As the Government continues its easing of lockdown, we have a roadmap for staff returning to campus from 10 May 2021 onwards.

Roadmap for return

You can find an accessible version of this image on our Roadmap for staff returning to campus webpage.

What’s changed

Starting from 10 May (the start of our Summer Term), our criteria for staff returning to campus is changing. As well as essential staff (eg, those who provide practical support for students or work in a lab), those staff who cannot work from home for various reasons will be able to return to work on campus. This might apply if you:

• need access to lab equipment
• perform critical activities unable to be done remotely
• would benefit for physical/mental health
• are unable to work from home effectively due to eg, lack of space/Wi-Fi issues/childcare close to campus

Working on and off campus

As highlighted at our recent Covid-19 Staff Webchat, flexible working will become more and more of a feature of how we work as more staff come back onto campus. From September onwards, this will become University policy under our new Hybrid Working Scheme. Further details will be shared with colleagues shortly.

Staying safe

On return to campus, it is important that you help everyone stay safe by following latest guidelines (subject to Government review), including:

• Following the two-metre social distancing rule and room occupancy limits
• Using the hand sanitiser on entering a building and wearing a face covering (unless exempt) at all times, unless in a single occupancy office
• Opening windows, if possible, when sharing a room with others
• Not dropping your guard in informal settings

The University has an Asymptomatic Test Site on campus and all staff and students are eligible for two free Covid tests per week. Everyone regularly on campus is strongly encouraged to take up this opportunity or, if attending on an occasional basis, arrange a test before coming in. Where facilities are available closer to home, you may prefer to be tested regularly at a local symptom-free Community Test Site.

What to do next

In the first instance, you will need to talk to your line manager about the nature of your role and how this affects when you might return to campus. You should also discuss whether in the future, you may be eligible and wish to work partly at home. Once you have agreed a return date to campus, you will need to return any office equipment you have been using to work from home eg, chairs, computers, screens, keyboard/mouse.

You should also ensure you are aware of current safety measures, including the University’s Risk Assessment.

Find out more

You can keep up-to-date with latest Covid-19 changes and guidance on our staff coronavirus pages.

With best wishes,

Richard