On call and standby arrangements

This scheme requires authorisation by the Reward team

The University operates a single, central policy for the remuneration of all academic-related and support staff taking part in standby and call-out arrangements to provide business-critical services out of core service hours. The University is also committed to the promotion of work-life balance and the avoidance of a culture of long working hours. The arrangements for standby and call-out are therefore expected to be exceptional and are available only to those who deliver business-critical services.

The policy applies to academic-related and university support staff employed in grades 1 to 10 who are contractually required to provide a ‘business-critical’ service outside their core hours. Senior staff (staff in grades ALC6, RSIV or equivalent) and any support staff in receipt of a variable working pattern premium are outside the scope of this policy. Heads of department will determine whether or not the service is ‘business-critical’, and are responsible for ensuring the reasonable and equitable implementation of these arrangements, particularly with regard to the impact of the policy on male and female staff, those with caring responsibilities, and part-time staff.

The policy covers:

  • support staff taking part in a  call-round rota (in which a member of staff may decline to attend the workplace when contacted and is not obliged to be available for every call);
  • academic-related and support staff taking part in an on-call rota (in which the member of staff must be available, must take the call, and respond accordingly); and
  • academic-related staff undertaking on-demand work (a ‘business-critical’ activity which is scheduled outside core service hours)

The level of remuneration is dependent on the intensity and frequency of standby and call-out arrangements and is calculated and authorised by the Reward team. Please contact the Reward team for more information.

  QRG: CH4 Change: New Allowance (132kb)

  QRG: CH12 End Allowances (109kb)