Support in the event of a death in service

Managers should take account of the wishes of the employee's family or next of kin and handle requests sensitively.

Time off

Managers should allow appropriate time off for colleagues who wish to grieve and/or attend a funeral and/or memorial service.

Employees who wish to take time off should refer to the council's Time Off policy (urgent domestic leave including compassionate leave). You can also speak to your line manager or HR if you have questions.

Attendance and representation

Unless the family or next of kin wish otherwise, it is usually appropriate for close work friends and/or a senior member of staff to attend a funeral or memorial service on behalf of the organisation.

Where details are available publicly, we may share them so colleagues who wish to attend can do so respectfully.