Safety on campus

Being on campus means strict compliance with Government requirements for Covid-19 testing, and the current guidance on social gatherings and safety measures.

The safety of our students and staff is a prime concern of the University. It is the responsibility of all of us to keep everybody as safe and healthy as possible.

Please see our Staying safe on campus guide for more information on how you can help. 

Covid-19 testing

The University’s onsite Covid-19 Asymptomatic Test Centres are available to all students and staff who have returned to campus or are working on site. Students and staff are urged to get tested twice per week, and you should bring your University ID card for registration. 

From Monday 17th May, the locations, days and times will be:

Hope Park Conference Centre

Monday - Friday: 10am – 2pm 

Creative Campus Reading Room 

Monday - Friday: 10am – 2pm

Aigburth Park Trinity Room 

Tuesday: 4pm – 6pm

Thursday: 10am – 2pm

This term, we're offering booking slots if you wish to book your test in advance. Walk-ins will still be accepted, but there may be a short wait depending on numbers. 

Who should get tested and when?

All students should get tested. If you are asymptomatic, you should use one of the University or local test centres. 

This is particularly important when you return to halls of residence, plan to access University facilities, have a placement or face-to-face teaching. You should get tested twice before you do any of these things.

If you have symptoms you should follow NHS guidance. 

IT facilities/Visiting the Library - You should still record two negative lateral flow tests before accessing any of the University’s onsite facilities, to help protect the Hope community.

Other students - Once we have agreed dates for return to face-to-face teaching in other cohorts, we will let you know when we need you to get tested.

Read our full list of Getting tested FAQs for more information on the process and what to expect.

If you would like to help support the development of research into Covid-19, you can volunteer for a series of Clinical Trials being run at the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen Clinical Research Facility. 

Do I need a test if I've had the vaccine?

Yes, the current Government guidance suggests that some people may still get Covid-19 despite having a vaccination. Therefore, it is important to get tested to reduce the risk of transmission.

Please see the Government’s Covid-19 Vaccination page for further information.

What do I do if I’ve had contact with a person with suspected Covid-19?

If you have had close contact with an individual with suspected Covid-19 in a way that may have put you at risk of exposure, you should return home and self-isolate for 10 days or until a negative test result is confirmed for the person with whom you have had contact.

If you go on to develop symptoms of Covid-19, such as a continuous cough, fever, loss of sense of smell and/or taste, you should follow the Public Health England guidance.

Do I need to contact the University if I have symptoms or have received a positive test result?

If you display symptoms or receive a positive test result, you need to inform the University's Covid Control Team (covid@hope.ac.uk). You do not need to report negative results. 

Anyone who receives a positive lateral flow test via the on-campus test centre, should book a PCR test at one of the City's test centres. 

Covid-19 cases

The data relates to positive cases of Covid-19 reported by the University's Covid Control Team (CCT). The information will be updated each Monday.

Data shown below is from 14 May 2021: 

*This reflects the overall total number of positive cases reported since the CCT launched the University's track and trace function.

I'm concerned someone isn't wearing a face covering when they should be, what should I do?

Signage is in place in all University buildings reminding staff and students of the requirement to wear a face covering. All staff and students have been sent information about the reasons why face coverings need to be worn on Campus.

There are legitimate reasons why people are unable to wear a face covering and those that have an exemption should not be asked the reasons why. We are operating a badge or lanyard system on campus for those with an exemption. This helps to make a clear distinction where circumstances do not allow for a face covering to be worn.

If it is unclear whether a face covering should be worn in your own work space, the University's Face Covering Policy and your local risk assessment should help provide clarity.

However, if staff see colleagues wearing a face covering incorrectly or forgetting to put one on before entering a building, office or teaching space, then staff should feel comfortable to gently remind them of the requirement to wear one, in an effort to protect all students and colleagues on campus.

