Return to Campus and Hybrid Working
As per previous messages, we are getting ready to start working to a hybrid model. As we do so, we’re also getting ready to start a return to working on campus from September and throughout term 1. We’re asking that all teams and services that can begin moving to a hybrid working model – in other words, spending some time working on campus and some time working off campus or at home. Please talk to your Head of Department about local arrangements for hybrid working where your role allows for this.
Based on your feedback in Covid staff support surveys and focus groups, we know many of you are keen to return to routine working on campus, and many are also apprehensive about return. It will take time to adjust, and we will all need to remain vigilant and flexible as time goes on and Government and/or local public health guidance on Covid safety changes.
Our approach
The Government has advised that there are no restrictions required, but we are going to be cautious to begin with to make it easier for people to feel safe returning to work. In the interests of keeping our campus safe, and in line with our more cautious approach, Covid safety arrangements will continue for much of campus for the term ahead; we will require social distancing in some spaces and we will encourage it in others where possible.
Office space
For those working in office spaces, there is naturally some social distancing from the positioning of desks. We ask that you use face coverings when you’re moving around. This is possible in the vast majority of open plan office spaces across the entirety of our campus. Where 1.5m social distancing isn’t possible in your work space, you’re advised to wear a face covering at all times.
More detailed Covid safety arrangements for work spaces are outlined in a reviewed institution-wide risk assessment and standard operating procedure. Teams not able to accommodate 1.5m social distancing will have local risk assessments to take account of this.
Campus-wide
Whenever you are on campus please continue to be sensible – we encourage you to wear a mask when moving around busy spaces, take any steps you can to get fully vaccinated, arrange twice-weekly lateral flow tests if you’re working on campus, and observe other Covid safety requirements such as PCR testing and self-isolation where appropriate.
In addition to office space, there will be other spaces on campus where we will also be keeping 1.5m social distancing. For example, we’re planning to keep to 1.5m in traditional teaching spaces and in some study spaces as we believe it is right to be more cautious in these spaces.
Travelling to and from campus
We are reviewing how car parking can be adapted to better support a hybrid working model, and we will be updating on this in due course. Currently, there is a discounted day parking rate on campus for salaried and temporary staff, and during the pandemic several new travel initiatives launched such as Demand Response Travel and subsidised bus services, which may make leaving the car at home more practical for some journeys to campus. Car parking permits are still available to those that use them.
Keeping up to date
You can stay up to date with news and find full safety guidance on the Stay safe webpages.
You can find more information and guidance to support hybrid working on the HRLink opens in a new window and Organisational DevelopmentLink opens in a new window pages, including guidance for managers about hybrid working and further guidance, training and resources.
We are in the process of updating the Stay Safe webpages based on the updated guidance – you can help us by submitting feedback if you see anything unusual or out of place.
Useful links
Return to campus
Hybrid working
- Hybrid working overview
- Guidance for managers
- Further guidance, training and resources.
- Hybrid working FAQs