Right to Request Time off to Train
Supporting Policies
The University is strongly committed to ensuring all of its' staff are
able to access development which is timely, appropriate and relevant,
believing as it does that this adds immense value at both an
organisational and individual level.
On 6th April 2010 new legislation came into effect under The
Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 and the Employee
Rights Act 1996 which gave employees who have worked for their employer
for a minimum of 26 weeks the right to request unpaid time off work to
undertake relevant training.
The University already has in place effective systems to identify and
respond to learning and development needs, the key one of which is the
appraisal process. University policy and process with regard to staff
development is also set out in the
Further
Qualifications policy,
Appraisal policy and accompanying guidance on appraisal and
development options.
University staff will be expected and encouraged to utilise existing
processes in conjunction with constructive dialogue with managers to
identify and respond to learning and development needs. However, it may
be that some staff may still seek recourse to exercise their legal right
to request time off for training.
This guidance for staff and managers sets out the legal position and
process to be followed in the case of a staff member wishing to make a
statutory request for time off for training.
Should you have any questions regarding the Staff Development Policy or any of the documents on this page please contact: Tracy Bell-Reeves, Assistant HR Director, Staff Development.