If someone refuses to wear a face covering or follow other safety instructions, please report the incident to safety@hope.ac.uk

What are the University doing with Test Track and Tracing?

The University has procured an App - SafeZone - which uses mobile technology to trace where individuals have been on any of the campuses, and also has a dedicated Covid Control Team. 

All members of staff and all students will be asked to download this onto their phone or other mobile device. This will be used to identify any prolonged contact with individuals who have tested positive.

This data will be triangulated with data from other sources such as the timetable and bubble allocation. It is important to note that data obtained through this app is solely for the purpose of health and safety under the conditions of the pandemic. 

Identified students and staff members will be contacted and informed that they have been in close contact with an infected individual.

They will be required to return to their place of residence immediately. They will be required to self-isolate and obtain a test. Staff and students are also required to comply with the NHS Test and Trace system.

Why do I need to download the SafeZone app?

We need your support to help ensure the health and wellbeing of not just our staff and students, but your loved ones at home.   

As part of our approach to ensuring an effective response to monitoring the Covid-19 situation amongst the Hope community, the University has invested in a track and trace app called SafeZone.

Designed to keep staff and students safe, you will be able to download the app onto any mobile device, particularly your phone.

All members of the Hope community are strongly encouraged to do this, as it will allow the University to contact you quickly for reasons of health, safety and wellbeing. 

By sharing your location data when on campus, you can help the University to effectively deal with any positive cases of Coronavirus that are reported, and minimise the risk of exposure. 

If you haven't downloaded our new SafeZone app, you can do it now by following the instructions in our SafeZone - Getting Started FAQs.

Help us to keep you and your loved ones safe.  

Click here for more information on how the app protects your privacy and guidance on how to use the app.

Do I need to wear a face covering?

For full details on when and where to wear a face mask, read our Face Covering Guidance

However, there are some members of the Hope community who are exempt.

Blue lanyards will be available for those who are exempt from wearing a mask for personal, health or other reasons.

Before asking someone why they aren't wearing a mask, check if they have a blue lanyard.

If you think you should have a blue lanyard, students should contact sdw@hope.ac.uk to arrange collection from the Gateway Building. Staff can collect their lanyard from Personnel.

What about the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

The University's approach follows the Government advice for working safely during coronavirus. 

Staff and students who are already using PPE in their work/study activity to protect against non Covid-19 risks, will continue to do so.

Will catering outlets be open as normal?

The Catering Team has introduced a number of changes, to ensure all University food outlets comply with the latest government guidance.

You will notice new one-way systems, visible hand sanitation stations, protective screens, and cleaning stations across all catering outlets.  

Tables and seating have been reconfigured to ensure social distancing & rule of six for indoor dining is adhered to, staff and students will not be allowed to change the layouts of these. 

Online food ordering service via desktop or mobile

Link to Our Place Ordering

Link to Starbucks Ordering

Vine online orders will continue to be operational, and you will be able to place orders from Our Place & Starbucks for delivery to your office or Hall of residence. Delivered food will remove the need for track and trace to be completed if “dining in” any outlet. 

Staff and students will be able to order meals, and payment can be made using debit/credit cards or Hope Cashless Cards. 

Using the outlets

FML Starbucks

• Please follow the one way system to order at the counter as usual
• You will be asked if you are staying in or taking away
• If staying in NHS Track and Trace app (or details given to staff) will apply.
• Cashless payments only
• Rule of six applies for staying in
• Face coverings must be worn until seated, and replaced once standing

FML Food Court

• On arrival you will be asked if you are staying in or taking away
• If staying in NHS Track and Trace app (or details given to staff) will apply.
• Please follow the one way system to order at the counter as usual
• Cashless payments only
• Rule of six applies for staying in
• Face coverings must be worn until seated, and replaced once standing

FML Shop

• Please follow the one way system around the shop. 
• Cashless payments only
• Face coverings must be worn

