Heriot-Watt's Archive, Records Management and Museum Service (ARMMS) collects objects, works of art and archives in all formats including electronic and digital media in accordance with certain criteria. In some circumstances it is necessary for the ARMMS service to dispose of or transfer certain items from its collection. The procedures and authority for acquisition and disposal activities are outlined in detail in this policy.

see also: acquisition, collections, disposal

Paid adoption leave is available to employed people who are adopting a child on their own, or for one member of a couple who are adopting together. The couple can decide who'll take the paid leave. The other member of the couple, or the partner of the adopter, may be able to take paid paternity leave. The University's policy on adoption leave is outlined in detail. Benefits are provided at a higher level than the statutory minimum.

see also: adoption, leave

The University regards AIDS in the same way as any other long-term serious illness from which an employee might suffer. Everyone has a responsibility to limit the spread to HIV. The University as an employer will help to make sure that employees are well informed about HIV/AIDS. The policy outlines the position with regard to recruitment and selection, transfer and redevelopment, leave and sickness arrangements, working relations and service provision, confidentiality, training, education and information, counselling and support, first aid and medical precautions and grievances.

see also: aids, hiv

At all times the University wishes to maintain high standards of professional conduct amongst its employees. Heriot-Watt University will endeavour to ensure that an employee's use of alcohol or other substances does not impair the safe and efficient running of the University or the health and safety of its employees. Substances are defined as drugs, both prescribed and non-prescribed, and solvents. This policy is not intended to intrude upon the privacy of individuals, particularly in health matters, where their condition does not affect their conduct or performance at work.

see also: alcohol, drugs

The University recognises that drinking alcohol can be an enjoyable and harmless feature of student life and it has no wish to discourage sensible drinking. However, the University has a duty of care to all its students and considers that it is important to try to address the harmful effects of excessive alcohol use, whether physical, social or academic. The policy commits the University to developing a strategy to address alcohol use. The Director of Student Welfare Services is responsible for developing and implementing the strategy

see also: alcohol, drugs

At Heriot-Watt we are committed to fostering an environment in which students, staff and those associated with University activities may work and study effectively. All members of the University, staff and students, are responsible for ensuring that individuals do not suffer sexual, racial or any other form of harassment, and they are encouraged and supported in any legitimate complaint.

see also: anti, harrassment

Employees have a contractual responsibility to perform to a satisfactory level. Issues of an employee's capability may arise from time to time where sub-standard performance relates to a lack of the required knowledge, skills or ability rather than misconduct. In these cases, the employee should, wherever practicable, be assisted through training or coaching and given reasonable time to achieve the required standard. Where sub-standard performance is found to be due to negligence or lack of application on the part of the employee, then the Disciplinary Procedure will normally be appropriate.

see also: capability

Heriot-Watt University, in conjunction with Imagine Co-operative Childcare has introduced a way for staff to meet some of the costs of childcare under which part of their salary can be given up or 'sacrificed' in exchange for Childcare Vouchers which are then used to pay for the childcare services that they use. Within specified limits, this amount is non-taxable and exempt from National Insurance contributions so you are therefore using some of your income tax and NI contributions to meet some of your childcare costs.

see also: childcare, voucher

The University's computing and telecommunications facilities are provided for the better performance of the person's duties and not for social usage. Communications made on University systems remain the sole property of the University. Clear guidance has been drawn up for the use of email, internet access, telephones, fax machines and email addressing. The University reserves the right to monitor the use of email and telecommunications systems and inappropriate use will lead to disciplinary action and may result in dismissal.

see also: computing, information, technology, telephone, uics

It is essential that the computing facilities at Heriot-Watt are only used in connection with the legitimate activities of members of the University. All members of the University, staff and students, and others who may be granted access through association, are required to abide by the specified Conditions of Use outlined in this policy. The policy covers the University's position on copyright abuse, spam, obscene material and other concerns and applies equally to the use of privately-owned personal computers when making use of University networks or remotely accessing elements of University computing facilities.

see also: computing, uics