work flexibly in this way should agree to a fixed pattern with their line manager. For contractual changes such as reducing hours or condensing work days, the department HR team must be consulted HRadm@gen.cam.ac.uk
Please note, we feel it is important for our department culture that all staff spend part of their working week in the office. Working from home full-time is discouraged and should not be used to cover long term childcare arrangements.
Happy Hours and Social Events
The Department hosts monthly Happy Hour's which are organised by research groups within the Department. This is a great opportunity for colleagues to socialse in a relaxed environment.
The Events Committee organise multiple social events throughout the year including the Summer garden party, End of Year event, charity cake sales and much more. These events will be advertised but can also be found on the Department Google Calendar.
Tearoom Book Exchange
A book exchange initiative is set up on the bookshelves in the Tearoom. You are welcome to take any of the books found on the shelf and either return it back to the book exchange after you have read it, or donate a different book. General donations of books are also welcome.
EDI&W Reading Collection
In order to support equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing within the Department, the EDIW Collection contains books on general interest subjects that fit these criteria. Topics include feminism, disability, neurodivergence, racism, mental health and much more. You can browse the collection online, or come into the Library to choose your next read. If you have any suggestions for other books you'd like to see in this collection, just let us know.
University Botanic Garden
The Department has signed up for membership of the University Botanic Garden. This provides us with 12 membership cards giving free entry to the garden throughout the year. There is a diary at reception for reserving the cards for specific dates. Guidance on how to borrow the passes is here.
Room Bookings
The Department's meeting rooms can be booked for any personal reasons e.g. prayer, physio or as a quiet space.
