Section 31: Academic Staff - Part IV Removal for Incapacity on Medical Grounds


  1. (1) This Part makes separate provision for the assessment of incapacity on medical grounds as a good cause for dismissal or removal from office.
    (2) In this Part references to medical grounds are references to capability assessed by reference to health or any other physical or mental quality.
    (3) In this Part references to the appropriate officer are references to the Vice-Chancellor or an officer acting as his or her delegate to perform the relevant act.
    (4) References to the member of the academic staff include, in cases where the nature of the alleged disability so requires, a responsible relative or friend in addition to (or instead of) that member.

  2. (1) Where it appears that the removal of a member of the academic staff on medical grounds would be justified, the appropriate officer -

    (a) shall inform the member accordingly; and
    (b) shall notify the member in writing that it is proposed to make an application to the member's doctor for a medical report and shall seek the member's consent in writing in accordance with the requirements of the Access to Medical Reports Act 1988.

    (2) If the member shares that view the University shall meet the reasonable costs of any medical opinion required.

    (3) If the member does not share that view the appropriate officer shall refer the case in confidence, with any supporting medical and other evidence (including any medical evidence submitted by the member), to a Board comprising one person nominated by the Council; one person nominated by the member concerned or, in default of the latter nomination, by the Senate; and a medically qualified chair jointly agreed by the Council and the member or, in default of agreement, to be nominated by the President of the Royal College of Physicians.

    (4) The Board may require the member concerned to undergo medical examination at the University's expense.

Termination of Employment

  1. If the Board determines that the member shall be required to retire on medical grounds, the appropriate officer shall direct the Secretary and Registrar or his or her delegate to terminate the employment of the member concerned on those medical grounds.