Policy

For full details on this leave type please refer to the special leave policy.

Special Leave [pdf]

Submit leave

Compassionate leave covers bereavement of a close family member such as a partner, parent or child. It also covers where a member of staff is solely responsible for making the funeral arrangements if the relationship is more distant. It is granted according to the circumstances.

Leave amount

Paid leave of up to 5 working days per annum (pro-rata for part time staff).

If more time off is needed after the initial agreed period of compassionate leave, there is no automatic right to extend this to the full five days. Other options may be considered and discussed with the employee. This may include, for example, annual leave or unpaid leave.

Requesting compassionate leave

Staff guidance

You must notify your line manager as soon as is reasonably practicable if you need to request compassionate leave. You should inform them of the reason for your absence and how long you expect to be away.

Your line manager will update your absence records on your behalf.

Time off to attend a funeral may be agreed at your line manager’s discretion based on operational arrangements and the closeness of the relationship with the deceased.

Further advice is available from the Staff Hub.

Manager guidance

Review the request and approve or decline, taking the following into consideration, as appropriate and as reasonably practicable:

  • The relationship and caring responsibilities between the individual and the employee
  • Whether the employee is involved in making funeral arrangements
  • Whether there may be a requirement to travel or attend a funeral
  • Operational needs and demands at that time and the capacity to make alternative arrangements to cover duties