1.1
The death of an employee of the Central Academic Bodies and central activities of the University of London (the "central University) or pensioner reported to a manager must be reported to the Head of Division who will then advise the Pensions and HR Manager (who is in turn responsible for informing the other staff within Human Resources and the Vice-Chancellor as well as for undertaking the necessary action in the case of members of USS, FSSU or SAUL).

1.2
The Head of Divison will write an official letter to convey the central University’s tribute to the deceased, and of sympathy to the next of kin.  In the case of the death of a pensioner whose department no longer exists, the letter will come from Human Resources.

1.3
Relatives contacting us to advise of the death of an employee will naturally be distressed and it is important that those receiving such a call act with appropriate sensitivity.  Unless the caller specifically asks, they should not be transferred to another individual regardless which Head of Divison is actually responsible and, in order to avoid unnecessary return calls at a stressful time, managers should be aware of the information required to be taken from the caller, which is:

• the deceased’s full name and date of death;
• the name, address and telephone number of the next of kin.

1.4
The nearest dependent of an employee who dies in service (immediately or totally dependent on the income of the deceased) is entitled to an ex-gratia payment equal to one month’s pay from the staffing budget of the relevant Division.  The Pensions and HR Manager will be responsible for arranging this payment.

1.5
Human Resources will gladly forward letters of condolence but cannot disclose addresses.

1.6
Attendance at funerals is not officially required but, provided the next of kin are content, the Head of Division may attend personally or send one nominee.  Other staff who wish to attend should normally take annual leave for the purpose.  While colleagues of the deceased may wish to do so by collection, it is not the practice for the central University to pay for flowers or wreaths or to make donations to identified charities.

1.7
Human Resources can offer advice and make arrangements to return personal belongings to the next of kin.