Our Place – Table Service or online delivered orders only

• On arrival you will be asked to complete NHS Track and Trace app (or details given to staff)
• You will be seated at a table and table service will apply
• All orders must be placed via Vine
• Counter service is not permitted
• Cashless payments only
• Rule of six applies for staying in
• Face coverings must be worn until seated, and replaced once standing

Café 1846 – Counter Service

• Please follow the one way system to order at the counter as usual
• You will be asked if you are staying in or taking away
• If staying in NHS Track and Trace app (or details given to staff) will apply.
• Cashless payments only
• Rule of six applies for staying in
• Face coverings must be worn until seated, and replaced once standing 

Opening Times

All opening times are subject to change at potential short notice

FML Starbucks

Monday – Friday 9am-3pm

Food Court

Monday – Friday 8am-2pm

Shop

Monday – Friday 9am-3pm

Our Place

Monday – Thursday 12pm-10pm

Friday 12pm – 7pm

Café 1846

Monday – Friday 8.30am-3pm

Self-service

Vending machines will be operational within the EDEN Café, please use hand sanitiser before and after use.

Self-fill water stations and water dispensers will not be operational at this time. However, students and staff can request their bottle to be filled from any member of the Catering Team during outlet opening hours. 

Catering standard safety measures

• Customers will be required to follow a one-way system, stand at the allocated spot to place an order, and pay.
• Once an outlet has closed for service, staff and students will not be permitted to remain within the space.

• Face coverings or visors - These will be mandatory for all catering staff working in customer-facing roles and in kitchens where social distancing may prove challenging.
• Gloves - Any staff directly serving un-packaged food will be required to use gloves, while also maintaining an increased handwashing regime.
• Cash - All catering outlets will move to a cashless system.
• Food service – All crockery and cutlery that is used within food service will be sanitised after each use via our industrial flight dishwasher.
• Customer will be handed a set of wrapped cutlery with each meal.

What is the University's position on returning to campus?

Extensive work has been completed in the relevant buildings, including undertaking risk assessments and implementing any necessary safety measures.

The University will continue to consider any changes to Government guidance and the impact on the University’s business continuity plans, including the return to on-site working programme.

Please see the current Government's Spring Response. 

Will my Head of School or line manager contact me to assess my health and personal circumstances before I am asked to return to campus?

Yes, any student who indicated a health concern when completing the Covid-19 health questionnaire via their SRM (Student Record Management) will be contacted before returning to Campus.

After the initial collation of information, any students identified as requiring an individual assessment will be contacted and the assessment completed before any return to study is agreed.

This assessment will accompany the University’s overarching assessment and local work/study based risk assessments.

What safety measures have been put in place by the University for returning to campus?

The University has implemented a wide range of measures to ensure the University's campuses are safe places to be.  

A lot of work has been undertaken, from establishing one-way routes and layout changes to ensure two-metre distancing, to introducing additional cleaning and PPE to help facilitate social distancing.

Among the changes and new measures you can expect to see are:

• All corridors marked as one-way thoroughfares 
• Floor markings introduced to indicate the recommended distancing in areas where waiting/queues cannot be avoided
• Lifts restricted to single traveller user only 
• Reduced occupancy of buildings through increased online teaching and reduced office occupancy
• Revised protocols for the use of bathrooms and kitchens, including maximum occupancy and cleaning requirements 
• Revised protocols for fire drills and first aid incidents
• An increased number of hand sanitiser stations 
• Cleaning kits in all public spaces 
• Protocols for the cleaning of shared keyboards and other equipment 
• Increased cleaning frequency of all spaces and particularly door handles where automatic opening is not possible
• The introduction of Perspex screens where the need has been identified 
• Signage that encourages the opening of windows and doors to increase air circulation 

The University will continue to review and ensure health and safety measures are in line with the advice from the Government, PHE, NHS, DOE, HSE etc.

What will happen if the national/local situation changes?

The University has identified a range of levels of risk and has created scenarios of how the campus will run under each of these scenarios. 

The screens around the campuses will show the current level of risk and the scenario of operation in place at any given day/time.

Should the University decide to change the risk level you will be notified through email and the situation as to how this affects your teaching/work will be clarified by your tutors/manager.

How will the University ensure that the number of individuals present on campus meets the Government Guidelines?

The Estates team have done an extensive exercise relating to the maximum capacity of each building. The timetable for students will be constructed in a way that ensures the numbers are well below these maximums.

How will the University ensure that spaces are kept clean?

Cleaning rotas have been increased in both frequency and depth. Particular attention will be paid to toilet and kitchen facilities in addition to door handles and other frequent touch points.

Colleagues should use the automated door openers wherever they are available.

Colleagues will also be provided with cleaning materials so that local spaces can be kept clean.

All classrooms will have cleaning kits with the expectations that students will clean their surroundings on arrival and departure from each session.

Will I be able to move about the campus safely?

All corridors and spaces have been mapped by the estates team and floors will be marked with direction arrows and spacing marks for queuing. All staff will be expected to follow these guidance symbols.

There will be limited use of lifts and wherever possible, staircases will be limited to one-way traffic.

Click here to view the one-way systems that have been marked throughout each building. 

How is the University managing risk?

The University has an Overarching Risk Assessment , which is regularly reviewed and is available to all staff. Each senior manager has been given a framework of what needs to be considered and Guidance for Completing Risk Assessments.

They will have updated the standard risk assessments for your area/activities to account for the Covid-19 requirements. These will be made available to you through your manager.

Staff returning to work will be issued with guidance on returning to the workplace, which will include new working protocols for their work area, support contacts, and information on what they need to do to stay safe when working in and around the building.

If you have any concerns, you should raise them with your line manager in the first instance.

How can I help with Health and Safety of the Community?

The most important aspect is to take the appropriate measures to keep yourself well, such as , appropriate social distancing etc. You should be conscious of your own health and check your temperature frequently and particularly if you feel unwell.

If you feel unwell or start to experience symptoms you should alert you manager and go home as quickly as possible. If you are a student, you should alert SDW and go home or to your room in the halls as quickly as possible. 

You should inform the University by emailing covid@hope.ac.uk, with details outlined in the 'What should I do if I feel unwell with Covid symptoms?' question.

What are the rules about administering first aid?

If someone needs urgent help then social distancing guidelines do not apply. Appropriate PPE should however be used. A new protocol for such scenarios has been agreed and should be followed. Read the COVID-19 First Aid Protocol  here. 

Where can I find more information on the University’s health and safety approach to Covid-19? 

You can view the University's Overarching Risk Assessment  for further detail. 

Is the University monitoring HSE guidance? 

Yes the latest information can be found on the HSE Website.

Is the University considering equality, diversity and inclusion in its approach to Covid-19?

The University recognises that during the coronavirus pandemic, the associated restrictions on day to day life will inevitably impact in a different and sometimes disproportionate way on particular groups. Each of us has had, and will continue to have, different experiences of the pandemic. For many, those experiences are challenging and stressful.

We must be alert to this and be respectful of people who may have particular vulnerabilities. We must also recognise that our behaviour has consequences for the people immediately affected by it and for our collegiate community.
Further support resources will be made available prior to the commencement of the new academic year.

An Equality Impact Assessment has been created and been updated as feedback has been received. It will remain a live document throughout this period.

We have created one-way systems in all the main buildings. Please follow the directions and signage.

