ISSION HR Handbook BISR Vision and Mission We, the students, parents, teachers and community of BISR, provide a caring, safe and stimulating environment where we strive to make every student feel valued, happy and successful. We are an innovative school that has a long tradition of providing a British-style education with an international perspective. We are committed to excellence through a wide variety of activities both in and out of the classroom. Responsibility, enthusiasm, integrity and participation are expected. Our community accepts, embraces and celebrates cultural diversity, whilst promoting the values of respect, honesty, compassion and kindness. We appreciate ourselves and others as individuals with rights and responsibilities, acting as conscientious global citizens. We are a community of life-long learners who can contribute to making our world a better place. We challenge students to explore and question, seek solutions, make informed decisions, solve problems, demonstrate tenacity and express themselves confidently. We empower students to take responsibility for their learning and to be recognised as young independent leaders. Internationalism: What Internationalism Means to Us Internationalism at BISR means that we try to bring our community closer by understanding, respecting and celebrating our varied beliefs, nationalities, cultures and religions. 2 Organisational Chart 3 BISR Staff Senior Leadership Team: Chris Mantz, Principal cmantz@bisr.com.sa Nici Wood, Head of Primary nwood@bisr.com.sa Clare Hunter, Head of Senior chunter@bisr.com.sa David Appleby, Bursar dappleby@bisr.com.sa Extended Leadership Team: Duncan Watkins Byron Wood Martin Daly Glynn Stirling Richard McDermott Emma Webb Asst Head, Senior Asst Head, Senior Asst Head, Senior Asst Head, Primary Asst Head, Primary Asst Head, Primary Enrichment Coordinator dwatkins@bisr.com.sa bwood@bisr.com.sa mdaly@bisr.com.sa gstirling@bisr.com.sa rmcdermott@bisr.com.sa ewebb@bisr.com.sa 4 EMPLOYMENT The school employs appropriately skilled and qualified expatriate staff, hired overseas and locally, to meet its objectives. The recruitment of the expatriate teaching staff is managed to maintain an appropriate balance of experience and stability throughout the teaching staff. EXCLUSIVITY OF EMPLOYMENT Full time members of staff may not engage in any outside employment, nor extend any service to any person, corporation or entity, with or without remuneration, whist they are employed by the School, unless approved in advance by the Principal. Exclusivity of employment is a condition set by the KSA labour and immigration authorities in the issuance of work permits and work visas for the expatriate members of the teaching staff. The School may allow occasional participation in the work of non-profit or philanthropic organisations and professional affiliations subject to the prior approval in writing of the Principal. VALUING DIVERSITY As reflected in the Mission statement, the School values the diversity of the members of its community. To this end, the School will strive to create an environment wherein members of staff can work unencumbered by unfair discrimination. HR practices, actions and decisions (including but not limited to) recruitment, promotion, contract renewals, training, compensation and benefits will be administered equitably based on a valid classification of staff, subject to provisions contained under KSA immigration, labour and other applicable laws, rules and regulations; and where age constitutes an occupational disqualification. HUMAN RESOURCES POLICIES A comprehensive set of HR policies are set out in the Board Policy handbook on the VLE. Procedural policies are also on the VLE and those relating to post employment are set out in this handbook. HR policies are designed to create and maintain an efficient and well-motivated workforce at a cost that the school can afford. The school reserves the right to change existing HR policy and practice or to introduce new policy and practice. Proposals to create or change policy are initiated by the Principal after discussion with the Senior Leadership Team. Proposals are considered by the Human Resources Sub-Committee (HRSC) before the recommendation is made by the HRSC for approval by the Board of Governors. Agreed policy changes are communicated by e-mail, through the staff representative, and general announcements as appropriate. Policy changes that directly affect terms and conditions of employment will be notified in writing to all those concerned, and take effect not less than one month after such notice has been given. Implementation is managed sensitively to optimise efficiency and motivation. The policies are contained in the Personnel Manual - which is reviewed regularly to ensure that individual policies address the needs of the organisation and reflect best practice in the management of people. 5 ORGANISATION, STRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT The school is a non-profit making establishment founded - in accordance with the laws of Saudi Arabia. The Foundation is controlled by a Board of Governors, which has the legal responsibility for all aspects of the operation. The Board approves financial plans, the policies under which the school is administered, and programmes for future development. The Board consists of Governors appointed by the British Embassy, Saudi Hollandi Bank and Saudi British Bank (SABB) and Governors are co-opted on the basis of their expertise and experience. The Board and its sub-committees work with the Principal and Senior Leadership Team to ensure the smooth running of the school. The Principal, assisted by the Senior Leadership Team, is responsible for the efficient running of the school and the delivery of the educational programme. The Principal is responsible for the achievement of the school objectives. CONDITIONS OF SERVICE The Conditions of Service, together with the Letter of Offer and the Summary of Contract constitute the employment contract. There are two versions of the Conditions of Service - one for school sponsored/overseas hired staff, and one for locally hired staff. Copies of the Conditions of Service are included as Appendix A. CATEGORIES OF STAFF1 Members of school staff are classified into four groups: Local Hire Teachers, Overseas Hire Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Administration Staff and Support Staff. Local hire teachers are appropriately qualified full-time or part-time teachers who already reside in Saudi Arabia independently, by their own choice, and who have teaching experience gained in an education system recognised by the school as appropriate (i.e. not necessarily British), and who hold at least a teaching certificate or diploma recognised by the school as per our Recruitment Policy. Overseas hire teachers are appropriately qualified full-time teachers, recruited from abroad or already teaching in Saudi Arabia as an overseas hire teacher, who have a minimum of two years’ relevant teaching experience gained in a British or International School, with at least a teaching certificate or diploma from a recognised University or College as per our Recruitment Policy. Teaching Assistants support learning. Their roles will vary depending on the Key Stage within which they work. They will work under the direction of class Teachers and/or Year Leaders in the Primary School, and Curriculum Leaders in the Senior School. The other group of school staff is the Administrative staff. They take on management and administrative roles related to admissions and marketing, finance, HR, operations, information technology, buildings and grounds maintenance, and various other functions which may be office or classroom-based. 6 Administrative functions are not directly related to teaching the British national curriculum, therefore members of administrative staff are not required to have educational, teaching or professional qualifications under the British system of education. However, as far as is possible, the school will employ those with appropriate professional qualifications to each position. HUMAN RESOURCE FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Principal prepares personnel policies after consultation with the Senior Leadership Team. These are reviewed and recommended by the HR Sub Committee, and approved by the Board. The Principal, who delegates to the Senior Leadership Team and to other managers and staff members as appropriate, implements policies and related procedures. AUTHORITIES The Board retains to itself the right of ultimate approval on all financial and other policy issues. The main delegations are set out in paragraphs (i) to (v) below. i) Staffing Levels and Manpower Budgets Proposed by the Principal and approved by the Board. Appointments may then be made to approved posts by the Principal. The Board Chair, or nominee, is involved in all Senior Leadership appointments. 20 ii) Pay and Benefits Structure Proposed by the Principal in conjunction with the HRSC, and approved by the Board. A detailed description of the pay structure and its operation is contained in Appendix B. iii) Employment Agreement Renewals/Non-Renewals The Principal determines renewals of Employment Agreements in consultation with the appropriate Senior Leaders. iv) Disciplinary Decisions Disciplinary decisions rest with the Head of Primary/Senior in the first instance and are dealt with in accordance with the Disciplinary Procedure. All disciplinary decisions are approved by the Principal and any dismissals must be approved by the Board Chair. v) Employment Termination The Board Chair and the HRSC must approve all employment terminations initiated by the Principal. 21 Change of Status The employee’s contract is dependent on their status at the time of signing and as specified in the Summary of Contract. Given the local ramifications of sponsorship, if an employee’s status or marital circumstances change, their contract will be reviewed as follows: If two sponsored single status contracted teachers get married, both will retain their existing School sponsorship. Accommodation will be reduced to one unit If a sponsored contracted male teacher marries a non-BIS sponsored partner, sponsorship of the wife falls to the husband or remains with the company she is sponsored by in Saudi 7 Arabia, not the School, whose financial liability is restricted to initial entry and final departure visas. Accommodation will not be upgraded If a sponsored contracted female teacher marries an individual sponsored by another company currently working in Saudi Arabia, sponsorship transfers to the husband and the sponsored contracted female teacher will assume a non-sponsored status with immediate effect. End of Service Benefit (EOSB) will be paid in full and a new non-sponsored, local hire contract started. These changes are required by Saudi law. Previous service will count towards EOSB entitlement under the new contract. Accommodation will not be provided. In the case of divorce, an immediate review of contracts will be undertaken Resident Dependents Resident dependents are defined as those in the immediate nuclear family of a member of staff e.g. a spouse or a child under the age of 18 whom are permanently resident in KSA. A teacher must be married in order to have their partner accompany them. Any two children per family will be covered by overseas hire benefits. CONTRACTUAL BASIS Overseas hired expatriate employees are employed under an initial two year Employment Agreement, renewable biennially from 1st September by mutual consent. The Principal may grant one-year or two year extensions to Employment Agreements for individual members of staff. The Principal’s decision on whether to grant such an extension is final. PERSONNEL RECORDS The Human Resources department will maintain personnel data for each individual employed within BISR. The data may include the following: Documents: past and present contracts, CVs, employment applications, transcripts, credentials, salary advice documents, instructional facilitator information and other data relevant to contract arrangements, employment history and the verification of salary placement Attendance: Employee attendance records, leave data, and medical documentation Evaluations and Work Assessments: Employee evaluations, assessments, reference letters, and other data reflecting work performance Confidential information: Correspondence between Ministry of Labour and employees deemed necessary for documentation, employee commendations, employee benefit notations, incident reports, summaries of disciplinary proceedings, outcomes of Board hearings, and other submitted documentation The HR Manager will be the records manager for personnel files and will have the overall responsibility for maintaining and preserving their confidentiality. These documents are regarded as confidential, and are not available for general inspection. They contain up-to-date basic personal information provided by the individual during the recruitment process, as well as references and other records and information relating to an individual’s employment with the school. Employees must advise the school as soon as practical of any changes in their personal circumstances. Individual employees may view their own personal file held by the school by prior arrangement with the Principal and in the presence of or a member of the Senior Leadership Team or HR department. 8 Personnel files may only be signed out by members of the SLT and when required, the HR Department must ensure that personnel files are delivered by hand. The member of the SLT is responsible for the confidential return of the file. IQAMA On entry to Saudi Arabia, the HR department, through the Saudi Liaison Officer (SLO) will initiate the application for an Iqama or official residency permit. Prior to issuance, the employee is required to undergo a medical at a medical centre approved by the school. EMPLOYMENT COSTS The financial impact of the approved manpower budget is identified and monitored by the Bursar who provides the Principal and the Board with regular reports. Regular reviews of employment costs take place, and the cost element is taken into account in considering any changes to terms and conditions of employment. An important part of the task relating to employment policies is the balancing of cost with the need to recruit and retain the bestqualified and experienced people. ANNUAL STAFFING PLAN After consultation with the Senior Leadership Team, the Principal prepares the annual staffing plan for approval by the Board as part of the annual budget process in January/February. This provides the basis for budgeting employment costs as well as employee numbers. The plan sets out the number of employees and the skills that will be required at each level to ensure that the school meets its objectives. RECRUITMENT Recruitment Criteria and Specifications Recruitment Criteria are required for each different role in the school, and managers are expected to ensure that these exist and are approved by the Principal. When a recruitment need arises, the existing Recruitment Criteria must be reviewed and updated (or a new one prepared) and approved by the Principal. From these Recruitment Criteria, a job specification, identifying the required qualifications and experience, is drawn up for use during the recruitment process. Recruitment Criteria may be issued with the Conditions of Service and when changes occur. Implicit in all Recruitment Criteria is a commitment to support, actively and loyally, the Mission and Vision of the School. Responsibility Changes Changes in job responsibilities are inevitable in a dynamic organisation. These changes should be identified as they take place, agreed with the Employee, and written into the Recruitment Criteria. 22 This action is initiated by the Line Manager concerned and then put to the Principal for approval before implementation. Recruitment Process – General The recruitment process results from the implementation of the agreed manpower plan, and varies for different employment categories. The need to initiate recruitment activity arises either for a new 9 post identified as part of the planning process or as a result of a vacancy arising as a result of an employee leaving the post. Recruitment Process – OHT Overseas Hired Teachers are recruited after Skype and/or face-to-face interviews, when appropriate. A liaison service is provided for successful candidates from the time of acceptance of the offer until the appointment commences. Requirements for Employment All job offers are dependent on the applicant passing an appropriate medical examination and meeting other requirements, including acceptable references. REMUNERATION BISR pay scales are based upon the UK School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document which is updated each September. Newly qualified teachers (NQTs) will start on the six-point main pay scale and progress through it each year, subject to completing a satisfactory year of employment, or move onto a scale associated with a position of responsibility. Teachers joining the school will be placed on the scale according to the number of years of qualified experience. Unqualified teachers are paid on a pay scale which is based upon the UK Unqualified Teachers Scale. For teachers whose qualifications were awarded outside the UK, Australia, Canada, the USA, reference will be made to National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) for confirmation of qualified teacher status. Teaching Assistants and Administration Staff are paid according to the relevant BISR pay scale. For Overseas Hire teaching staff an overseas allowance equivalent to 30% of salary is paid. This is divided into 12 equal parts and paid with salary. All monthly salary and allowance calculations are based on 365 contractual days, with total payments divided into twelve equal parts, paid monthly in Saudi Arabian Riyals in arrears. The employee’s salary payment for the July and August will be paid with their June salary. The employee’s initial Summary of Contract and Letter of Offer will specify their annual remuneration, consisting of a basic salary and any other allowances, including Positions of Responsibility and overseas allowance. The School reserves the right to review the allocation of Positions of Responsibility on an annual basis. Deductions from salary for authorised unpaid absence will be made at the end of each month on the basis of 1/365 of annual salary per day of absence. Unpaid leave of absence impacts on the employee’s End of Service Benefit (EOSB). Absence for part of a working day may be authorised by a Senior Leadership Team member. Absence that has not been approved will incur the automatic deduction of one full day’s pay i.e. 1/365 of annual salary. The employee is required to open a local Saudi Arabian bank account and to pass full details to the School for the payment of salaries and other sums. They are advised to open an account with the Saudi Arabian British Bank (SABB), to which the School is currently affiliated, but they are free to 10 choose any other bank. If they do so, however, they will be liable for any additional charges the School might incur for using a non SABB account. A returnable deposit of SR3,000 per School sponsored individual or couple will be retained when the employee leaves, to cover unforeseen expenses chargeable to the School. The balance will be refunded within three months. Where possible, details of the new bank account must be given to the payroll department along with a forwarding e-mail address before departure. If this is not possible it will become the individual’s responsibility to inform the payroll department of the above at their earliest convenience. Although based on the UK salary scale, salaries are paid in SAR and will not be adjusted according to currency fluctuation during the year. The school reserves the right to make alternative arrangements for salary payment should the Saudi Arabian Government introduce monetary policies, which affect the financial management of the school. PROBATIONARY PERIOD BISR aims to ensure that there will be a fair and consistent approach to the treatment of staff with regard to probation. This policy and procedure seeks to provide the School with an opportunity to assess the performance and future potential of the appointee before deciding whether or not to confirm the appointment. The policy applies to all new employees of the School. The probation procedure introduces a number of informal probation interviews/reviews to ensure regular two-way communication between the line manager and the employee. The probationary period is part of the performance management process. In the case of teachers the first classroom observation must be carried out in line with the time frame set out in the Probationary Policy. Information from the probationary period should also be used to complete the employee’s individual plan and be part of the performance management process. The reviewer is responsible for informing the Principal if at any time during the probationary period an individual is not meeting the expectations of performance expected by the school and as such may be unsuccessful in their probationary period. Staff will be subject to a probationary period of not exceeding 90 days exclusive of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha holidays and sick leaves. This will commence from the first working day in the school. Throughout the probation period, the line manager shall pay particular attention to the performance of the employee and shall keep him/ her informed of individual progress. It is the line manager’s responsibility to ensure that the new employee is inducted locally (i.e. in the Area) and given the relevant information necessary to enable him/ her to commence work. See Probationary Policy on the Staff VLE IONS OF EMPLOYMENT 11 EXPATRIATE EMPLOYEE ARRANGEMENTS The initial contract for Overseas Hire Teachers commences 1st September, and is for a period of two years. The new Employee will be notified on the date for arrival in Riyadh for professional and personal orientation. Appointments made during the course of the year have the standard agreement arrangements, on a pro-rata basis where necessary. Where personal circumstances change before an Employee takes up a first appointment with the school, the school reserves the right to withdraw any job offer and terminate any contract without compensation to the Employee or cost to the school. CONTRACT RENEWAL In the second year of the initial contract, and annually or biennially thereafter, the employee must inform the school by no later than 30th November whether or not they wish to renew their contract for the following year. The school will then notify the employee of whether the contract will be extended by the last working day of Term 1. The Principal may grant a one or two year extension to the contract. The Principal’s decision on whether to grant such an extension is final. BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE The employee and their agreed resident dependants will be provided with a flat-rate allowance for unaccompanied airfreight to Riyadh on first arrival. Original receipts are required within one month of arrival. A flat-rate allowance of SR3,000 per adult and each resident dependant will be paid upon final departure to those entitled to repatriation costs. JOB DESCRIPTIONS Existing and proposed staff positions will have job descriptions containing the position titles, statements of job purpose, reporting and organisational relationships, date of issue, and accountabilities which will detail the general and specific functions of each position. Job descriptions will be used as benchmarks for job expectations, performance management review and job evaluation. Job descriptions will be issued to each member of staff upon employment, promotion or transfer to a new position, or when significant changes occur in job duties and responsibilities. Job descriptions will be incorporated as integral parts of staff contracts. Incumbents will actively participate in the update of job descriptions. Department Leaders, the Extended Leadership Team and the Senior Leadership Team will be responsible for the preparation, periodic review and update of job descriptions. Any changes to Job descriptions also require the Principal’s approval. CODE OF CONDUCT Employees are required to observe the Code of Conduct laid down by the school. The code as currently published is contained in Appendix E. Observance of the code is required as part of the terms and conditions of employment. 