Staff Dress Code Policy

Our Trust recognise that the staff represent a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, ages, so naturally we want staff to exercise choice in the clothing they wear for work.

This dress code sets out our expectations for day-to-day wear. The appearance of staff should foster respect for them as professionals.

Clothing should be smart, fit for the purpose, and have due regard for any health and safety policy.
South Lincolnshire Academies Trust have adopted a ‘smart’ dress code for all staff whether teaching or non-teaching albeit there will on occasions be a slight deviation of this code for some staff.
Trust identity badges must be worn and visible at all times on the Trust’s site and premises.

Examples of smart casual are:

• Trousers, skirts or dresses of an appropriate length (leggings are not permitted)
• Blouse, shirt, t-shirt (polo style) or long-sleeved top
• Tie (optional)
• Blazer, jacket, cardigan or jumper
• Suitable smart footwear (in the summer months this can include smart open toe sandals with back straps)

Please note the items listed below are not considered to be smart dress. We request staff to refrain from wearing them.

CLOTHES

Shorts, mini-skirts, tight fitting short tube skirts, see-through clothing, denim jeans, leggings, low cut tops, crop tops, vest tops, off the shoulder clothing, clothing with tears/holes/rips or unclean.
Any clothing worn should not distract from your status as a professional business person.

FOOTWEAR

Casual footwear (such as trainers or flip-flops)
No stiletto heels (no higher than 2-3 inches)

For your information, please also note the following:

• All jewellery is generally acceptable, so long as it does not present a health and safety hazard (e.g. during PE).
• We know staff may have tattoos which we fully appreciate is a personal choice. However, you may be asked to cover any large tattoos which are deemed inappropriate (i.e. offensive language, imagery or excessive).
• No extreme hair styles or colours.
• No facial piercings (clear flat head retainers allowed), other than any earrings.
• No excessive nail extensions. However, any style nail polish including gel nails and acrylics are permitted.
• We recognise the importance of individually held religious beliefs to employees in the Trust and will work with employees on an individual basis to accommodate any requests in terms of workplace dress.
• Any items that does not represent neutrality (i.e. badges with political slogans).

We want all staff to feel happy and comfortable in the workplace, so please if in doubt discuss with the CEO, DCEO, Head of School or Line Manager, so we can resolve any queries.

The following exceptions are allowed:

• PE or Science/Food and Practical lessons (i.e. trainers for PE or no open-toe sandals in food preparation areas or any practical environment)
• Educational visits, where practical activities require less formal wear
• Staff who are working in the school during a holiday period
• Staff engaged in practical activities in school where less formal wear is appropriate
• School non-uniform days
• Staff inset/training days

It is particularly important that the standard of smart dress is maintained during hot weather periods. Staff will be directed by email in this case.