Campus News

New health and safety ‘Compass’ system launching soon

January 22nd, 2021

To make sure that staff and students can easily and efficiently report health and safety incidents and other processes like risk assessments a new  system, Compass, is being launched.

Named the ‘Compass project’ – as it’s ‘taking health and safety in the right direction’ – the new system will be a one-stop-shop for health and safety-related actions and escalations.

Modules being implemented in a phased implementation starting soon include:

  • A replacement of the current Incident Reporting system
  • A tool for requesting Display Screen Equipment assessments and managing the actions following these
  • A tool to schedule, prompt and action various types of monitoring including house-keeping checks, inspections, mini audits and larger audits.
  • A new Risk Assessments module to allow the schedule and actioning of risk assessments across UoN.
  • A new area to record and manage the level of health & safety related training needs, courses and competencies for each area.

The new system has been created by Alcumus, who are leading suppliers of sector best-practice systems and policies and have many clients throughout Higher Education.

Director of Health and Safety, Neil Hawthorne said: “The Health and Safety Team and I are delighted to announce the development of a new, University wide IT solution for health and safety.

This system represents a significant improvement in relation to our management of health and safety and most importantly, should help us keep our community healthier and safer.”

Modules will start to be rolled out from after Easter on a regular basis through to the summer, starting with the implementation of the new DSE Assessments and Monitoring tool to allow for managing housekeeping and inspection checks through the system.

Further communications to those impacted will be shared in the coming months.

For more information, please email: H&S@nottingham.ac.uk .

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Launching the EDI Resource Bank

January 22nd, 2021

In recent years, universities and research centres around the country have seen a huge increase in work towards equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

With initiatives like Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter now widely established, and conversations around transforming institutional culture commonplace, more and more people are engaging in EDI work.

There’s a lot of good practice out there already and EDI practitioners have much to learn from each other, both in terms of evidence of inequalities in university settings and the initiatives that have been developed to tackle them. But, whilst this information is typically available, it’s also disparate and hard to find.

That’s why we’ve developed the EDI Resource Bank: a new, open-access database which brings together materials to support EDI work in a range of HE settings.

Read more in our guest EDI blog by Lucy Jones, Associate Professor in Sociolinguistics and Faculty Director of EDI (Arts).

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The #OneThing campaign

January 21st, 2021

Staff and students have been taking to video to appeal to others to follow Covid rules.

The #OneThing campaign sees people from across the University share their own experiences and sets out what ‘one thing’ they’d like others to do to make them feel safer on campus.

Staff and students who joined the campaign include those working in libraries, labs, and classrooms and include technicians, academics, and PhD students.

The videos can be found at the bottom of this article. More will be added to the campaign in the coming weeks to try and capture as many different voices and perspectives as possible.

The health and safety of our community is our highest priority, and we will all need to make adjustments to the way we live and work.

There are certain actions that are crucial for all of us to adopt to make things as safe as possible for everyone. Please ensure you adhere to the following on our campuses.

  • Face coverings must be worn (unless exempt) inside all university buildings
  • Follow hygiene procedures. Make sure you wash your hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds. Clean work and study stations before and after use – this includes mice and keyboards.
  • Follow campus signage
  • Maintain social distancing at all times on our campuses
  • Follow isolation and reporting advice. If you feel unwell or are displaying Covid-19 symptoms, do not come on to campus

Keep an eye out for the #OneThing campaign on our social media channels.

If you would like to take part, please contact campusnews@nottingham.ac.uk.

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International Women’s Day 2021 at UoN

January 21st, 2021

International Women’s Day (IWD) takes place on Monday 8 March 2021, with celebrations taking place across the university throughout March.

This year’s IWD theme is ‘Choose to Challenge’ and includes the following call to action:

“A challenged world is an alert world.

Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day.

We can choose to challenge and call out gender stereotypes and bias.

We can choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements.

Collectively, we can create an inclusive world.

From challenge comes change. Choose to challenge.” IWD 2021

Central Events/Initiatives

A range of central events are taking place to celebrate IWD, including the following:

Opening Video – to launch on 8th March

Opening the celebrations for International Women’s Day will be the launch of a video showcasing a collection of artistic performances in celebration and recognition of women, the challenges they face and the inspiring ways in which these are overcome.

If you would like to be involved, please see below for further details.

