Dear Judith
It seems to me that an important point here is the general flexibility that the University gives to its academics. This means that
there is no issue with the individual not doing work on a Friday as he can quite easily make up the time at home on Saturday or
Sunday. Regarding the departmental meetings then it seems to me unreasonable for the head of department to insist on them being on
Friday unless there is some very good practical reason for them being on a Friday. Better to find some other fixed day that most
academic staff can make most of the time or to operate on a variable day basis. If there is a very good practical reason for
having the meetings on a Friday the issue of the individual's attendance arises. I think the issue then is how important is
attendance and are there other ways in which the individual can give and receive necessary information.
Regards
Geoff Smith
*************************************
Geoff Smith
Assistant Secretary
University Secretariat
Sheffield Hallam University
City Campus
Howard Street
Sheffield
S1 1WB
Tel: 0114 225 3854
Fax: 0114 225 3498
Email: [log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: HE Administrators equal opportunities list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Judith Dimond
Sent: 16 December 2005 10:10
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Religion and Belief - how flexible is flexible?
Dear Colleagues,
we have an interesting case here which I'd appreciate advice on. A research academic, who is deemed to be working above his grade
level, does not come into work on Fridays at all. this has come to light because he has not been attending departmental meetings
which are always held on a Friday. After consulting him we discover he belongs to a particular African Christian Sect which does
no work at all on a Friday. (so homeworking is not an option).
At the University of Kent our academics have NO proscribed hours, and the particular Department allows academics wide freedom to
come to campus only when required. the Departmental Head now wishes to require the individual to attend Dept. Meetings.
We are of course suggesting that the days on which the meetings are held vary. Our Guidelines are full of good stuff about
consultation and flexibility, but this case is a bit outside that, and the wider issue is one we would like advice on. My
inclination is that he should be allowed this leeway, but it is quite a precedent.
ideas welcome - this could be the beginning of an EO Christmas Quiz! best wishes,
Judith Dimond
Equality Co-ordinator
University of Kent
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