Taking time off work to attend external meetings?

Question

I have a full time job and I am also on the board of governors for a local secondary school. Recently, the chair of the governors has informed me that I am entitled to take paid time off work to attend any necessary governor meetings during office hours, and that I should discuss this matter with my employer. However, the vast majority of meetings are held in the evenings.

Do you think that I should talk about this with my employer in order to persuade him to let me take paid time off work to attend any future meetings and perhaps risk getting into his 'bad books', or do you think I should just use my annual leave in order to attend any future necessary meetings.

Thanks

Answer 1

Many people I know get paid time off from their employer for this sort of thing, Its called special leave. I think its always worth asking. Perhaps check the company handbook or terms of employment - it usually mentions in there whether they do have a system of special leave and if so it wont be too difficult to approach your manager if you have the facts.

Answer 2

you should still get payed as this is because of your job and it benefits them,and its taking up your time away from your family ,making your working day a longer one ,they should pay you ,or ask the peple who hold the meetings if they hold any durring the day ,.either way if they refuss to pay you ,then i would bring this up im the meeting and get it stopped,and maybe get them to change the rules ,as this will afect more than just you ,cos what they do or dont do has to be the same for all,the other thing you could do is contact the education board and bring this to light with them ,at the end of the day if they want happy hard working staff then these people should be rewarded for their efforts ,good luck

Answer 3

Absolutely not!!!!!! - since being on a board of school governors is considered a "public duty" you are entitled to "reasonable" time off during normal business hours to fulfill those public duties

Answer 4

Just ask the question and see how he responds. You are entitled to it and I have never had any problems getting the time to do this - especially if you don't abuse it. Always inform them as far in advance as possible and it shouldn't be an issue.

Answer 5

Ask your superior for clarification