Campus News
Library spaces are getting a new look
June 16th, 2021
Spaces in three of our libraries will be getting a brand-new look over the summer vacation, including redecorated walls and new furniture.
The three libraries getting a makeover are Hallward, Greenfield Medical and James Cameron-Gifford. Changes to layout, decoration and furniture are designed to support new ways of teaching and learning, wellbeing and any future social distancing requirements.
Through these changes, our libraries will provide improved space for neurodivergent students, individual study, group study and taking part in online learning.
There will be disruption in these libraries whilst the rooms are being redecorated. Check the individual library webpages for full details and expected dates.
What are the changes?
In James Cameron-Gifford Library on Sutton Bonington Campus, we will create a new student wellbeing zone with comfortable armchairs. This space will be suited for students who wish to take time away from screens to read or take a break.
There are big plans for Greenfield Medical Library as we transform an existing silent study room into a more welcoming space and introduce three new spaces – for group study, neurodivergent students and the use of assistive technologies.
Finally, in Hallward Library there will be significant changes to both level one and two. In addition to redecoration of the large space at the rear of level one, we will also be introducing new soft seating and booths suitable for individual study and online sessions. On level two, a new enhanced support study area will be created with adjustable height desks and study booths more suited to neurodivergent students.
When is this happening?
Some of the redecoration work has already started and we expect most of the improved spaces to be available from the start of August.
For full details of expected disruption and dates, please visit the individual library webpages.
Bookable individual study space will still be available in all libraries throughout the summer. Book your space up to seven days in advance via Click and Study.
We will be sharing progress on our social media channels throughout the summer. Follow Libraries on Twitter and Instagram.
If you have any questions about our library services, please contact the Library Helpline by email, phone or live chat.
Tags: #lovelibraries, Click and Study, Greenfield, Greenfield Medical Library, hallward, hallward library, james cameron gifford, James Cameron-Gifford Library, Libraries
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Pay and reward update
June 15th, 2021
The Nottingham Reward Scheme has been reinstated and payment of the voluntary living wage has been backdated to December 2020.
All levels of the Nottingham Reward Scheme (NRS) have been reinstated for this financial year 2020/21.
The scheme has been reopened with an increased rewards budget for 2020/21, doubling the amount available to recognise colleagues’ exceptional work during the pandemic, where they have gone above and beyond. It also recognises the NRS freeze having been being imposed late during the 2019/2020 cycle.
Application of the voluntary living wage, calculated by the Living Wage Foundation, will also be backdated for relevant UoN colleagues to cover the period 1 December 2020 – 31 March 2021. The rate was previously approved for payment for relevant staff levels from 1 April 2021, and backdating will be applied on the same non- consolidated basis as the current top up payments.
Nottingham Rewards Scheme
As the NRS has been reinstated close to the end of the financial year, decisions on which staff are to be rewarded through NRS will need to be confirmed by Faculties/Professional Services departments within the final week of July. The process, criteria, decision-making levels and some scheme rules are being reviewed to achieve this within the reduced timeframe. These will be shared with line managers during the week commencing Monday 21 June.
To enable the shortened timescale to be achieved, all nominations for this financial year will be made by managers. It is not possible to permit self or peer-to-peer nominations within the timescales available to us.
Director of Human Resources Jaspal Kaur said: “Reintroducing NRS will enable recognition of the exceptional contributions of staff during a very challenging year, where many have gone beyond expectations in their service to students, staff, the university and the wider community.
“We appreciate that the timescales for completing the NRS cycle for 20/21 are really tight, but unfortunately, this has been unavoidable to enable the latest University financial forecast inform the decision and to ensure that we meet the standard required for financial auditing purposes to enable costs to be attributed to this financial year. We hope colleagues will see this as a positive step in what has been a very challenging year for many of our staff.”
Voluntary Living Wage
The increase in the voluntary living wage brings the minimum hourly rate for university staff to £9.50. This increase affects colleagues on spine points 3, 4, 5 and 6. will appear in payslips later this summer, with updated communications to follow once the date is set.
The Living Wage Foundation – which calculates the voluntary living wage – is an independent organisation which calculates a wage based on the cost of living, and that meets the real cost of essential goods and services.
The university has been committed to paying voluntary living wage rates to staff for a number of years. This was re-assessed due to the impact of the pandemic – alongside our wider reward provisions such as the NRS.
