Browse the frequently asked questions
To aid staff using the system we have a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) with answers to help you to use the system and know when to contact the AWP Support team or your line manager/allocator. This will be updated as required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access AWP?
Type awp.gre.ac.uk in your browser address bar. Alternatively it can be accessed from the main portal page (part way down on the right hand side).
Help! I cannot login
If you have forgotten your university password, you MUST reset it via the university website. Try using an alternative browser. Sometimes AWP works better within its own browser, eg Chrome or Edge. If you have any other issues logging on to AWP please let the AWP team know at AWPSupport@gre.ac.uk.
Who do I contact if I'm experiencing technical difficulties with the system?
You can contact our dedicated AWP Team at AWPSupport@gre.ac.uk.
Is there system training available for staff and how do I book?
Yes, there is regular training available for staff. To book a training session, please complete the AWP Training Booking Form. For any queries relating to training please contact AWP support at AWPSupport@gre.ac.uk.
Who is a Direct Report?
Anyone who receives a workload allocation from a member of staff (usually of higher seniority) is usually referred to as a Direct Report.
When does a Line Manager or those responsible for workload allocation need to have allocations complete by?
Workload allocations are to be completed within the appraisal window of July. The overall allocation window will remain opened for an agreed time in order to allow for discussions between Line Managers and Direct Reports.
How is the number of students for a module derived?
The Student Number Planning (SNP) forecast numbers are used for core modules and the previous academic year’s enrolment numbers are used for optional modules. These numbers are updated in the new/next academic year, when new enrolment data becomes available.
What is the minimum level of workload I should expect?
All academic staff allocation should be at least 85% of their allocatable hours.
I have a query about an activity or task
If you feel an activity or task has been omitted or is inaccurate, please discuss this with your Line Manager. If a change is being suggested, your Line Manager will need to raise it with the AWP Support team.
What should I do if I cannot find a member of my team in the Allocations Users list?
If the staff member is shared with another School, check if they are listed there. If they are not listed in either school, contact AWPSupport@gre.ac.uk.
Does AWP take all activities into account?
We strive for consistency in allocations across faculties and schools to promote greater transparency. However, there are always some exceptional cases where specific activities do not fit into predetermined categories. For this reason, the new tool includes an ‘other’ category which can be used to top-up activities or make allocations to activities that may not be covered in the tool. If using ‘other’ you must add a brief explanation so that we can review it and, in cases where multiple similar allocations are made, there may be the potential to add it into the tool.
How have we calculated workload hours?
Across the sector, allocations are typically made using an hour-based approach. An hour-based approach simply counts all the available work hours in an academic year. This is calculated using Greenwich’s 35 hour week multiplied by the number of working weeks minus leave entitlement and public holidays to create a pot of allocatable hours. At Greenwich this equates to 1505 hours.
Where can I find further information about AWP and the tariffs?
We have created a dedicated AWP Information Hub where you can access the information on tariffs and a variety of other helpful guidance and training documents.
I have a query about a tariff
If you feel a tariff related to your activity or task is inaccurate, please discuss this with your Line Manager. If a change to the tariff is being suggested, your Line Manager will need to raise this with the AWP Support team. Proposals for changes will be reviewed by the senior leadership team.
How can I share my suggestions and feedback for the AWP tool?
We actively encourage feedback on all aspects of academic workload planning. If you have any suggestions or feedback, please get in touch with the AWP representative for your school or faculty. The AWP support team hold regular meetings with AWP representatives where feedback is shared and discussed.
Is this something that happens across Higher Education?
Yes, academic workload planning is used widely across institutions. At Greenwich, the WAMS platform was introduced in 2017 as Balanced Academic Workload (BAW2). In 2022, this was redefined as Academic Workload Planning (AWP)
What are the benefits of AWP?
The system (or planning tool) encourages transparency in workloads and better reflects activities undertaken by staff. It ensures efficiency in planning workloads and supports sustainability. We are currently exploring using data collected in AWP to replace the need to conduct frequent Time Allocation Surveys for the TRAC return.
What is the process with the new AWP tool for NRI colleagues?
We understand that our colleagues from NRI did not use the previous workload planning tool and have their own approach in place for managing workload. The AWP team will be engaging separately with representatives from NRI and working with them over the transition year to develop a bespoke roll-out plan.