Past case studies

The following case studies illustrate some of the work and study arrangements developed to support staff and students with specific needs.

Professor Stephen Fairhurst

Stephen works a four-day week in to help bring up a young family and to achieve a better work/life balance, while still being able to carry out his university commitments in research, teaching and administration.

“The School was very supportive and there was no problem in setting up the part-time arrangement. There are not many academic staff in the School working part-time, but I find that it suits me very well and that it enables me to lead a more balanced life while still making a significant contribution to the work of the University.”

Stephen finds that he is just as productive during his working hours and the extra day away from work gives him time for his own interests, as well as time to help look after his young family. He makes the effort to keep his free day exactly that and ensures that he doesn’t check work emails and calls when he isn’t working.

Rhiannon Lunney, PhD Student

Rhiannon has fibromyalgia and is undertaking her PhD over five years instead of four, studying four days a week instead of five.

Fibromyalgia can cause extreme fatigue, brain fog and pain, especially when sitting for long periods without proper support. Rhiannon has been provided with an ergonomic chair and can record meetings to refer back to later. She's been allocated appropriate office space with excellent lighting to support her as fibromyalgia is associated with low mood and depression. She has found staff very understanding and her supervisors have readily agreed to the special arrangements she needs for her PhD.

Rhiannon said: “I have been impressed by how accommodating people here have been. My special arrangements help me cope with my condition and the extra day’s leave helps me to rest and recuperate so that I can maintain a normal work/life balance. Otherwise, I would have no energy for other everyday activities that students take part in outside their study.”