Tags: living wage, Nottingham Reward Scheme, NRS, pay, pay and rewards, salary, Voluntary Living Wage
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USS update – employers back changes to the pension scheme
June 15th, 2021
Universities UK (UUK) has confirmed that employers representing 95% of USS membership have responded to the recent consultation on its alternative proposals to ensure a valuable, affordable, inclusive and sustainable scheme for staff for the long term.
The consultation confirms that employers would be willing to: make significant additional covenant support measures to secure the Defined Benefit part of the scheme; investigate the feasibility of conditional indexation; back a governance review of the scheme; and support a new flexible cost option for scheme members.
Without changes to the scheme, employers and scheme members face escalating contribution rates: for employers, from the current level (21.1% of salary) to 23.7% in October 2021 and at least 28.5% next year. Similarly, USS pension scheme members would see their payments rise from 9.6% of salary, to 11% in October 2021 and reach at least 13.6% next year – risking the pricing more and more members out of pensions saving.
UUK received 141 responses from employers to its recent consultation, outlining their support for the following package of reforms:
- no increases in contributions to the scheme by member or employers.
- maintaining the scheme’s Defined Benefit /Defined Contributions hybrid with changes at this valuation to keep contributions at the current level with a proposed salary threshold of £40,000.
- employers to offer further, stronger covenant support measures including a moratorium on exit, debt-monitoring and ensuring that pension promises are even more secure through protecting the USS Trustee’s status as a creditor.
- a commitment that should the scheme’s financial situation get better then improvements to benefits can be considered rather than reducing contribution rates.
- addressing the high opt-out rate, which sees around 20% of members choosing not to join the scheme and losing out on the 21.1% employer contribution, by giving eligible members the choice of a new lower contribution option.
- a major new review of the scheme’s governance.
- work to begin immediately on developing proposals to explore a move to a conditional indexation model – which pegs a part of annual pension provision to the performance of scheme funds – through the suggested establishment of a joint member/ University and College Union (UCU), employers, and USS working group to collaboratively design a proposal.
These proposals will now be discussed over the coming weeks with the UCU, representing members, UUK, and USS at the Joint Negotiating Committee, which is responsible for approving any scheme rule changes and concluding the 2020 valuation.
Tags: pension scheme, pensions, USS, USS pension, USS pension scheme, USS update
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Pain at work (PAW) toolkit
June 15th, 2021
The Pain at Work (PAW) toolkit is an online digital toolkit designed to provide supportive information, advice and guidance for people at work who have chronic or persistent pain.
This is an open access, free, online resource, for people working in any role, organisation and sector. To access the PAW Toolkit click here (recommended opening this Xerte toolkit on Chrome, Firefox or Safari web browsers).
The toolkit has been created from design stage to evaluation in consultation with a wide range of people who have chronic or persistent pain and professionals working across different sectors. There are five key sections:
- What is chronic or persistent pain?
- Chronic or persistent pain and disability.
- Work capacity, advice and support.
- Self-management strategies.
- Resources
The content includes: individual stories, understanding chronic or persistent pain, returning to work, reasonable adjustments in the workplace, employment rights, physical and psychological self-management techniques, specialist organisations and resources.
This toolkit has been created by the University of Nottingham in collaboration with Burning Nights (Registered Charity No. 1166522). The project was funded by STEMM-CHANGE which is all about promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. For more information, contact the project lead: Dr Holly Blake, School of Health Sciences at holly.blake@nottingham.ac.uk
The School of Health Sciences are collecting feedback on this resource and invite you to send your thoughts via the following link: PAW (Pain at Work) Toolkit Feedback
Tags: chronic pain, pain, pain at work, support, toolkit
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Covid-19 national restrictions extended to 19 July
June 15th, 2021
A message from Professor Andy Long.
Last night the Government confirmed that the easing of all remaining Covid-19 restrictions will now end on 19 July 2021 (although this could be brought forward should infections decrease). This means step three restrictions remain in place. You can read more about the announcement here.
How will this affect our university rules and restrictions?
As you know many health and safety measures have been introduced at the university over the last 14 months as part of our status as a Covid-secure campus.
We will now await guidance from the Department for Education, due week commencing 28 June, to ensure that where we modify or remove any Covid-safety measures we do so in a safe and considered way, with appropriate risk assessment. I will write to you again once we can confirm what will be changing and how.
