Category: Policies & Procedures

New ‘External Interests’ Policy

The Register of Interests and the Conflict of Interest Policies have been revised and amalgamated into one new policy, entitled the ‘External Interests Policy’.  In addition a summary of the aforementioned policy has also been introduced.  The expectation is that when staff complete their annual declaration of interests this year, they will be directed to the policy summary as the focal point of reference, with the policy itself only being referred to where the summary does not answer the query or further information is required.  We hope that this approach will aid staff, and make the annual return exercise as easy a process as possible.

The new External Interests Policy is available to view at: https://workspace.imperial.ac.uk/hr/Public/Procedures/ROI/external%20interests.pdf and the policy summary is available from: https://workspace.imperial.ac.uk/hr/Public/Procedures/ROI/external%20interests%20summary.pdf

Social Networking Sites & Personal Internet Space

The use of social networking sites (e.g. Facebook, Myspace, Linkedin, Bebo), whilst providing a positive way for people to interact online, has also increased the opportunity for media communications to have an impact on the College and you.  We, therefore, wish to draw your attention to our guidance, which is located at: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/hr/procedures/socialnet .  The purpose of this guidance is to protect the College’s and your reputation, and to make you aware of relevant College policies.  It is also intended to ensure that you understand the implications of using material which could be considered abusive or defamatory

Agency Workers’ Regulations

With  the introduction of the Agency Workers’ Regulations, which come into force on 1 October 2011, HR have produced an Engaging Agency Workers – Guidance for Managers document to ensure that the responsibilities and implications for College are fully understood.  The new legislation provides agency workers with the same basic employment rights  and working conditions as if they had been recruited directly by College, if and when they complete a qualifying period of 12 weeks.  It also gives them access to College facilities and internal job vacancies from day 1.

Retirement Pension Procedure and Guidelines

The HR Division have revised the College’s Retirement Procedure to reflect the Government’s removal of the Default Retirement Age (DRA) with effect from 1 October 2011, following a six month transitional period, and have produced a Retirement Pension Procedure and Guidelines.

The removal of the DRA means that the College will no longer set a date when members of staff retire.  Members of staff will be able to choose when they enter retirement on a full or part time basis.  Where a member of staff is considering retirement they should discuss their intentions with their line manager in good time.