Pevensey I at dusk

Semester Two and HR guidance for staff during this time

This week, the University has been working through updating information and guidance for staff to support them through the current lockdown.

We recognise that for staff who are parents and carers, being required to work from home can be incredibly difficult as they balance the challenge of home schooling/caring for others and working remotely.

During this lockdown period we are asking managers to discuss the needs of staff and where appropriate to allow staff to work different hours, more flexibly and in some cases to work fewer hours than normally required, by prior agreement and without detriment to pay.

We are aware that the lockdown has a significant impact on staff and, in light of this, we have updated our guidance on our HR policies and procedures page including FAQs for managers and FAQs for staff.

All colleagues should ensure that they are familiar with this key guidance. Please speak to your line manager if you have any concerns about your own personal circumstances.

Staff engagement opportunities

We are holding two webinars on 18 and 26 January to provide staff with updates relating to the current lockdown, including a brief outline of these latest HR-related changes, how colleagues can access information and where staff can get the support they need.

We want to provide an opportunity as soon as possible for colleagues to hear from senior colleagues and ask any questions or share feedback. We are holding two events to enable as many staff as possible to attend.

There will be a Q&A session for staff to ask questions anonymously to a range of senior colleagues from areas including: Human Resources; Teaching and Learning; Health and Safety; Student Experience; and Estates.

Please register for one of the events as spaces are limited.

Staff survey

The University is keen to hear from all staff about what it is like to work at Sussex – particularly as we continue to live through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Next week we will be sharing more details about our 2021 Staff Survey which launches on January 25.

Testing

The University still has significant testing capacity and our Test Centre will be in operation until at least Friday 12 February. This can be extended if necessary.

We are currently prioritising tests for those students on the designated courses that are allowed to continue in-person and staff who need to return to campus.

We will ensure we roll out the mass testing for staff and students when they do return to campus. To minimise the spread of the virus students are required to take two Lateral Flow Covid-19 tests ahead of in-person teaching.

You can book your tests here and read our FAQs on mass testing. 

Support for staff

To ensure staff are getting the support they need for their mental health we wanted to remind you of the resources to support your mental and physical health in our wellbeing hub.

All staff can also access free, confidential counselling and support as part of our Employee Assistance Programme. 

You can refer yourself and do not need to inform anyone.

Sussexsport and are online sports classes

Physical exercise can be important for our wellbeing and ‘stay at home with us’, Sussexsport’s online programme, continues and staff can access two free weeks of sports classes, fitness work outs, Zumba, Yoga and Cardiobox classes.

The 45-minute classes are for all levels of fitness – find out more information and how to access the classes via Zoom.

Keeping you updated

Finally, you can keep up to date with all our recent communications to staff and the advice we are giving students on the Student Hub.