Gender Based Violence Leave policy

1. Policy Statement

Gender-based violence can take different forms including (but not exclusively) domestic abuse, coercive control, rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, dowry-related violence, female genital mutilation and forced marriages. These can take place in physical and/ or digital spaces.

The Scottish Government states that gender-based violence is a cause and consequence of gender inequality. It can take many forms including physical, sexual and psychological harm and it can happen to anyone, including men, but disproportionately affects women and children.

2. Scope 

The University recognise that staff who have been subject to gender-based violence will require time to deal with a number of difficult and challenging matters and this may include, but is not limited to:

• handling legal issues, like getting a restraining order, preparing for a court appearance, or attending a hearing or trial
• organising to leave home and go to somewhere that is safer, whether that’s a refuge or moving in with a family member or friend
• receiving medical care for injuries sustained as a result of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or other related issue
• seeking counselling, advice from social services or an attorney

Time off is normally limited up to three days without loss of pay and may be granted at the discretion of the Faculty Vice Principal or Faculty Director of Operations.  Subsequent days, paid or unpaid, may be granted, depending on the circumstances.

3. Definitions

• First Responders: Our colleagues are part of a trained network who can listen and provide a non-judgemental and supportive environment while you outline your report.
• Disclosure: A disclosure is the sharing of sensitive personal information, often information that is not well known. 

4. Roles and Responsibilities 

Staff 

Notify your line manager, Faculty Vice Principal or Faculty Director of Operations of your absence, you should advise them that you are requesting Safe Leave and the possible duration. 

You do not need to provide detailed reasons for the request. If the absence extends beyond one day, you should provide a daily update to your line manager, Faculty Vice Principal or Faculty Director of Operations so that appropriate cover arrangements can be made.

When you do return to work, your line manager, Faculty Vice Principal or Faculty Director of Operations will offer to meet with you to provide support in a non-intrusive way. You may not want to meet, or you may prefer to meet with someone else such as a First Responder, and this can be arranged.

Staff First Responders

First Responders have a university-wide role and are responsible for providing initial support and direction to staff, disclosing they have been affected by gender-based violence. 

Additional signposting for staff who have been affected by gender-based violence or who have received a disclosure of gender-based violence can be found on the Student Services Webpage.

Line Manager

Managers can provide support in the first instance and signpost the support available. They can also aid in creating a safe, supportive environment for staff returning to work. 

People Directorate

The People Directorate will provide guidance and advice on supportive processes to help support you. Contact your People Partner.

Talent and Development

Awareness raising for managers on Safe Leave will be included as part of the People Support for Managers workshop on the Talent and Development programme. Access can be found on the Self-directed learning for staff web page.

Estates and Campus Services

You can download the University’s SafeZone app which allows you to quickly alert the security team if you need help on campus.

5. Additional information and support

When talking about personal experiences of interpersonal safety concerns, this may bring up uncomfortable memories for some people. This is an understandable reaction.

If you are affected by any issues relating to gender-based violence and wish to speak with someone, you can contact the Enquiry Centre on campus, your line manager or supervisor, or one of these helplines:

• Rape Crisis Scotland or phone free on 08088 010302 (open 6pm - midnight)
• Scottish Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage Helpline or phone free on 0800 0271234 (24 hours)
• Men’s Advice Line
• Fear Free (support for those experiencing domestic abuse who identify as a man or from the LGBT+ community)

Mental Health support websites:

• Get Help with Mental Health
• NHS Inform – Mental Health Support
• University Counselling Services
• University Health Services

Please see the University Statement on Gender Based Violence.

• Flexible Working
• Hybrid Working
• Sickness and Absence Management Policy and Procedure
• Staff Wellbeing Portal
• Gender Based Violence – Process Guide and Flowchart

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