Managing Attendance Policy - Halton and St Helens PCT

INTRODUCTIONThe NHS Commits to provide support and opportunities for staff to maintain theirhealth, well-being and safety.The Trust recognises that staff are its most important resource in providing an efficient andeffective service in the boroughs it serves. Whilst recognising that staff will be absent from timeto time due to illness, the Trust will endeavour to support staff in a proactive manner withrecovery and return to good health.The continued delivery of services cannot be sustained if staffing levels fall below plannedneeds and expectations due to high levels or sustained sickness absence. High levels ofsickness absence will have an adverse impact on the level and quality of service provided,place an additional burden on other staff and have considerable cost implications.The aim of the Policy for Managing Absence is to ensure that the Trust will deal with sicknessabsence in a pro-active, clear and consistent manner. The Trust also recognises that theworkplace can be a contributing factor to illness, and will therefore take seriously itsresponsibilities in relation to physical and mental wellbeing in the workplace. Whilst taking asupportive approach with all absence cases, it must be recognised that continued absence fromwork may ultimately result in the termination of employment.PURPOSEThe purpose of this policy is to provide: A framework to build and instil a positive culture of attendance supported by theTrust’s commitment to staff well-being Information to all staff about the Trust’s approach to promoting attendance at workthrough the effective management of sickness absence Practical guidance to staff about their responsibilities in relation to their absence Practical guidance to managers on managing absence in a fair and consistent way The role of the Human Resources Department The role of the Occupational Health Team The role of the Health & Safety DepartmentObjectives / OutcomesTo ensure sickness absence is pro-actively and consistently managed throughout the Trust andto provide support and effective interventions to maintain the health and well-being of allemployees.Page 4 of 31