12 TRAVEL ALLOWANCE At the beginning of an overseas hire employee’s initial contract, the staff member and their agreed resident dependants will be provided with a single, economy class ticket to Riyadh from their nearest regional airport in the country of domicile according to their contract. For each completed school year under contract, the overseas hire employee and their agreed resident dependants will be entitled to a travel allowance, payable in May each year. This is intended to provide the employee with one economy return trip to their country of domicile. The amount payable will be agreed by the Board of Governors in March each year. During the employee’s final year (and provided contractual obligations have been meet in full) the employee and their agreed resident dependants will be entitled to 50% of the annual travel allowance, payable in May. This is intending to provide the employee with one single economy trip back to their country of domicile. END OF SERVICE BENEFIT This will be calculated based on the cumulative number of days worked, taking account of unpaid days of absence. Any cumulative shortfall between actual days worked and total contracted days will be applied at the end of your service as a pro rata reduction in your final year. Prior to Sept 2006, any incomplete years will be considered complete, i.e. ‘topped up’. Unpaid leave during term time, whenever taken, can never be made up and will reduce your final year EOSB at whatever rate applies at that time. EOSB will be paid according to the employee’s length of service as follows: Length of Service Entitlement Up to 5 Years: 0.5 x FMS for each completed year and pro rata, if applicable for the final year. Over 5 Years: 0.5 x FMS for each of the first 5 completed years and 1.0 x FMS for each completed year over 5 years, pro rata if applicable for the final year. FINAL MONTHLY SALARY For the purposes of calculating the FMS, it would be assumed that your basic wage will be used, as defined, but will include 14/12 of your basic salary as compensation for the housing that you are provided with, where applicable. In addition other allowances, such as POR allowances, will then be added to arrive at a FMS. For the purposes of calculating an overseas hire employee’s FMS, it will be assumed that the year comprises 14 months and they will be regarded as having been paid 1/12 of that 14 month total. The additional 2/12 reflects the housing benefit. in addition, 1/12, i.e. a month’s worth, of their overseas allowance and GOSI contributions, and 1/12, i.e. a month’s worth, of any POR their hold, will be added to the calculation of their monthly 14 months year salary to compute the FMS. This FMS calculation relates solely to your EOSB entitlement and does not relate to the actual salary received in the final month. 13 NORMAL WORKING HOURS The working week is five days – Sunday to Thursday - and employees are required to attend on all days that the school is open during term time. School will be open for a minimum of 174 student days. Teachers are required to attend school five working days before the first student day of Term One, and at least one day before the first student day of Term Two and Term Three, for professional development and training activities and for preparing for the term ahead. The date on which staff are required to report for Term One will be announced no later than the end of Term One in the preceding school year. Staff holding key positions or positions within the Extended and Senior Leadership Team will be required to return to the post in advance of this schedule. These dates will be confirmed with the issue of the contract renewal and will be closely tied to the arrival date for new staff. Within the working week, teachers have a certain number of contact time hours when they are expected to be in the classroom or engaged in other activities that are regarded as ‘contact time’. The exact number of contact hours depends on positions of responsibility. For main-scale classroom teachers the expectation is that they teach 80% of the timetabled lessons during the week. Staff are also expected to provide cover for absent colleagues. In addition teachers will have a number of directed-time hours for activities such as registration, faculty, year group and other such meetings according to a published calendar. All teachers must be present at the school 15 minutes before the published starting time. Teachers are also required to: Attend parent consultation days/evenings Run a minimum of one extra-curricular activity and one other Enrichment activity Attend school functions as required Attend staff planning and other relevant meetings as required; and Take regular turns at playground, lunch, break time and transport supervision All teachers must be present until at least 15.15 for all categories of teaching staff. payments are made for teaching staff. FREIGHT No overtime SOCIAL SECURITY The school provides no pension scheme The School makes the General Organisation for Social Insurance (GOSI) payments on behalf of overseas hire employees. MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS AND HEALTH INSURANCE Before taking up an appointment with the school, the prospective Employee must have a full and satisfactory medical examination, which is required as part of the Saudi Work Visa process. The school will cover the reasonable cost of the medical. The school may require further medical examinations at any stage during the period of employment. In such instances, all costs incurred will be borne by the school. Employees and their resident dependants will be covered by an appropriate international medical insurance scheme at the expense of the school, and all medical costs incurred should be reclaimed through this scheme, where appropriate. Full details of the cover and exclusions under this insurance scheme are provided by the Human Resources department. 14 At approved hospitals, the insurance card will be accepted, and the employee will only be required to pay the employee share of the treatment costs, usually a minimal amount. If the employee uses a hospital not on the list as provided by the insurer, the employee will be required to provide all receipts in order to make claims to the insurer. All receipts and claims must be copied and kept by the individual in case the insurer does not agree to the reimbursement or there is a discrepancy. ACCOMMODATION Accommodation is provided for all Overseas Hired Teachers This will usually be on either Al Hamra Oasis Village Compound or Eid Villas Compound. The lease on each accommodation unit is with the school, and the Principal has the right to decide who lives in each unit. Employees living in School accommodation have a responsibility to look after the property and to keep it in good order. Any initial complaints related to the maintenance, structure etc of the accommodation must initially be discussed with the appropriate compound management team. Sub letting of staff accommodation is not allowed. Staff members should not vacate their accommodation to allow someone else to stay in it. Basic furniture is provided for each apartment unit and must not be swapped amongst staff without the prior knowledge of the compound management. An accommodation package is provided by the compound once and is listed in Appendix F. Replacements and costs following breakages, damages and renewals of these supplied items are the responsibility of the individual employee(s) allocated to the apartment. See Accommodation Policy Appendix 8 3233 UTILITIES The school will cover the reasonable cost of electricity and mains water supply. Staff may be asked to pay for excess of 1200kwh in a single apartment and 2400kwh in a two bedroom apartment or villa. INSURANCE – SCHOOL ACCOMMODATION Personal effects are covered up to the value of SR3,000 whilst on school premises and household contents to the value of SR10,000 per household for staff living in School accommodation. CAR LOAN In the first year of employment, overseas hire male employees may apply for an interest-free loan of up to SR50,000 to assist in the purchase (not lease) of a motor vehicle, excluding a motor-cycle. The loan is to be repaid within a maximum of 2 years, by monthly deductions from the employee’s salary. The vehicle is to be comprehensively insured at the employee’s expense. During the period of repayment, the School will keep a copy of the istamara (registration document) and other papers relating to the vehicle. In the event of departure before repayment is complete, the outstanding sum is to be repaid immediately. All male employees are encouraged to purchase their own cars given their non-entitlement to recreation transport. 15 LEAVE Leave when the School is closed will normally be granted and will be agreed at the beginning of the School year. However, under exceptional circumstances, the Principal may require the employee to work during school holidays. Extended Leadership Team, Senior Leadership Team and Administration staff are required to work two working weeks before the first teaching day of the new academic year on a date that is set each year by the Principal. Sick Leave An employee who is proven to be sick is entitled to paid sick leave. A medical certificate signed by a registered medical practitioner must be presented for all personal and parental absences in excess of two consecutive working days. In the instance of a serious health problem, the School will seek to act compassionately, bearing in mind all the factors pertaining to the particular case. The employee may be absent for up to two working days at a time in the event of a dependent child being ill. In the event that a husband and wife both work at the School, only one may take the permitted two working days absence at any one time, i.e. the mother may take two days off, followed by the father taking off two days. A maximum of four days can be taken off for child sickness by a teaching couple at one time. In the case of serious illness, or enforced absence due to Government directives, further periods of absence may be requested by application to the Principal. Absence due to sickness should be notified to a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) no later than 6:30am on the day of absence so that alternative arrangements may be made. If the employee attends work but leaves the School before 11:00am, this will count as a full day’s sick leave. All staff returning from absence must complete a Leave of Absence form, a copy of which will be lodged in the individual’s personal file. It is the responsibility of the individual Employee to complete it on the first day of return to work. If staff are seeking time off to attend medical treatment, either locally or abroad, and will require time off during school hours, it is imperative that a Leave of Absence is form completed and signed by the Employee and given to the Principal for signed approval in advance of the leave period. Maternity Leave Maternity Leave granted to a female employee will span the period of four calendar weeks prior to the expected delivery date until six calendar weeks after the actual birth. If maternity leave applies, the employee will not be permitted to work in the School between the commencement and completion of the maternity leave period. Note that the calculation of maternity leave is based on calendar days, irrespective of weekends or holidays. a. Maternity leave should be initiated with a written request to the Principal, at least three months before the expected date of delivery. The request must indicate the date that their leave will begin and the date that they expect to return to work. b. A statement from a medical practitioner, verifying pregnancy and indicating the expected date of delivery, must be attached. 16 c. They will be entitled to half pay during maternity leave provided they have been employed by the School for at least one year prior to the date maternity leave commences, and full pay provided they have been employed by the School for three years prior to the leave commencing. Failure to return to work after maternity leave will result in the employee losing the entitlement to maternity pay. d. Maternity leave, whether paid or unpaid, will be ignored (i.e. not deducted) in the calculation of End of Service Benefits (EOSB), provided they return to work as expected. If they fail to do so, the final day of service for EOSB purposes will be the date maternity leave commenced. Compassionate Leave Up to five days paid leave may be granted in matters of a compassionate nature, i.e. serious illness or bereavement in the immediate family (spouse, children, parents and parents of spouse) if authorised by the Principal. Applications should be made and confirmed in writing. Extensions to compassionate leave must be approved by the Principal and will be treated as authorised unpaid leave. Interview Leave At the discretion of the Principal, except in the initial year of employment, the employee may be granted up to 1 day of paid leave for each completed year of service and up to a maximum of two days unpaid leave annually, for attendance at job interviews, consequent upon receipt of resignation. Professional Development/Workday Leave Leave may be granted for attendance on an approved training course. Depending on the level of benefit to the School, this leave may be paid or unpaid or a combination, at the Principal’s discretion. Hajj Leave One paid leave of absence to perform Hajj will be granted during an employee’s service at BISR. There is no entitlement to such leave within the first two years of service. The School reserves the right to refuse an application for operational reasons. Part Day Leave of Absence Absence for part of a working day may be authorised by a Senior Leadership Team member. If such absence has not been approved, this will incur the automatic deduction of one full day’s pay. In exceptional circumstances and at the Principal’s discretion, unpaid leave of absence during term time may be granted. In common with all unpaid leave, personal leave of absence will be deducted in the calculation of EOSB. FAMILY VISIT VISAS Under Saudi Arabian regulations, only immediate family members may visit the employee in Riyadh and the Principal must first approve all such visits. The visiting family member remains the responsibility of the employee. The School will make the necessary visa applications on the employee’s behalf. Visit visas are granted at the discretion of the Saudi Arabian authorities and not the School and therefore cannot be guaranteed. The employee must bear the cost of these visas, together with the variable and actual administration costs incurred by the Saudi Liaison Officer. The employee is also fully responsible for checking the details of the visa i.e. duration and 17 date of expiry. The employee is advised not to pay for their flight until the visa has been issued/confirmed. The employee, not the School, bears responsibility for the conduct and well-being of any visitors they host. The employee is therefore strongly advised to ensure that any visitors arrange relevant insurance cover, especially medical insurance to which they bear all costs. In times of high security tension and depending on travel advice from the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office, the School may decline visit requests. GOVERNMENT HOLIDAYS The School recognises and observes KSA regular holidays, nationwide special holidays and special days as follows: Saudi National Day Eid Al Fitr Eid Al Adha These are special work and non-work days, as may be declared by the KSA government from time to time. The School will comply with any amendments to the above regular holidays, nationwide special holidays and special days as may be determined in the future by the KSA government. Members of the teaching and administrative staff will be given time-off with pay during regular holidays and nationwide special holidays. UNAUTHORISED ABSENCE This occurs when an Employee fails to report for work without either notifying the appropriate Head of School. If unauthorised absence continues, the school may terminate employment. In this situation, the School reserves the right to withhold the End of Service Benefit payment for the current, incomplete contractual year. The School also has the right to deduct any amounts owing to the School by the Employee against any final payments or other compensation due to the Employee, to include refunding the School the balance of any car loan. ACCIDENT COMPENSATION There is no insurance cover in relation to the Employee except that contained within the limits of the school’s insurance policies. The school’s insurances cover the employee for liability for causing accidental injuries and for claims made against the Employee in connection with the school’s business. The school’s Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) policy covers death or serious permanent disability up to a maximum benefit of six months’ salary to include a contribution to funeral costs. Other non serious disabilities may be covered to a lower amount. The school has an Employer’s liability insurance policy. DRESS CODE BISR staff are expected to dress professionally at all times and to set high standards of personal appearance. It is very important that staff present a professional image at all times to both pupils and to parents. The way in which staff dress is a direct reflection upon the school and on parent’s perception of BISR and of individuals. All staff must also respect the conservative culture of Saudi Arabia. Staff are also expected to be role models for students including in what constitutes professional dress. 18 Male staff should wear long tailored trousers, a collar and tie, socks and shoes suitable for teaching. Trainers will not be worn except when teaching sport. Female staff should ensure that their shoulders and upper arms are covered and that necklines are not low. Skirts and dresses must be below knee length when seated, so that the backs of the knees are covered. Clothes must not be tight. Tops, blouses and shirts should adequately cover the midriff area and likewise not to be too tight or ‘cling’. Trousers should cover the knee. Any garments which are see-through are inappropriate. Underwear should not be visible. Denim of any kind or colour is also not to be worn in school. Female staff should wear shoes suitable for the classroom and should bear in mind the health and safety risks posed both to themselves and the children by some of the less appropriate footwear which could lead to injury. High heels are a liability in a school context, as are flip flops and some open-toed shoes and sandals. PE staff will be supplied with an agreed PE kit, which will be worn at all times while in school. While on sports trips, the appropriate track suit will be worn. Non-PE specialist who takes a PE lesson will also wear appropriate kit, and change out of the kit at the first opportunity. Staff on trips will dress appropriately. Museum trips and similar, staff should dress as in the classroom. Casual, sporting or recreational attire may be worn for activity trips. At no time should there be any visible piercings other than ears to a maximum of one in each ear. Tattoos must be totally covered. For Formal School occasions such as public presentations and parent consultation days, members of staff should wear formal clothing. For gentlemen this should be a suit and for ladies a suit or smart dress. Clothing for non-uniform days should be culturally respectful and footwear should be safe. Flip flops should not be worn. At appropriate times, members of the teaching and administration staff may wear protective clothing such as laboratory coats or painting smocks. 