Since 1 August 2003, overheads, calculated as a percentage of salary costs, have been charged on donation accounts and special funds. The policy aims to ensure that a contribution is made towards the infrastructure costs of activities funded from donations and other accounts.

Overhead charges are calculated and processed on a monthly basis by the Finance Division. The charges are made on the account using transaction code EYZC in the appropriate cost centre and source of funds. The rate is 30% and is applied to the year-to-date total of pay costs (transaction codes beginning A to D).

Exceptions are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Where a department considers that a particular activity should constitute an exception to the policy, then the case should be submitted to their School Finance Manager, or in the case of the non-school institutions the Pro- VC.