This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
AcceptLearn moreWe may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customise your relationship with our website.
Click on the different category headings below to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences.
Note: blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.
These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.
Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, you cannot refuse them without impacting how our site functions. You can block or delete them by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website.
Facebook uses cookies to retarget you with personalised banner advertising after you have visited our website. Learn more
Do not allow Facebook Pixel to track meThese cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customise our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.
If you do not want that we track your visit to our site, you can disable tracking in your browser here:
We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.
Google Webfont Settings:
Google Map Settings:
Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:
You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.
Staff survey findings: Message from Director of HR, Francesca Fowler
/by fdirecA message to all colleagues
Dear colleague,
At the end of June, more than 2,300 of you kindly gave us your feedback via our latest survey, which was designed to check how you are dealing with the current situation and where you most need further advice and support.
Thank you for taking the time to do this and for the honesty of your responses, which are helping us better understand the issues most important to you.
An example of this from our first survey saw you ask to collect items from campus to support you with remote working. So far, we have arranged for more than 1,800 of you to do this.
We will also use the key themes emerging from this latest survey – some of which are highlighted below – to help shape our future planning, focussing on further improvements to make working arrangements easier for you.
Reopening of campus
Some of you asked for more details of when you might be able to return to campus. Further information and a timetable for the opening of areas within buildings has now been added to the dedicated coronavirus website.
We expect the majority of colleagues to continue working remotely while the need to maintain a covid-19 secure workplace remains in force. Even if the building you usually work in has been reopened, this does not mean that you will be returning yet.
Our immediate objective is threefold:
Extra support for teaching
Survey responses also highlighted issues around how to implement plans for online classes and face-to-face teaching.
All schools have been asked to contribute their priorities for the use of campus for face-to-face teaching activities. Particular focus will be on activities that add the most value to our students’ experiences, such as the use of specialist facilities or to ensure completion of practical elements required by accrediting bodies.
As different parts of the campus are opened up in the weeks and months ahead, under the guidance of our colleagues in Health and Safety, we will continue to work together to enable the best educational experience and promote a sense of belonging for our students. We are grateful to everyone who is contributing to these discussions.
Further resources for online teaching can be found on the Digital Practice website, with more support available from the Digital Education Service helpdesk. You can book development sessions to support you in the transfer to remote and online working and teaching, and any issues can also be raised with your Head of School.
Safeguarding the health of staff and students
Many of you asked for details of safety measures being implemented on campus, including those for staff in more vulnerable groups.
Comprehensive safeguarding measures are in place for colleagues notified that they can come back on to campus, including:
The following information can now be accessed via the dedicated coronavirus website:
If you feel you are in a group that is more vulnerable, please talk to your HR Manager. It may be that you are referred to an Occupational Health practitioner, who may undertake an individual risk assessment.
Supporting your wellbeing
Issues relating to social isolation, balancing work with caring roles and tensions at home were also highlighted in your survey feedback. We understand how difficult the current situation is for everyone, and we appreciate all you are doing.
Do take advantage of the services provided by the Staff Counselling and Psychological Support team, which offers remote professional and confidential help and advice. The Occupational Health team continues to offer confidential wellbeing chats, and we encourage you to discuss and agree ways forward with your line manager.
Lots of resources are available on the staff support and wellbeing webpage and the Wellbeing, Safety and Health webpages. We’re also working on a wellbeing package in the coming weeks and we’ll share updates through our regular enewsletters.
Addressing your specific requests
We are also preparing responses to several other requests you raised, including:
These updates will be carried in our regular enewsletters.
In the meantime, may I once again thank you for your latest feedback and for everything you are doing to support the work of the University in these challenging times.
Best wishes,
Francesca Fowler,
Director of Human Resources
You might also like