42 HEALTH AND SAFETY In relation to their own actions, all Employees are required to take responsibility for their own safety and for the safety of other Employees, children attending the school, visitors to the school and the public at large. Hazards must be resolved when observed or, if this is not possible, reported immediately to a member of the Senior Leadership Team or the Facilities and Resources Manager. REPATRIATION If the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia becomes involved in hostilities, declared or otherwise, or the security situation deteriorates significantly, the School may, subject to advice from the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, authorise the evacuation of school employees and/or agreed dependents and/or close the school. Should the school close permanently you would be repatriated at the School’s expense and be paid for up to 3 months. Should the school close temporarily, you will be expected to return as soon as possible under your existing contract upon its reopening. If the school remains open but you elect to leave for personal reasons, without giving due notice, the provisions outlined in the Conditions of Service will apply. 19 INTERNET AND E-MAILS The School realises that the Internet services and electronic mail (e-mail) are important assets to both the School and the Employee. The School Internet and e-mail system is permitted for personal use if it is infrequent and occasional however, such messages become property of the School. The School Internet and e-mail system may not be used to solicit any commercial ventures, religious or political causes, outside organisations, or other non-job related solicitations. In addition, the School Internet and e-mail system are not to be used to create any offensive or disruptive messages to include those that contain sexual connotations, racial slurs, gender specific comments, or any other comment that offensively addresses someone’s age, gender, sexual orientation, religious or political beliefs, national origin, or disability. The Internet and email system are also not to be used to send/upload or receive/download any materials or information without the prior authorisation of the School. Any Employees who discover a violation to this policy are responsible for notifying their supervisor immediately. Any Employee who is in violation of this policy or uses the e-mail and/or Internet system improperly will be subject to disciplinary procedures up to and including dismissal. Staff may not share personal Social Network Sites with students as this is inappropriate and potentially a very dangerous arrangement that could lead staff to be very vulnerable and in difficult circumstances. Staff must be conscious of the fact that what is written on Social Network Sites is not private and could therefore result in publication of inappropriate photographs or statements. All staff are required to sign the Email and Internet Policy upon appointment. DEATH IN SERVICE If an employee dies in service, the school will give all reasonable assistance to the family. Money due at the time of death, and the amount (if any) of gratuity/severance earned on a pro-rata basis, will be paid as soon as possible. The schools Personal Accident Insurance policy will pay up to a maximum of 6 months’ salary to include a contribution to funeral costs on accidental death. See Death In Service Policy Appendix 6 DISCIPLINARY ACTION The Principal may initiate disciplinary action against employees who are in breach of the Staff Behaviour policy or who fail to perform the duties required of them to a satisfactory level. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE Any Employee who has a grievance relating to employment with the school must raise the issue with the relevant line manager initially. If there is no response to the individual within ten working days, the matter can then be referred to the Principal. If a grievance remains, the Grievance Policy will apply. See Grievance Policy Appendix 7 20 TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT The school has the absolute right to decide to offer or not to offer a new extension of contract on the expiry of an existing Agreement. The school reserves the right to terminate the Agreement at any time by giving three months notice Where an unlawful offence has been committed which necessitates immediate termination or the Employee is considered guilty of serious misconduct, including without limitation, moral turpitude, gross negligence of duty or violation of School policies or of violation of Saudi Arabian Law, this Agreement may be terminated without notice or payment in lieu. 47 RETIREMENT It is the policy of the school that all Employees should retire at the age of 60. However, at the discretion of the Principal, individuals between the ages of 60 and 65 may be employed. 48 49 RESPONSIBILITIES FOR EMPLOYEE RELATIONS One main theme underlies good human relations’ practice - the maintenance of a good relationship based on mutual trust and confidence between Employer and Employee. The Leadership Team needs to use resources efficiently in pursuit of the organisation’s objectives. Employees look for fair treatment, security of employment and job satisfaction. Both have a common interest in the organisation’s success - without which neither can achieve their own aims. Conflicts of interest inevitably arise, but must be solved in a responsible and constructive way. Good employee relations are therefore a joint responsibility. Management Responsibility The Board, Principal and all those with management responsibility must therefore: Maintain effective arrangements for communication, consultation, and the settlement of grievances Ensure individuals understand the role of management in this context and have the authority and training required to carry out that role Enable employees to know and understand their objectives and priorities and the framework of policies which govern employment Keep employees informed on matters that affect them and the organisation as a whole Employee Responsibility Employees also have responsibilities: To work within a framework of policy laid down by the school To work in accordance with duties as defined in their job description and the school’s Code of Conduct To co-operate with management to achieve the school’s objectives DISCIPLINE Any organisation requires rules to guide the actions of its Employees and to ensure that transgressions that are detrimental to the interests of the organisation or of other employees are dealt with, particularly to prevent recurrence. The Principal may initiate disciplinary action against 21 the Employee in the event of breach of the Code of Conduct or for failing to perform the required duties to a satisfactory level. Procedures for this action are outlined in the Staff Disciplinary Policy. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES In the interests of good Employee relations, any Employee who has any grievance relating to employment with the school should be able to seek resolution of the issue and have the grievance heard at the highest level of management. This opportunity should also be available to groups of employees who have a common grievance. HEALTH AND SAFETY The school pays considerable attention to the health of its Employees, particularly to protect the pupils. All Employees are required to have certain medical checks before and during employment, at the expense of the school. The Health and Safety policy is included as Appendix 8. If the health of an Employee does not meet the specified requirements, the school reserves the right to terminate employment. The philosophy of the school is to maintain a healthy environment for all. Job Safety In relation to their own actions, all Employees are required to take responsibility for their own safety and for the safety of other Employees, children attending the school, visitors to the school and the public at large. Where clothing is supplied, it must be worn and maintained in good condition. Hazards must be resolved as quickly as possible. Failure to observe safety requirements is a serious offence under the school’s Code of Conduct and may result in the termination of employment. iii) Accidents Where minor accidents occur, they must be referred immediately to the staff in the First Aid Room, who will prescribe treatment. Details of all accidents will be logged in the accident book that is kept in the First Aid Room. The Principal will handle any major accident or emergency with recommendations from the Health Officer, following the laid-down accident procedure. WORK SUSPENSION The School will suspend work, when appropriate, during sandstorms, storms and other emergencies. The Principal will determine and announce if work needs to be suspended, after taking into account the directives of the KSA government or any of its agencies, and after due consultation with the Board chair, security governor and appropriate embassies. Pay entitlements will not be affected when work is suspended in accordance with the immediately preceding paragraph. 22 Announcements on work suspension are disseminated through the emergency contact procedures, email and other means. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT The British International School is committed to the support and promotion of staff development and training. Staff development is defined as: Policies, procedures and practice designed by the school to develop the knowledge, skills and awareness of staff and by so doing, improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the individual and the school. The school interprets staff development as referring to all categories of its staff, for whom appropriate provision must be made. It recognises that the efficient and effective functioning of the school depends on its support for and provision of staff development and training teachers and non-teaching staff alike at all levels, including those working on a part-time or fixed-term basis. The aims of staff development and training are varied: To help individual staff acquire knowledge, skills or awareness which will allow them to fulfil current responsibilities more effectively; to help groups of staff to work more effectively together as a team: to help individuals or groups of staff meet the demands placed on them by organisational change and development of the school; to help individuals develop skills and/or gain qualifications which will equip them for future career development; to enable staff who acquire new skills to have these recognised and find appropriate opportunities to exercise them in their employment; to contribute to the general education and welfare of staff. The responsibility for staff development and training is three fold: individuals have responsibility for: reflecting on the evolving character of their work and future career aspirations and identifying their own staff development needs, discussing with their Line Manager development needs arising from their own reflection and the needs of the school and establishing priorities; seeking out and participating actively in forms of staff development and training which will help them to meet agreed needs and applying newly developed knowledge and skills in their work as appropriate. The school has responsibility for helping staff develop their performance and effectiveness; assisting staff in the identification of career development and training needs on a day-to-day basis and through formal procedures such as Performance Management; evaluating the effectiveness of training and development undertaken by staff, ensuring that as far as possible the training or development need is met where it is agreed that it is in the interest of the school and the individual; identifying organizational changes or development whose implementation will be assisted by the provision for the individuals or groups concerned of appropriate training and support. The SLT has responsibility for: devising, organising, running, monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the in-house training programme; cost-effective utilisation of external training courses, and the use of other external resources; initiation and monitoring of training activities within the school; providing specific advice on training and career development to staff. Coordination of identification of training needs; providing information to staff on the opportunities for staff development and training both internally and externally; liaison and co-operation with other training and development organisations; managing the staff development budget; advising the Governors and specifically the HR committee on matters in relation to the development and training of all categories of staff; exercising an overview of all staff development and training activities and liaising with Line Managers, Department Principals, Year Leaders and staff in order to identify and meet staff development and training needs. The School encourages staff to continue their professional development. It will cover the cost of attending courses which it requires staff to attend. Requests for funding for other courses (or 23 alternative forms of professional development) will be considered on an individual basis and will be at the discretion of the Principal. CPD funding will be based on the extent to which courses align with Performance Management targets and/or the school’s Strategic Plan. If it was felt appropriate, the School might contribute, on a negotiated basis, towards the cost of a course, the cost of flights and visas to attend it, and a per diem maintenance allowance for its duration. PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT The school has developed a performance management system involving all teaching and managerial staff. The basis of the system is the negotiation of targets with the individual’s immediate line manager. At least one of the targets should originate from the individual and another should derive directly or indirectly from initiatives being pursued by the Senior Leadership Team. All targets should be in harmony with the main development initiatives of the school and should not be seen as ‘additional’ or ‘tangential’ to that process. The individual’s success in achieving these targets will be assessed annually against pre-determined criteria and by those staff considered most appropriate for the task. The Senior Leadership Team, led by the Principal, operate an on-going, informal and continuous observation of on-the-job performance; and, as managers, Senior Leaders are responsible for counselling and coaching individuals to enhance performance. The documentation arising from the performance management process is regarded as personal to the individual, and the school holds a copy. Access is available to the individual’s line manager, appropriate members of Senior Leadership Team and the Principal. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT The school organises in-service training for teachers, led either by members of staff with relevant skills and knowledge or by introducing relevant specialists, usually from the British system. Teachers are encouraged to read on an individual basis in order to keep themselves up to date, and, where relevant, to extend their range of qualifications. Given a minimum of one month’s notice, staff may be required to attend in-service sessions even though these may be outside normal school hours. The school has a professional development budget and will propose/support staff attendance at relevant courses in response to the school strategic plan. The school maintains links with other British-style schools through its membership of BSME (British Schools of the Middle East). MANAGEMENT TRAINING Staff with Positions of Responsibility are able to participate in training activities that are organised for the teaching staff. They gain management and leadership experience by direct involvement in the training process, principally by organising and leading courses. The school will contribute to the cost of attendance at relevant management training programmes during leave periods by agreement of the Principal. PROMOTION The school positively encourages members of staff to seek more responsibility. For senior posts it invites applications from existing staff members as well as external candidates. 24 All vacant posts of responsibility will be advertised internally. Initial applications should be in writing, and short-listed applicants will be considered for interview. Applications will also be considered from other sources. INTERNAL APPOINTMENTS Vacancies will be advertised internally. Applicants will be short listed for interview by the relevant members of the SLT. Candidates will be interviewed by the Principal and/or Head of Primary, Head of Senior or Bursar. The Principal or Senior Manager leading the interviews will notify all candidates orally and in writing of the result of their application/interview. The Principal's PA and HR Department will administer the written aspects of this procedure. The HR Department will prepare all the necessary paperwork and employment and job specifications. Unsuccessful candidates have an entitlement of a debrief or feedback upon request. Positions of Responsibility apply for one year and do not necessarily run concurrently with the contract. 57NERAL PERSONNEL PRACTICES ETHICS AND BEHAVIOUR Employees shall not at any time engage in any activities that would compromise or embarrass the school, adversely affect their employment status or professional standing, or in any way conflict with or violate professional ethics. It is expected that all Employees will loyally support the school and seek to present the organisation in the most constructive way at all times whilst respecting the confidentiality of information as necessary. All teaching staff must recognise and respect the fact that they are working and residing in Saudi Arabia, and must abide by the laws, customs and standards of the country at all times. Any Employee who violates the above standards may be subject to discipline by the Principal, consistent with the terms of the Employment Agreement. CONFIDENTIALITY Employees should observe the confidentiality of privileged information. No Employee may be interviewed or make statements to the media without permission of the Principal. Any employee who breaks this rule will be liable to disciplinary action, and employment may be terminated. The requirement to maintain confidentiality regarding information gained during the course of employment continues after an individual has left the school’s employment. TELEPHONE AND FAX USE Overseas telephone calls may be made on approved telephones and in relation to school business. Personal calls or faxes may be made by arrangement with designated administration staff. The fax machine is provided for school business use. All messages must be lodged with the appropriate personnel. 25 EXPENSE CLAIMS AND CASH ADVANCES The Senior Leadership Team must approve all commitments made on behalf of the school that involve a financial liability in advance. When approved purchases are made on behalf of the school, all receipts must be kept. Reimbursement will be made only when receipts are attached to the relevant expense claim form. There are no per-diem amounts paid to Employees for business trips. All expenses incurred on school business trips, up to a reasonable limit, must be claimed back against receipts. A cash advance in relation to school expenditure (for example, for the purchase of approved resources) may very occasionally be made at the discretion of the Principal or The Bursar. This advance must be reconciled with receipts no later than the end of the month in which it was made, otherwise the employee’s salary will be deducted accordingly. 26 APPENDIX 1 CODE OF CONDUCT All members of staff are required at all times to comply with all the terms contained in their own terms of employment with the School and with the requirements of all other documentation, including this Code of Conduct as reviewed from time to time, and the Manual within which it is contained. All members of staff are employed on the understanding that all relevant information relating to their personal circumstances has been disclosed, including any previous criminal convictions. Failure to disclose information, which subsequently comes to the School’s attention, may result in termination of employment without notice, at the sole discretion of the school. Employees must: Be familiar with fire, emergency and evacuation procedures and obey these when the need arises Fulfil contractual requirements as laid down in the terms and conditions of employment, Employment Agreement documentation and this manual, of which this Code of Conduct forms a part Observe proper instructions from their own supervisor or a member of the management team Observe safety rules and follow safe working practices at all times Be polite to students, parents, other staff members and others at all times Co-operate with colleagues in the work environment Dress to a standard appropriate to their professional position Maintain the confidentiality of information about the school that is not in the public domain Be familiar with the Code of Business Ethics Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the commencement of disciplinary action against the individual at the discretion of the Principal Serious misconduct, examples of which are set out below, may render an Employee subject to summary dismissal: Gross moral turpitude Administering any form of corporal punishment to any child within the School Intoxication at any time Carrying offensive weapons while on School premises, or whilst on duty on behalf of the School Possession or use of narcotics Gambling Theft or fraud against the School, its pupils or staff Revelation of confidential information relating to the School, its pupils or staff Serious breaches of safety rules Prosecution for a criminal offence under Saudi Arabian Law Conduct which brings the reputation of the School into disrepute Contact with the media without permission of the Principal Serious misuse of School Internet/e-mail system and/or personal Social Network Sites etc. Establishing inappropriate relationships All disciplinary cases will be dealt with in accordance with the procedures set out in the Personnel Policy. 