Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. I am absent from work – what do I need to do?

   It is essential that you ring in and speak to your line manager as early as possible on the first morning of your absence in order that existing commitments may be covered. You must advise your line manager as soon as possible of the likely period away from work in order that alternative arrangements can be made if necessary.

   It is important that you remain in regular contact with your line manager whilst you are off work.

   If you are off work for less than one calendar week then you should complete a self-certification form (cf forms bank) which should be forwarded to Rhona Grant, PA to the Diocesan Secretary.

   If you are off work for more than one calendar week then you will need to obtain a doctor’s certificate (sick note) which should be forwarded to Rhona Grant, PA to the Diocesan Secretary.

2. How many holidays am I entitled to?

   In addition to the eight Bank and Public Holidays DBF employees are entitled to 5 weeks annual leave in any year. Part time employees are entitled to a pro-rata of the above based on their working week (cf I work part time – how do I calculate my annual leave?)

3. What should I do if I would like to book annual leave?

   All annual leave must be approved by your line manager and recorded using an Annual Leave Record Form (cf forms bank)

4. I work part time – how do I calculate my annual leave entitlement?

   If you work part time you will be entitled to a pro-rata holiday entitlement which should be calculated using one of the following formulas:-

   If you work a set number of days per week:

   5 (standard full time annual leave entitlement in weeks) x weekly working days = Annual Leave entitlement in days

   eg an employee working 21 hours per week over 3 days would be entitled to 15 days annual leave (5 x 3)

   If you do not work a set number of days per week:

   5 (standard full time annual leave entitlement in weeks) x weekly contracted hours = Annual Leave entitlement in hours

   eg an employee working 17 hours per week would be entitled to 85 hours annual leave (5 x 17)

   Employees taking leave then subtract the number of hours or days they would have been working had they not been on leave from their total entitlement.

5. I work part time – what bank holidays am I entitled to?

   It is possible for part time employees to be either advantaged or disadvantaged by the days on which bank holidays fall. As with annual leave Part time employees are entitled to a pro-rata bank holiday entitlement. Please contact Rhona Grant, PA to the Diocesan Secretary, regarding your entitlement.

6. I started work (or am leaving work) part way through the year – how will this affect my annual leave entitlement?

   Employees who start or leave work part way through the year are entitled to holidays proportionate to the amount of the leave year remaining (for those starting) or to the amount of the leave year they have worked (including notice) (for those leaving):-

   Full years leave entitlement x No. of months in the leave year remaining OR No. of months worked

   Where such a period includes a proportion of a week, the proportion should be determined in full or half days (for example 7.3 days would be rounded up to 7.5 days and 7.74 down to 7.5 days).

7. Is it possible to carry annual leave over into the following year?

   Annual leave is an important tool in aiding a successful work-life balance. Carrying annual leave over into the following leave year is therefore not to be encouraged. In exceptional circumstances up to a maximum of 5 days leave be carried over from one annual leave year to the next by agreement with your line manager.

8. I feel that the Diocesan commitment to Equality and Dignity at Work is not be being upheld – what should I do?

   The success of our commitment to equal treatment and equal opportunities for all employees and job applicants depends on the contribution made by everyone, in their own behaviour, in discouraging discrimination by colleagues and in encouraging good practice. If for any reason you ever feel that this commitment is not being upheld then please contact Peter Warry, the Diocesan Secretary.

9. There is a course that I would like to attend – what should I do?

   Any training and development requirements should be discussed with your line manager in the first instance. RhoEllwood, PA to the Diocesan Secretary, will then be able to help source an appropriate course once agreement has been reached with your line manager.