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Work for Us

Employees of United Grand Lodge of England talking in front of Freemasons Hall in London

At the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), we offer a wide range of exciting career opportunities based within our stunning Art Deco headquarters at Freemasons’ Hall, located in Covent Garden, London.

With more than 100 employees, our mission is to deliver a positive working experience and environment that enables and supports all our people to give their best and contribute to the success of this unique organisation.

As part of the organisation’s work to implement a number of strategies to improve communication and consistency in the way people are led, managed and developed at UGLE, we were delighted to have been awarded Investors in People accreditation since 2018, as well as being shortlisted for the Health and Wellbeing and Leader of the Year categories at the Investors in People Awards 2020In 2021, we have also achieved the Silver Award.

Life at UGLE

The United Grand Lodge of England has made – and continues to make – massive strides forward in becoming a modern, inclusive and professional organisation. The organisation has gone through a period of rapid and significant change. We have seen an increase in engagement levels, productivity and personal development, as well as a happier and healthier workforce.

We now have a diverse senior management team, a gender pay gap that would be the envy of most FTSE 100 companies, a rewards package that goes far beyond salary and have increased the delivery of change within the organisation in a way that allows everyone to suggest, participate and deliver.

Our values are an integral part of our organisation and at the centre of what we represent and do. People are empowered to improve what we do and question how we do it through team meetings, Town Hall meetings, where employees have the opportunity to directly and anonymously question the senior management, and an appraisal system that actively encourages participation.

Building on the changes we have introduced, we have a knowledgeable, engaged and enthusiastic workforce, ready for the challenges of the next five years. We are changing our headquarters into a more public space and ensuring that everyone who visits us knows who we are and what we do. We are going paperless for the first time in three centuries and streamlining and improving our membership processes. We ensure that our staff have the right skills, are confident to suggest and implement improvements and, most of all, enjoy being part of the journey.

We strive to be better and continue to grow and develop our people. 

 

Video: Freelance Videographer London

 

Our Values

We have six core values that are a representation of our culture.

Our values define what UGLE believes in and the behaviours we agree to live by. Having clear values helps us ensure we are all working towards the same goals.

Our values are:

Excellence

We strive for excellence and encourage and support all individuals to take pride in their work.

Integrity

We always act responsibly and honour our commitments to those we serve. We will ensure honesty and fairness in all our actions.

Respect

We value and treat all people with courtesy, dignity and respect.

Innovation

We aim for innovation in all aspect of our work. By being curious, adventurous and creative, imagine what is possible.

Teamwork

We recognise and value the contribution of all individuals and teams. In working together we will achieve exceptional results.

Growth

We invest in ourselves and one another and embrace opportunities to learn and improve through personal development and continuous improvement.

Benefits

At UGLE we offer all employees a fantastic range of benefits, which include:

Annual leave

The annual leave entitlement is 25 days per annum (increasing to 30 days following (two full years’ service). Plus statutory bank holidays.

Pension

UGLE operates a contributory pension scheme, which all employees over the age of 22 and under age 65 will automatically join when they commence employment (3.5% employee & 9% employer contributions – increasing to 12% with LOS).

Free life assurance

UGLE provides a separate life assurance scheme, which all employees (between the ages of 18 and 75, subject to terms*) automatically join when they commence employment. UGLE pays the cost of this insurance.

Private BUPA healthcare

Employees are invited to join the organisation’s private health scheme, which is paid for by UGLE. Taxable benefit only.

Employee assistance programme (EAP)

UGLE offers a confidential EAP service provided by Health Assured. The service provides a support network and offers expert advice and compassionate guidance on personal and work matters.

Gym membership

After the successful completion of a probation period, employees are invited to join the organisation’s gym membership scheme, which is subsidised by UGLE.

Sickness absence pay

UGLE operates a sick pay scheme based on six weeks full pay and the following six weeks at half pay.

Flexible working

UGLE is a flexible employer. We have core hours and flexible start and finish times (subject to role). We also have a working-from-home policy.