65 27 CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS Code of Business Ethics for all Professional Teaching Staff and Employees of The British International School, Riyadh. EXTRACT FROM FINANCIAL POLICY No favouritism shall be extended to any vendor. Each order must be placed after consideration of quality, price, delivery and past performance. Without prior advice to the Business Director and approval by the Finance Sub-Committee, no person connected with or employed by the school shall be an agent for, or have any beneficial interest in, or receive any compensation, commission or reward from any vendor for supply of materials, equipment, capital assets, consumables or services.” SCHOOL POLICY ON BUSINESS ETHICS The School expects all staff and Employees to be aware of these written Policies and in particular to remind staff and Employees who are involved with vendors or service providers that they are not permitted to receive any “compensation, commission or reward” from any vendor that has or may wish to have a supply arrangement with the school. This Policy does not cover benefits or services of a minor nature normally provided in a business relationship, where the refusal of small gifts and services would appear impolite. If the staff member or Employee is in doubt on the definition or implementation of this section, they should contact the Principal or the Business Director for advice. Gifts received by staff members with a value higher than 500 SAR must be reported to the Principal who will maintain a register of such gifts and decide on the disposition of the item. The Policy does not cover the receipt of gifts of a minor nature from parents, including parents with business links to the school, which appear normal and reasonable under the circumstances (e.g. Idul Fitri, Christmas, Birthday and School year-end). Gifts received by Professional Teaching Staff with a value higher than SR500 must be reported to the Principal who will maintain a register of such gifts and decide on the disposition of the item. 66 67 28 APPENDIX 2 CONDITIONS OF SERVICE – SPONSORED STAFF CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR SPONSORED STAFF BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL RIYADH 29 CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR SPONSORED STAFF 1. Introduction 2. Contract Status 3. Duties 4. Working Timetable (Teaching Staff Only) 5. Probationary Period 6. Contract Renewal 7. Completion of Contract 8. Termination of Contract 9. Remuneration 10. EOSB Entitlement and Final Monthly Salary 11. Taxation 12. Leave 13. Business Travel 14. Medical 15. Insurance 16. Accommodation 17. School Transport 18. Discipline 19. Confidentiality of Information 20. Responsible Use of School Internet and Email 21. Hostilities and Internal Security 22. Calendar 23. Miscellaneous 30 1. Introduction 1.1 These Conditions of Service, together with the employee’s Letter of Offer and Summary of Contract constitute a contract specifically for their employment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, hereinafter referred to as Saudi Arabia with the British International School, Riyadh, hereinafter referred to as the School. It is important, therefore, when considering a position that the employee read this document carefully. 1.2 This contract of employment is binding on both the School and the employee. Any agreed changes will normally be introduced for the following year, after due notice and consultation. In very exceptional circumstances, however, and only where Saudi Arabian Law or Labour Law changes at short notice, the School reserves the right to amend contracts accordingly. Exercise of this option would be rare and as much prior explanation and notification as possible would be given. 1.3 Children over 18 years will not be granted dependant status. The Summary of Contract will specify the names of authorised resident dependants. Where such an authorised resident dependant reaches 18 years of age and is being educated at the School, he/she will be entitled to all normal allowances up to the end of the school year in which he or she turns 18. 2. Contract Status 2.1 The employee’s contract is dependent on their sponsorship and marital status at the time of signing and as specified in the Summary of Contract. Given the local ramifications of sponsorship, if their sponsorship status or marital circumstances change, their contract will be reviewed. Employees are contractually obliged to inform the HR Manager if such a change occurs. Possible scenarios could include but are not limited to: a. If two School sponsored single status contracted teachers get married, both will retain their existing School sponsorship. Accommodation will be reduced to one unit. b. If a School sponsored contracted male teacher marries a non-School sponsored partner, sponsorship of the wife falls to the husband or remains with the company she is sponsored by in Saudi Arabia. Accommodation will not be upgraded. c. If a School sponsored contracted female teacher marries an individual sponsored by another company currently working in Saudi Arabia, sponsorship transfers to the husband and the School sponsored contracted female teacher will assume a nonsponsored status with immediate effect. A new non-School sponsored, local hire contract with different terms will then be started. Previous service will count towards End of Service Benefit (EOSB) entitlement under the new contract. Accommodation will not be provided and existing accommodation must be vacated. d. In the case of divorce, an immediate review of contracts will be undertaken and adjustment made to ensure compliance with Saudi Labour Law and sponsorship requirements. 3. Duties 3.1 The employee will be required to undertake such reasonable duties as are appropriate to their appointment and relevant to the job title as set out in their Letter of Offer, Summary of Contract, job description and all other documents which specify responsibilities and accountabilities. 31 3.2 All teachers are required to lead extra-curricular activities and to contribute to the inter-house programmes. 3.3 All employees are required to undertake all reasonable responsibilities as defined by the Principal or assigned Deputy. Teachers are also required to participate fully whenever the School is involved in the wider community, Parent Teacher Association activities, social, educational and sporting events organised for pupils. Teachers will be notified prior to the start of the school year which events they are expected to attend. 4. Working Timetable (Teaching Staff Only) 4.1 The school year follows the pattern adopted by most leading independent British day schools. 4.2 The ordinary teaching week runs, in correspondence with the Saudi Arabian working week, from Sunday to Thursday. The employee may be required to fulfil extra-curricular commitments and participate in other aspects of school life over the weekend (Thursday and/or Friday). 5. Probationary Period 5.1 The employee will be subject to a 90 day probationary period, exclusive of Eid al-Fitr, Eid al– Adha, and any other sick leave periods. This will commence from their first working day in the School. At any time during this period, the Principal may terminate the employee’s contract in writing. In such circumstances, the employee will be entitled to pay to their last day of service and repatriation at the School’s expense. 5.2 Successful completion of the employee’s probationary period will be confirmed, in writing, by the Principal. 6. Contract Renewal 6.1 Subject to article 6.3, the duration of the initial employment contract is two years. The employment contract may be renewed thereafter for further periods of one or two years if both contract parties agree. 6.2 The employee is contractually required to inform the Principal, in writing, of their intention to renew/not renew their contract by 30th November in the calendar year preceding their contract’s expiry date. The School will notify the employee of whether a contract will be extended by the last working day of Term 1. 6.3 Those employees who commence their contract after the beginning of the School year will be contracted only to the end of what would be the second year had they begun in August/September and undertaken a full initial two year contract. 6.4 Renewal of contracts is at the sole discretion of the School and will be based on an assessment as to whether individuals have fulfilled their obligations and met the School’s expectations. Failure to do so may result in a decision not to offer a further contract. Examples include but are not limited by: a. b. c. d. e. Fulfilment of formal leadership responsibilities, where appropriate Fulfilments of Expectations of a Teacher/Tutor/HoD-HoY and job description Enthusiastic commitment to extra-curricular and inter-house activities programme Ability to accept the constraints of life in Saudi Arabia willingly Acting as an ambassador for the School and its values 32 f. g. h. Ensuring that you and members of your family behave in a culturally-appropriate fashion at all times; Committing fully to supporting the vision and mission; Contributing extensively to a positive school climate and staff morale. 7. Completion of Contract 7.1 The obligations for completion within the terms of the employee’s contract are as follows: a. Completion of an initial two year contract, with notice of termination given as early as possible but no later than 30th November in the calendar year preceding their contract’s termination. b. Confirmation from the Principal that the employee has fulfilled all other professional obligations (reports, handover notes, etc). 7.2 7.3 8. The employee will be in breach of their contract should any of the following apply: a. They fail to complete the contractual period. b. They fail to give the required notice of termination, i.e. by 30 th November in the calendar year preceding their contract’s expiry date. c. They fail to report for duty during term time. d. They fail to satisfy the Principal over their professional obligations. e. They are found guilty of gross misconduct resulting in dismissal following a disciplinary hearing in line with the School’s Disciplinary Policy. Should the employee be in breach of their contract, they will incur the following: a. Loss of salary and all allowances from last day of service. b. Loss of travel allowance for the current and subsequent contractual year. c. Loss of baggage allowance. d. The School reserves the discretionary right to withhold End of Service Benefits for the current, incomplete contractual year. Termination of Contract The School may give the employee notice of termination of contract in writing at any time during their contract of employment and this will comprise a three month notice period. The reason(s) for the termination will be clearly outlined. If the School does not wish the employee to work their notice period or part of it, they reserve the right to pay the employee in lieu. In such cases the employee will be paid their basic salary and any Positions of Responsibility allowances for the full notice period or the remainder of the notice period only. Repatriation, at the School’s expense, will be to their country of residence as stated in their Summary of Contract. 9. Remuneration 9.1 All monthly salary and allowance calculations are based on 365 contractual days, with total payments divided into twelve equal parts, paid monthly in Saudi Arabian Riyals in arrears. The employee’s salary payment for the July and August will be paid with their June salary. 33 9.2 The employee’s initial Summary of Contract and Letter of Offer will specify their annual remuneration, consisting of a basic salary and any other allowances, including Positions of Responsibility and overseas allowance. 9.3 The School reserves the right to review the allocation of Positions of Responsibility on an annual basis. 9.4 Deductions from salary for authorised unpaid absence will be made at the end of each month on the basis of 1/365 of annual salary per day of absence. Please note that unpaid leave of absence also affects the employee’s End of Service Benefit (EOSB). 9.5 Absence for part of a working day may be authorised by a Senior Leadership Team member. Absence that has not been approved will incur the automatic deduction of one full day’s pay i.e. 1/365 of annual salary. 9.6 The employee is required to open a local Saudi Arabian bank account and to pass full details to the School for the payment of salaries and other sums. They are advised to open an account with the Saudi Arabian British Bank (SABB), to which the School is currently affiliated, but they are free to choose any other bank. If they do so, however, they will be liable for any additional charges the School might incur for using a non SABB account. 9.7 A returnable deposit of SR3,000 per School sponsored individual or couple will be retained when the employee leaves, to cover unforeseen expenses chargeable to the School. The balance will be refunded within three months. 9.8 Overseas Allowance All School sponsored staff are entitled to receive an overseas allowance amounting to 30% of the employee’s basic salary. As well as recognising the employee’s commitments arising from living and working in Saudi Arabia, the overseas allowance also recognises the school’s need for continuity amongst its overseas recruited staff and the commitment expected of the employee to complete in full their initial contract and, as applicable, each subsequent contract. 9.9 Travel Allowance At the beginning of the employee’s initial contract, the staff member and their agreed resident dependants will be provided with a single, economy class ticket to Riyadh from their nearest regional airport in the country of domicile according to their Summary of Contract. For each completed school year under contract the employee and their agreed resident dependants will be entitled to a travel allowance, payable in May each year. This is intended to provide the employee with one economy return trip to their country of domicile. The amount payable will be agreed by the Board of Governors in March each year. During the employee’s final year (and provided contractual obligations have been met in full), the employee and their agreed resident dependants will be entitled to 50% of the annual travel allowance, payable in May. This is intended to provide the employee and their agreed resident dependents with one single economy trip to their country of domicile. Those employees who commence their contract during the School year will be entitled to the full annual allowance. In the event of force majeure, the employee and their agreed resident dependents will be repatriated at the School’s expense to their nearest regional airport in the country of domicile according to their Summary of Contract. 34 9.10 Visa Allowance The School will obtain and fund visas relating to (a) the employee and their agreed resident dependants arrival, (b) all business travel, (c) ‘out and return’ on renewal of contract and (d) ‘exit only’ on final departure. All other visas, including six-monthly multiple exit/re-entry visas for recreational use must be funded by the employee. The School will assist in obtaining such multiple entry/re-entry visas on their behalf. 9.11 Family Visit Visas Under Saudi Arabian regulations, only immediate family members may visit the employee in Riyadh and the Principal must first approve all such visits. The visiting family member remains the responsibility of the employee. The School will make the necessary visa applications on the employee’s behalf. Visit visas are granted at the discretion of the Saudi Arabian authorities and not the School and therefore cannot be guaranteed. The employee must bear the cost of these visas, together with the variable and actual administration costs incurred by the Saudi Liaison Officer. The employee is also fully responsible for checking the details of the visa i.e. duration and date of expiry. The employee is advised not to pay for their flight until the visa has been issued/confirmed. The employee, not the School, bear responsibility for the conduct and wellbeing of any visitors they host. The employee is therefore strongly advised to ensure that any visitors arrange relevant insurance cover, especially medical insurance to which they bear all costs. In times of high security tension and depending on travel advice from the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office, the School may decline visit requests. 9.12 Baggage Allowance The employee and their agreed resident dependants will be provided with a flat-rate allowance of SR2,000 each for unaccompanied airfreight to Riyadh on first arrival. Original receipts are required within one month of arrival. A flat-rate allowance of SR3,000 per adult and each resident dependant will be paid upon final departure to those entitled to repatriation costs. 9.13 Child Education Allowance (CEA) Free education will be provided at the School, up to the age of 18 years, for up to two agreed resident dependant children of School sponsored staff. 9.14 Professional Development Allowance (PDA) The School encourages staff to continue their professional development. It will cover the cost of attending courses which it requires staff to attend. Requests for funding for other courses (or alternative forms of professional development) will be considered on an individual basis and will be at the discretion of the Principal. CPD funding will be based on the extent to which courses align with Performance Management targets and/or the school’s Strategic Plan. If it was felt appropriate, the School might contribute, on a negotiated basis, towards the cost of a course, the cost of flights and visas to attend it, and a per diem maintenance allowance for its duration. 9.15 Car Purchase Allowance Male employees may apply for an interest-free loan of up to SR50,000 to assist in the purchase (not lease) of a motor vehicle, excluding a motor-cycle. The loan is to be repaid within a maximum of 2 years, by monthly deductions from the employee’s salary. The vehicle is to be comprehensively insured at the employee’s expense. During the period of repayment, the School will keep a copy of the istamara (registration document) and other papers relating to the vehicle. In the event of departure before repayment is complete, the outstanding sum is to be repaid 35 immediately. All male employees are encouraged to purchase their own cars given that for social purposes priority is given to single employed females as per the school’s Transport Policy. 10. End Of Service Benefit (EOSB) Entitlement and Final Monthly Salary 10.1 EOSB This will be calculated based on the cumulative number of days worked, taking into account any unpaid days of absence. Any cumulative shortfall between actual days worked and total contracted days will be applied at the end of their service as a pro rata reduction in your final year. Any incomplete years that an employee has worked prior to September 2006 will be considered complete, i.e. ‘topped up’. Unpaid leave during term time, whenever taken, can never be made up and will reduce the employee’s final year EOSB at whatever rate applies at that time. 10.2 EOSB will be paid according to the employee’s length of service as follows: Length of Service Entitlement Up to 5 Years: 0.5 x FMS for each completed year and pro rata, if applicable for the final year. Over 5 Years: 0.5 x FMS for each of the first 5 completed years and 1.0 x FMS for each completed year over 5 years, pro rata if applicable for the final year. 10.3 Final Monthly Salary (FMS) For the purposes of calculating the FMS, it would be assumed that the employee’s basic wage will be used, as defined, but will include 14/12 of their basic salary as compensation for the housing that they are provided with. In addition other allowances, such as POR, will then be added to arrive at a FMS. For the purposes of calculating the employee’s FMS, it will be assumed that the year comprises 14 months and they will be regarded as having been paid 1/12 of that 14 month total. The additional 2/12 reflects the Housing Benefit. In addition, 1/12, i.e. a month’s worth, of the employee’s Overseas Allowance and GOSI contributions, and 1/12, i.e. a month’s worth, of any POR they hold, will be added to the calculation of their monthly 14 months year salary to compute the FMS. Note: This FMS calculation relates solely to the employee’s EOSB entitlement and does not relate to the actual salary received in the final month. 11. Taxation 11.1 Under current Saudi Arabian legislation the employee is not liable for local income tax. Should this change please be aware that the employee rather than the School, will be liable if income tax is introduced. 11.2 It is the employee’s personal responsibility to settle any liability for personal taxation outside of Saudi Arabia. 12. Leave 12.1 Standard Leave 36 Leave when the School is closed will normally be granted and will be agreed at the beginning of the School year. However, under exceptional circumstances, the Principal may require the employee to work during school holidays. Extended Leadership Team, Senior Leadership Team and Administration staff are required to commence work two working weeks before the first teaching day of the new academic year on a date that is set each year by the Principal. Teaching staff are required to commence work one working week before the first teaching day of the new academic year on a date that is set each year by the Principal. 12.2 Sick Leave An employee who is proven to be sick is entitled to paid sick leave. A medical certificate signed by a registered medical practitioner must be presented for all personal and parental absences in excess of two consecutive working days. In the unfortunate instance of a serious health problem, the School would seek to act as humanely as it could, bearing in mind all the factors pertaining to the particular case. The employee may be absent for up to two working days at a time in the event of a dependant child being ill. In the event that a husband and wife both work at the School, only one may take the permitted two working days absence at any one time, i.e. the mother may take two days off, followed by the father taking off two days. A maximum of four days can be taken off for child sickness by a teaching couple at one time. In the case of serious illness, or enforced absence due to Government directives, further periods of absence may be requested by application to the Principal or assigned Deputy. Absence due to sickness should be notified to a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) no later than 6:30am on the day of absence so that alternative arrangements may be made. If the employee attends work but leaves the School before 11:00am, this will count as a full day’s sick leave. 12.3 Maternity Leave Maternity Leave granted to a female employee will span the period of four calendar weeks prior to the expected delivery date until six calendar weeks after the actual birth. If maternity leave applies, the employee will not be permitted to work in the School between the commencement and completion of the maternity leave period. Note that the calculation of maternity leave is based on calendar days, irrespective of weekends or holidays. a. Maternity leave should be initiated with a written request to the Principal, at least three months before the expected date of delivery. The request must indicate the date that their leave will begin and the date that they expect to return to work. e. A statement from a medical practitioner, verifying pregnancy and indicating the expected date of delivery, must be attached. f. They will be entitled to half pay during maternity leave provided they have been employed by the School for at least one year prior to the date maternity leave commences, and full pay provided they have been employed by the School for three years prior to the leave commencing. Failure to return to work after maternity leave will result in the employee losing the entitlement to maternity pay. g. Maternity leave, whether paid or unpaid, will be ignored (i.e. not deducted) in the calculation of End of Service Benefits (EOSB), provided they return to work as expected. If they fail to do so, the final day of service for EOSB purposes will be the date maternity leave commenced. 37 12.4 Compassionate Leave Up to five days paid leave may be granted in matters of a compassionate nature, i.e. serious illness or bereavement in the immediate family (spouse, children, parents and parents of spouse) if authorised by the Principal. Applications should be made and confirmed in writing. Extensions to compassionate leave must be approved by the Principal and will be treated as authorised unpaid leave. 12.5 Interview Leave At the discretion of the Principal, except in the initial year of employment, the employee may be granted up to 1 day of paid leave for each completed year of service and up to a maximum of two days unpaid leave annually, for attendance at job interviews, consequent upon receipt of resignation. 12.6 Professional Development/Workday Leave Leave may be granted for attendance on an approved training course. Depending on the level of benefit to the School, this leave may be paid or unpaid or a combination, at the Principal’s discretion. 12.7 Part Day Leave of Absence Absence for part of a working day may be authorised by a Senior Leadership Team member. If such absence has not been approved, this will incur the automatic deduction of one full day’s pay. 12.8 Personal Leave of Absence In exceptional circumstances and at the Principal’s discretion, unpaid leave of absence during term time may be granted. In common with all unpaid leave, personal leave of absence will be deducted in the calculation of EOSB. 13. Business Travel The School will pay or reimburse the employee, on presentation of original receipts, for all preapproved reasonable business expenses incurred in respect of out-of-town assignments or attendance on school-requested staff development courses. 14. Medical 14.1 Before being accepted for employment with the School, the employee will be required by the Saudi Arabian Embassy in their country of citizenship to provide a medical certificate of fitness to work in Saudi Arabia. A similar certificate will be required for each agreed resident dependant. The School will refund the reasonable costs, on presentation of original receipts within one month of your arrival. A Saudi Arabian medical which is a statutory requirement, will be carried out on arrival. The school will arrange this medical examination and cover all costs involved. 14.2 Occupational accidents must be reported immediately to the School Nurse. In turn, these will be notified to the General Organisation of Social Insurance (GOSI) thereby qualifying for compensation payments under Saudi Arabian Law should the need arise. 14.3 International Medical Cover The School provides comprehensive medical insurance cover for School-sponsored staff, their resident spouses and up to two agreed resident dependent children. Details of the current provision can be obtained from the HR Manager. 38 14.4 Pre-existing Conditions The employee is required to declare any pre-existing conditions, some of which may be covered subject to a limit within the cover provided. Any pre-existing injuries that are not covered by our current medical insurer will not be covered financially by the School. 15. Insurance 15.1 Personal Effects Personal effects are covered up to SR3,000 whilst on school premises and household contents to the value of SR10,000 per household. 15.2 Personal Accident Staff are covered up to SR200,000 in respect of personal accident. 15.3 Life Insurance Staff are covered, on or off duty, up to SR200,000 per person for death. 15.4 School Vehicle Insurance The School Vehicle Insurance covers employees and dependants travelling in school vehicles. 15.5 General Liability Comprehensive cover against third party liability for school staff is provided. Note: Policy documents in respect of the above cover are held by the HR Manager. Upon taking up appointment the employee will be issued with full details of medical cover and will be required to read and sign a document to that effect. They are also advised to make themselves conversant with the relevant sections of the other policies above. 16. Accommodation For the duration of the contract, the School will provide the employee with furnished accommodation in line with the Accommodation Policy. It is their responsibility to read and understand this Policy. 17. School Transport School Transport is provided for both work related and social purposes. For work purposes it is available to all members of staff irrespective of status; for social purposes priority is given to single employed females as per the school’s transport policy. 18. Discipline 18.1 The employee is subject to the School’s Disciplinary Policy and Procedure. It is their responsibility to read and understand this Policy. 18.2 If a disciplinary investigation results in summary dismissal, i.e. dismissal without notice or pay in lieu of notice, the employee will be repatriated to their designated home country at the school’s expense. 19. Confidentiality of Information The employee should regard all sensitive and confidential matters affecting the running of the School as strictly confidential. They must not use or disclose to any person any sensitive and confidential information relating to the School, its staff, pupils or its business without the prior approval of the Principal. 39 20. Responsible Use of School Internet and Email The employee is subject to the School’s Email and Internet Use Policy. It is their responsibility to read and understand this Policy. 21. Hostilities and Internal Security 21.1 If Saudi Arabia becomes involved in hostilities, declared or otherwise, or the security situation deteriorates significantly, the School may, subject to advice from the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, authorise the evacuation of school employees, agreed resident dependents and/or close the School. 21.2 Should the School close temporarily; the employee will be expected to return as soon as possible under your existing contract upon its reopening. 21.3 Should the School close permanently, the provisions in paragraph 8 would apply. 21.4 Should the School remain open or close temporarily but the employee elects to leave for personal reasons, without giving due notice, the provisions of paragraph 7 would apply. 22. Calendar The Gregorian calendar shall be applicable and prevail. 23. Miscellaneous 23.1 Smoking The School is a no smoking zone. Employees are not permitted to smoke on the school premises or vicinity at any time during the school day. 23.2 Pets The employee is permitted to bring pets into Saudi Arabia, at their own cost and risk, but the School will not be liable for the repatriation or disposal of pets acquired whilst in post. 23.3 Country of Domicile This is defined as the employee’s country of citizenship as per the passport that they provide prior to contract acceptance. 23.4 Travel Documents The employee must hold a full passport, valid for at least 6 months from their expected arrival in Saudi Arabia, with at least 6 consecutive blank visa pages. 23.5 Private Paid Working The Principal’s permission must be sought prior to embarking on any private work and the Principal may revoke permission at any time. Use of the School premises for private paid working will be subject to the conditions as set out in the policy on the use of the School premises after school hours. 40 23.6 Saudi Arabian Law, Culture and Customs The employee is subject to Saudi Arabian Law and must pay due respect to the civil and religious institutions and customs of Saudi Arabia. They must not take part in political activity in the Kingdom or in any activity prejudicial to the School’s interests. 23.7 School Policies On arrival the employee will be required to read and to make themselves familiar with all School policies in particular those relevant to their appointment (e.g. for teachers - Behaviour and Discipline Policy, Child Protection, Bullying and Physical Intervention). Details of those policies are contained on the School’s intranet and in the School Staff Handbook which will be issued on arrival. When signing below the employee is indicating their acceptance of this requirement. Please sign and return this section with your signed Summary of Contract. I have read and understood the contents of this Conditions of Service document and accept the terms contained in my Summary of Contract. I have also read and understood the Policies and Procedures as referred to in this document. Name: _______________________________ Signed: ______________________________ Date: ________________ 41 Passports, Visas and Iqama Guidelines for Sponsored Staff Passports The HR Department is responsible for: Ensuring that when a staff member or one of their resident dependants obtain a new passport, they work with the Saudi Liaison Officer to get the residency visa transferred from the old to the new passport The staff member is responsible for all passport related issues, including the following: Ensuring that they and their resident dependants have a valid passport Ensuring that their passport and those of their resident dependants have the required number of blank pages before travelling Ensuring that their passport and those of their resident dependants satisfy any regulations regarding the length of validity before travelling Ensuring that when they or one of their resident dependants obtain a new passport, they provide the HR Department with their old passport, their new passport and their iqama in order for the residency visa to be transferred across from the old to new passport It is strongly recommended that you use a reputable source of information such as the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website at https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to check the entry requirements before travelling. Information on how to renew a passport can be found on the Gov.UK website at https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports Single/Multi re-Entry Visas You and your resident dependants must have a valid single or multi re-entry visa each time you wish to leave KSA and return again. The HR Department will: Continue to send an email to staff prior to any holiday periods to invite requests for visas Work with the Saudi Liaison Officer to obtain the visa The staff member is responsible for: Ensuring that they and their resident dependants have a valid visa before travelling Ensuring that they read emails from the HR Department and that they follow the instructions within the given timeframe Ensuring that if they or their resident dependants require a visa, they provide the HR Department with their passport and the correct amount of money (500 SR for a multi re-entry visa and 200 SR for a single re-entry visa) within the given timeframe As previously communicated, to check the validity of your visa, you need to access the Muqeem website at https://www.eserve.com.sa/VVSWeb/ and follow the steps below: Step 1: Click on English Step 2: Use the drop down menus to select two types of identification Step 3: Enter the relevant personal details for the identification you have selected Step 4: Click on Check 42 You will then be taken to a page which will confirm if you have a valid visa or not. It is strongly recommend that if you do have a valid visa, you print out a copy of this page to keep with your travel documents. Exit Only Visas Upon final departure, staff members obtain an exit only visa to make their final departure from KSA. The HR Department will: Advise the staff member of the process of obtaining an Exit Only Visa and guide them through each step of the process The staff member is responsible for: Ensuring that they read emails from the HR Department and that they follow the instructions within the given timeframe Family Visit Visas A family visit visa is required for any immediate family visitor wishing to enter KSA. The HR Department is responsible for: Obtaining written approval from the Principal for the visitor to enter KSA Working with the Saudi Liaison Officer to obtain the visa, if possible within the constraints of KSA regulations The staff member is responsible for: Requesting a visit visa from the HR Department. The staff member must provide a copy of the picture page of the intended family member’s passport, dates of intended visit and 25 SR to cover the cost of the Chamber of Commerce stamp Iqamas The HR Department are responsible for: Contacting staff when their iqama needs to be renewed Working with the Saudi Liaison Officer to obtain the renewed iqama The staff member is responsible for: Ensuring that they have their iqama with them at all times within KSA Ensuring that they do not lose their iqama – doing so will result in a fine for the individual not the school. The fine is 1,000 SR for the first offence and increases with any repeat offences Ensuring that they read emails from the HR Department and that they follow the instructions within the given timeframe Due to change from paper to electronic visas, staff are now advised to also have their iqama with them when travelling outside of KSA. Please do bear in mind the point above however, that if the staff member loses their iqama they themselves would be liable for a fine. 43 APPENDIX 3 CONDITIONS OF SERVICE – LOCALLY CONTRACTED STAFF CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR LOCALLY CONTRACTED STAFF BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL RIYADH 44 CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR LOCALLY CONTRACTED STAFF 1. Introduction 2. Contract Status 3. Duties 4. Working Timetable (Teaching Staff Only) 5. Probationary Period 6. Contract Renewal 7. Completion of Contract 8. Termination of Contract 9. Remuneration 10. End of Service Benefit and Final Month Salary 11. Taxation 12. Allowances 13. Leave 14. Business Travel 15. Medical 16. Insurance 17. Discipline 18. Confidentiality of Information 19. Responsible Use of School Internet and Email 20. Hostilities & Internal Security 21. Calendar 22. Miscellaneous 45 1. Introduction 1.1 These Conditions of Service, together with the employee’s Letter of Offer and Summary of Contract constitute a contract specifically for their employment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, hereinafter referred to as Saudi Arabia, with the British International School, Riyadh, hereinafter referred to as the School. It is important, therefore, when considering a position that the employee read this document carefully. 1.2 This contract of employment is binding on both the School and the employee. Any agreed changes will normally be introduced for the following year, after due notice and consultation. In very exceptional circumstances, however, and only where Saudi Arabian Law or Labour Law changes at short notice, the School reserves the right to amend contracts accordingly. Exercise of this option would be rare and as much prior explanation and notification as possible would be given. 2. Contract Status The employee’s contract is dependent on their sponsorship and marital status at the time of signing and as specified in the Summary of Contract. Given the local ramifications of sponsorship, if their sponsorship status or marital circumstances change, their contract will be reviewed. Employees are contractually obliged to inform the HR Manager if such a change occurs. 3. Duties 3.1 The employee will be required to undertake such reasonable duties as are appropriate to their appointment and relevant to their job title as set out in their Letter of Offer, Summary of Contract, job description and all other documents which specify responsibilities and accountabilities. 3.2 All teachers are required to lead extra-curricular activities and to contribute to the inter-house programmes. 3.3 All employees are required to undertake all reasonable responsibilities as defined by the Principal or assigned Deputy. Teachers are also required to participate fully whenever the School is involved in the wider community, Parent Teacher Association activities, social, educational and sporting events organised for pupils. Teachers will be notified prior to the start of the school year which events they are expected to attend. 4. Working Timetable (Teaching Staff Only) 4.1 The school year follows the pattern adopted by most leading independent British day schools. 4.2 The ordinary teaching week runs, in correspondence with the Saudi Arabian working week, from Sunday to Thursday. The employee may be required to fulfil extra-curricular commitments and participate in other aspects of school life over the weekend (Thursday and/or Friday). 5. Probationary Period 5.1 The employee will be subject to a 90 day probationary period exclusive of Eid al-Fitr,Eid alAdha and any other sick leave period. This will commence from their first working day in the School. At any time during this period, the Principal may terminate their contract in writing. In such circumstances the employee will be entitled to pay to their last working day service. 46 5.2 Successful completion of the employee’s probationary period will be confirmed in writing by the Principal. 6. Contract Renewal 6.1 School contracts for locally employed staff are for 1 year. The employment contract may be renewed thereafter for further periods of one year if both of the contracted parties agree. 6.2 Those employees who commence their contract after the beginning of the School year will be contracted only to the end of that current School year. 6.3 Renewal of contracts is at the sole discretion of the School and will be based on an assessment as to whether individuals have fulfilled their obligations and met the School’s expectations. Failure to do so may result in a decision not to offer a further contract. Examples include but are not limited by; a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. Fulfilment of formal leadership responsibilities, where appropriate Fulfilment of Expectations of a Teacher/Tutor/HoD-HoY and job description Enthusiastic commitment to extra-curricular and inter-house activities program Ability to accept the constraints of life in Saudi Arabia willingly Acting as an ambassador for the School and its values Ensuring that you and members of your family behave in a culturally appropriate fashion at all times Committing fully to supporting the vision and mission Contributing extensively to a positive school climate and staff morale 7. Completion of Contract 7.1 The obligations for completion within the terms of the employee’s contract are as follows: a. b. 7.2 Completion of an initial contract. We recognise that locally hired staff may move at short notice because of their spouse’s contractual obligations. If an employee decides not to renew their contract, but are not leaving the kingdom, they will be expected to give notice of their intention by 30 November in the year preceding the expiry of your contract. If their spouse’s contract ends during an academic year, we would require written confirmation of that from his/her employer, and that the employee would give at least 4 working weeks (i.e. term time) notice of their intended departure. Confirmation from the Principal that the employee has fulfilled all other professional obligations (reports, hand-over notes, etc). The employee will be in breach of their contract should any of the following apply: a. They fail to complete the contractual period. b. They fail to give 4 working weeks (i.e. term time) notice of their departure, or, if they are not renewing their contract, but are remaining in Riyadh, they do not indicate their intention to leave by 30 November, of the year preceding the expiry of their contract. c. They fail to report for duty during term time. d. They fail to satisfy the Principal over their professional obligations prior to departure. 47 e. They are found guilty of gross misconduct following a disciplinary hearing in line with the School’s Disciplinary Policy. 