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Confirm your availability to teach if applicable for the 2023/4 timetable

17 Jan 2023

If applicable, colleagues need to either (1) formalise an existing Flexible Working Arrangement (or apply for one) by the deadline of Tuesday, 28 February 2023, OR (2) apply for a Teaching Availability Arrangement by the deadline of Tuesday, 28 February 2023

Accurately capturing your availability to teach is crucial to bringing transparency, fairness, and efficiency to the scheduling process, as well as enabling Faculty Scheduling teams to make informed decisions when scheduling the timetables.  

  • Flexible Working Arrangements (FWAs) are contractual arrangements relating to your hours of work that will be factored into the construction of the timetable as a “hard constraint” (an immovable requirement). 
  • The new Teaching Availability Arrangement (TAA) process provides a mechanism for a member of staff to request not to be timetabled to teach at certain times; a panel convened by the Dean will assess all submissions. If approved, your TAA will be factored into the construction of the timetable for the forthcoming academic year as a “soft constraint” (a preference, to be prioritised if possible but not guaranteed). 

You can find more information about the new TAA process including FAQs to help you decide if you might need to formalise/apply for a FWA or apply for a TAA. You can also join our online open meeting, taking place on Wednesday, 1 February from 1pm – 2pm. 

  • Confirm an existing Flexible Working Arrangement by completing our survey by Tuesday, 28 February 2023. 
  • Apply for a Teaching Availability Arrangement by completing our form by Tuesday, 28 February 2023. 

All colleagues will need to record one of five outcomes: 

1. “I have a contractual FWA (for example, a part-time, compressed-hours, annualised, or phased-retirement agreement).” 

Action: You need to submit a response to the existing FWA survey by Tuesday, 28 February 2023.   

2. “I have a FWA, and I already completed the FWA survey sent in May/June 2022 and received subsequent confirmation from P&OD that my FWA has been formalised.” 

Action: You need to submit a response to the FWA survey by Tuesday, 28 February 2023. Answer “yes” to question four, and then answer question five to indicate if your Flexible Working Arrangement has changed and/or needs updating.

3. “I don’t have a FWA, but I think I need to apply for a Flexible Working Arrangement.” 

Action: You need to apply for a Flexible Working Arrangement as soon as possible. You do not need to submit a response to the FWA survey. 

4. “I want to apply for a Teaching Availability Arrangement (TAA).”  

Action: You need to complete the TAA form by Tuesday, 28 February 2023. 

5. “I don’t have or need a FWA, and I don’t need to apply for a TAA.” 

Action: No action required.

Providing accurate and updated information is a crucial part of enabling and supporting the University’s aim to improve timetabling. You can read more about the Timetable Project and its achievements to date. If you do have any questions, please contact your Head of School, Department, or Division.

Further information: