Absence Management training sessions are back

Computer desk and icons with three colleagues and a cross as one is absent

Sickness absence remains a significant focus across the Council, with continued emphasis on consistent, confident and timely management action.

In particular, managers and supervisors are encouraged to focus on early intervention, appropriate support for employees, accurate absence recording and timely follow-up action.

To support this, those with responsibility for managing absence are encouraged to attend the upcoming four-part ‘How To’ Absence Series, which will provide practical guidance on applying these key absence management priorities in practice.

‘How To’ Absence Series

The four-part series will run throughout September 2026 and will cover the key stages of effective absence management, from understanding manager responsibilities and recording absence accurately, through to applying policy, supporting employees and making effective Occupational Health referrals.

Part 1 – The Fundamentals of Absence Management

Date and Time: Wednesday 2 September at 11am - Noon

Registration link: 'How To' - Part 1 - The Fundamentals of Absence Management | Join meeting in Teams | Microsoft Teams

This session will support line managers to understand their role in managing absence within their teams, in line with Council policies. It will cover the importance of absence management, absence targets and costs, HR21 recording, accurate reporting of planned, unplanned and unauthorised absence, and the tools available to support effective absence management.

Part 2 – Policies, Processes and Practical Steps

Date and Time: Wednesday 9 September at 11am - Noon

Registration link: 'How To' - Part 2 - Policies, Processes & Practical Steps | Join meeting in Teams | Microsoft Teams

This session will focus on the key requirements of the Wellbeing at Work and Maximising Attendance policies. It will cover intervention prompts and triggers, managing short and long-term absence, documentation requirements, examples of good practice, non-attendance at meetings, and the fair and consistent use of discretion.

Part 3 – Supporting Employees

Date and Time: Wednesday 23 September at 11am - Noon

Registration link: 'How To' - Part 3 - Supporting Employees | Join meeting in Teams | Microsoft Teams

This session will explore the support available to employees and the manager’s role in accessing it appropriately. Topics will include Occupational Health referrals, the Employee Assistance Programme, special leave provisions, work-life balance, relevant HR guidance, Equality Act considerations, and wellbeing initiatives such as Live Well and Wellbeing Warriors.

Part 4 - How to make a Good OH Referral & OHIO Demo

Date and Time: Wednesday 30 September at 11am - Noon

Registration link: 'How To' - Part 4 - How to Make a Good OH Referral | Join meeting in Teams | Microsoft Teams

This session will be delivered by PAM Occupational Health and will support line managers to make effective Occupational Health referrals. It will include examples of helpful referral questions, how to ensure reports are relevant and useful, and a demonstration of the OHIO system.

Corporate Wellbeing@Work Course

A further date is also available for the Corporate Wellbeing@Work course via Events Booking. This one-day course is designed for managers and supervisors and provides wider support on applying the Council’s absence policy in practice.

To find out more about the contents of each session, or to book a place, please visit the events booking page.

Published August 25, 2026

Wellbeing