Released 13 September 2022
Request:
Please let me have your special leave policy pertaining to time off for magistrate duties.
Does the Trust offer paid time off for magistrate duties?
If so, how many paid days per annum are available for staff who are magistrates?
If the answer to this is within the Trust’s special leave policy, please email me a copy
Information disclosed:
The Trust does allow employees paid time off for Magistrates Duties.
Whilst not specifically mentioned in our Special Leave Policy, magistrates duties are included under Section 4(3) Civic/Public Duties.
Please see extract from the Special Leave Policy below:
“4.3 Civic/public duties
- Staff will be entitled to paid time off in order to carry out such duties as attending meetings if you are a Justice of the peace or member of a:
- local authority (e.g. elected councillors)
- statutory tribunal (e.g. employment tribunal)
- board of prison visitors or a prison visiting committee
- relevant health body
- relevant education body
- the Environment Agency
- Please also consult the Armed Forces and Special Reserves policy for information relating time off in connection to Armed Forces duties.”
The policy does not specify exactly how many paid days are given but we are aware these duties will require an employee to be away from work for at least 13 days, or 26 half-days per year.