Compassionate Leave

Page updated: 06/01/2025

Compassionate Leave

When life presents unexpected challenges, compassionate leave provides employees with the time and support they need to manage personal difficulties such as bereavement, critical illness, or domestic emergencies.

Bereavement Leave

• Up to 5 days’ paid leave (pro rata for part-time employees) is available for the death, critical illness, or injury of an immediate family member.

• In the event of the death of a child, parent, or partner, this may be extended to 10 days. Exceptional circumstances require authorisation from the Head of Service.

Immediate family includes spouse, civil partner, partner, parent, child, sibling, or grandparent.

For the death of another close relative (e.g., an aunt or uncle), compassionate leave may be granted to attend the funeral.

Critical Illness or Injury

Compassionate leave is available to support an immediate family member facing a critical illness or injury. Requests will be evaluated based on:

• The nature of the incident.

• Your caregiving responsibilities and relationship with the family member.

• Travel requirements.

Managers are encouraged to be flexible and sympathetic to individual situations.

Emergency Domestic Situations

Up to 1 day’s paid leave may be granted to deal with urgent domestic emergencies, such as:

• Flood

• Fire

• Burglary

What It Does Not Cover

Compassionate leave does not apply to planned domestic events like:

• Repairs, renovations, or installations.

• Home deliveries.

If further leave is required beyond the approved 1 day, you may request annual leave through the usual process.

Supporting Your Wellbeing

Compassionate leave is part of our broader commitment to employee wellbeing. Managers are encouraged to approach these requests with care and empathy, ensuring employees feel supported during difficult times.

Key Considerations for Managers

• Communicate in a private setting.

• Acknowledge the employee’s situation and listen actively.

• Be flexible with temporary adjustments to duties or a phased return to work.

Return-to-Work Support

• Plan sensitive return-to-work discussions.

• Be mindful of significant dates that could impact wellbeing (e.g., anniversaries).

How to Apply for Compassionate Leave

Contact your line manager as soon as reasonably practicable to request compassionate leave. Ensure you discuss any additional support or flexibility you may require.

Your manager will consider your circumstances sympathetically, including factors like:

• Your relationship with the immediate family member.

• Domestic responsibilities and travel requirements.

For more details, please refer to the following policy: Managing Stress and Mental Health, time-off-policy-july-2022.pdf

If you have further questions, please contact your line manager or visit the Stress, Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing page on the Intranet.

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