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

There may be other circumstances in which the use of a FTC is appropriate, but this needs to be discussed with HR.

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

Making the appointment

The University has a principle of open competition in its approach to recruitment and all opportunities should be advertised in line with the recruitment process.

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

* Direct appointments for up to 12 months will be permissible until 31 December 2020.