ENews extra: coronavirus (#8) .uk



eNews extra: coronavirus (#8)New this week…How are you? Recent survey findingsAt the end of April, more than 3,500 of you kindly took part in a quick survey to check how you are managing in the current situation and to better understand where more advice and assistance might be required. Thank you for taking the time to do this. In a message to all staff on 14 May, Francesca Fowler, Director of Human Resources, shared some of the key themes that emerged and how they’re being addressed.Working arrangements unchanged Following the Government's update on Sunday about easing of the lockdown, Francesca Fowler, Director of Human Resources, reiterated that current working arrangements remain in place at the University in a message to all staff (11 May).We know you have lots of questions about what will happen and when. We’ll communicate about next steps as soon as possible. eNews extra: acting on your feedback Thank you to those who gave us feedback via the short survey we launched in last week’s issue. The survey closed last night and we’ve started to act on it already. Here are the headline findings and what we have planned in response:Timing: 71% of respondents wanted to stick with Fridays for eNews extra, making it a round-up of that week’s news and a recap of other useful information. We know that won’t suit everyone and hope you understand we’ve gone with the majority view for now. Several people did ask that we issue it earlier in the day and this is something we’re already working on. It includes the information I’d expect: 82% agreed that it does and those who didn’t have offered some helpful suggestions. In particular, we’ll try to include more information relevant to researchers.It’s helpful in my role: 77% agreed that it is and we’re reviewing all the associated comments to help make it even more so. In particular, from this issue we have:made entries more concisemade it easier to identify what’s new and what’s a reminder.Thanks again for sharing your views – the information we’ve gathered will help to inform further improvements in the coming weeks. Please feel free to reply to any eNews extra with any feedback in future.Recent communications to studentsYou can find recent messages to students on the coronavirus website, including:Doctoral College newsletter (13 May)Student loan application 20-21 (12 May)Student newsletter: Exams prep, online learning and wellbeing (11 May)PhD extension requests, funding and other postgraduate research matters (7 May)Support for digital student education/assessment system failuresIn the event that a digital student education or assessment system goes down or is experiencing a problem, please refer to this guidance and information on resolving issues and alternative solutions In case you missed it last week…Our approach to planning the return to campusUniversity Secretary, Roger Gair, wrote to all staff on 7 May to outline the steps being taken to plan the gradual re-opening of campus as and when the current ‘coronavirus lockdown’ is eased. Resuming activities on campus will be a complex operation, involving several phases, probably spread over several months and we will prioritise the protection of the safety, health and wellbeing of all staff and students. Current working arrangements will continue to apply until individuals are notified to the contrary – and we will of course give reasonable notice of any change.Take part in Leeds’ Coronavirus research Today’s the last chance to take part in a couple of Leeds research survey-based studies into various aspects of pandemic (each gives a chance of a prize draw win):Travel behaviour and attitudes during lockdown, being conducted by the Institute for Transport Studies and Choice Modelling Centre. Survey from School of Psychology, open to all over 18s, to discuss their thoughts and behaviour towards the pandemicUseful information… Supporting your working arrangements We understand that remote working in current circumstances can be a challenge. We encourage you to strike an appropriate balance between work activity and your personal needs, being flexible in how you fit your work into your home situation. Please continue to talk to your line manager and refer to our wellbeing information, advice and support Occupational Health and Staff Counselling services are both available to support you. Please make personal contact with them if you need practical help, advice or someone to talk to; no formal referral necessary. Other key advice and info: Make sure that you understand how to protect your devices and information If you’re using Blackboard Collaborate Ultra for online teaching, follow the Collaborate Ultra guidance to ensure all sessions are secure.Access support for online teaching, learning and pedagogy through the Digital Education Service helpdeskAccess HR Self-Service and your M: and N: drives from home: follow the virtual windows desktop instructions if you want to install and use the desktop.Report any sickness/self-isolation absence relating to coronavirus via the HR Self Service system (ESS). If you can’t access HR Self Service, please email details of the issue and your absence to essmss@leeds.ac.uk, copying your manager. Absence not related to coronavirus should continue to be reported in the normal way. If you’re identified as an ‘essential worker’, please refer to information about coronavirus testingDomestic abuse: guidance to support colleagues and students The Equality Policy Unit has published guidance to help those who are experiencing domestic abuse and to help colleagues offer support. There’s information on the practical support available and sources of further help through the University and external organisations. Keeping up to dateOur University community’s wellbeing is our priority. Keep checking our coronavirus website - we’re continually reviewing and updating the information and advice as we get it. We alert you to key changes each week via eNews extra No need to trawl your inbox! You can find our previous staff email communications and student email communications on the coronavirus website. [Ends] ................
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