Over 200 colleagues and their families from across Europe joined the Vice-Chancellor and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor at yesterday’s European Staff Celebration Event.

The event was hosted by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shearer West, to celebrate the enormous contribution our European colleagues make to the University, to Nottingham and to the UK.

In her speech, recognising the prolonged uncertainty faced by our European colleagues, the Vice-Chancellor gave her commitment that the University will remain open and welcoming to all however the political situation develops.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andy Long, outlined some of the steps the University is taking to prepare for Brexit, including weekly meetings of the No Deal Incident Management Team, developing a network of Brexit contacts across the University, and developing a strategy for engagement with and in Europe beyond Brexit. Colleagues were invited to feed into this thinking by posting ideas to boards around the room. This feedback will be followed up by the Director of Global and Political Affairs, Alex Miles.

The Senate Chamber was decorated with flags from European countries, European food and drink were served, and European colleagues were showcased on screens around the room.

A video celebrating the contribution our European colleagues make to the University was also shown.

Dozens of puddings from around the world were enjoyed as part of the inaugural ‘University of Nottingham European Fuddle’, which BBC East Midlands broadcast to the region.

You can see more from the event by searching for the hashtag #WeAreUoN. This hashtag was trending on Twitter during the event — it was in the top ten in the UK and was number one in the East Midlands.

Staff wishing to seek HR advice relating to Brexit can email a dedicated help desk hrbrexitadvice@nottingham.ac.uk.