Employing and Working with Relatives and Related Matters Policy Summary

This page provides a summary of the Employing and Working with Relatives and Related Matters Policy. For full details, please refer to the complete policy on the Employing and Working with Relatives and Related Matters Policy page.   

What is this Policy about? 

This Policy details actions that must be taken to prevent conflicts of interest and favouritism in recruitment, management, and workplace decisions.   

Who is this Policy for? 

All University employees.

What do I need to know?   

This Policy defines a relative as: 

  • Spouse/partner and former spouse/partner 
  • Parents, parents-in-law, and grandparents 
  • Siblings (including in-laws) 
  • Children, grandchildren (including in-laws)  
  • Aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins 
  • Step-family members 
  • Close friends (though not technically relatives, relationships with them could still raise concerns) 

What you can’t do: 

  • Be involved in the recruitment process if a relative is a candidate. 
  • Solely conduct an interview process where your line manager is a relative of a candidate. 
  • Have a direct or indirect line management relationship with a relative (where possible alternative arrangements should be put in place). 
  • Make HR-related decisions about a relative. 
  • Bring children/dependents into work when you are carrying out your normal duties. 
  • Offer paid work experience to relatives.  An appropriate channel should be used e.g. The Temporary Employment Service. 

Declarations 

The Policy details several situations where you need to declare an interest to your line manager or Head of Department.  For example, if a relationship develops with a colleague that may create a conflict of interest.  

Documents

Employing and Working with Relatives and Related Matters Policy page.