If you click on the following links you will see the floorplans for across the different buildings that you may be visiting 

Art Centre Social Distancing Floorplan

Capstone Theatre Social Distancing Floorplan

Conference Centre Social Distancing Floorplan

Cornerstone Social Distancing Floorplan

EDEN Social Distancing Floorplan

FML & AJB Social Distancing Floorplan

Gateway Building Social Distancing Floorplan

GLB Social Distancing Floorplan

HCA Social Distancing Floorplan

Health Sciences Social Distancing Floorplan

Hope Park Sorts Social Distancing Floorplan

LHBS Social Distancing Floorplan

LTC Social Distancing Floorplan

Sheppard-Worlock Library Social Distancing Floorplan

Social Sciences Social Distancing Floorplan

Trinity Social Distancing Floorplan

Hope Park Sorts Social Distancing Floorplan

How will the University deal with staff and students who do not adhere to social distancing requirements?

The University will be providing health and safety advice to both students and staff on how to observe social distancing whilst on campus. Under the Health and Safety at work Act (1974) it is everyone’s responsibility to follow health and safety guidance and personally raise any concerns they may observe.

Any situations emerging that appear to breach the health and safety requirements will be considered and responded to in a proportionate manner and on a case by case basis.  

You can report any concerns to safety@hope.ac.uk.

Do you have any advice on the use of public transport?

Those who need to use public transport should follow the current Government advice on safer travelling.

What advice is there if you are a BAME person concerned about safety in relation to Covid-19?

There is clear evidence that COVID-19 does not affect all population groups equally. Many analyses have shown that older age, ethnicity, male sex and geographical area, for example, are associated with the risk of getting the infection, experiencing more severe symptoms and higher rates of death. The Government, PHE and the NHS have produced various reports and information.

Government publications and indicators show that BAME people are more likely to be seriously impacted from COVID-19. The unequal impact of COVID-19 on BAME communities may be explained by a number of factors ranging from social and economic inequalities, racism, discrimination and stigma, occupational risk, inequalities in the prevalence of conditions that increase the severity of disease including diabetes, CVD and asthma (Public Health England).

If you have concerns about returning to the campus, please speak to SDW or your line manager. It is important that adequate time is given to discuss your concerns and to outline the safety measures put in place for your safety. 

How are you ensuring safe working practices?

The health, safety and wellbeing of all members of the University community is paramount. The University is doing everything they can to make your building a safe environment in which you can study.

How do I order a Covid-19 postal test to Halls of Residence?

You must organise for your own test to be delivered. Our Postal Kit Protocol document outlines how to order a kit, and where to collect it from when it arrives.

Will the University contact me to assess my health and personal circumstances before I am asked to return to Campus?

Yes all students will be contacted before returning to Campus. After the initial collation of information students identified as requiring an individual risk assessment will be contacted and the assessment completed before any return to study is approved.

This assessment will accompany the University's overarching assessment and local work/study based risk assessments.

Advice if you are clinically extremely vulnerable

No one who is shielding on advice from a medical practitioner will be required to return to face to face study. See the Government guidance on the definition of clinically extremely vulnerable for further information.

Colleagues from SDW will explore with you whether you can study from home. In most cases this will be facilitated through online learning alternatives.

In a few courses with very specific requirements such as placements or other practical activities, SDW colleagues and your tutors might agree that it is not possible for you to study from home. If this is the case then a tailored plan will be put in place as appropriate.

Any student who falls into the clinically extremely vulnerable category wishing to return to face to face study will be required to seek the advice of their medical practitioner. Supporting medical advice will need to be provided to the University and an assessment carried out by the Learning Support Team before any return to study is approved.

Advice if you are clinically vulnerable, pregnant or a member of your household is shielding

Students have been sent a message via their SRM. Any consideration on whether a student should return to on campus study will take account of personal circumstances and safety.

SDW colleagues will carry out an individual assessment to determine any potential risks. They will explain the measures that have been put in place to ensure the safety of students. This is likely to include one-way lanes, social distancing, hygiene measures including providing hand sanitiser, additional cleaning etc.

I am a careleaver. What can the University do to support me?

Find out how the University can support you through our Information for Care Leavers web page. You can also contact the Student Development and Wellbeing Team for more information - sdw@hope.ac.uk. 

