University lecturer teaching contract salary

[FireworksAndSparklers]

Hi. I've been offered a job as a university lecturer. The advertised post was for lecturer/senior lecturer. I know I don't meet the criteria for a senior lecturer - it'll be my first job in a university and I don't have a PG teaching certificate yet. However, I do exceed the minimum person spec as I have a full master's and have done research, among other things. They've sent me an offer letter with the lowest spine point of the lecturer salary scale. Is HE like the NHS where salary non-negotiable or do you think there's any mileage in speaking to the recruiting manager to try to negotiate a higher starting rate?

There wasn't an in opportunity to discuss salary during the interview, which I've had in the past (for non-NHS roles).

They would need to see evidence that you were at a high level before to justify putting you up a level on the scale. Without a PhD that might be difficult? Or is a PhD not generally required in your field? I only know aabout humanities, I'm afraid, so I'm probably not much use!

The uni I work at has a policy of always appointing to the lowest point on the scale. You can definitely try to negotiate. We are able to offer next two scale points on request, any higher than that requires the hiring manager to make a business case explaining why the post needs a higher salary.

You can try and negotiate but the default will be bottom of the scale - we have to put in a business case if we want to appoint at a higher level

Salary isn't discussed at interview, ime of interviewing and being interviewed in universities.

There can be room to negotiate the starting salary, if you can make a case that you exceed the person spec. It depends on how keen they are for you to take up the role, and whether the Head of Department can convince the powers that be that it is necessary.

Default to bottom unfortunately and I’ve not seen a successful business case for appointing on a higher scale in my work.

That's all helpful, thank you. I'm happy not to negotiate, but I know in some sectors I've worked in, it's a good thing to do! I don't need a PhD for the role - in fact the MSc is only a desirable unless you're going for the senior role!

People definitely do negotiate. I can't advise in your case, we don't consider candidates who don't have a PhD and postdoc publications record so your field must be very different.

I suppose it's worth asking, but new lecturers are generally appointed at the bottom of the scale. I would imagine this especially holds true if you don't have a PhD.

Most universities are signed up to the UCU nationally-agreed pay spine. New lecturers are appointed at spine point 32 at my institution.
www.ucu.org.uk/he_singlepayspine

In my field one would only appoint at lecturer with PhD + some years of postdoctoral experience, so different. However, it's normal for all shortlisted candidates to have more the minimum person spec - this is designed to be inclusive of all potential candidates, rather than representative of the skills of the person who gets the offer. Just exceeding minimum person spec wouldn't in itself be a reason for increasing salary.

Are you in a very vocational field (I'm guessing yes as you refer to NHS appointments).
My experience is 15 years old, but I was appointed 1 point from the top of L, with progression to S/L automatically because of my (extensive) vocational experience / qualifications.
Shy bairns get nowt and all that ...

They've sent me an offer letter with the lowest spine point of the lecturer salary scale.

That's pretty normal for entry-level posts - which is what yours is. But you could try to negotiate up, or set out other conditions - eg an accelerated increment on confirmation of probation, or acquiring Fellow status in the Higher Education Academy (HEA) or something like that.

I do find these sorts of questions interesting - in most of the arts & humanities you wouldn't be shortlisted for even a one-year Teaching Fellow post with that outline CV ....

I have to say that recently I've seen people transferring from NHS roles into healthcare academic teaching roles negotiating spine points robustly and successfully.

This is partly because academic salaries haven't kept pace with NHS salaries so many have to significantly drop their salary on entry. It's also because healthcare professionals are like hens teeth and there's been an exponential increase in healthcare students in the past year with huge numbers of health academics retiring. So you'd be in a strong bargaining position

It's hard work though - there's too few staff and too many students - the pressure is immense

I got a finance lecturing role without PhD because of my professional qualifications and experience. I was given a market supplement to match my salary.

Is the salary offered lower than your current salary, and is your current salary in line with the lecturer scale? If so I'd ask them to match your salary in light of your professional experience. Your success with this will likely depend on how difficult it is for the university to recruit in your field.