Human Resources

Guidance, information and policies

Staff resourcing

Organisational development

Working environment

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I get an email address?
  2. How do I get security access to my workplace?
  3. How do I change my details on the Contact Directory?
  4. When is pay day?
  5. What should I do if I have questions about my pay cheque or pension contributions?
  6. What should I do if I'm unwell and can't come in to work?
  7. What sick pay am I entitled to?
  8. What holiday am I entitled to?
  9. I am part time staff. How do I find out my pro rata holiday entitlement?
  10. I've just been married/received my PhD. How do I change my name/title?
  11. I'm expecting/adopting a child. Where can I find out about maternity/paternity leave?
  12. Does the University offer childcare?
  13. Are there health/sports facilities for staff?
  14. How do I get a parking permit?

1. How do I get an e-mail address?

All new staff and students are automatically registered for an email account when they start at the University. To obtain details of passwords, email addresses, etc., users should contact the IT Service Desk.

2. How do I get security access to my workplace?

The University uses a personal smart card for building access access control. Please see the relevant web pages on the Security Services web site and on the Card Services site to obtain or replace a card.

3. My information is wrong on the Contact Directory. How do I change it?

You can edit many of your personal details in the Staff Info facility. If there are other details you need to change, such as telephone number or office location, please notify your local Contact Directory Administrator, who will be able to make necessary changes for you.

4. When is pay day?

Salary is paid monthly by credit transfer into your nominated bank/building society account.  This is normally on the 26th day of the month (or the last working day beforehand if 26th falls on a weekend or bank holiday). Pay day is usually earlier in December.

5. What should I do if I have questions about my pay cheque or pension contributions?

Questions about your salary, national insurance or income tax should be directed to Tim Smith in the Payroll Office. Questions about pension contributions, schemes and entitlement should be directed to Rosy Weston in the Pensions Office.

6. What should I do if I’m unwell and can’t come in to work?

You or someone acting on your behalf must notify the relevant person in your department by telephone as soon as possible (normally by 10:00am) on your first day of absence. You will need to give the reason for your absence and the date you expect to return to work and/or agree when you will next be in contact with your department with further information. When your return to work, you will need to complete a self-certification form. If your absence lasts for eight consecutive days or more (including weekends), however, you will need to submit a doctor’s certificate covering the total period of your absence. Throughout your absence, you must keep your manager informed about your progress and your likely date of return. For full details, please see section 7 of the University Terms and Conditions of Employment and the Sickness Absence Policy.

7. What sick pay am I entitled to?

Entitlement to sick pay depends on length of service with the University. For full details, please see section 7 of the University Terms and Conditions of Employment.

8. What holiday am I entitled to?

For full details of holiday entitlement, please refer to Section 4 of the particular terms and conditions of employment for Staff on Grades A to I and/or to Section 3 for Staff on Grades J and Above.

9. I am part time staff. How do I find out my pro rata holiday entitlement?

Full details of how the pro rata holiday entitlement for part time staff is calculated are given in section 4.4 of the particular terms and conditions of employment for Staff on Grades A to I and to section 3.4 for Staff on Grades J and Above.

There will also be someone in your department responsible for monitoring your holiday entitlement who will be able to confirm your calculation.

10. I’ve just been married/received my PhD. How do I change my name/title?

You will need to bring your marriage certificate or your PhD certificate to your HR Faculty Team, where a copy will be taken as evidence of the change. The copy will be kept on your file and the original will be returned to you. Your electronic records will then be updated.

11. I am expecting/adopting a child. Where can I find out about maternity/paternity leave?

There is a range of information available for new and expectant parents on the University's Work and Family web pages including information and advice regarding pregnancy at work, maternity, adoption and paternity leave and a range of initiatives designed to support new and expectant parents. For full details on how to apply for maternity leave, adoption leave or paternity leave, please refer to the relevant policy.

12. Does the University offer childcare?

The University Nursery, which has limited spaces available, is located at the Bristol precinct behind the Social Sciences Library.

13. Are there health/sports facilities for staff?

Oh yes! Sports, Exercise and Health offer a wide range of facilities and activities available to staff, students and the community.

14. How do I get a parking permit?

The University has parking facilities available to permit-holding staff. You can apply for a parking permit, but the University also actively encourages staff to use alternative means of transport.

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