Time Off Policy - February 2026

4. Roles and responsibilities

Managers

• Managers are responsible for considering employee requests for time off which may impact on the performance of the individual employee, their team and the organisation. 

• All requests for time off must be considered carefully considering organisational needs and the individual employee’s circumstances; whilst ensuring that the Authority meets its statutory obligations (as set out in this and related policies). 

• Managers are responsible for monitoring their team members’ attendance; this includes absences relating to this policy. Frequent, excessive and/or unexplained absences should be dealt with accordingly in the context of the employee’s overall attendance record. 

• Managers should encourage reliable attendance among all employees.

Employees

• Employees are responsible for attending work in accordance with their contracted working hours and fulfilling their contract of employment. To this end, all staff are expected to organise their personal life and deal with home or domestic situations without needing extra time off; and thereby, without it affecting their job. Where ‘time off’ is required, employees must follow the appropriate processes set out in this and related policies and procedures.

Human Resources

• Provide advice and guidance to Managers and employees relating to the Time Off Policy and associated policies and guidance.

• Ensure consistency in the application of this policy and procedure.