Compassionate/ Bereavement Leave Policy

Transcription

1 NHS Ayrshire & Arran Organisation & Human Resource Development Policy Compassionate/ Bereavement Leave Policy Version Number: 1.0 Prepared By: Policy Development & Review Working Group Effective From: Review Date: Annually Dissemination Arrangements: APF Members Heads of Department Team Brief Intranet

2 Contents 1. Policy Statement Eligibility Scope Notification Resolution of Disagreement Review...4

3 1. Policy Statement We will endeavour to adopt a sympathetic and helpful response to employees at times of bereavement. The aim of the policy is to assist employees in the circumstances of bereavement or to allow for a compassionate response to the critical or terminal illness of someone they are close to. 2. Eligibility This policy applies to all employees of NHS Ayrshire and Arran regardless of grade, length of service and hours worked. 3. Scope Leave under this policy will be short term and unplanned and Line Managers are authorised to grant a period of normal paid leave, up to one contractual week, in each circumstance. In considering the amount of leave, the manager should take into account the specific circumstances e.g. the relationship between the employee and the relative or friend, or where the employee has the responsibility for the estate of the deceased; the availability of other relatives or friends and the distance of the deceased from the place of employment. In cases of particular hardship or difficulty, the period may be extended by a further period of up to one contractual week normal paid leave. Employees can also be encouraged to utilise annual leave or unpaid leave as required. 4. Notification Employees will not know in advance when they will require to take compassionate/bereavement leave. Notification must be with the immediate line manager/supervisor/deputy at the earliest opportunity, to advise them of the need for compassionate/ bereavement leave. The circumstances should be discussed with the manager and the number of days compassionate/bereavement leave, which may be required. The manager will authorise the number of days leave that can be taken. The leave and type must be noted on the absence sheet. 5. Resolution of disagreement No request for leave under this policy will be unreasonably withheld. Should a disagreement arise, the individual has the right to raise a formal grievance. It may be preferable in such circumstances, however, for the manager to seek

4 advice on resolving the matter from an appropriate member of the HR Team and a Staff Side Representative. 6. Review This policy will be monitored on an annual basis to review its utilisation and impact on service provision.

5 APPENDIX 1. Diversity and Equality Impact Assessment form for NHS Ayrshire & Arran Board and Fair for All Steering Group Title: Compassionate/Bereavement Leave Policy Department Author Policy Work Team O&HRD Person(s) Reviewing Gillian Wallace, Jennifer Hardy and David Davidson New or existing policy Existing Reviewing Date Date Created Nov 07 Nov 08 Relevance to General Duty: Eliminate unlawful Racial Discrimination Promote Equality of opportunity Promote good relations between people of Different Racial Groups Data/Research considered N/A N/A Performance Review Nov 08 Relevance to other Diversity Issues Disability discrimination act 2000 Gender Sexual Orientation Older and Younger People Religious and Faith issues Recommendations Ensure the More policy information is available in required a variety of on formats. other Further research faiths and on other their faiths traditions and their traditions. Action Taken or Further Action Required The above will be carried out at the next review of the policy