Advice if you have been asked to return to study on campus, but have caring responsibilities

Personal circumstances, including caring responsibilities relating to the current situation, will be considered in discussions with students about their return to on-site working.

In particular, the availability of childcare and nursery places and the phased re-opening of schools and holiday play schemes will be taken into account. In the first instance, SDW colleagues will explore whether it is possible to continue studying from home.

Every effort will be made to accommodate online study where this is practical and productive, until childcare, nursery and/or school places are available to your child or children as relevant.

I am an estranged student. What can the University do to support me?

Find out more on our Information for Estranged Students web page. You can also contact the Student Development and Wellbeing Team for more information - sdw@hope.ac.uk.

I am a disabled student. What support does the University have?

Find out more on our Disability and Dyslexia web page. You can also contact the Student Development and Wellbeing Team for more information - sdw@hope.ac.uk.

I am an international student. What support does the University have?

Find out more on our International Student Support web page. You can also contact the International Hub for more information - internationalhub@hope.ac.uk.

I’m struggling to access remote learning, what can I do?

In the first instance, you should contact your academic tutor or the study skills team (studyskills@hope.ac.uk). If you still need help, please contact the Gateway team via gateway@hope.ac.uk

How do I contact the Student Finance Funds team?

Student Funds deal with information and guidance about money available for your course including bursaries, scholarships, maintenance loans and grants. Email studentfunds@hope.ac.uk

Fees and Collections deal with information on fees for all courses and accommodation offered at Liverpool Hope University. Email financequeries@hope.ac.uk  

Will the Shuttle Bus be running?

The shuttle bus service will run, although timings will differ from last year to accommodate changes in teaching patterns. You can find details of the new timetable here. 

Are the libraries open?

The Sheppard-Worlock Library is open for pre-booked study spaces and the collection of requested books only, which can be collected from the library vestibule. You will need your ID card to access the Library. Study spaces are available in the Gateway Foyer and EDEN001 and EDEN002.

The Capstone and Cornerstone Libraries are closed. Books can be ordered through the Request and Collect Service for collection either from the Student Success Zone or at The Sheppard-Worlock Library. Study spaces are available in the Student Success Zone.

You will have access to all of the electronic resources available through the library web pages and OneSearch. If you need help to find the resources and information you need, please contact your Subject Librarian. 

If you have any questions or need any help from Library Services, please contact askalibrarian@hope.ac.uk

Any books currently on loan that are due for return will have their return date automatically extended, so you do not need to worry about returning books or accruing fines.

How can I return my library books?

Book return bins will be available on all campuses.

At Hope Park the book return bin is by the main entrance to The Sheppard-Worlock Library.

At the Creative Campus the book return bin is in the Student Success Zone.

At Aigburth the book return bin is in the Student Success Zone.

Can I get support from the writing and study skills mentor services?

Yes, please complete the appropriate registration form using the links below:

Writing mentors

Study Skills mentors

A wide range of support materials are available from the Mentors web pages or your Study Skills Moodle.

Are the libraries at the Creative Campus open?

The Capstone and Cornerstone Libraries are closed.

A Request and Collect service is available and books can be collected from the Student Success Zone or The Sheppard-Worlock Library.

Study spaces are available in the Student Success Zone.

How can I access the print resources of the library?

A Request and Collect Service is in place and items can be requested using the 'Request' button when searching the library catalogue on OneSearch. Library staff will email you when your books are ready to collect from the following collection points:

- The Sheppard-Worlock Library - Library Vestibule

- Creative Campus Student Success Zone

You will need to bring your ID card with you. Books will be securely wrapped and labelled with your name. Books will have been issued to your record by library staff so you just need to collect your parcel. Books will be held for 1 week and if not collected, will be returned to the shelves.

All books that have been on loan will need to be quarantined for 72 hours. Items will appear as unavailable on OneSearch whilst in quarantine. 

