The top 5 RNN Group staff benefits you should know about
Working in further education is more than just a job – it’s a chance to shape the future.
And when you join a large education provider like the RNN Group, you gain access to a host of benefits that support not only your career but also your wellbeing, development, and work-life balance.
From teaching and support staff to administrative and management roles, here’s five reasons why joining RNN Group can be a smart move for your professional and personal growth.
1. Comprehensive Benefits Packages
As a major employer for South Yorkshire and North Notts, with around 1,000 employees across our four campuses, we have the resources to offer a robust benefits package that helps employees thrive both inside and outside of work, including:
- Generous pension scheme
- Competitive holiday entitlement (up to 50 days/annum) with Christmas closure
- On-site fitness facilities
- Health and wellbeing support, such as Westfield Health scheme, in-house occupational health team, mental health first aid, free eye tests, menopause support
- Financial wellbeing support, including investment and savings advice
- Free will writing service
Along with these benefits, we also have a range of job perks such as the Zeelo bus service between campuses, a cycle scheme with up to 40% discount on equipment, and a £200 bonus if you refer a friend or family member for a role.
We also offer the Smart Hive benefit platform where staff can log in and unlock tailor-made benefits and exclusive discounts for RNN employees.
In the current climate, most people are looking for a job that offers flexibility. Our job roles comprise of full and part-time positions, flexible hours, and hybrid working.
Nick Dale is our head of learner recruitment and events who manages a team of 19 full and part-time staff. He says:
“I’m really pleased that I’ve been able to forge a career at RNN Group and enjoy that work life balance. Every day is different. Our team manages the learner journey from pre-entry through to enrolment so I get to collaborate on different projects with various teams.
“I like to have regular catch ups, what I call work and welfare catch ups, with my team to talk about their priorities and workload, as well as their health and wellbeing which is just as important.”
Find out more about RNN Group staff benefits
2. Professional Development Opportunities
Education is our business, so we invest heavily in training and upskilling our staff. Growth is encouraged and career progression is supported through structured pathways and internal promotion opportunities.
Whether you’re new to the sector or a seasoned educator, you’ll find:
- CPD opportunities including online distance learning
- In-house leadership programmes
- Opportunities for further qualifications, such as PGCEs or Masters-level study
- Access to professional networks and conferences
Rob Vaughn works in the HR department as a staff development officer. He says his proudest achievement is organising and delivering our leadership management programme which has had fantastic uptake and feedback.
“My role is all about finding different ways to help staff upskill and develop their talents. Working for the RNN Group gives you the opportunity to explore different avenues of personal development. They’re willing to support you in whatever direction you’d like to take as a professional.”
Take a look at some of our staff’s learning journey
3. Inclusive, Mission-Driven Culture
Working for a large education provider means joining a mission-driven community that values diversity, integrity, inclusion, and being one team.
As well as these core values, we’re proud to be a FREDIE employer which stands for:
- Fairness
- Respect
- Equality
- Diversity
- Inclusion
- Engagement
This isn’t just a box ticking exercise. Embedding fairness, respect and engagement into our EDI framework has created a working environment that fosters collaboration and creativity amongst such a diverse workforce.
We host regular training on inclusive practice and ensure all staff promote FREDIE to their colleagues and students.
Most importantly, you’re part of a workplace that’s striving to reflect the communities it serves and dedicated to making a lasting difference.
To reward our staff for their dedication and contribution, we run the Kudos staff awards each term which includes awards for long service and recognition for staff who have demonstrated one of our core values.
4. Job Security and Stability
Education may face change in coming years, but large providers like us here at RNN Group often offer a more stable work environment compared to smaller organisations.
With multiple campuses, large student populations, and diverse income streams, we are better positioned to weather economic shifts and policy changes.
Many of our employees have progressed from students to staff, having been inspired by their own tutors. Others have been with us for many years, seeing the organisation evolve and grow over the years.
Kelly Condon has worked at our organisation since 1997. Having started as an apprentice in the HR department, she has held various roles over the last 28 years and now works in data protection. She says:
“I’ve had many different jobs across varying sites and teams, and have had some excellent training throughout the years. What I enjoy most about my current role is definitely the team I work with. I have such supportive colleagues; they’re more like family and we have a great working relationship.”
5. Collaborating for Change
Choosing where to work is about more than salary – it’s about long-term value.
Due to our size and standing within the Sheffield City Region, we attract a wide range of professionals – from academic staff and learning technologists to HR, accounts, marketing, and recruitment experts.
This creates a vibrant, collaborative environment where innovation is encouraged and multidisciplinary teams drive real change.
Learner support worker, Lisa Glynn, says the diversity of her job and seeing her learners grow is what she finds rewarding. She says:
“What I enjoy most about working in further education at RNN Group is getting to help students and seeing them grow and develop throughout the academic year. You know you’re doing a good job when they come up to you with a massive smile on their face.
“We meet so many students on a daily basis and we help them get through their learning, we help them prepare for exams and life after college. I could be reading or scribing for a student, or just be there if they needed to talk. I’m just here for the students.”
Join our team
Whether you’re looking to grow your career, improve your work-life balance, or contribute to something meaningful, joining the RNN Group could be the right move for you.