7.3 If notice obligations are not met in full, the School reserves the discretionary right to withhold End of Service Benefits for the current, incomplete contractual year. 8. Termination of Contract The School may give the employee notice of termination of contract in writing at any time during their contract of employment and this will comprise a 4 working week (i.e. term time) notice period. The reason(s) for the termination will be clearly outlined. If the School does not wish the employee to work their notice period or part of it, they reserve the right to pay the employee in lieu. In such cases, the employee will be paid their basic salary and any Positions of Responsibility allowances for the full notice period or the remainder of the notice period only. 9. Remuneration 9.1 All monthly salary and allowance calculations are based on 365 contractual days, with total payments divided into twelve equal parts, paid monthly in Saudi Arabian Riyals in arrears. The employee’s salary payment for the July and August will be paid with their June salary. 9.2 The employee’s initial Summary of Contract and Letter of Offer will specify their annual remuneration, consisting of a basic salary and any other allowances, including Positions of Responsibility. 9.3 The School reserves the right to review the allocation of Positions of Responsibility on an annual basis. 9.4 Deductions from salary for authorised unpaid absence will be made at the end of each month on the basis of 1/365 of annual salary per day of absence. Please note that unpaid leave of absence also affects the employee’s End of Service Benefit (EOSB). 9.5 Absence for part of a working day may be authorised by a Senior Leadership Team member. Absence that has not been approved will incur the automatic deduction of one full day’s pay i.e. 1/365 of annual salary. 9.6 The employee is required to open a local Saudi Arabian bank account and to pass full details to the School for the payment of salaries and other sums. They are advised to open an account with the Saudi Arabian British Bank (SABB), to which the School is currently affiliated, but they are free to choose any other bank If they do so, however, they will be liable for any additional charges the School might incur for using a non SABB account. 10. End of Service Benefit (EOSB) Entitlement and Final Monthly Salary 10.1 EOSB This will be calculated based on the cumulative number of days worked, taking into account any unpaid days of absence. Any cumulative shortfall between actual days worked and total contracted days will be applied at the end of their service as a pro rata reduction in your final year. 48 Any incomplete years that an employee has worked prior to September 2006 will be considered complete, i.e. ‘topped up’. Unpaid leave during term time, whenever taken, can never be made up and will reduce the employee’s final year EOSB at whatever rate applies at the time. 10.2 Final Monthly Salary (FMS) This will comprise of the employee’s final year basic monthly salary which will take into account any allowances that they may be in receipt off, including any Position of Responsibility allowances. 10.3 EOSB will be paid according to their length of service as follows; 11. Length of Service Entitlement Up to 5 Years: 0.5 x FMS for each completed year and pro rata, if applicable, for the final year. Over 5 Years: 0.5 x FMS for each of the first 5 completed years and 1.0 x FMS for each completed year over 5 years, pro rata if applicable for the final year. Taxation 11.1 Under current Saudi Arabian legislation the employee is not liable for local income tax. Should this change please be aware that the employee rather than the School, will be liable if income tax is introduced. 11.2 It is the employee’s personal responsibility to settle any liability for personal taxation outside of Saudi Arabia. 12. Allowances Professional Development Allowance (PDA) The School encourages staff to continue their professional development. It will cover the cost of attending courses which it requires staff to attend. Requests for funding for other courses (or alternative forms of professional development) will be considered on an individual basis and will be at the discretion of the Principal. CPD funding will be based on the extent to which courses align with Performance Management targets and/or the school’s Strategic Plan. If it was felt appropriate, the School might contribute, on a negotiated basis, towards the cost of a course, the cost of flights and visas to attend it, and a per diem maintenance allowance for its duration. 13. Leave 13.1 Standard Leave Leave when the School is closed will normally be granted and will be agreed at the beginning of the School year. However, under exceptional circumstances, the Principal may require the employee to work during school holidays. Extended Leadership Team, Senior Leadership Team and Administration staff are required to commence work up to two working weeks before the first teaching day of the new academic year on a date that is set each year by the Principal. Teaching staff are required to commence work up to one working week before the first teaching day of the new academic year on a date that is set each year by the Principal. 49 13.2 Sick Leave An employee who is proven to be sick is entitled to paid sick leave. A medical certificate signed by a registered medical practitioner must be presented for all personal and parental absences in excess of two consecutive working days. In the unfortunate instance of a serious health problem, the School would seek to act as humanely as it could, bearing in mind all the factors pertaining to the particular case. The employee may be absent for up to two working days at a time in the event of a dependant child being ill. In the case of serious illness, or enforced absence due to Government directives, further periods of absence may be requested by application to the Principal or assigned Deputy. Absence due to sickness should be notified to a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) no later than 6:30am on the day of absence so that alternative arrangements may be made. If the employee attends work but leaves the School before 11:00am, this will count as a full day’s sick leave. 13.3 Maternity Leave Maternity Leave granted to a female employee will span the period of four calendar weeks prior to the expected delivery date until six calendar weeks after the actual birth. If maternity leave applies, you will not be permitted to work in the School between the commencement and completion of the maternity leave period. Note that the calculation of maternity leave is based on calendar days, irrespective of weekends or holidays. a. Maternity leave should be initiated with a written request to the Principal, at least three months before the expected date of delivery. The request must indicate the date that their eave will begin and the date that they expect to return to work. b. A statement from a medical practitioner, verifying pregnancy and indicating the expected date of delivery, must be attached. c. They will be entitled to half pay during maternity leave provided they have been employed by the School for at least one year prior to the date maternity leave commences, and full pay provided they have been employed by the School for three years prior to the leave commencing. Failure to return to work after maternity leave will result in the employee losing the entitlement to maternity pay. d. Maternity leave, whether paid or unpaid, will be ignored (i.e. not deducted) in the calculation of End of Service Benefits (EOSB), provided they return to work as expected. If they fail to do so, the final day of service for EOSB purposes will be the date maternity leave commenced. 13.4 Compassionate Leave Up to five days paid leave may be granted in matters of a compassionate nature, i.e. serious illness or bereavement in the immediate family (spouse, children, parents and parents of spouse) if authorised by the Principal. Applications should be made and confirmed in writing. Extensions to compassionate leave must be approved by the Principal and will be treated as authorised unpaid leave. 50 13.5 Professional Development/Workday Leave Leave may be granted for attendance on an approved training course. Depending on the level of benefit to the School, this leave may be paid or unpaid or a combination, at the Principal’s discretion. 13.6 Part Day Leave of Absence Absence for part of a working day may be authorised by a SLT member. If such absence has not been approved, this will incur the automatic deduction of one full day’s pay 13.7 Personal Leave of Absence In exceptional circumstances, and at the Principal’s discretion, unpaid leave of absence during term time may be granted. In common with all unpaid leave, personal leave of absence will be deducted in the calculation of EOSB. 14. Business Travel The school will pay or reimburse the employee, on presentation of original receipts, for all preapproved reasonable business expenses incurred in respect of out-of-town assignments or attendance on School-requested staff development courses. 15. Medical 15.1 Before being accepted for employment with the School, the prospective employee will be required to provide a medical certificate confirming their fitness to work in Saudi Arabia. 15.2 Occupational accidents must be reported immediately to the School Nurse. 16. Insurance 16.1 Personal Effects Personal effects are covered up to SR 3,000 whilst on school premises. 16.2 Personal Accident Insurance Staff are covered up to SR100,000 in respect of Personal Accident. 16.3 School Vehicle Insurance The School Vehicle Insurance covers employees travelling in school vehicles. 16.4 General Liability Comprehensive cover against third party liability for all School staff is provided. Note: Policy documents in respect of the above cover are held by the HR Manager. 17. Discipline The employee is subject to the School’s Disciplinary Policy and Procedure. It is their responsibility to read and understand this Policy. 51 18. Confidentiality of Information The employee should regard all sensitive and confidential matters affecting the running of the School as strictly confidential. They must not use or disclose to any person any sensitive or confidential information relating to the School, its staff, pupils or its business without the prior approval of the Principal. 19. Responsible Use of School Internet and Email The employee is subject to the School’s Email and Internet Use Policy. It is their responsibility to read and understand this Policy. 20. Hostilities & Internal Security 20.1 If Saudi Arabia becomes involved in hostilities, declared or otherwise, or the security situation deteriorates significantly, the School may, subject to advice from the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, authorise the evacuation of school employees and/or close the School. 20.2 Should the School close temporarily, the employee would be expected to return as soon as possible under their existing contract upon its reopening. 20.3 Should the School close permanently, the provisions in paragraph 8 would apply 20.4 Should the School remain open or close temporarily but the employee elects to leave for personal reasons, without giving due notice, the provisions of paragraph 7 would apply. 21. Calendar The Gregorian calendar shall be applicable and prevail. 22. Miscellaneous 22.1 Smoking The School is a no smoking zone. Employees are not permitted to smoke on the school premises or immediate vicinity at any time during the school day. 22.2 Private Paid Working The Principal’s permission must be sought prior to embarking on any private work and the Principal may revoke permission at any time. Use of the School premises for private paid working will be subject to the conditions as set out in the policy on the use of the School premises after school hours. 22.3 Saudi Arabian Law, Culture and Customs The employee is subject to Saudi Arabian Law and must pay due respect to the civil and religious institutions and customs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They must not take part in political activity in the Kingdom or in any activity prejudicial to the School’s interests. 22.4 School Policies On arrival the employee will be required to read and to make themselves familiar with all School policies in particular those relevant to their appointment (e.g. for teachers - Behaviour and 52 Discipline Policy, Child Protection, Bullying and Physical Intervention). Details of those policies are contained on the School’s intranet and in the School Staff Handbook which will be issued on arrival. When signing below the employee is indicating their acceptance of this requirement. Please sign and return this section with your signed Summary of Contract. I have read and understand the contents of this Conditions of Service document and accept the terms contained in my Summary of Contract. I have also read and understood the Policies and Procedures as referred to in this document. Name: _______________________________ Signed: ______________________________ Date: ________________ 53 APPENDIX 4 BISR PAY STRUCTURE 2013-2014 Overseas Hire Teachers Administration Pay Scales 2013-2014 2013-2014 TU Spine Point M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 Annual Salary 130,823 141,168 152,518 164,250 177,194 191,205 Overseas Allowance 39,247 42,350 45,755 49,275 53,158 57,362 Total 170,070 183,518 198,274 213,525 230,353 248,567 Teaching Assistants Local Hire Teachers 2013-2014 Spine Point Annual Salary Unqualified Teachers TA1 67,910 TA2 69,063 TA3 70,214 TA4 71,365 TA5 72,516 TA6 73,666 TA7 74,819 TA8 75,967 TA9 77,486 TA10 79,605 TA11 80,615 TA12 82,226 Local Hire Teachers Unqualified Teachers 2013-2014 Spine Point M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 Annual Salary 130,823 141,168 152,518 164,250 177,194 191,205 Spine Point UQT1 UQT2 UQT3 2013-2014 UQT5 UQT6 Annual Salary 95,851 107,001 118,152 129,296 140,453 151,597 54 Spine Point 16C 16B 16A 16 15C 15B 15A 15 14C 14B 14A 14 13C 13B 13A 13 12D 12C 12B 12A 12 11C 11B 11A 11 10C 10B 10A 10 9C 9B 9A 9 8C 8B 8A 8 Annual Salary 175,134 172,559 169,983 164,832 162,257 159,681 157,106 154,530 151,955 149,379 146,804 144,228 141,653 139,077 136,502 133,926 132,619 131,351 128,775 126,200 123,624 121,049 118,473 115,898 113,322 110,747 108,171 105,596 103,020 100,445 97,869 95,294 92,718 90,143 87,567 84,992 82,416 Annual Salary (Extended Day) 206,769 203,729 200,688 194,607 191,566 188,525 185,484 182,444 179,403 176,362 173,321 170,281 167,240 164,199 161,159 158,118 156,574 155,077 152,036 148,996 145,955 142,914 139,873 136,833 133,792 130,751 127,711 124,670 121,629 118,588 115,548 112,507 109,466 106,425 103,385 100,344 97,303 Overseas Hire Leadership Pay Scales Spine Point L1 L1A L1B L1C L2 L2A L2B L2C L3 L3A L3B L3C L4 L4A L4B L4C L5 L5A L5B L5C L6 L6A L6B L6C L7 L7A L7B L7C L8 L8A L8B L8C L9 L9A L9B L9C L10 L10A L10B L10C 2013-2014 Overseas Annual Salary Allowance 220,366 66,110 224,773 67,432 229,269 68,781 233,854 70,156 238,532 71,560 243,302 72,991 248,168 74,450 253,131 75,939 258,194 77,458 263,359 79,008 268,626 80,588 273,998 82,199 279,478 83,843 285,067 85,520 290,769 87,231 296,583 88,975 302,515 90,755 308,566 92,570 314,737 94,421 321,032 96,309 327,452 98,236 334,002 100,201 340,682 102,205 347,496 104,249 354,445 106,334 361,535 108,460 368,765 110,630 376,140 112,842 383,663 115,099 391,337 117,401 399,163 119,749 407,146 122,144 415,289 124,587 423,595 127,079 432,067 129,620 440,708 132,213 449,523 134,857 458,513 137,554 467,683 140,305 477,036 143,111 Local Hire Leadership Pay Scales 2013-2014 Total 286,476 292,206 298,050 304,011 310,091 316,293 322,619 329,071 335,653 342,366 349,213 356,197 363,322 370,588 378,000 385,559 393,270 401,136 409,158 417,341 425,688 434,203 442,887 451,744 460,779 469,995 479,395 488,982 498,761 508,738 518,912 529,290 539,875 550,674 561,687 572,921 584,380 596,067 607,987 620,147 55 Spine Point L1 L1A L1B L1C L2 L2A L2B L2C L3 L3A L3B L3C L4 L4A L4B L4C L5 L5A L5B L5C L6 L6A L6B L6C L7 L7A L7B L7C L8 L8A L8B L8C L9 L9A L9B L9C L10 L10A L10B L10C Annual Salary 220,366 224,773 229,269 233,854 238,532 243,302 248,168 253,131 258,194 263,359 268,626 273,998 279,478 285,067 290,769 296,583 302,515 308,566 314,737 321,032 327,452 334,002 340,682 347,496 354,445 361,535 368,765 376,140 383,663 391,337 399,163 407,146 415,289 423,595 432,067 440,708 449,523 458,513 467,683 477,036 APPENDIX 5 DEATH IN SERVICE DEATH IN SERVICE – POLICY AND PROCEDURE DEATH OF A SPONSORED EMPLOYEE / DEPENDANT Following the death of a sponsored employee/dependant, the Principal will nominate an appropriate member of Staff to act as the 'Incident Co-ordinator’. He/She will be the focal point for all forms of communication and able to commence a series of administrative actions regarding the deceased. If the Next of Kin (NoK) wish to have the body repatriated to the Country of Domicile (CoD), the Incident Co-ordinator will be the focus of all issues of communication regarding the deceased, including the following: • • • • • • • • Notification of death - Police and Hospital Funeral and Transportation Arrangements - Hospital, Airline and Funeral Director Death Report and Mortuary Services - Hospital Release of body from KSA - Local Governors Office Saudi Death Certificate - Ministry of Health Country of Domicile Death Certificate and associated documentation Embassy/Consulate Exit Only Visa - Passport Department KSA Departure - Airline, Passport Department and Funeral Director National The Saudi Liaison Officer will play a major part in the process by contacting the authorities identified in this document to: • • • • Process the formal death notification Confirm the documentation required from the School by each of the applicable authorities and what, when and how we will receive the documentation they will provide Confirm the sequence in which each authority should be contacted and what documentation they will require to have been completed prior to their being able to complete their action To effect this it is recommended that he visit the following Government and Civil authorities as the earliest opportunity: - Hospital (Ministry of Health) - Police (Ministry of Interior) - Passport Department - Office of the Local Governor (Emir) - Airline 56 DOCUMENT COPIES During the process there will be a requirement to provide various Government and Civil authorities with copies of the deceased's Passport and Iqama. As such you are recommended to make approximately 15 copies at the outset to ensure that the process is not delayed due to a copy not being available. Also during the process it is recommend that every time a document is produced a copy is kept, in chronological order, along with the Diary of Events. This documentation will form part of the final report which may then prove to be a useful reference tool for others who may be required to act as an Incident Co-ordinator/Liaison Officer in the future. DOCUMENT TRANSLATIONS As a majority of the documentation received from Government and Civil authorities will be produced in Arabic, there will be a requirement to have it translated into English, for which you should make the necessary arrangements at an earlier stage. DOCUMENT NOTARISATION There will also be a requirement for certain documents to be notarised by the National Embassy/Consulate. 1. DEATH NOT IN A HOSPITAL Where the death does not physically occur in a hospital, the following actions should be taken: During normal working hours, the Principal, the Bursar and HR Manager should be informed immediately. Outside normal working hours the Principal, Bursar and HR Manager should be informed immediately. The KSA Civil Police should also be contacted without delay by School Liaison Officer. They will generally wish to be satisfied there are no suspicious circumstances. The body should not be touched, disturbed or even covered until the KSA Civil Police have arrived at the scene. Once the KSA Police are satisfied there are no suspicious circumstances, they will arrange for the body to be moved to a local mortuary. On arrival at the mortuary, a qualified Medical Practitioner will confirm the cause of death and issue an independent medical report relating to the cause of death. 2. DEATH IN HOSPITAL If the death occurs whilst undergoing medical care in a hospital, there is no requirement to inform the local police. A medical report confirming cause of death will be Issued by the Doctor responsible for the patient at the time of death. The report, addressed to the KSA Civil Police, is to substantiate the facts shown In the Death Certificate issued by the local Doctor. The hospital will then make the necessary arrangements to transfer the body to the mortuary. 57 3. WELFARE - CONTACT WITH NEXT OF KIN (NOK) Once the facts surrounding the deceased have been formally confirmed, the Incident Co-ordinator should arrange to contact (NoK details are recorded by HR Department) the nominated NoK via the Police Authority in the deceased's Country of Domicile (CoD), if the employee was unaccompanied in KSA. Once the NoK have been informed of the death, a follow up call should be made by the Principal/Incident Co-ordinator to offer the school’s condolences, assistance and support. Under no circumstances should the Incident Co-ordinator inform the family directly if the employee was unaccompanied. It must only be done by the Police in the deceased's CoD. When making follow up contact with the NoK, check whether there is a close relative (who may be less affected by the loss than the immediate family) who can act (if preferred by the family) as liaison between the family and the School. Where the deceased's NoK are in-Kingdom, the notification should be directly with the most suitable person e.g. if the deceased is the husband, then the wife should be notified directly by the Principal or his nominated representative. NOK Instructions The Co-ordinator will advise them that he/she is the point of contact for all actions surrounding the death and repatriation of the deceased from KSA. The Co-ordinator will provide advice and guidance on the repatriation process The Co-ordinator will seek written disposal instructions for the deceased and his personal effects It is important not to commit to any timescale that cannot be guaranteed and equally important to ensure that any advice and guidance provided is correct as it will effectively be taken as a formal commitment by the school. As such, HR should ensure that they are aware of all the benefits the deceased will be entitled to, i.e. salary, leave, allowances etc, which are covered in general terms in this document, but in detail in the School's employment Terms & Conditions and HR policy documents. Where necessary, advice and guidance should, be sought from the HR staff. 