Contract guidance for managers

Download and print the contract guidance

Contract guidance for managers [pdf]

Consideration should be given to the most appropriate contractual arrangement. The factors to be taken into account when deciding on the type of contract to be used include:

  • the hours, working pattern and duration of employment;
  • the source of funding - external or internal;
  • the length of the funding and the likelihood of renewal;
  • the nature of the work - specific and time-limited project or an open-ended task which is part of the core function and therefore likely to continue;
  • The contracts of employment issued to other staff engaged in similar work or from the same funding source.

Please contact the Staff Hub if you require assistance with identifying the most appropriate type of contract.

Contract types:

The table below sets out the range of contracts that individuals may be appointed to within Imperial. Contracts may be offered on a fixed-term or open-ended basis. 

Type of contract Suitability for use and length of engagement
Open-ended
  • Where there is an ongoing need for the work to be carried out.
  • Indefinite period.

Fixed term

(Further guidance is available in the fixed term working area of the Imperial website). 

There are different types of fixed-term contracts, including, for example:

  • Maternity/adoption leave or short-term absence cover.
  • Apprenticeships and secondments.
  • Temporary assignments with a specific end date, or assignments that expire when a specific task is completed.
  • Fixed terms issued for the duration of a visa permitting the right to work in the UK.
  • Roles contingent on fixed funding with no guarantee that such funding will continue. If the fixed funding does continue, the fixed-term contract may then be renewed. 

Zero hours
  • No set hours.
  • Open-ended, or fixed-term.

Variable hours
  • May be appropriate in circumstances where there is an ongoing requirement for the work, but the hours of work fluctuate due to operational requirements/demand, e.g. if hours of teaching are dependent on student enrolment on a course.
  • The contract will set out a fixed hourly rate but will not usually guarantee a fixed number of hours per week/month/year.
  • The number of hours available will be confirmed as far in advance as possible, usually on an annual basis and normally at the start of the academic year.
  • May be open-ended or fixed-term.
Senior Research Investigator (SRI)
  • Where the individual is fully retired, and
  • Imperial wishes to retain research collaboration with the individual.
  • Fixed term, usually for one year.
Annualised hours
  • Set pattern, e.g. term time only; or
  • Specific number of hours.
  • May be open-ended or fixed-term. 

For full information, managers should refer to the Contract guidance for managers [pdf]