Direct appointment


How to process a direct appointment


Please provide all the information below to Lucy at environment-hr@york.ac.uk:

  • the line manager
  • the job title
  • the job type (academic, research, teaching or support)
  • the preferred start date
  • the end date (if fixed-term)
  • the hours of work/FTE (full time is 37 hours/week)
  • a completed job description (you can find templates on the job library page)
  • whether it is a new job or if you are directly replacing someone who has left
  • where the job is based (e.g. campus west, remote, etc.)
  • a brief description of why the appointment is needed
  • any employment checks required (the standard is none)
  • the grade, spine point and salary (note that the blue boxes are not to be included)
  • If appointing at higher than the bottom spine point of a grade, a business case as to why this is being offered (how their experience/skills justify this, funding etc.)
  • the workorder
  • the Research Grants Operator managing a grant (if research)
  • details of the person being appointed
    • title
    • full name
    • address
    • contact information
    • date of birth
    • nationality
  • the CV of the person being appointed


Lucy will submit the form for you, and you will be CCed into the HR ticket to see the progression.

You can then follow the guidance in the New starters and inductions wiki pages.

Important points to note

  • Direct appointments cannot be extended beyond 6 months, except for named researchers/TUPE transfers.
  • The individual cannot be on another direct appointment for 12 months.
  • Any appointments made should already have been agreed to by Roland, Naurin or the relevant Research Grants Coordinator (depending on the source of funding), and HR Advisor (Katharine Coutts). If you email the details to Lucy at environment-hr@york.ac.uk with all the information, she can add the item to the fortnightly HR & Finance meetings to discuss.

When to use a direct appointment


Use for appointments in the following circumstances:

  • direct appointments of over 12 weeks and up to 6 months in length by agreement with HR
  • the appointment of researchers named in approved research grants
  • the appointment of a Temp Pool member to a longer term contract
  • the appointment of staff being transferred from another employer via TUPE

Please refer to further guidance on direct appointments.


Right to work in the UK


Individuals to be appointed must have an existing and continuing right to work in the UK. Evidence of this must be provided to HR before they start work.

We will ask the individual in their appointment letter to bring their right to work documents to HR. Please note they cannot work before the documents are shown. UK Visas and Immigration would regard this as illegal working.


Need further help?


Contact HR Services: 

hr-enquiries@york.ac.uk | 01904 32 4835