1. General

The University is committed to ensuring that all its employees have the requisite skills, qualifications and training to undertake study for approved qualifications and any other suitable programmes of training in the light of the needs of the University and of their abilities and skills.

2. Scope of Policy

i. Where it is necessary for an employee to obtain a formal qualification to enable them to undertake their role or future role within the institution, consideration will be given to providing facilities for study. ii. Employees will be encouraged to pursue such study within the institution and only in exceptional circumstances at other F.E./H.E. institutions. iii. The following assistance will be given by the institution:- - paid time off for attendance at approved course of study; - reimbursement of all prescribed course fees and other approved educational expenses;* - employees attending courses which continue beyond 6.30 p.m. will be eligible for a tea allowance in line with the University's Travel and Subsistence Scheme; - employees attending courses outside the institution will receive reimbursement of travelling expenses on the basis of applicable public transport rates less weekday travel costs to and from their place of work. The continuance of qualification based training facilities, whether for a second or succeeding stage of study or for a second attempt at an examination shall be granted only if the University is satisfied either that the employee has passed the appropriate examination, has otherwise made satisfactory progress in their studies or needs assistance to enable them to sit the examination again. * Approved Educational Expenditure As a general guide this would normally include the cost of any practical training which is a condition precedent to entry to an examination, registration and exemption fees, the examination entry fee, the cost of purchasing or borrowing apparatus and other equipment which the student is required to purchase or borrow by the institution providing the course. 4. ANNUAL PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION TO UNDERTAKE FURTHER STUDY Employees wishing to attend a qualification based course of study should obtain a Form T2 from the Departmental or School Offfice. When completed this should then be discussed with their Director of School/Head of Service and their approval sought. The criteria for approval will include:/- - relevance of the course to the employee's current or proposed duties within the University; - availability of cover for employees within School/Service; - availability of financial resource in the School or Service Staff Development Budget

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