The Board are currently looking to feature a number of mini performances of around 15-45 seconds length to be included in the video. Each related to the ‘Choose to Challenge’ theme and, whilst recognising and highlighting challenges and barriers faced by women, ultimately celebrating women’s achievements in overcoming these and providing a source of inspiration.

Performances might include, spoken poetry, a musical performance, story-telling or any other form of artistic performance performed as an individual or in your household/support bubble.  We welcome input from staff and students.

If you have ideas for how you would like to contribute, please get in touch by emailing br-edicoordinators@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk by Friday 29nd January, providing the following:

  • Name of individual performer or Covid- secure group
  • Main contact details
  • Outline description of performance and/or detailed description (e.g. copy of poem, video of previously recorded performance etc.)
  • Any other relevant information

Podcasts

A series of conversational podcasts exploring ways in which women have taken on challenges that have supported their physical and mental wellbeing, particularly throughout lockdown, sharing what we can all learn from this.   Links to podcasts will be available here from 8 March onwards.

Padlet

Open throughout March, the padlet will provide an opportunity for all members of the university community (staff, students and alumni) to share their thoughts and inspire others on the theme of ‘Choose to Challenge’.  Come back and visit this page in March to leave an inspirational quote to be shared with others.

Closing Event Panel Discussion Wednesday 24 March (afternoon, time TBC)

The panel discussion will recognise and highlight challenges and barriers faced by women, and celebrate women’s achievements in managing or overcoming these, providing a source of inspiration to others.  Further information and booking details to follow soon.

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PVC EDI Blog: EDI in the year ahead

January 21st, 2021

In her latest blog, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and People Professor Sarah Sharples reflects on a difficult year, but looks ahead to the potential possibilities for 2021.

She reinforces our commitment to improving our EDI agenda and highlights a number of resources and upcoming inspiring events to support everyone in our understanding and awareness of EDI.

Read the blog here.

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Keeping our libraries safe

January 20th, 2021

Our library buildings remain open to provide vital support to those returning to our campuses following the latest Government guidance.

To allow us to continue providing these essential services, including access to study space, it is vital that everyone follows the university’s Covid-19 health and safety measures.

From Friday 22 January, anyone failing to follow the mandatory safety measures will be:

  • asked to leave the library
  • unable to book, or use, study space for seven days

Failure to adhere will be considered a breach of the Code of Discipline for Students.

We ask that those with an exemption wear a sunflower lanyard or display an exemption card to minimise compliance checks

What are the safety measures?

The health and safety of our library staff and visitors is our absolute priority and it is more important than ever that we do everything we can to keep each other safe.

  • Bring your University Card for access to the library.
  • Wear a face covering at all times, including when using study space (unless exempt). This is University and Government policy.
  • Please sit at your pre-booked study space and do not move furniture. Study space is for individual, silent use only. We are unable to provide space for group study in our libraries.
  • Keep two metres distance from others (including those in your own household or bubble).
  • Please do not eat in our libraries. Drinks can be consumed but replace your face covering as soon as possible.
  • Wash your hands regularly and wipe down surfaces before and after use
  • Follow directional signage in the library including one-way routes

All staff and students have access to the University Testing Service. The University recommends that those on campus regularly should consider taking an asymptomatic test weekly.

Access to libraries and resources

During the National Lockdown period, we ask that you visit our libraries to use study space or access resources only when essential, for example if you don’t have access to appropriate study space elsewhere.

  • Many of our resources are available online. Check if the resource you need access to is available online via NUsearch.
  • We can provide scans of sections of books and journals (within copyright restrictions).
  • For access to essential print items from our libraries, please use our Click and Collect service.
  • No fines will be charged for overdue items throughout the National Lockdown period.
  • Return book boxes are available outside our libraries for those already on campus and we offer a postal returns service for those off-campus.

Thank you for helping us to keep the University community safe. If you have any questions about our library services or accessing resources, please contact the Library Helpline by email, phone or Live Chat.

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New staff and student relationship policy – guidance available

January 20th, 2021

The new Staff Personal Relationship Policy and Staff & Student Personal Relationships Policy were launched in December 2020 and are now live.

Guidance has also been developed to support managers receiving declarations from staff.

All staff are reminded to read the policies and ensure that they declare any relationships that they have with staff or students using the forms provided.

The policies reflect the changed culture within the higher education sector, and provide a clear framework outlining expectations on the professionalism of staff.

There are two key underpinning principles which have informed the policies. Firstly, the policies aim to provide a safe environment for our students and staff, and place their well-being at the heart of our considerations.

