Is this acceptable of a charity?

[pennypop3]

I started working in the events team of a medium sized charity about 5-6 months ago. Lots of weekend and evening work but nothing like this so far so I'm just gauging opinions.

Next week we have an all day event. It will require me leaving home at about 5am and driving 1.5 hours to the venue. I'll be working all day and probably not getting home until 10pm. Also driving home. I'm sure there will be opportunities to have a break during the day but no fixed break times as such so if I'm needed I will be working through the day.

In my previous job at another charity we would have been offered an overnight stay at such an event as they were aware it's a long day and that it's a relatively long drive home after a full day of work. This hasn't been mentioned. When I raised the question with management they were surprised and I got the feeling it's looked down upon as it's seen to be taking money away from the event. They basically suggested if I want to stay I have to arrange and pay for it myself.

Is this ok? It's a small team and we all have to pitch in. I get that and would never usually complain. But the attitude of management has rubbed me up the wrong way.

It's a long day but when I worked in events long days were just part of the job and we did get flexibility back, so was all part of give and take.

When i started getting pissed off at the long days that's when I decided to leave the industry, it's really not a job for people who don't want to do those sort of hours.

I work for a charity and we would absolutely be offered the chance for an overnight stay in such circumstances. But the charity I work for recognises the importance of worker wellbeing- you probably conserve more charity funds if you treat people well so they don't keep leaving (and therefore incurring recruitment costs).

I would agree ordinarily that a 1.5 hour drive each way wouldn't necessarily be sufficient to warrant an overnight stay if it was then a "normal" day when you get there.

In OP's case, however, once she's done a 1.5 hour drive there, she's then expected to do a 14 hour work day before driving 1.5 hours home again.

OP - are you getting paid the equivalent of 17 hours to go there??

In terms of the breaks, at the end of the day, this charity is still your employer and they have to abide by Employment law which states that you are required to have an uninterrupted 20 minute break when you work more than 6 hours.

From a Health & Safety perspective, as an employer myself, I would be concerned about you driving tired after such a long day. This is the reason that HGV drivers have a maximum 9 hour driving day. By the time you get home you'll have done a day that's almost twice as long as the HGV limits.

I'm sure you're not asking to be put up in the Ritz, but a Travelodge or Premier Inn would give you the opportunity to rest before driving home.

Whatever happens, going forward I would be strongly suggesting that they need to introduce a policy and also include hotel stays in the budget for such events.

If the charity is worried about additional cost what I'd suggest splitting the staff team into "shifts"

So some are there for the set up but leave at a reasonable time and others are there for the finish and get to start later.

Is there enough staff numbers to suggest this?

It's better for everyone and saves money. It will also save some TOIL.

I would say that I felt unsafe driving home at that time so they could either pay for me to get to and from venue using public transport (including additional TOIL) or pay for a hotel.

It is a health and safety issue.

from a H&S point of view its very unreasonable

You are getting time off in lieu, that is ok. But, if you feel unsafe to drive then it is not OK. Will they pay for public transport (train, bus, taxi?)
Some people choose to work beyond their salaried hours and have unsafe practices (driving in the dark after a long shift). To do this should always be a personal choice and never forced. A good manager would discourage bad practices. A good company would not allow bad practices and hold the manager responsible for allowing it.

I think it's fine as a one off as you will get breaks and TOIL. If you're very worried about driving, can you get a train?

I’m a head of fundraising and I would definitely have given an overnight stay on event day. A staff bedroom is usually factored into the hotel costs anyway (if it’s being held in a hotel) my team regularly have a lovely night and breakfast at top hotels after a golf day and then break down the event room and head home the next day. This is definitely something to raise with the event lead and head of fundraising. Also check your contract, there is probably something in there about breaks. Ultimately though it could just be a shit charity, there are a lot out there unfortunately.

As a one-off I would not have a problem with it. If it were more regular then yes, overnight accommodation, or at least a day off in lieu.

Yes this is a reasonable policy and how we operated too

I'm a corporate event manager so admittedly bigger budgets but we are ALWAYS on site the night before. What if everyone gets stuck in traffic??? Not worth the risk.