The Government has now published its recovery strategy in support of a lifting of the restrictions brought in to manage the coronavirus. Like others in the sector, we are working towards a phased return of our activities and will need time to prepare and adapt our ways of working as well as our physical spaces and buildings before they can be re-opened.

While the Government’s strategy does not refer directly to universities, it does confirm that scientific research laboratories can now begin to re-open. This is welcome news, but it is essential that the appropriate health and safety measures are in place before we resume lab-based research. We have already started work on how we can do this and will draw on best practice from the sector as well as following government advice on ensuring a safe working environment. We will continue to update you on our progress in this area.

Over the coming months, we will gradually begin to recommence our activities on campus in a measured and considered way. The health and wellbeing of our staff and students remain at the forefront of all our planning and the appropriate measures will need to be in place before we begin to transition back to more face-to-face ways of working.

In the meantime, you should continue with your current working arrangements as agreed with your line manager.

My very best wishes to you and your families,

Karen

Professor Karen Cox | Vice-Chancellor and President