Relocation

The University operates a Relocation Scheme that may be available to new staff, depending upon circumstances and their eligibility. Details of the scheme should be obtained from the University finance website. 

The cost of visas and any additional immigration charges are not regarded as relocations costs and are handled separately. 

All staff wishing to take advantage of the scheme will need to complete the application form, which should be requested from the Head of Administration and Finance.

The Faculty’s usual procedures for purchasing goods and services must be followed. HMRC’s rules for tax-free expenses apply.

For academic staff on permanent contracts

For Associate, Full and Statutory Professors, the Law Faculty sets an upper limit of £8k for personal relocation, including travel, removal company charges, and legal fees associated with conveyancing. This is also the upper limit of expenditure which can be reimbursed tax-free under HMRC rules. Claims above this amount will only be reimbursed in exceptional circumstances, subject to discussion with the Faculty and with the agreement of the college that will be sharing the cost with the Faculty. It will also be possible to claim reimbursement for moving items from a previous office, which may be claimed in addition to the £8k if this sum is used in full for the personal relocation. Office relocation only can be arranged directly with the Faculty rather than through the University relocation office. By agreement with the College, the relocation costs will be divided between the College and the Faculty pro rata to the salary split for joint appointments.

For other permanent academic posts, the Law Faculty will reimburse the cost of a single economy journey to Oxford at the start of the appointment. Subject to approval of a quotation, the Faculty will also reimburse the cost of an office move, if required, but other relocation costs are not normally reimbursed. The Faculty will normally waive the rule that relocation costs must be repaid to the University pro rata to the length of appointment if less than three years.

For academic staff on fixed-term contracts

For all Fixed-Term Researchers and Departmental Lecturers employed by the Faculty, the support available depends on the source of funding. If the role is supported by an external grant which includes funds for relocation, then these should be used. The funding provided is usually more generous than that available through the Faculty. Each grant has its own set of rules, so these must be consulted before making arrangements.

Where there are no external funds available the Faculty will cover up to £1k of personal relocation costs at the start of the appointment. This can include a single economy journey to Oxford, removal company charges, or storage costs. The Faculty will also pay for travel to Oxford in advance of taking up an appointment, for the purpose of finding accommodation, either viewing properties or signing a contract. In this instance the cost of two nights in economy accommodation can also be requested. 

All costs must be pre-approved by the Faculty and will be processed through University Relocation Scheme. The Faculty will normally waive the rule that relocation costs must be repaid to the University pro rata to the length of appointment if less than three years.

The costs will be borne by the part of the Faculty hosting the staff in question. Meaning where a  Fixed-Term Researcher or Departmental Lecturer is joining a research centre or institute, the centre will pay the relocation costs. Where a fixed-term post is advertised the details of the relocation allowance should be included in the further particulars.