Secondly, the policies aim to support principles of trust and integrity in our decision making.

All relationships need to be declared to line managers during January and February 2021 – even if they have been declared previously.

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Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Trans (LGBT+) History Month 2021

January 19th, 2021

At the university we are committed to supporting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) for our staff and students.

We will be celebrating LGBT+ History Month virtually for 2021 following the national theme of ‘Body, Mind, Spirit’. We aim to increase visibility of LGBT+ people, their history, lives, and experiences, promote their welfare, and increase inclusion.

A programme board of staff and student volunteers have put together a rich calendar of central events and we have also funded local projects at the University.

We’d like to encourage everyone to get involved, join our celebrations and share details of the programme within their respective areas.

Click the images or scroll down to find out more about all the events that are coming up:

Central events

Click for more info on Conversation cafe: belonging

Click for more info on Meditation for the LGBTQ+ Community

Click for more info on Allyship: How it's done and the pitfalls to avoid

Click for more info on Virtual Creativity Workshop and Showcase

Click for more info on the Conversation cafe: Coming out

Click for more info on the Conversation cafe: Coming out

Local events

John McLuskey’s talk on HIV

Access a recording of the talk here.

LGBT+ Health Inequalities lecture with Ella Guerin RNMH
Monday 1 February

The pre-recorded lecture can be accessed from here and you can participate in a Q&A with Ella on this padlet throughout February.

LGBT+ health in undergraduate medical curricula
Available from Thursday 11 February 2021

The pre-recorded lecture can be accessed from here.

Reading inspiration for LGBTQ+ History Month
Available from Monday 25 January 2021
UoN Libraries LGBTQ+ Reading List 2020/21

Find inspiration for your next read with Libraries’ online LGBTQ+ History Month reading list, featuring titles recommended by students and staff. For 2021, Libraries have purchased a host of new print and ebooks based on these recommendations. Browse the titles on the reading list and follow the links to NUsearch to check availability. You can access our ebooks wherever you are.

Libraries have also teamed up with the School of English to share some of their staff members favourite reads. Follow @UoNLibraries and @UoNEnglish on Twitter and Instagram for updates throughout February and let us know your favourites.

Museum Outing
25 January – 28 February 2021
Eventbrite or Teams link for the event: Instagram #MuseumOuting21

To mark LGBT+ History Month at the University we want to hear your stories about museum exhibits, photographs or artworks with an LGBT+ history that have a special meaning for you.

Your chosen object could be the work of an LGBT+ artist/maker or have some other connection to LGBT+ history, or simply be important to your own personal journey.

Post an image of your object to Instagram using the hashtag #MuseumOuting21 with no more than 100 words telling us why you chose it. Alternatively, it’s possible to send your submissions to us via email at: marketing@nottingham.ac.uk (subject: Museum Outing).

It’s important that you tell us the name of your chosen object, the artist/maker, and the museum where the object is normally displayed.

We’ll collect your submissions and post a selection of them on this site to curate a virtual museum of Queer history.

https://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/about-us/stories-features/LGBT-History-Month.html

Christian
Wednesday 3 February, 1pm. MS Teams
Book here.

LGBT+ and Christian at Uni? As part of LGBT+ History Month the Christian Chaplains are hosting an online chat for LGBT+ Christian students. Join us to chat over lunch/cup of tea on matters such as:

  • What is your experience?
  • Where do you meet like-minded students?
  • How do you confidently find a church that’s right for you?

Celebration of LGBT+ healthcare research at the University of Nottingham.

The virtual exhibition is now available here.

Bridging the Gap with farmer Ben Andrews, “Being a 21st century person in a 19th century world”.
Tuesday 9 February 6.30-7.30pm
Join MS TEAMs   

Ben is an organic tenant farmer from Herefordshire and a keen supporter of bioscience for sustainable Agriculture and Food. He is also an ambassador for Agrespect which promote and support diversity in the countryside. “Farmer Ben” as he is known on social media will share his experiences of being #outonthefarm and working in an agricultural fairly heteronormative setting. The positive shift in rural culture will be highlighted as Ben discusses his approach as a mentor and role model to those struggling to remove their camouflage.

A conversation about gendered language with Dr David Charnock RNLD and Ella Guerin RNMH
Thursday 11 February 

The podcast recording can be accessed from here.