Phased return to campus
For those staff and PGRs who have not already returned to campus, the Government ruling on working from home is expected to end on 19 July. Opportunities remain in place for you to book space to work on campus if needed – do speak to your line manager or supervisor to arrange this.
Return to Campus Principles have also been supplemented by Hybrid Working Managers Guidelines.
These will support managers in the planning and preparation of return to campus activities in the short to medium-term. These guidelines are contained within the Return to Operations Managers Guide: HR. PGRs returning to work on campus should liaise with their supervisors and schools on the local arrangements for supporting their return.
Many people will have mixed emotions about returning to campus, especially as restrictions are relaxed. The Leadership & Management Academy has launched a series of webinars for leaders, managers and supervisors to provide support to their teams as they navigate their return. More information can be found here.
New academic year 2021/22
Although restrictions are due to be lifted next month, the situation is still volatile and there are concerns about potential spikes or waves in the future. With this in mind, we have developed a flexible approach with everyone’s health and safety at the forefront of our planning. This includes supporting vaccination and our comprehensive on-campus Covid-19 testing programme and being prepared to reinstate social distancing measures if instructed by the government or health authorities.
Timetabling in Semester 1 is designed to facilitate this, and some Covid signage and security will remain in place in offices, corridors and other shared spaces to assist this process.
We are confident that this approach will allow us to return as safely and swiftly as possible to more usual working practices on our campuses, while enabling us to make adjustments to our activity as required, depending on the course of the pandemic.
Testing and Vaccination Programme
We will still expect staff and PGR students to be tested regularly and to follow the established reporting and isolating guidelines should they test positive. If you are symptomatic you should not come onto campus and should isolate, notify the university and arrange to have a confirmatory test.
We expect staff and PGRs on campus to continue taking asymptomatic tests at least once a week. There is no need to book unless you want to – you can simply turn up at a number of sites across our campuses. We will also be encouraging everyone eligible to take up the offer of the vaccine when invited, with 23 and 24-year-olds able to book their first doses from today. We have two vaccination sites on our campuses at Cripps Health Centre and Kings Meadow Campus and you can find out more about the vaccination programme on our website including details of how to book and other FAQs.
I will write again with more details on changes to university restrictions as soon as the information is available from Government.
Best wishes,
Andy
Professor Andy Long, FREng
Provost & Deputy Vice-Chancellor
University of Nottingham
Tags: COVID-19, COVID-19 update, hybrid working, lockdown, national restrictions, return to campus
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Covid-19 vaccination campaign set to launch this week
June 15th, 2021
A campaign will launch this week to encourage everyone to take up the Covid-19 vaccination when their age group becomes eligible.
The campaign showcases the value of the vaccine in keeping them safe across five scenarios: studying, playing sports, socialising, in the community, and with loved ones.
This information will be shared through a dedicated webpage signposting to Nottingham vaccination information, answering FAQs around how to book as well as providing helpful information and guidance on the Covid-19 vaccine.
There are sections with information for international students and those who may arrive partially vaccinated or with fully vaccinated with a vaccine that the UK does not recognise. It also signposts to Cripps Health Centre and other local GP practices so they can register for other necessary vaccinations.
The majority of people will be able to book using the NHS booking site, where different locations can be selected for doses 1 and 2 of the vaccine.
In coming weeks the website will include a range of assets including staff and student toolkits and video content with spokespeople across the university encouraging vaccine uptake. It will be launched officially at the start of the new academic year.
Vaccination is one of the most important defences against Covid-19. Encouraging everyone to get vaccinated is important to keep our communities as safe as possible.
Tags: COVID-19, vaccinate, vaccinations
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University publishes new guidance for supporting trans students – UPDATED
June 15th, 2021
The university has published new guidance for supporting trans students, and for the staff members who support trans students. This guidance recognises the difficulties that trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming students face within university life.
The guidance also discusses relevant legislation, the university’s approach to equality, diversity and inclusion, support available for trans members of our community and offers suggestions for being a good ally.
Inclusivity is a core value of the University of Nottingham. We are a community where everyone can contribute and be appreciated for who they are. As such we expect all members of our community to treat anyone’s gender identity with dignity and respect.
The newly published guidance can be found alongside other support on our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion pages. Alternatively you can download the guidance directly for staff or for students.