Professional body

Once you have successfully passed your three-month probation, you will be entitled to join a professional body at no cost to you.

Our culture

A good work culture is at the very heart of our organisation and it’s why we’re is committed to providing a healthy and balanced working environment for everyone. We also know how to have fun – coming together to participate in events throughout the year or raising awareness for a number of worthy causes.

We have our own social committee, comprising a selection of staff who encourage, plan and organise events and activities that cover a wide range of interests. We strive to host a number of events throughout the year, including a summer party and another at Christmas. Our aim is to improve the social environment at UGLE and help create a sense of togetherness among staff.

We also actively participate in events throughout the year. Learning at Work Week has become a unique annual event to build learning cultures at work and aims to put a spotlight on the importance and benefits of continual learning and development.

Another is Mental Health Awareness Week – mental health issues can affect anyone and in some cases may not be visible to work colleagues, friends or family. We have Mental Health First Aiders who are a point of contact for staff if they, or someone they are concerned about, is experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress, to give initial support and signpost to appropriate help if required.

Did you know?

We have been recognised as an “Investor in People” organisation since 2018. We are immensely proud that we were finalists in two separate categories of the National Investors in People Awards 2020 and have achieved the Silver Award in 2021.

Hugh Douglas-Smith Chief Information Officer

Our People

We employ more than 100 people at the United Grand Lodge of England who share the vision and values at the very heart of what we do.

Now meet the talented leadership team who work hard to contribute to our success as a thriving membership organisation.

Open opportunities

With over 100 employees, we offer a wide range of exciting career opportunities based within our stunning art deco headquarters at Freemasons’ Hall.

Porter

United Grand Lodge of England seeks a porter for the Building Services (Porter) department. The duties and responsibilities will be many and varied, but will be to assist in the provision of a high-quality portering service for the building and a high-quality building support service for the users of the building.

Communications Executive

United Grand Lodge of England seeks a Communications Executive for the Membership and Communications Department. You will have a passion for all things marketing and technology and well versed in the concepts surrounding digital marketing.

Did you know?

United Grand Lodge of England has a Reserve Forces HR Policy

Meet one of our Mental Health First Aiders

Liz is the Director of HR at the United Grand Lodge of England and joined the organisation in 2014. 

When did you become a Mental Health First Aider? 

I attended a Mental Health Training course in February 2019, on the back of this I decided to implement MHFA’s for UGLE and did the full training in July 2019. 

...Read more

Meet one of our Mental Health First Aiders

Liz is the Director of HR at the United Grand Lodge of England and joined the organisation in 2014. 

When did you become a Mental Health First Aider? 

I attended a Mental Health Training course in February 2019, on the back of this I decided to implement MHFA’s for UGLE and did the full training in July 2019. 

Tell us about your role as a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA)? 

My role as MHFA is to be the first point of contact and provide initial support for anyone experiencing signs or symptoms of mental health issues, and refer to appropriate care if necessary. Also be an advocate for mental health in the workplace, by reducing stigma and helping to build confidence in employees and Managers so they can best support each other’s mental health. 

Why did you want to become a Mental Health First Aider? 

I decided to become a Mental Health First Aid Champion for UGLE as Mental Health and Wellbeing are so often overlooked and having seen the stigma attached to Mental Health, I wanted to do more in my role as Director of HR. I not only wanted to help and support staff suffering but also learn and understand more about Mental Health in general. This aspect of the role requires a friendly ear, compassion, tact and diplomacy. All too often Mental Health issues were being discussed and I was seeing individuals struggle, which is why I decided to educate myself and attend Mental Health training

How important is it to have Mental Health First Aiders in the organisation?

So important. The benefits of having a mental health first aider is that they are able to recognise the early signs and symptoms of poor mental health with the knowledge and confidence to reach out and/or guide and support colleagues to seek professional help as required.

 

Liz Gay Director of HR at United Grand Lodge of England

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