In conversation with Professor Gregory Woods
Wednesday 17 February, 1pm
Book here

A live-streamed conversation between Neil Walker (Lakeside Arts Centre) and writer and poet, Emeritus Professor Gregory Woods, who in 1998 was appointed Chair of Gay and Lesbian Studies at Nottingham Trent University, the first such appointment in the UK.

The Queer Art of Surviving a Pandemic: An Online Workshop with Popo Fan
Friday 19 February 2021, 3-4:30 pm, MS Teams
Speaker: Popo Fan (queer filmmaker, artist and activist)
Chair: Dr Hongwei Bao (Centre for Contemporary East Asian Cultural Studies)
Book here

In this online event, Berlin-based Chinese queer filmmaker Popo Fan will lead an online workshop on queer community building and care work for members of the LGBTQ+ communities. In the first half of the event, Fan will screen his new films made during COVID-19 including Learn German in My Kitchen and Hasen Pavilion. He will also share his experience of dealing with racism and loneliness during the pandemic, as well as how he has managed to remain positive, optimistic, and productive during the lockdown period. The making and sharing films, for Fan, is a way to participate in queer community building and care work through online and art-based activism.

The second half of the event will invite members from the audience to ask questions, share their experiences of coping with racism, homo- and transphobia, and COVID lockdown. This workshop hopes to build an online support community through storytelling, experience sharing, and engaging with artworks.

Popo Fan is one of the most prolific queer filmmakers from China. He has made more than a dozen documentary and fiction films, most of which revolve around issues of queer sexuality, identity and community. Fan started to participate in queer activism since his university days. He is a committee member of the Beijing Queer Film Festival (aka Love Queer Cinema Week); he is also a founder of the Queer University Video Training Camp. Fan is an important participant in and witness to the queer filmmaking and queer activism scenes in the PRC today. For more information about Fan, please visit his website: https://www.popofan.net/

Sutton Bonington LGBT Craftivism Event for Everyone
Runs throughout February with packs available at Vet School Reception (Student Experience Team). Live stitch – along through MS TEAMs.

This event will be an opportunity for you to display your signature/message for the LGBT Community on flags.  They will be created by embroidery – writing on trace with back stitching or other materials such as paper, paint or digitally and displayed on SB campus. Examples of messages include ” no place for hate”, “hope” and “unity”.

A pre-filmed tutorial will be filmed for guidance accompanied by a separate live stitch along on Wednesday 10 February at 7pm organised by SBArtSoc. Please share your art also on our online LGBT+ history month Padlet using the second QR code and/or display it on our history boards in the vet school atrium and the Barn.

If you are based on SB campus, we have a number of free embroidery packs with fabric, thread and needle for you to pick up. Please do not make any unnecessary travel!

People like me: LGBT+ history month webinar
Tuesday, 23rd February 2021, 2pm – 3pm
Book here

What is it like for LGBT+ individuals in academia? What improvements have been made and what still needs to be done? How can we support LGBT individuals at universities? In this hour-long panel discussion we talk about the experiences of LGBT individuals in academia, and propose solutions to the problems they face.

Life In Equine Practice – “Telling it Straight” with Brad Hill and James Bailey
Wednesday 24th  February, 6.30-7.30pm
Join MS TEAMs

Brad and James will openly discuss their careers in equine practice whilst being part of the LGBT community. Talking about their ups and downs and their individual journeys to self-acceptance; transforming worries and concerns into strengths and attributes.

On Queerness and Creativity  hosted by the New Art Exchange (online)
Thursday 25 February at 5pm
Details to come

UoNSU

Join UoNSU for their programme of events. More details can be found on the SU events page.

  • Welfare Wednesday post. This will occur every Wednesday throughout February both on our Instagram page and facebook.
  • Games Night 7-9pm 4th February (Online via MS teams )
  • Queer short films night 11th February (these will be posted on facebook and can be accessed at anytime)
  • Drag bingo with Roughtrade 11th February (a small business in Nottingham) 7:30- 8:30pm via zoom
  • Family project quiz night 18th February 7-8:30 (online MS teams)

Queer Shorts Film Night,
Thursday 11th February 2021, 7pm – 8.30pm

Join the UoNSU LGBT+ Network to watch a selection of queer short films and documentaries, hosted by Louisa. There will be a range of funny, heart-warming, curious and unique shorts (each between 3 and 20 mins long), exploring many areas of the LGBT community and culture around the world. The films we will be watching are:

Take Me To Prom, Muxes, Hallelujah – a queer circus film, Bunny, The Swimming Club, and more!