4. MINISTRY OF INTERIOR OFFICE OF THE LOCAL GOVERNOR (EMIR) In order to be authorised to move the body and transfer personal effects, the School Liaison Officer will need to raise a letter to the Governor and attach the Confirmation of NoK Letter (which will be generated by the School and must be translated Into Arabic). The local Governor's office will then Issue three letters authorising movement of the body and personal effects to the following organisations: Airline Cargo Airway Bill confirmation that they will be transporting the deceased out of KSA Hospital Death Report Deceased's Passport and Iqama Letter from school confirming that the Saudi Liaison Officer is acting on behalf of the School The Governor's Office will produce a letter authorising release of the deceased's body to the following authorities: Local Civil Police Department Customs and Immigration Department (for a visa) Airline Cargo Department Directorate of Health Affairs 58 Hospital, i.e. holding the deceased's body Governor of Mecca (only if burial at Jeddah has been approved) It will further state: 'If this death is not due to criminal activity, if consent from his country's consulate to transport the corpse and personal effects is received, we have no objection to release the deceased to the identified address in his Country of Domicile'. This effectively means that the release is authorised ONLY if all other authorities do NOT have any cause to delay the repatriation. 5. KSA CIVIL POLICE On receipt of the Governor's letter, the School Liaison Officer will take it to the KSA Civil Police, who in turn will issue the authority for the hospital to release the medical report. 6. MINISTRY OF HEALTH The Saudi Liaison Officer should take the Governor's letter and the Civil Police Report to the Mortuary to collect the medical report. He should then proceed to the Ministry of Health (MoH) to collect the official MoH Death Certificate. 7. CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION If the deceased is to be buried outside of KSA, an exit only visa will need to be applied to the passport for repatriation of the body. If the deceased owned a motor vehicle or motorbike, this will have to be sold and ownership transferred before an exit only visa can be issued. 8. DECEASED EMPLOYEE'S PERSONAL EFFECTS Due to the strict inheritance laws In force in KSA, the official KSA Civil Police instructions on the disposal of personal effects require that they be handed over and forwarded through the Saudi Authorities (known as "The House of Funds") to the British Embassy, Riyadh, who will dispatch them to the NoK. The British Embassy considers the return of Personal Effects to be an employer's responsibility; therefore the School will provide "The House of Funds" with a copy of the Letter of Administration obtained from a Probate Court with an accompanying sworn and signed document from the NoK. This will give Power of Attorney to the Incident Co-ordinator to act locally on their behalf and accept the personal effects for dispatch to the CoD at school expense. Certain elements of these requirements may be waived at the discretion of the Saudi Authorities. Once catalogued, the Incident Co-ordinator will be advised by the NoKINoK's representative I Solicitor on the disposal of the personal effects. The Liaison Officer will be required to complete a Customs Declaration Form for the country that the personal effects are being sent to. The Incident Co-ordinator should liaise with the relevant Embassy when disposing of the personal effects. Courier services such as DHL/SNAS will not accept certain items i.e. jewelry, watches and credit cards, these have to be hand carried back to the NoK. 9. COUNTRY OF DOMICILE DEATH REGISTRATION It is necessary to register formally the death in KSA with the appropriate National Embassy or Consulate in KSA in accordance with their advised procedures, for which it is recommended to check the appropriate website. 59 In the case of a British National this is via www.ukinsaudiarabia.fco.gov.uk. This will enable you to download the Embassy documents “Death of a British National in Saudi Arabia” and Form BMD 002/07 “Application to Register an Overseas Death” [Sample of these forms are attached as Appendix A] Form BMD 002/07 will need to be completed and will require the following supporting documentation: The original Civil Death Certificate issued by the local authorities, which has been translated into English The original Hospital Medical (Death) Report, which has been translated into English The original Civil Police Report, which has been translated into English Evidence of the deceased's claim to British Nationality, i.e. full Birth Certificate or Certificate of Naturalisation or Registration as a British National Full British passport (not mandatory). It is recommended that where possible the original is submitted as part of the process Sending an individual direct to the National Embassy/Consulate and processing the registration personally which is an option if time is short, albeit with the additional costs involved. As some of the documentation required to be submitted to the Embassy/Consulate won't be available within the first few days of the process, it may take up to a week before you are in a position to complete this action. It is recommended to make contact with the Consular Section of the Embassy/Consulate in advance of the formal registration process, so that you can coordinate its submission to ensure that it is processed quickly. 10. BURIAL IN-KINGDOM (CHRISTIAN CEMETERY, JEDDAH) If the NoK request to have the body buried in KSA, an Incident Co-ordinator will liaise directly with the British Consul, Jeddah, to make the necessary arrangements. 11. EMBALMING Embalming facilities are currently available in mortuaries located In Riyadh. If the body needs to be transferred by air In-Kingdom, prior to embalming, it should be packed with dry ice and transported in accordance with local Saudi Arabian Airlines Regulations. A Certificate should be obtained from the local Directorate of Health Affairs declaring that the 'Body is free from Contagious Disease'. The Embalming Certificate will probably include the 'Body is free from Contagious Disease' and if it does a separate Certificate will not be issued. 12. PRE-FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS The Co-ordinator should arrange flight details with an airline to transfer the coffin to the CoD. Six sets of documentation as detailed (See No. 13) will need to be made for distribution to the: Immigration Officer, In-Kingdom Airport Customs Officer In-Kingdom Airport Consignee at Airport of destination 60 (This should include an original Embassy Death Certificate, which should be sealed in an envelope and attached to the airway bill). The Airline will provide a confirmation of the flight booking and will also advise the HR what paperwork is required prior to dispatching the coffin on the flight. The Air Cargo being used will need to see the passport with an Exit only Visa applied prior to clearing the body for International travel. The Incident Co-ordinator should make arrangements with the Medical Centre or Mortuary to convey the coffin from the mortuary to the relevant airport. 13. MORTUARY - REPATRIATION Of THE BODY On receipt of flight details, the Incident Co-ordinator is to liaise with the Mortician and arrange for the body to be collected. The body will be prepared by the Mortician to meet the requirements for international travel. The Incident Co-ordinator is to make sure that the Mortician has a coffin in which to transport the body. The Mortician will provide an embalming certificate in English and Arabic. Within 6 hours of the body being embalmed it must be flown from the KSA. Six files will need to complied, containing the following: Death Certificate (English and Arabic) Ministry of Health Death Certificate (English and Arabic) Police Report Civil (English and Arabic) Photocopy of Passport (Complete copy) Embalming Certificate (English and Arabic) Inventory of Personal Effects - (English and Arabic) Saudi Medical Report - (English and Arabic) Embassy letter of No Objection to Move the Body (English and Arabic) Certificate for the coffin to be sealed without the presence of Embassy Staff (English and Arabic) 14. FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS On receipt of the embalming certificate and coffin, the Incident Co-ordinator is to arrange with the Mortician to collect the coffin and take it to the airport. All paperwork associated with the repatriation should be taken to the airport. Air Cargo will confirm with the Funeral Directors in the CoD that they will meet and collect the coffin. 15. COLLECTION OF THE COFFIN FROM THE AIRPORT AT THE COUNTRY OF DOMICILE The Incident Co-ordinator will inform the Funeral Directors of the repatriation flight details and airway bill number and forward all relevant documentation to enable the deceased to be collected from the appropriate airport in the CoD. The Funeral Directors should be told to send all invoices for costs incurred, with their bank details, to the Co-ordinator who will arrange for payment through Finance. School paid costs are limited to collection of the body from the airport and delivery to the Funeral Director's establishment. Payment does not extend to actual funeral, burial costs or any other costs. A representative from the School should escort the family (if applicable) / coffin back to the Country of Domicile and subject to time restraints and the wishes of the family should also attend the funeral. Where the coffin is routed via another country i.e. final destination Republic of Ireland via London Heathrow, an International Undertake must be appointed to trans-ship the coffin at London. The Funeral Director in the country of interment should arrange for this to happen. 61 16. FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS The Co-ordinator should identify from the dependant NOK details of the Funeral Director and make contact with them to confirm that: They have been appointed by the family to undertake this service They are approved to receive Human Remains at the receiving international Airport, or that they will be appointing an approved Service Provider to undertake this task on their behalf This point is important as without an authorised Agent to receive Human Remains at the internal Airport, an Airline will not accept any human remains for transportation. Once confirmation has been received, the details will be forwarded to the Airline selected for transportation out of KSA. Generally speaking Human Remains are transported by air to the International gateway of the receiving Country of Domicile and the by road to the address of the Funeral Director. The Incident Co-ordinator will arrange for the Funeral Directors to purchase a floral wreath on behalf of the School. Payment for the wreath should be included in the invoice from the Funeral Directors for transporting the coffin from the airport. The Incident Co-ordinator should maintain contact with the NoK by telephone on a regular basis (up to 8-10 weeks following the repatriation of the body) to ensure all the necessary arrangements and school obligations have been met. 62 APPENDIX 6 GRIEVANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURE Grievance Policy and Procedure A grievance is a complaint or area of significant disagreement or concern against another colleague or group of colleagues. It may lead to a sense of injustice or resentment on the part of the person who feels he or she has been wronged in some way. Grievances which have not been addressed and resolved may lead to a debilitating reduction in a colleague’s morale and performance. It may therefore impact on the quality of the education process itself. In general it is best for professional relationships if the grievance can be resolved amicably through normal formal and informal management procedures within the school. However if these fail then the following procedure should be adopted. Procedure This procedure has 4 steps: 1. Written Statement The grievance must be set out in writing using the Grievance Report Form attached to this policy and sent to the Head of Secondary, Head of Primary or as appropriate. The objective is to obtain an equitable solution to the grievance at the lowest administrative level. The grievance will be dealt with in strict confidence. If the grievance is against the Principal, the Grievance Report Form should be sent to the Chair of the HR Committee. Thereafter the standard process below will be followed. 2. Meeting [Level 1] The grievance will be looked into in a fair and unbiased way. A meeting will be arranged at a convenient time and will include the Human Resources Manager, the Person to which the complaint was addressed, the person against whom the grievance has been made and the grievant [both have the right to bring a “companion” if desired]. 63 The meeting will go through the issues that have been raised and provide an opportunity to contribute and comment on the issues. The main purpose of the meeting is to establish the facts and find a way to resolve the problem. Notes of the meeting will be provided along with copies of any information given by other people. The outcome of the meeting will be communicated in writing to both parties within 7 days. 3. Appeal Hearing [Level 2] If the decision is not satisfactory, or the procedure followed was seriously flawed, an appeal to the Principal can be requested. The appeal must be submitted in writing within 5 days of receiving the written outcome of Level 1 The process of the appeal will be similar to the Level 1 procedure. The Human Resources Manager will be in attendance at all meetings. The appeal will be heard within 14 days of receiving the written request for an appeal. The outcome of the meeting will be communicated in writing to both parties within 7 days. 4. Final Appeal [Level 3] • If you are not satisfied with the outcome of Level 1 or 2, you can appeal to the Chairman of the Board of Governors. This must be sent in writing within 5 days of receiving the written outcome of Level 2. A selected committee of The Board of Governors will hold a meeting similar to those held at Level 1 and 2. The outcome of the meeting/s will be communicated by The Board of Governors to both parties within 14 days. • • 5. • • Additional Information A grievance can be withdrawn at any level without prejudice and all associated paperwork will be removed from personnel files and destroyed. Copies of the outcomes and any decisions made at each level will be kept on the files of both parties. 64 APPENDIX 7 HEALTH AND SAFETY Health and Safety Policy General Guidelines The school regards the promotion of Health and Safety measures as a mutual objective for all management, staff and pupils at all levels (including the sub-contractors) who use the School premises. It is the school’s policy, so far as is reasonably practicable, to: Establish and maintain a safe and healthy environment throughout the school; Establish and maintain safe working procedures among staff and pupils; Maintain all areas under the control of the school in a condition that is safe and without risk to health and to provide and maintain means of access to and egress from that place of work that are safe and without risk; Formulate effective procedures for use in case of fire and for evacuating the school premises; Teach safety as part of pupil’s duties where appropriate. Roles and Responsibilities The Principal will: Monitor the effectiveness of the safety policy and the safe working practices described within it and shall revise and amend it, as necessary, on a regular basis Ensure an emergency evacuation procedure exists and arrange for periodic practice evacuation drills (normally once per term) to take place and for the results of these to be recorded Make arrangements for informing staff and pupils of relevant safety procedures. Other users of the school will be appropriately informed Ensure that regular safety inspections are undertaken (all school premises and property to be inspected once a term) Ensure that there are appropriate procedures in place to ensure safety with regard to traffic at the start and finish of the school day. These procedures must be communicated to parents, and be reviewed once a term Establish a health and safety committee which will meet regularly to review the measures taken to ensure the health and safety of all employees and pupils Monitor, within the limits of their expertise, the activities of contractors on site, as far as is reasonably practicable 65 The Bursar, acting in the role of Health and Safety Officer will: Assist the Principal in the implementation, monitoring and development of the safety policy within the school Monitor general advice on safety matters Co-ordinate arrangements for the design and implementation of safe working practices within the school Investigate any specific health and safety problems identified within the school and take or recommend remedial action Order that a method of working ceases on health and safety grounds on a temporary basis subject to further consideration Assist in carrying out regular safety inspections of the school and its activities and make recommendations on methods of resolving any problems identified Ensure that staff with control of resources give due regard to safety Arrange for the withdrawal, repair or replacement of any item of furniture, fitting or equipment identified as being unsafe Review emergency evacuation procedures annually and conduct evacuation drills twice a term Chair the Health and Safety Committee Implement a programme of departmental inspections which are carried out once a term The Bursar will be assisted by the Facilities Manager and the designated Assistant Health & Safety Officer. All Staff will: All staff are responsible for the health and safety arrangements in relation to staff, pupils and volunteer helpers under their supervision. In particular, they will monitor their own work activities and take all reasonable steps to: Exercise effective supervision over all those for whom they are responsible, including pupils Be aware of, and implement safe working practices and set a good example. Identify actual and potential hazards and introduce procedures to minimise the possibility of mishap Ensure that any equipment or tools used are appropriate to that use and meet accepted safety standards Provide warning notices and signs as appropriate Provide appropriate protective clothing and safety equipment as necessary and ensure that these are used as required Minimise the occasions when an individual is required to work in isolation, particularly in a hazardous situation or on a hazardous process Where school vehicles or vehicles contracted by the school are used to transport children to and from school functions, staff should ensure that child restraints and seats appropriate to the age of the children concerned are used Note : When any member of staff considers that corrective action is necessary but that action lies outside the scope of their authority, they should refer the problem to their Supervisor or the Bursar. All Employees have a responsibility to: Take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of any person who might be affected by their acts or omissions at work Make themselves aware of all safety rules, procedures and safe working practices applicable to their posts. When in doubt, it is their duty to seek immediate clarification Ensure that tools and equipment are in good condition and report any defects 66 Use protective clothing and safety equipment provided and ensure that these are kept in good condition Ensure that offices, general accommodation and vehicles are kept tidy Ensure that any accidents, whether or not an injury occurs, are reported to the Senior Nurse in the School Clinic Support newly appointed employees who could be particularly vulnerable to any risk and it must be ensured that line managers draw to their attention at an early stage to all relevant health and safety matters. Students will: All students are expected, within their expertise and ability, to: Exercise personal responsibility for the safety of themselves and their fellow pupils Observe standards of dress consistent with safety and/or hygiene Observe all the safety rules of the school and, in particular, the instructions of the teaching staff in the event of an emergency Use and not wilfully misuse, neglect or interfere with things provided for safety purposes Note: The Principal will make pupils aware of these responsibilities through direct instruction by staff members and, where appropriate, through signs and notices. Visitors Regular visitors and other users of the premises (e.g. contractors and delivery men) are expected, as far as reasonably possible, to observe and implement the safety rules of the school. Lettings: Where the facilities are being used by an external agency the school must ensure that: The means of access and egress are safe for the use of hirers and that all plant and equipment made available to and used by the hirers is safe Fire escape routes and exits are clearly marked for the benefit of unfamiliar users of the building, particularly during the hours of darkness Hirers of the building are briefed about the location of the telephone, fire escape routes, fire alarms and fire fighting equipment. Notices regarding emergency procedures should be prominently displayed Hirers using any facility provided by the school are familiar with its safe use Arrangements are made for checking the security and condition of the premises used after vacation by the hirer Health and Safety Committee The Health and