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Updated Academic Returners Policy

26 Sep 2025

Funding available for academic colleagues returning from extended leave

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 As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a fair and inclusive working environment, we launched the Academic Returners Policy in 2023. This policy provides funding support for academic colleagues returning from an extended period of leave (six months or more), regardless of gender or the reason for leave — including sickness, maternity, shared parental leave, adoption, or a career break. 

'This is an outstanding scheme that has benefited me personally and both my research, teaching and impact work in many immeasurable ways. Coming back from parental leave after a long period from work is difficult enough, and this enabled me to do so not only while maintaining my research and impact contributions, but to also moving forwards in new and profound ways that felt natural and important on becoming a parent. I can't thank the University enough - including and especially for the flexibility and understanding in my unique circumstances.' 

Feedback from Academic Returner  

We’ve recently made some important updates to ensure the policy remains adaptable and sustainable over time. 

What’s Changed? 

  • We’ve revised the clause relating to funding to remove the previously fixed amount of £8,000. Instead, funding will now be based on a minimum value equivalent to a part-time (0.5 FTE) Grade 6 position for one semester. The funding can be flexibly adapted to individual needs allowing colleagues and their line managers to agree on a tailored approach that best supports the individual’s research or scholarship, and the cover and support needed by the School. 
  • To help us understand the impact of the policy and shape future improvements, successful applicants are required to complete a  6 Month Evaluation Survey.
  • This should outline: 
  1. How the funding was used 
  2. The benefits of the policy 
  3. Career advancement outcomes (e.g. publications, grants, promotions) 
  4. Any wellbeing impacts

If you’ve been successful in your application, please complete the evaluation—your feedback is essential to shaping a policy that truly supports our academic community. 

More Information