Headteachers are reminded that the revised Sickness Absence Management (SAM) policy has been uploaded onto the Solgrid Extranet.  The revised policy (and guidance notes) has a number of changes including an amended trigger point – 4 occasions of absence within a 12 month rolling period replaces three periods of absence over the previous six months.   This will have the effect of increasing the number of employees who will be required to attend a Stage 1 sickness absence review meeting. The new policy will need to be ratified by the Governing Body during the first half term, with the aim of being implemented by 1 November 2018. Schools will also need to make arrangements to ensure all employees are familiar with the policy and have access to it. For more information please see briefing document attached below.