The Campus Stars campaign has been launched to showcase the colleagues still working on campus during the lockdown and highlight the crucial work they do.

Margaret is a Senior Building Attendant based at Coates Building on University Park and has been working at the University for 30 years.

Margaret is usually responsible for 29 cleaning staff and various buildings. Her responsibilities include organising the cleaning staff and answering questions from students and colleagues whilst also arranging rooms for conferences and events.

During the pandemic, Margaret no longer carries out her usual duties and instead tests fire alarms in buildings across campus. In addition to this, she flushes taps, toilets and showers to ensure they will continue to work once staff and students return to campus. Margaret also checks buildings for signs of flood damage or leaks.

Cleaning staff have been asked to remain at home unless they are needed. This means that they no longer have daily social interactions and so Margaret keeps in touch with her staff and keeps them updated. Margaret receives updates from her manager to ensure she is aware of updates and changes and remains on call at home in the event of any emergencies at the University.

Margaret is spending lockdown with her daughter who would usually be at university. They enjoy cooking new recipes together and watching Netflix. Recently, they enjoyed the Netflix documentary Tiger King.

Margaret’s favourite thing about working at the University is meeting staff and students from all over the world. Margaret also appreciates the professional development opportunities available, such as Mental Health First Aid and Team Leader training. Margaret has also had the opportunity to complete the Cleaning and Support Services apprenticeship

Margaret’s message to the University community is not to worry as the end of lockdown is near. Margaret looks forward to finding new ways to work safely following lockdown and seeing her colleagues.