Version: 2 (December 2025)
Policy Aims
As part of our focus on wellbeing, we encourage colleagues to balance work and personal life. This policy offers all colleagues the opportunity to take sabbatical leave, giving either an unpaid career break or extended time off. Please see the attached Sabbatical Leave Policy, which was last updated in December 2025
What’s Covered
- What is a Sabbatical
- Entitlement
- Making the Request
- Terms and Conditions of Employment
- Return to Work
Roles and Responsibilities
- Colleague: Responsible for making a request for sabbatical leave in accordance with the requirements.
- Line Manager: Reviews the request, gains authorisation, communicates approval, and arranges cover.
- ER Support/HRBP (Ops): Provides advice to you and your line manager.
- HRBP (PST): Provides advice to you and your line manager.
What is a Sabbatical?
A sabbatical is an opportunity for colleagues to take extended time away from work to strike a balance between working life and personal life. Examples include:
- Career break
- Property renovation
- Travelling
- Educational courses
- Charity or voluntary work
- Supporting family
Key Points: Maximum of 6 months in one continuous block. All annual leave must be used before taking a sabbatical. You remain employed by Stonegate and cannot take paid employment elsewhere.
Entitlement
- More than 5 years continuous service
- Good performance record and clean disciplinary record
- Only one request every 5 years
Making the Request
Submit your request in writing to your line manager at least 6 months prior to the start date. The line manager will seek authorisation and respond within 30 days. Approval is at the company’s discretion, considering:
- Your role
- Length of time off requested
- Time of year
- Business needs
- Reason for leave
- Annual leave usage
Terms and Conditions During Sabbatical
- You remain employed by Stonegate; no paid employment elsewhere.
- Continuous service maintained.
- Sabbatical is unpaid; salary supplements stop.
- Retain colleague discount, private medical healthcare, and death in service benefit.
- Company car and equipment must be returned.
- No annual leave accrual, bank holiday pay, pension contributions, sick pay, or bonus during sabbatical.
Return to Work
Expected to return to your original role, but if unavailable, a similar role will be offered. If you wish to return earlier, contact your line manager. Failure to return will be treated as resignation.
Legal Compliance
This policy complies with the Employment Rights Act 1996.
External Support
- Licensed Trade Charity: 0808 801 0550
- ACAS
- Citizens Advice
Please see the attached Sabbatical Leave Policy, which was last updated in December 2025.
For further support, please contact er.support@stonegategroup.co.uk (if Site based), or your HRBP (if PST based)
Time off Extended holiday Unpaid time off How long