Sabbaticals

Staff Sabbatical Policy

The Directors of the Bristol Bike Project are open to considering sabbatical (extended periods of unpaid leave) applications from staff.

There is no guarantee an application will be approved.

Directors will decide to grant sabbaticals on a case by case basis.

They will take into consideration the circumstances and needs of the staff member and weigh this against the ability to recruit cover staff, the potential impact on other staff and the organisation as a whole, and any other relevant considerations.

Sabbaticals are more likely to be granted for a relatively short period such as a month. A longer period such as a year might also be possible if the member of staff can demonstrate a strong case for them returning to the project. Lengths of time in between these two situations will be considered but might be more difficult to recruit for. This does not affect the right to Maternity Leave and Pay which is covered in our Family Friendly Leave Policy.

A year is the maximum that can be applied for.

Staff members who wish to apply for a sabbatical should apply as early as possible, with a minimum two months notice, to allow enough time for possible recruitment or reorganisation. Failure to do so will reduce the likelihood the sabbatical will be granted.

In the first instance, staff should discuss their application with the HR Coordinator who will manage the application to the Directors.

(June 2025 / Due for review June 2027)