The guidelines on leave have been drafted to ensure that the benefits provided, and the language used to describe the benefits and their scope, do not inadvertently restrict those whose culture is not that of the majority, or exclude those in same-sex relationships from benefiting. Departments should ensure that, in implementing the guidance, they do not unjustifiably discriminate between employees on these or other grounds.
Departments may grant additional leave (outside the scope of formal schemes such as family leave, annual leave, etc) in certain circumstances. The University does not attempt to prescribe centrally the amount of additional leave that might be appropriate in each individual case; departments have discretion to authorise such leave according to the circumstances of the individual concerned.
The Staff handbooks, section 4.3, 4.4 and 4.5 set out detailed guidance on a range of circumstances in which staff may need to seek to take leave.
The guidance below provides guidance on other circumstances where additional leave may be required.