Update: Friday 18th June
The guidance for both students and staff has been revised in response to concerns raised regarding some inaccuracies in the previous versions. We are thankful to those who identified the errors in the previous documents that misrepresented the legal position of transgender people under the Equality Act and the processes for name change. We apologise for any harm caused by this unintentional mistake in drafting and are grateful for the review contributions that enabled us to swiftly correct the documents.
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New Occupational Health provider: transfer of records
June 14th, 2021
From Thursday 1 July 2021, Occupational Health services for the university will be provided by TP Health Ltd.
TP Health are one of the leading providers of Occupational Health services in the UK and have earned a reputation for delivering high quality, evidence-based advice and support for managers, staff and students.
Their multi-disciplinary team will be working with the university to deliver a proactive approach to protecting staff and student well-being, ensuring that individuals receive the most appropriate support and advice at the right time from the relevant clinical specialist.
The appointment of a new provider will mean that it is necessary to transfer any Occupational Health record you may have with our current provider, OH Works, to TP Health at the start of July 2021. In line with Faculty of Occupational Medicine guidance and the General Data Protection Regulations you have the right to be informed of this transfer.
The transfer of files is normal practice when a new provider takes over a contract of this kind. TP Health is bound by the provisions of the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 to ensure that your details remain confidential and are not disclosed to a third party without your express consent. TP Health’s full statement on privacy can be found on their website.
If you have any questions regarding the transfer of your records please contact hr@nottingham.ac.uk before Wednesday 30 June 2021.
Tags: medical records, occupational health, OH, record transfer, TP Health
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Learn Mandarin online this summer
June 14th, 2021
The Nottingham Confucius Institute is offering Mandarin courses led by experienced language teachers from Chinese universities.
If you’re looking for a new experience or a new skill, then Mandarin lessons can open new vistas in business, education, travel or simply meeting new people.
A range of 5-week courses are on offer this summer, including HSK Beginners, Conversational Mandarin and Character Writing.
This term’s courses commence on Monday 19 July.
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Diversion works at Bingham Road (Harlequin) junction, A52
June 14th, 2021
Highways England will soon be undertaking utility diversion works at Bingham Road (Harlequin) junction on the A52 in Nottingham.
They will be performing utility works (gas, electric, water and telecoms) to safely move utilities in advance of proposed main highway works. These utility diversion works are scheduled to begin on 21 June 2021 and will be conducted primarily through daytime working.
Highways England will carry out work in phases along the A52, beginning near Golf Road and moving along the A52, ending near Bingham Road.
To maintain a safe environment for everyone, they will need to close one lane, put temporary traffic lights in place and close Carter Avenue at the junction with the A52 for approximately 12 weeks; please see image below:
Highways England are aware that these works will cause some disruption and delays and apologise for any inconvenience caused. To keep disruption to a minimum they are investigating ways to ease the impact of the works, including:
- Working to minimise the number of trips through the junction for the duration of the work, by advertising alternative routes, using the A46 and A606, for traffic into and out of Nottingham.
- Monitoring traffic flows through the works and make changes to the sequencing of the temporary traffic lights wherever possible, e.g. keeping the lights on green for longer during peak times into and out of Nottingham.
- Ensuring that facilities are maintained for pedestrians and cyclists, with clearly signed pedestrian routes in place wherever needed.
- Contacting all relevant transport providers, such as bus companies, to ensure that they can plan their services around the disruption.
- Completing the work as quickly as possible.
These works are being carried out during the day in order to complete the work as quickly and safely as possible; if they were carried out overnight they would take far longer to complete, having greater impacts on the local community and road users, which would not have been acceptable. The traffic management will remain in place 24/7. This is because removing cones and traffic management equipment each evening would be dangerous for road crews, so reducing the need to do this as much as possible make it safer. Frequent changes in traffic management are also likely to cause driver confusion, increase frustration and potentially cause accidents.
There will be limited capacity at the junction while these works are carried out. Some congestion and delays are to be expected.
The best advice is for all drivers to plan ahead and use the alternate routes shown below wherever possible while these works take place.
Note: high sided vehicles taller than 4.4m must not use this alternate route, due to the low bridge at Tollerton and must stay on the A52.
Please note that the precise dates and times of the works may be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
Where possible, we’ll keep you updated of significant changes and updated on the progress of the works. You can also sign up for updates on the project’s webpage.
Thank you for your patience during this period. If you have any concerns or would like to contact us, you can contact the project team at A52NottinghamJunctions@highwaysengland.co.uk or call 0300 123 500.
Tags: A52, diversion, roadworks
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