Finance, Procurement, Insurance Policies & Procedures

This Policy Document is intended to provide clear guidance on the use of Service Level Agreements (SLAs), i.e. when they should be used; the content and layout of an SLA; the distinction between internal and external service providers and the different approaches to be adopted in each case; and the responsibilities of client and provider respectively. It will also record the role of Procurement Services in maintaining a central register of Service Level Agreements and providing advice and practical assistance to end users procuring substantial bought-in services.

This Insurance Guide is a handbook describing the cover provided by the University's insurers. It provides an outline of how the policy works and the individual covers are broken down to give a basic understanding of the cover each provides.

Heriot-Watt University's Travel Policy provides insurance cover for all employees contracted to the University, students participating in overseas research projects, exchange students at Universities abroad not exceeding 12 months and students participating in short periods outside the United Kingdom for language experience. The policy outlines the cover for personal accidents, medical costs, cancellation, curtailment or change of itinerary, loss or damage to personal baggage, money, credit cards and personal effects.

The Group Risk Office handles claims where a School, Institute or Section has suffered any material loss or damage caused by an insured peril to property, covered by the policy. This will include items such as buildings, contents, money, and works in progress. This guide provides details on the types of claims handled and the procedures for making your claim.

This document sets out the University's policy in respect of business travel and will be included within the University's Risk Management Guide. It specifies the procedures to be undertaken and the considerations to be borne in mind when arranging all official University business travel. This also includes travel emanating from research grants and contracts. Staff and students must adhere to this Policy and the guidelines within the University's Financial Regulations, when undertaking travel on behalf of the University.

These regulations and procedures, which have been approved by the University Court set out the responsibilities for financial management within the University and are to be followed by all members of Court and University staff involved with the finances of the University and its subsidiaries. The regulations and procedures apply to all income and expenditure administered by the University and its subsidiaries from all sources, and are not limited to funds from Government agencies such as Scottish Higher Education Funding Council.

This section sets out the University's policy in respect of Purchasing Cards. It specifies the procedures to be undertaken and the considerations to be borne in mind when using a Purchasing Card for purchases on behalf of the University. Card holders must adhere to this Policy and the guidelines within the University's Financial Regulations, when using a Purchasing Card.

The objective of the Fraud Prevention and Response Plan is to safeguard the proper use of the University's finances and resources, including the finances and resources of its subsidiary companies, against fraudulent acts, and to comply with the law and relevant regulations.