Safety Committee is to meet termly to review the measures taken to ensure the health and safety at work of all employees and pupils. It is chaired by the Bursar/Health and Safety Officer and consists of Safety Representatives from the Clinic, Science, DT and PE departments as well as the following areas: Outside play areas A & E areas B & F areas C & G areas D & H areas J Area 67 Health and Safety Inspections The objectives of health and safety inspections are to: Identify and record potential or actual hazards in the school Identify any hazards which require immediate attention and correction Ensure that existing procedures are in place and adequate Recommend corrective action where applicable/necessary The health and safety inspections - which are to be fact finding, not fault finding in their nature - will be conducted once a term and will usually be undertaken by a team comprising the Health and Safety Officer, the Area Representative and Facilities Management Representative. Fire Prevention Equipment The designated Health and Safety Officer is to monitor regularly the condition of all fire prevention equipment. This includes the regular visual inspection of fire extinguishers and the fire alarm system. Accident and Reporting Procedures In the event of an accident, medical assistance is available from the Clinic Arrangements for first aid for sports, desert and other school trips are the responsibility of the supervising staff The person responsible for administering the accident reporting procedure, including the maintenance of the school accident book, is the Senior Nurse It is the responsibility of the Senior Nurse to report back to the Bursar the circumstances surrounding any accidents, in order to consider the implementation of remedial action Health and Safety Report The Principal will include Health and Safety as an item in his termly report to the Board of Governors. Health and Safety Policy Review The Bursar is responsible for reviewing this policy document on an annual basis. Enclosure Health & Safety Inspection Form Health & Safety Inspection Check List (Appendix A) (Appendix B) 68 Appendix A British International School – Riyadh Health and Safety Inspection Form Location Date Time Date Time Inspected By Health & Safety Area Representative Ser No. Corrective Action/Comments Observation Task Completion Date Remarks ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ Review and Approved By ____________________ Bursar 69 Appendix B British International School - Riyadh Inspection Check List MOST COMMON HAZARDS Obstructed fire doors Fire doors propped open Obstructed electrical panels and storage in electrical rooms Obstructed aisles and corridors Inappropriate storage of combustible or flammable materials Slip and trip hazards Electrical hazards Guards removed in mechanical and fan rooms and not replaced 70 British International School - Riyadh Inspection Check List OFFICES Are floor surface clean, dry and free from debris? Are carpets well secured and free from worn or frayed spots? Are aisles and doorways free of objects to permit unobstructed visibility and/or exit? Are file cabinet and storage closets placed so that drawers and doors do not open into aisles? Are emergency exits marked and free from obstructions? Is there an Emergency Evacuation Plan and do workers know where it is located? Are there regular fire evacuation practices? Are glass doors clearly identified? Are phone lines, electrical cords and extension cords secured under desks or along baseboards? Are Keyboards and monitors placed directly in front of the operator? Are keyboard trays adjustable? Are Secretarial chairs adjustable, both in height and back and on 5 point rolling castors? Do chairs have sturdy rungs and legs? Are heavy items, e.g. paper, stored on lower and middle shelves of storage cabinets? Is there a set of steps or a ladder available to reach the top shelves? Are all chemicals labelled, e.g. photocopying toner etc? Are gloves available for use with the chemicals? Is regular maintenance provided for the photocopier, printer etc? Are records kept? Do paper cutters have guards in place and is the torsion spring adjusted to hold blade up when released? Are office staff familiar with emergency procedures and reporting of accidents? Are fire extinguishers available? Are the inspection tags attached with date of monthly inspection noted? Are gloves available for administering first aid and handling chemicals? 71 British International School - Riyadh Inspection Check List MAINTENANCE/JANITORIAL Is there ventilation where flammable liquids are stored or dispensed? Is there ventilation where concentrated chemicals are poured and mixed with water? Are exit doors free of obstructions? Are exit doors kept unlocked from the inside when the building is occupied? Are halls and stairwells kept free from combustible materials (e.g. furniture and recycling material)? Is there emergency lighting where no natural light is available, e.g. storage rooms, fan, boiler and mechanical rooms etc. Are all exit lights illuminated by either natural or artificial light? Is personal protective equipment available for dispensing concentrated hazardous chemicals (e.g. gloves, goggles, aprons etc)? Inspect ladders, steps, platform, scaffolding and vacuum cleaners. Is equipment in good condition? Is hearing protection available and worn? Is eye protection available and worn? Are electrical cords in good condition, e.g. no taping, bare wires at plug? Are all guards in place on power tools and fixed equipment with moving parts? Are steps in good condition? Is all cleaning equipment, e.g. mops, buckets, wringers, “Wet Floor” signs, in good condition? Are corridors and stairwells clear of stored items? Are “WET” floors adequately signed? Are stair treads and risers in good condition? Is the entire site level? Potholes on travelled surfaces should be identified and repaired. Is the exterior lighting functioning and adequate? Are playgrounds regularly inspected and are records kept? 72 British International School - Riyadh Inspection Check List STANDARD CLASSROOM Fire Safety: Are legible fire exit and route signs in appropriate locations? Is there an Emergency Evacuation Plan and is the teacher aware of the content and location of the Plan? Are ceilings or exit doors free of combustible material such as artwork, posters, paper etc? As a guideline, no more than 20% of the total wall surface (include boards, cupboards, windows, etc) to be covered with combustible materials. Where there is an EXIT door, is there a clear path through the classroom furniture? As a rule of thumb, the width of the clear path should be the same as the width of the door (s). Electrical Are electrical outlets, cover plates and wall switches secure and undamaged? Are extension cords three wire, in good condition and used for temporary purposes only? General Do windows open easily and stay open according to their design? Is air quality, temperature and ventilation acceptable to meet applicable standards? Are ventilation and heating ducts kept unobstructed by books, paper etc? Are the ceiling, walls and floor free from water leaks? Are floor tiles or carpeting securely fastened to reduce trip hazards? Are floor free from slips, trips and fall hazards? Are audio-visual screens and maps securely suspended using fittings designed for the purpose? Are shelves or shelving units firmly anchored to the wall? Storage of all items should follow the following guide: heavy objects on low shelves, light objects on high shelves and breakable objects such as glass items on low shelves. Are steps or small ladders available for accessing stored items from high shelves? Is storage on top of wall-mounted cupboards limited to lightweight objects such as empty boxes? Do paper cutters have guards in place and is the torsion spring adjusted to hold blade up when released? Are steps and porch surfaces in good repair with suitable anti-slip materials on the surfaces? Are guardrails and hand railings installed and secure? Is exterior lighting operating and adequate? 73 British International School - Riyadh Inspection Check List PE AND MULTI-PURPOSE HALLS Do storage areas where volleyball net posts, handball nets etc are stored have suitable restraints to prevent tipping and falling? Do storage areas for large objects have suitable guards over the lighting to ensure the bulbs are not broken when moving large objects in and out? Does the gym/sports hall have secure guards over any lighting to ensure it cannot be damaged by normal gym activities? Is all fixed equipment (e.g. ropes, climbing racks and basketball backstops) inspected regularly? Are records kept? In the multi-purpose sports hall are there accessible fire extinguishers (CO or dry chemical type) wall-mounted in appropriate locations such as in stage wings? Is overhead lighting above the stage, or supplying the stage, wired permanently, i.e. not using extension cords? Do overhead floodlights or spotlights have safety chains or wires securing them to the overhead frame? Are stage steps in good condition, particularly on the stair edge to eliminate trip hazards: If there is a metal or plastic nosing on the steps, it should be check to ensure it is secure? Do backstage steps have a guardrail and handrail? Are tables and chairs arranged to provide clear aisles for emergency exit? 74 British International School - Riyadh Inspection Check List ART AND DT The floor beneath the kiln should be of a material that does not present a fire hazard such as; concrete, ceramic tiles, paving slabs or fireproof board. The kiln should be placed at least 30cm (12”) away from any wall to allow free air movement around the kiln. Sufficient space should be allowed for maintenance access to the back of front loading kilns. The roof /ceiling should be at least 1m (39”) above the kiln, a greater distance may be required if the ceiling is built of combustible materials. A combustible ceiling can be protected with heat–resistant board fixed with a 5cm (2”) gap between board and ceiling. Are ON/OFF switches on major power tools shielded or recessed to prevent an accidental start? Is storage (including tool storage) safely organized, heavy objects on low shelves, light objects on high shelves and breakable objects such as glass items on low shelves to reduce potential for breakage? Are all power tools and equipment equipped with guards to prevent access to the cutting blade or pinch point? Are metal lathes kept free of waste build up; is waste stock broken in small pieces? Are eye wash facilities available where corrosive liquids are handled? Are flammable materials such as solvents, solvent based paints, solvent based cements etc kept in original containers with legible labels? Small quantities should be encouraged and bulk quantities decanted into safety cans with workplace labels. If solvent paints are used, is local exhaust ventilation provided? Are chemical resistant gloves provided for clean-up using solvent? If acid etching, photo etching and silk-screen printing with solvent based inks are used, is there local exhaust ventilation? Are appropriate gloves, aprons and chemical goggles available for working with acids? Are acids spill kits available? Is an eyewash station available with the location clearly marked and is it regularly tested? Is pre-mixed clay available for use to reduce risk of dust inhalation? 75 British International School - Riyadh Inspection Check List ART AND DT – Continued Are clean-up techniques using wet sponging or mopping in place? Are dust masks available for use when mixing plaster? Are approved safety glasses or goggles available for use in woodworking? Are guards installed and used with all power tools used in woodworking? Are local exhaust ventilation and dust masks available if dye powders are mixed? Is solvent based or water based dye being used? If solvent based, local exhaust ventilation is required. Are appropriate eye protection and gloves available for tie-dying process? Are all major and minor kitchen appliances in good condition and maintained on a regular basis? Are pot holders/mitts accessible in cooking technology area? Is a fire extinguisher secured to wall with an inspection tag indicating visual inspection within the last month? Is the area around and above stoves or stove hoods kept free from combustible materials? Are all containers clearly labelled? Are knives stored safely in racks or knife blocks? Are food preparation and cutting surfaces maintained to prevent contamination? Are sewing machines mechanically fit with power cords and plugs in good repair? Are the machines and cords arranged so as not to create a trip hazard? Are all wall mounted shelves securely fastened to the wall? Are computer cables secured to prevent a tripping hazard? Are monitors either placed with back to the wall (perimeter set up) or back-to-back to ensure that the operator is a safe distance from the rear of the monitor? 76 APPENDIX 8 BISR Overseas Hire Accommodation Policy Document 1. Policy Purpose & Description The aim of this policy is to provide the framework governing the provision and allocation of accommodation to eligible BISR employees. It is the policy of BISR to provide adequate accommodation to all eligible employees either by allocating an apartment or villa, or a cash allowance. The school shall make every effort to ensure that all employees who opt for an apartment or villa are provided with a unit of appropriate standards. 2. Accommodation Eligibility All BISR overseas hire employees are eligible for an accommodation allowance. A employee’s status is as defined in their contract. 3. Standards of Accommodation a) The school shall endeavour to provide accommodation, having regard to availability, cost, norms of construction in Riyadh, and regard for the BISR image and status within the community. Accommodation allocation shall be shaped by the availability of eligible accommodation. Provision of different accommodation due to non-availability may occur from time to time. The accommodation provided by BISR shall be of comfortable standards and shall be fully maintained and fitted with all basic equipment to provide adequate sanitation & hygiene facilities. The following facilities and services shall be provided and paid for by BISR: i) Furniture, Fixtures and Fittings (FF&E) ii) Electricity iii) Heating and Air conditioning iv) Water v) Fire Fighting and Fire Detection Equipment b) c) d) 77 4. Discretion and Privacy a) Accommodation assigned to a member of staff is deemed to be for his or her sole personal use. He or she should be afforded privacy which would normally be associated with his or her own home. Staff members and their families, in the case of employees on married status contracts of employment and living in BISR provided accommodation, are required to be discreet in their behaviour, to demonstrate due regard for local customs and to respect the privacy of their neighbours. This includes adhering to those requirements which may be specified by the Compound Manager. Behaviour which may cause harm to the reputation of BISR, shall be deemed to constitute gross misconduct and the employee concerned shall be subject to such disciplinary action as contained within the BISR Disciplinary Policy. BISR shall endeavour not to disturb or inconvenience employees in their accommodation. However, in the best interests of optimising accommodation costs, employees may be required to relocate as and when deemed necessary by the school. Accommodation provided by the school shall be for the use of school employees only. Employees are not allowed to sublet BISR accommodation. b) c) d) 5. Selection and Allocation of Accommodation a) BISR shall endeavour to provide suitable serviced accommodation in keeping with the norms set out in this policy. Accommodation shall be located on secure, managed compounds. In selecting compounds for employees who qualify for the provision of such accommodation, the following criteria shall be taken into account. i) Safety and Security ii) Cost to BISR iii) The geographical location relative to the school iv) Availability of central maintenance services v) Facilities for staff members to relax and enjoy leisure time in a good social environment with neighbours of similar nationality or cultural background The Facilities Manager shall ensure that accommodation is allocated appropriately, with valid justification as per the policy. b) c) 6. Sharing Accommodation Two same-gender employees may share a unit of accommodation as long as their contracts of employment are concurrent. An employee with a dependent child may not share with another employee. 7. Accommodation Availability Accommodation shall be allocated depending upon the availability at that time. When a suitable unit of accommodation becomes available at a later date, the school reserves the right to reallocate accommodation as per the above criteria. 8. Accommodation allowance in cash An employee and their dependent may choose to live off-compound after the first year of being in Saudi Arabia. An allowance equivalent to three months basic salary for each BISR-employed occupant will be paid. The teacher(s) will be responsible for utilities, rent, furnishings, insurance and transport to and from BISR. 78 Employees wishing to switch from accommodation allowance in kind and in cash or vice versa must submit their request to the Facilities and Resources Manager before the end of March in order for the request to be considered with effective of the next academic year. Accommodation will be allocated when the annual overseas recruitment process is complete. 9. Insurance Household contents, other than these belonging to the compound in which the unit of accommodation is located, are insured under the BISR insurance policies to the value of SR10,000 per household (this provision is in place at the time of the preparation of this document this may change from time to time) for those living in compound accommodation. 8. Accommodation Eligibility Compound accommodation allocation is subject to availability. If two staff members have equal eligibility, allocation will be based on length on service at BISR. If the allocation is still equal, the date of signing contract will determine priority. Accommodation will be assigned on the basis of the following criteria: A single teacher, with no dependent children A one bedroom apartment Two same gender overseas-hire teachers A two bedroom apartment A married couple with no dependent children regardless of A two bedroom apartment subject to whether one or both are employed at the school availability following the allocation of units to teachers with children. Single teacher with one child Two bedroom apartment Married couple with one child Two bedroom apartment Married couple or single teacher with two or more children Two bedroom apartment or villa Villa allocation for teachers with two or more children: As the school is able to lease a limited number of villas, the following point criteria will determine allocation: 2 6 4 2 2 6 6 points per child points if the couple are both teachers employed at BISR points if one of the couple is employed in a non-teaching role at BISR points to a couple with a non-working spouse points for each year of service points for mixed gender children points if mixed gender and one child is over 12 If a member of staff leaves, and subsequently re-employed at BISR, point accrued for length of service during the first contract are not carried over. 79 SLT are provided with either two or three bedroom accommodation according to the number of resident dependents. 9. Inventories a) On being assigned accommodation each employee will be required to sign the compound inventory for furniture, fixtures and fittings. Employees are responsible for replacing any item of the inventory which is lost or damaged, other than through normal wear & tear. The accommodation shall be equipped by BISR in accordance with those items specified in Appendix 1 (attached). Employees are responsible for replacing any item of the inventory which is returnable to BISR and which is lost or damaged, other than through normal wear & tear. b) c) d) 10. Telephones Compound accommodation allocated to BISR staff will be equipped with telephone land lines at no cost to the employee. However, the cost of calls remains the responsibility of the employee to whom that unit of accommodation is assigned. 11. Reasonability Accommodation which has been entrusted to an employee for his or her use, will be maintained in good condition and it is the responsibility of that employee to ensure that it is returned in the condition in which it was received, allowing for normal wear & tear. 80 INVENTORY (HOUSEHOLD ITEMS) Provided by the Compound and Returnable: Sr No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Description Fridge Cooker Microwave Television Sheets (Set of 1 x bed) Pillow cases (set 1 x bed) Pillow (2 x bed) Duvet Washing machine Household furniture Quantity 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Full set Provided by BISR: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 Baby Cot** (if applicable) Baby High Chair** (if applicable) Broom Can Opener Carving Board Cheese grater Clothes hangers Clothes drying rack Coffee mugs Cutlery Dinner Service Dish Cloth Dustpan & Brush Electric Iron Electric Kettle Electric Toaster Food mixer ** Frying Pan Glasses Ironing Board Kitchen knives Kitchen Tool Set Measuring Jug Mop, Handle & Small Mop Bucket Potato Peeler Power Plugs (Convertors 2-3 Pins KSA) Pyrex/casserole dish Refuse Bin Saucepans Sink Tidy Storage bowls Tea towels Toilet Brush 81 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 1 6 1 set 1 set 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 set 6 1 1 set 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 set 1 1 2 1 34 Towels (Bath & a smaller one) 35 Vacuum Cleaner** 36 Water Cooler** **Returnable Items Food Items Provided on Arrival: Sr No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Description Coffee Tea Mineral water Sugar Bread Milk Jam Cheese Cornflakes Orange juice Eggs Margarine Washing up liquid Bin bags Toilet tissue 82 1 pp 1 1
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