Take time out

In line with our Health and Wellbeing and People strategies, Keele offers an additional annual leave scheme. Applications to the additional annual leave scheme will be accepted in the first two weeks of the new annual leave year, and colleagues can request up to four weeks additional leave. You can find out more about the scheme on the HR intranet pages.

Got green fingers? 

There are a number of opportunities for growing food on campus whether you are a member of staff, a student, or a member of the local community. We have an allotment scheme with a number of raised beds, situated in the Walled Garden (near to Keele Hall). There are gardening sessions organised most weeks by Student Eats at Keele, and staff are most welcome to join!

Keele has one of the largest campuses in Europe. In 2005, the University embarked on building up a collection of Flowering Cherries as a focus for the arboretum and now has one of the largest of its kind with over 230 species and varieties.

Look at our walks guide (PDF), or our web pages for a virtual tour of the routes.

Find out more about the arboretum.

Keele has a vibrant arts programme, comprising art, music, poetry, performances and other cultural treats. The Chancellor’s art gallery hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, including a full and varied music programme from the Keele Concert Society. Find out more here.

Therapies including Indian Head Massage, Reflexology, massages and more are available to all Keele University members of staff.  Appointments can be made on Tuesdays and Fridays (including vacations) and take place in the Staff Support Service, Room DH017, Dorothy Hodgkin Building on Keele Main Campus.

See here for more information.

Human-Nature Escapes provide the key to ‘Nature’s Ways to Wellbeing’, unlocking ways to improve work-life balance and promote positive health.  They believe people ‘think better’ and ‘feel better’ – using a combination of art, landscape, nature and green exercise. Find out more about the services they deliver here.

The chapel is one of the places on campus set aside for groups or individuals to worship, pray, meditate or reflect, and all students and staff are most welcome to make use of it. The Space is located within the East Chapel, and is offered as a safe and inclusive space for people of any, or no faith. It’s deliberately kept free of any religious symbols and is available for individuals for quiet prayer, reflection or meditation. Find out more here.

Keele Library is usable not only by students studying here, but also by staff members working here. You can use your Keele login credentials to search/reserve books and other media, and use your Keele card to take books out using either the Library's self-service machines or the front desk.

See here for more information.

The observatory is open every Tuesday evening, 8-10pm, and every saturday, 1-3pm - free entry. If the weather permits, you will be offered breathtaking views of celestial objects through the ancient 31 cm refractor. If the weather does not co-operate the team will show you around and have a chat. Find out more here.