Working with external providers

Services such as cleaning, catering and security at UCL have been managed by external providers since 2000, in line with many other higher education institutions in the UK. UCL is currently reviewing the university’s model of delivery for these outsourced facilities and workplace services.

Information for outsourced staff

Staff who work for UCL’s external providers can find out more about pay, benefits and answers to frequently asked questions on our supplier webpages.  

Levelling up pay and benefits

In October 2019, UCL committed to ensuring that these outsourced security, cleaning and catering staff will receive the same or equivalent pay and benefits as directly employed staff, following constructive negotiations with UNISON, UCL’s recognised trade union.

With support from Council, UCL’s governing body, we introduced a plan to achieve parity of conditions for outsourced staff with colleagues employed directly by UCL, including annual leave entitlement, pay grading, sickness benefits and pension contributions.

Most of these changes have been put in place, and the remainder will be concluded before August 2021. For the full schedule of changes, please see the changes to pay and benefits webpage.