If you require a book that is in quarantine, please use the Request and Collect service and you will be contacted when the book is ready to collect.

How do I book a study space or PC in The Sheppard-Worlock Library?

Study spaces in The Sheppard-Worlock Library should be booked online in advance via the study space booking system which you can access via MyHope.

You can choose the area of the library you want to work in and book a library study space yourself up to one week in advance.

You will need your ID card to enter the library and a face covering should be worn at all times including in your study space  Staff will check you in at the Library Help Point when you arrive.  Cleaning materials are provided throughout the library, please clean the study space as you leave.

Study spaces are also available in the Gateway Foyer and EDEN001 and EDEN002.

Printing from these rooms should be sent to the Gateway foyer printer which is the nearest available student printer. Select printer queue: GWB-0-Printer-2.

Please follow social distancing guidance when working in these spaces.

Are there any group work spaces in the library?

Are there other study spaces around campus?

Yes, there are socially distanced study spaces for individual use in the Student Success Zones at all 3 campuses 24/7/365. You will need your swipe card to access these rooms.

At Hope Park you can also study in the two PC suites - EDEN 001 and 002.

Mon – Fri: 5pm – 10pm

Sat and Sun: 9am – 9pm

You will need to use your ID card to swipe into these rooms and you must observe social distancing. 

Printing from these rooms should be sent to the Gateway foyer printer which is the nearest available student printer. Select printer queue: GWB-0-Printer-2.

How can I get support from Library staff?

You can contact your Subject Librarian directly by emailing them and they can offer support by email or via Zoom.

For general support, please email AskaLibrarian@hope.ac.uk

For full details of library services and support, please visit our web pages.

I am isolating in halls. Can I get books from the library?

If you are isolating we can arrange for books from the library to be delivered to you in your halls. You should request your books as normal using the Request and Collect service.

When you get an email stating the books are ready to collect, simply respond to the email to advise you are in isolation and provide your room and hall details. 

What is the guidance on travelling to the UK for international students?

Please see the latest Government guidance on travel corridors and testing for those travelling to England.

Can I come onto campus during lockdown?

No. People who have been informed that they need to work from home should continue to do so. Any member of staff that wishes to come onto campus should speak to their line manager in the first instance.

What support is there if I am anxious about returning to campus?

Your manager will discuss your concerns with you, seek solutions and provide reassurance about the measures that will be taken on campus to keep you safe, as well as what you will be able to do yourself.

A range of resources are also available to support your mental health and wellbeing.

What support is there during the 2021 lockdown for staff with caring responsibilities?

Please refer to the Support for staff with caring responsibilities during lockdown document.

What can the University do to support my mental health?

A range of resources are available to support your mental health and wellbeing.

You are also encouraged to discuss any concerns you have with your line manager.

Who will be asked to return to campus?

Hope will consider carefully which work activities will be required to take place on Campus in line with the delivery option in place throughout the academic year dependent upon the Covid-19 situation both locally and nationally.

Staff identified for a return to the workplace will be contacted at the appropriate time. Any consideration of whether or not a staff member should return to the workplace will take account of individual health considerations in line with guidance available. Any other personal circumstances will also be discussed.

What should I do if I am worried about the Health and Safety arrangements before or when I get back to campus?

In the first instance you should speak to your manager. Your local H&S rep may also be able to help. If you are still concerned you should write directly to Ginny Mair via mairg@hope.ac.uk.

Do I have to complete a return campus checklist before returning to work at the University?

Yes you should complete a return to campus checklist and forward it to your Head of School/Department. Staff who have not returned to Campus this calendar should complete the checklist regardless of whether they did so during the first term as documents and protocols listed on the form are continually reviewed and updated.

What advice is there if I’ve been asked to return to the workplace but have caring responsibilities?

Personal circumstances, including caring responsibilities relating to the current situation, will be considered in discussions with staff about their return to on-site working. In particular, the availability of childcare and nursery places and the phased re-opening of schools and holiday play schemes will be taken into account.

