Staff Domestic Incident Leave Policy

1. Purpose
This policy is intended to provide guidance on your statutory entitlement to domestic incident leave.

2. Entitlement
You are entitled to unpaid leave from work where this is necessary to cover emergencies or unforeseen situations. The College recognises the following as constituting a situation entitling you to a period of leave:

• the sudden injury or illness of a dependant, or where a dependant is assaulted
• when a dependant gives birth
• the unexpected cancellation of childcare arrangements
• the death of a dependant necessitating arrangements for and attendance at the funeral
• the unexpected breakdown in care arrangements for a dependant
• the birth of a child for whom you have parental responsibility

3. Other reasons
Any request for leave for a reason not included in the paragraph above will be considered by the College.

4. Notice
Whenever practicable, you will be required to request the leave of absence from the Director of Studies giving at least one day’s notice. Where this is not possible, you (or someone else on your behalf) should contact the Director of Studies as soon as practically possible giving the reason for the absence and its likely duration.

5. Notification
Where the absence lasts for more than one day, you are expected to notify the College before 9.00 am on each working day until your return to work.

6. Duration of absence
Other than in the most exceptional circumstances, the College would not expect the absence to last more than one or two working days.

7. Abuse of entitlement
The College may require explanation and evidence justifying your request for leave. Unauthorised absence or abuse of this policy may constitute gross misconduct and disciplinary action may be taken against you.