IT Equipment FAQs
The following FAQs are intended to provide further clarity around the Firm’s support for remote working equipment in a hybrid working environment.
What does the £150 allowance cover?
The Firm will allow you to claim up to £150 towards the purchase of a mouse, keyboard, screen, webcam and chair.
I received equipment from the Firm to support temporary remote working during the pandemic. Can I continue to use this equipment and take advantage of the £150?
Yes, you can continue to use this equipment and may claim up to £100 towards a chair. Or you may return all loaned equipment and claim up to £150 for replacement.
I did not avail of the offer to take equipment from the Firm on a temporary basis. In the new hybrid model, I would like to do so and also avail of the £150 fund. Is this possible?
No. You will only be able to avail of the £150 funding.
I donated money for a small screen before the office closed but would like a big one.
Donations made toward small screens are excluded from this exercise. This does not stop you from availing of the options listed above.
Can I purchase a second (or third) screen, a footstool, a desk, a speakerphone or another piece of equipment that is not listed but would greatly help me perform my role from home?
The scheme allows you to claim up to £150 towards the purchase of a mouse, keyboard,
screen, webcam and chair. Other items are excluded from the scheme.
Can you recommend a chair for me, as I am not sure what to buy?
We are unable to recommend specific chairs. We can, however, advise that you purchase an ergonomic chair. A good ergonomic chair will possess the features below:
- Seat height: This should be easily adjustable (usually with a lever) to allow the user to place their feet flat on the floor with legs horizontal and arms even with the height of the desk.
- Seat width and depth: The seat should have enough width and depth to suit the individual. The user’s back should be snug against the back of the chair but there should be 2 to 4 inches of space between the end of the seat and the back of the user’s knees.
- Backrest: The backrest should be large enough to support the entire back and be able to support the natural curve of the spine with the addition of movable lumbar support. The backrest should also be able to adjust forwards and backwards to allow the user to get the correct angle for them and to recline the chair if they wish. There should be a locking mechanism in place to allow the user to secure this position.
- Lumbar support: This is important. Lumbar support on a chair should move both up and down to allow the user to position it to their individual needs. It should also have adjustable depth to allow the user to fit this comfortably to the curve of their spine.
- Swivel: The chair should rotate to allow the user to reach different parts of their desk without straining.
- Armrests: These should be adjustable to allow the user’s arms to rest comfortably with relaxed shoulders. Forearms should be able to rest lightly on the armrests while the user if typing.
- Base: The base of the chair should have five or more pedestals for stability.
I spend time in my holiday home on the coast. Am I allowed to purchase two of each of these items so I can move freely and have the correct equipment?
No. This policy relates to the purchase of equipment for a single remote working location.
What happens if the screen I got from the office breaks? Do I return it to the office for a new item?
Yes. Any equipment supplied by the office fails (subject to the IT Equipment Policy) should be returned to the office.
What happens to the items I have received from the office if I leave the Firm? Do I need to return them?
Any equipment provided by the Firm will need to be returned if you leave the Firm.
If I receive electrical equipment from the office, is this covered by the office’s insurance policy should they cause a fire in my home?
Equipment provided by the Firm will be tested and in good working order. You should check with your home insurer for coverage in relation to using the Firm’s equipment in the home.
How do I expense for equipment purchased as part of the £150 fund?
- All expenses should be reclaimed via Chrome River
- All receipts should be uploaded to Chrome River via CR Snap or via email – see attached link for details on how to submit via Chrome River and upload receipts (Finance – Chrome River Expense Training (bakerworld.com)
- For IT related equipment i.e. monitor, mouse, keyboard etc. – please use tile Office Expenses/Computer Supplies and suggested narrative noted below.
- For a chair – please use tile Office Expenses/Office Supplies and the suggested narrative noted below.
- Please charge all expenses to cost centre AMS9PAXBEC.
IT Equipment
In the Business Purpose field please enter:
“Employee name, IT equipment-brief description, Date” e.g. “Catherine McGeown, IT equipment-monitor, Nov 2021”
Chair Reimbursement
In the Business Purpose field please enter:
“Employee name, Home office equipment-brief description, Date” e.g. “Catherine McGeown, home office equipment-chair, Nov 2021”
