1.  A blank off duty form will be available on or before the last week of the current off-duty only. All off-duty requests, including annual leave and study leave must be made by the end of the first week of the new off-duty. This is not negotiable, except in exceptional or unforeseen circumstances which I will adjudicate. Any requests made after this period will be lett up to the individual to negotiate.

2.  I will complete the off-duty during the second week of the current rota.

3.  When making requests the following core conditions apply:

a)  There must be a G, F or E grade on every shift. Any requests or negotiations must reflect an adequate skill mix on each shift.

b)  No-one should work more than three early or late shifts in a row, unless by personal request.

c)  There must be a minimum of four staff on an early shift; three on a late shift (particularly on Wednesday and Thursday) and three on night duty.

d)  At the weekends, there must be a minimum of three staff on each shift.

e)  No-one should work less than four nights on any one occasion, or more than four or seven nights in one rota, unless by request, or special circumstance.

f)  Night duty MUST be covered by one member of each team. This is not negotiable, except in extraordinary circumstances.

g)  No more than three trained staff can be on annual leave or study leave at the same time. These requests may be refused if staff numbers are low for any reason.

h)  There MUST be at least one member of each nursing team on each shift.

i)  No-one should have split days off, or work more than 7 days in a row, unless by request or negotiation.

j)  Requests should continue to be recorded and numbered in the off-duty request book. I will take this into account when making decisions on the final off-duty.

4.  I will continue to maintain a managerial input into the rota, in order to ensure that minimum safety requirements are met. To make the system work effectively, and to give everyone's requests equal consideration, it will be the responsibility of the individual to negotiate with colleagues if it is evident that core conditions or your personal requests are not being met. This is in keeping with the ethos of the self-rostering system.

5.  In the event of any dispute, I will adjudicate, and my decision is final.

Ward Manager
Christopher Andrewes