To complete your TAS form, just go to the WebTAS login page. Time Allocation Schedule (TAS)
TAS is one of the TRAC systems required by HEFCE of all UK universities. Because it is a major element in the production of Full Economic Cost (fEC) rates used in costing research, it also attracts a lot of interest from the Research Councils. RCUK audited the University of Exeter’s processes in summer 2008, and it seems likely that this will be repeated in 2011. All this means that you should complete your TAS form, in accordance with the guidance.
The aim of the web-based collection system is to provide a convenient way for staff to submit their TAS data. In addition, it removes the need for paper and double-keying of data. In has now run successfully for several years at Exeter and is proving much more efficient than the previous method.
The purpose of TRAC is to allocate all costs to Teaching, Research or Other activities. Within TRAC, the function of TAS is to allocate staff costs.
The system is fully electronic. Just log in through the secure portal, fill in the boxes and click the Finish button. If you need to fill in a TAS form, you will automatically receive an email alert.
2011-12
The current collection exercise is for the academic year 2011-12, with 3 periods based on Term/Vacation times:
- 3rd October 2011 to 8th January 2012
- 9th January to 29th April 2012
- 30th April to 30th September 2012
Staff with multiple positions
When you log in, you will see a list of your different positions or jobs. You should fill in a TAS form for each one. Clicking on each position will link you to the relevant TAS form. If you have different types of position, then you may not be able to complete TAS forms for all of your jobs. The position will be greyed-out and not respond to being clicked on. If any of your positions are listed below you will not be expected to complete that position’s TAS form.
- Research assistant (assumed to be 100% Research)
- Teaching fellow (assumed to be 100% Teaching)
- Laboratory technician (completed by School admin due to special requirements in the analysis)
- Junior support positions (Grade D and below - completed by School admin)
- Not in a School
You will be able to complete TAS forms for academic positions and for support staff positions (Grade E and above).
You should complete all of the positions that are “Self-complete”. These will let you click on them and take you to the TAS form. You will receive an email reminder if you do not complete all your “self-completion” positions.
Normally, the time allocation for each post will be different. However, sometimes staff work in positions that are very similar: if you are unable to make any meaningful split of your overall time, you may use the same allocations for each position.