In the first instance, line managers will explore whether it is possible to continue working from home either fully or partly, and whether an individual’s working pattern could be varied to support this.

Every effort will be made to accommodate homeworking where this is practical and productive, until childcare, nursery and/or school places are available to your child or children as relevant.

What is the advice if an employee has been asked to return to the workplace but has developed symptoms of coronavirus?

If you have symptoms of coronavirus (Covid-19), you must self-isolate at home from when the symptoms started and not return to work.

Your absence will be treated as sick leave and you should follow the University’s standard sickness absence reporting procedure.

Whilst at home, you should refrain from work in order to facilitate your recovery. You should not, under any circumstance, enter University buildings.

If you develop symptoms whilst at work, you should inform your manager and leave work immediately and:

• avoid touching anything, and wash your hands regularly
• cough or sneeze into a tissue and put it in a bin, or if you do not have tissues, cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow
• use a separate bathroom from others if possible
• avoid using public transport to travel home, if possible

Under Government guidelines, you should also arrange a test.

After 10 days, if you still have symptoms other than a cough or loss of sense of smell/taste, you must continue to self-isolate until you feel better. It is your responsibility to notify your line manager if you test positive for Covid-19 and contact the Covid Control Team.

Please provide your line manager with your coronavirus test result. You will not be required to provide a GP fit note after 10 days of sickness. However, you should continue to keep your Department informed and regularly updated about your health.

If you live with someone who has coronavirus symptoms but you remain well, you must remain at home for 10 days. Your line manager will explore with you whether you can work from home during this period.

What do I do if I have concerns about returning to on-site working but can’t work from home?

The re-opening of University buildings will be complex and there will be a range of considerations in determining how the space can be made safe for the resumption of activity.

The University has created protocols to support the return to the campus. Existing risk assessments that relate to your activities in a building must be reviewed and amended where necessary, to take into consideration the implications and impact of the control measures relating to Covid-19 on that work activity.

Your line manager will also explain to you the measures that have been put in place to ensure the safety of staff. This is likely to include one-way lanes, social distancing, hygiene measures including providing hand sanitiser, additional cleaning etc. You may be invited to attend a small group of staff who meet remotely to consider how to use the space safely and support each other to feel safe in the workplace.

You and your line manager may consider and discuss a phased approach to returning to the workplace to help address your concerns (i.e. starting with fewer number of days or shorter working days building up to normal working hours).

Is the University using the ‘furlough’ scheme?

Yes, the University has accessed the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), or ‘furlough’ scheme. Following the Government announcement that the scheme will be extended until 30 April 2021, we will continue to access the scheme during this period.

We are focused on supporting our employees and maintaining salaries during this period of uncertainty and participating in the furlough scheme will enable the University to access an element of financial support for roles or activities that cannot be undertaken or delivered in the current circumstances.

I share an office. Do I have to come back to work?

Where offices are shared, local risk assessments will be undertaken to determine the best way to promote safe working. Your manager may change the configuration of the office to ensure, for example, that you do not work facing a colleague. They may also ask you to increase the ventilation whilst you are working.

If the shared office is thought to be too small to accommodate the normal occupants, you may be asked to alternate days on campus and at home, or your manager may arrange a different place for you to work.

I have lots of meetings in my diary, how will they be held safely?

All meetings should take place virtually until further notice. 

Visiting external partners is part of my role. How will the University ensure my safety off campus?

The university is working very closely with external partners to ensure the safety of all colleagues who may be required to make visits to an external setting. Colleagues will not undertake visits until the university is satisfied that appropriate measures are in place.

What will the University do if there is a confirmed case at a placement provider hosting one of our students?

The University will work closely with the individual placement provider to ensure that appropriate track and trace and quarantine measures are in place. If necessary, students on placement at the setting will be required to self-isolate in line with government recommendations.