The University is committed to appointing staff to open contracts wherever possible but recognises that funding arrangements and financial restrictions mean that this is not always possible.

Fixed-term appointments may be justified in certain circumstances:

• where specialist skills or experience are only required for a specific period
• on a specific task-oriented project that will last for a limited term and/or is limited by funding
• to cover staff absence
• to provide a secondment or career development opportunity for employees of the University
• to meet fluctuating demand for short courses
• to fill specific posts that can be shown to be developmental
• for an interim period pending the restructuring of a department and/or recruitment

The use of a FTC in other circumstances requires discussion with your HR advisor in the first instance.

Departments should review all proposals for fixed-term appointments regularly to be sure that they shouldn't be on an open basis.

Making the appointment

All opportunities should be advertised in line with the recruitment policy and guidance.

Exceptions to this may be made in the following circumstances:

• For appointments of up to 6* months in length, you can make a direct appointment if you already have identified a suitable candidate.
  Please liaise with HR regarding the reason for the direct appointment
• Named researchers, may be appointed directly on longer fixed-term contracts