HR Policy Update for Staff 5

HR Briefing Pack – Policy Update5

We have updated threeof our existing University HR policies.

This briefing pack has been developed to provide staff with an overview of the new and updated policies andconfirm when these willtake effect.

The policies are:

Updated

1. Maternity Policy
2. Paternity Policy
3. Adoption Policy

Why are these policies being updated?

These policies have been updated to ensure that the Universityremains compliant with current legislative requirements.

When are these effective from?

These policies will go live on the University’s Intranet Site on Wednesday 21 November2012.

Future policy development

There are a number of policies which are currently under consultation,includingnew policies: Social Media Usage, the Recording of Learning and Teaching Activities and Annual Leave (which amalgamates different sources of existing information). HR are alsocurrently in the process of updating the Disciplinary, and Disability Leave policies.

POLICY OVERVIEW

1. Paternity Policy

Aims and purpose of the updated policy

• This policy provides information regarding the University’s Paternity provisions and entitlements.

Objectives of the policy

• To provide employees with an understanding of their entitlement to paternity and additional paternity leave and pay and clearly outline the process.

• All staff with parental responsibilities will benefit from additional paternity leave entitlement as this offers increased flexibility for parents.

• This policy has been updated to reflect the provisions of The Additional Paternity Leave (APL) Regulations 2010, which enable the sharing of maternity leave entitlement following an initial 20 week maternity period, with the other parental figure.

• The amended policy outlines the eligibility criteria, length and payment for Additional Paternity Leave and also outlines the process to follow including; notification, change of leave dates, contact during and returning to work.

The policy can be found at: Paternity Policy

1. Maternity Policy

Aims and purpose of the updated policy and procedure

• This policy provides information regarding the University’s maternity provisions and entitlements.

Objectives of the policy

• To provide employees with an understanding of their entitlement to maternity leave and pay and clearly outline the process. To make employees aware of additional paternity leave entitlement and understand how this can be used alongside maternity leave.

• All staff will benefit from a clear and accurate policy which amalgamatesinformation about maternity leave entitlement, pay and the process to follow along with information for new and expectant mothers, into the one policy.
• All staff with parental responsibilities will benefit from additional paternity leave entitlement as this offers increased flexibility for parents.

• The University’s New and Expectant Mothers Policy has been amalgamated with the Maternity Leave Policy so that employees can find information relating to Maternity Leave entitlements and information for new and expectant mothers in the one policy.
• This policy has been updated to clarify the process for maternity risk assessments.
• This policy has been updated to reflect the provisions of The Additional Paternity Leave (APL) Regulations 2010. This policy provides a clear link to the University’s updated Paternity Leave Policy which outlines Additional Paternity Leave entitlement and the process to follow.

The policy and relevant forms can be found at:Maternity Policy

1. Adoption Policy

Aims and purpose of the updated policy and procedure

• This policy provides information regarding the University’s Adoption provisions and entitlements.

• To provide adoptive parents with an understanding of their entitlement to additional paternity leaveand pay and clearly outline the process.

Who will benefit from the policy

• All staff with parental responsibilitieswill benefit from additional paternity leave entitlement as this offers increased flexibility for parents.

Key Changes to revised policy

• This policy has been updated to reflect the provisions of The Additional Paternity Leave (APL) Regulations 2010. This policy provides a clear link to the University’s updated Paternity Leave policy which outlines the Additional Paternity Leave entitlement and the process to follow.
• An adoptive couple can choose which partner takes adoption leave and pay and the other (regardless of gender) is entitled to University Paternity Leave and Pay and Additional Paternity Leave.

The policycan be found at: Adoption Policy

If you have any questions about any of these policy developments please contact your relevant HR Client Partner or HR Adviser to discuss.

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Human ResourcesNovember 2012