Introduction

New and Revised Policies
Below is the list of new or revised policies which have been made live in 2020:

• Academic Promotions
• Annual Leave Policy
• Family Friendly Practices
• Job Evaluation
• Mitigating Circumstances Guidance
• Ordinance 41 – Redundancy
• Redeployment Policy
• Religion and Profound Belief
• Relocation Expenses
• Reward Strategy
• Working from Home

In addition the following have been created in response to the Coronavirus pandemic:

• Covid Pay Policy
• Impact of Covid-19 on Staff Contribution: Policy Statement
• Covid Code of Conduct
  

The following have been created in preparation for the exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union:

• Brexit – Short Term Travel and Pay Policy

The advent of a so called “hard” or “no deal” Brexit has particular and serious implications for the transport infrastructure in Kent and the ease with which staff will be able to attend for work – particularly where they rely on road travel.  This policy recognises the unique nature of a “no deal” Brexit event and the potentially long term travel challenges this may present both for some employees in their normal commute and also for the University in seeking to remain operationally viable.

Brexit Short Term Travel and Pay Policy

We are pleased to confirm the following is now live and can be found on the A to Z of policies and procedures, or by clicking the link, below:

Annual Leave - policy

A new reporting procedure has been developed for those experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been advised to self-isolate

• Self Isolate - Test - Inform: Coronavirus reporting procedure for staff

This document outlines what to do if you have COVID-19 symptoms, a member of your household is showing symptoms, or if the University's COVID support team or NHS Test and Trace service tell you to self-isolate.

New guidance has been published to support the return to work on campus process:

• Returning to work on campus: Staff Guide 
• Returning to work on campus: Overview for Line Managers 

Earlier in the year we ran a short staff survey to get a sense of how people were responding to the significant challenges presented by COVID-19. We have now published the results of this survey, but one thing that was clear throughout was the resolve and adaptability staff have shown while working in what, for many, have been very difficult circumstances.

With that in mind, the Executive Group has decided to grant two further rest days for all staff on 9 and 10 July in recognition of the huge demands these changes have made of us all. 

More information can be found on the FAQ page.

Following the popularity of the Additional Leave Purchase scheme in 2019, this will become an annual scheme from 2020.

This scheme has been devised to provide staff with additional flexibility in respect of planned time off work whether that be for a special occasion, an extended holiday (once travel restrictions are lifted), to help with caring responsibilities, or simply to support your wellbeing.

Applications for this year can be made, via Staff Connect, from now until the end of June 2020 and the leave can be taken between July 2020 and June 2021. Full details of the scheme, including eligibility and how to apply can be found on the HR webpages.

This is a difficult time for all staff and we understand that the current stresses imposed on us by Covid-19 are taking a toll. Consequently, in order to provide some much needed time for recuperation, the University is granting two rest days over the next two weeks, commencing 6 April, in order to say thank you to all of our staff who have been working tirelessly over the past weeks to keep the University operational.

The days are not fixed in order to maintain as much flexibility for staff as possible, are fully paid and are in addition to annual leave. We want those who can to spend some time away from work to spend with your families and to look after your own wellbeing. Please talk to your manager who will facilitate and coordinate requests for taking these days off.

More information can be found on the FAQ page.

We have introduced a new University Pay Policy related to COVID-19 that sets out our temporary deviations from standard policies. This recognises that staff may find it difficult to work from home or while caring for dependents, and are concerned about their pay.

The priority at this time is to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of the University’s staff, students and visitors. Vist the Coronavirus - Information for Staff pages for detailed information to support staff during this period.