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Following a collaborative consultation process with staff, staff networks, and the campus trade unions, and taking into account insights from a detailed equality analysis and an external adviser (the Business Disability Forum), we are pleased to announce the introduction of a new Disability Leave Procedure [PDF] for staff from 1 October 2025.

The Procedure has been developed to support the positive and consistent management of employment opportunities of employees who are, or become, disabled. It provides a framework to help balance the individual needs of the disabled employee with the operational requirements of the University through reasonable adjustments for disabled colleagues who need time off for disability-related appointments, treatment or recovery.

The Procedure:

• distinguishes planned disability-related absence from sickness absence
  
  
• provides a clear and fair framework to support staff in managing their disability and maintaining their health and wellbeing while staying at work
  
  
• is supplemented by additional guidance to help managers apply it consistently.

Depending on individual need, normally a maximum of 20 days Disability Leave can be taken each year (pro rata for part-time colleagues) by disabled colleagues for planned appointments related to their disability, with the prior agreement of their line manager.

Requests for Disability Leave should be discussed with your line manager and requested and approved via email, (pending amendments to MyView). 

The introduction of a dedicated Disability Leave Procedure strengthens the University’s approach to providing reasonable workplace adjustments under the Equality Act 2010, aligns with good practice in the sector, and supports an inclusive working environment.

Colin Shipp
Executive Director of HR

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