As we approach a possible period of adverse weather, here’s a timely reminder of the University’s snow policy for both the Canterbury and Medway campuses. Students are also being sent similar information today.
The Adverse weather policy for staff has been re-written in the last year and includes updated guidance for managers and their teams as well as clarity over pay arrangements:
You can also find it on the HR list of policies for staff:
https://www.kent.ac.uk/hr-staffinformation/policies/a_to_z.html
The University recognises that staff and students may face difficulties attending the University and returning home during periods of adverse weather conditions such as heavy snow falls or flooding which may result in journeys to work being extremely hazardous and may create significant transport disruption.
The University must ensure that disruption caused to its services remains minimal whilst at the same time protecting the health and safety of all its staff, students and visitors to campus.
In the event of adverse weather or transport disruption staff are responsible for:
- making every effort to get to work if possible and safe to do so;
- assessing the risk in travelling and not undertake journeys if they consider them to be unsafe;
- following the reporting arrangements if likely to be delayed / unable to travel to work;
- ensuring they make the necessary arrangements such that where appropriate they can work from home if adverse weather is forecast;
- taking up opportunities offered to them to make up time for work already paid;
Our Estates Department Travel and Transport team provide information on planning your journey should you be in need of assistance – https://www.kent.ac.uk/transport/planning.
The University will not normally close, but there may be circumstances in which a reduction to ‘essential services only’ is declared either at Canterbury, Medway or both
Should that happen, we will inform you by email and by updates to the University’s News Centre – http://www.kent.ac.uk/news/.
This will result in all teaching being cancelled and the closure of the majority of University services while those service staff deemed ‘essential’ focus on safety, security and the needs of students who live on campus. Professional service departments should already have determined which staff are ‘essential’ and discussed with them their duties under these circumstances.
If you have any queries relating to this policy, please discuss them with your line manager.
Denise Everitt | Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer