Absence Management training sessions are back
As part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to improving Absence, HR have relaunched a new How To: Absence Management Series designed to take managing absence back to basics and help Line Managers to manage employee absences effectively.
The series will provide you with the tools to support your staff during any period of absence and returning to work following an absence, offering essential guidance and clarity on your role in absence management, with a focus on practical solutions to reduce absences and ensure compliance with council policies.
This series of online events will run as below. Click on the links to book your place:
Tuesday 12 May: Part 1 – The Fundamentals of Absence Management book now! (11am to Noon)
This session is designed to support line managers to understand their roles and responsibilities in managing absence within their teams, in line with council policies. The session will cover the importance of managing absence, absence targets and costs, an HR21 demo, how to accurately record and report absences (planned, unplanned and unauthorised absences) and what tools are available to support managing absences.
Tuesday 19 May: Part 2 – Policies, Processes and Practical Steps book now! (11am to Noon)
This session will cover key aspects of the Wellbeing at Work and Maximising Attendance policies, including identifying prompts/triggers for intervention and managing both short and long-term absences effectively. It will address documentation requirements, such as invite letters, meeting proformas, and outcome letters, with examples of good and poor practices. Guidance will also be provided on handling non-attendance at meetings, applying discretion fairly and consistently, and the criteria for its use.
Tuesday 26 May: Part 3 – Supporting Employees book now! (11am to Noon)
This session will delve into Occupational Health (OH), including when and how to refer employees, and the role of OH in supporting workplace wellbeing. The session will also explore the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), special leave policies (such as bereavement leave), and work-life balance. HR guides on specific conditions (e.g., cancer, stress, endometriosis) will be discussed, alongside the Equality Act. Workplace wellbeing initiatives, such as Live Well and Wellbeing Warriors, will be highlighted as key resources for promoting a healthy and supportive work environment.
Wednesday 10 June: Part 4 - How to Make a Good OH Referral & OHIO Demo book now! (11am to Noon)
This session will be delivered by PAM Occupational Health and will provide support to line managers to ensure that employees get the best support possible from Occupational Health. The session will also provide some examples of what you can ask the Occupational Health Adviser to ensure that the report and supports are useful and relevant. There will also be a demonstration of the OHIO system.
To find out more about the contents of each session, or to book a place, please visit the events booking page.
The “How To” Sessions are a refresher for Line Managers on absence management. Attendance to these sessions should not replace your attendance to the Wellbeing@Work Course.
Published May 11, 2026