Full details on the films including any content warnings are available in this document.

The films will be shared over Teams in our UoNSU LGBT+ Network film socials channel: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/channel/19%3ae7dbf364f244454d9f5af8afed473f45%40thread.tacv2/Film%2520Socials?groupId=a504f859-3c8e-44a7-81e9-33ee5c8121b7&tenantId=67bda7ee-fd80-41ef-ac91-358418290a1e

You can easily be added as a guest with an external email address (one not connected to the university system) – just contact Louisa at pmylr@nottingham.ac.uk

Queerness and Disability
24th February 18:00-19:00 MS Teams

Join the Disabled Students Officer, Maxime (they/them), for a discussion about disability, queerness, and the interconnection of these communities.

We will be discussing the queer and disabled identities, the history of our shared rights, and the future for the queer disabled community.

This event is part of the LGBT+ History Month celebrations headed by the LGBT+ Officer and Network and ran by the Disabled Students’ Network. ”

Film screening: Pride
Wednesday 3 March 2021: from 4pm – 6.30pm
Join on Microsoft Teams

The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the School of Sociology and Social Policy will be screening the 2014 documentary film Pride. This event will take place at 4-6.30pm on Wednesday 3 March. It will be presented on MS Teams with an introduction from Doctoral Researcher, Tiago Machado Costa. After the film there will be time for discussion of the issues raised in the film. This event is free to attend and staff and students are welcome.

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Islamic prayer rooms on campus re-opened

January 19th, 2021

The Muslim prayer rooms on University Park and Sutton Bonington campus are now open daily for individual and congregational prayers.

The prayer rooms will be opened at set times for both students and staff to use (please be aware that the rooms are not to be used by members of the public at this time).

Pre-booking is essential and prayer times will vary each week according to the availability of prayer room supervisors. To be added to the weekly booking update please email chaplains@nottingham.ac.uk

University Park

  • Portland Building
  • D39 Brothers
  • E45 Sisters

Sutton Bonington

  • The Barn
  • B15 Brothers
  • B16 Sisters

The Jubilee prayer rooms are due to reopen from Monday 25 January. Please email chaplains@nottingham.ac.uk to be added to the weekly booking update.

Jubilee Campus

  • Xu Yafen Building
  • B05 Brothers
  • B02 Sisters

Covid secure measures

To assure safety and covid-security, use of the prayer rooms will follow the latest Government advice and guidance for places of worship, including:

  • Pre-booking is essential in order to keep numbers within safe limits, anyone turning up without a booking will be politely turned away and asked to book.
  • Please bring your own shoe bag, prayer mat and head scarves.
  • Where possible, please do ablution at home before attending.
  • Face masks must be worn in the prayer rooms.
  • Please check your booking for your allocated arrival time (for congregational prayers arrival times may be staggered) and avoid turning up early.
  • On arrival, please wait for a prayer room supervisor before entering the prayer rooms and follow their instructions. Please follow the signage inside the prayer rooms and use the prayer spaces marked out on the floor keeping 2m social distance.
  • Unfortunately, at this time, there is to be no gathering after prayers, prayer rooms users should vacate the room immediately following prayers. Please do not interact with anyone outside of your household or support bubble when attending the prayer rooms.
  • Please do not bring any food or drink. There will be no access to kitchen facilities.

Staff and students of other faiths who would like advice around religious observance on campus, please contact chaplains@nottingham.ac.uk.

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Staff wellbeing resources: January 2021 update

January 19th, 2021

The most recent lockdown has presented new challenges for many of us and supporting both our own wellbeing and the wellbeing of our teams is a priority.

To help, the university has updated the HR website to include a number of new and up-to-date resources, including a refreshed Staff Wellbeing Guide.

Colleagues are encouraged to familiarise themselves with this page and the guide so that they are aware of the resources available and so that they can use them if needed or signpost a team member towards them.

The guide includes:

  • Details of how to access the Employee Assistance Programme which offers free confidential support for any workplace or personal issue over the telephone or online 24/7.  This service is available via Care First, and as such, is independent of the university and completely confidential.  The service can support with everything from advice relating to financial concerns and childcare facilities, through to offering a telephone and online counselling service.
  • Details of the Togetherall app, a new service available for staff to access.  Togetherall is a leading digital and mental health wellbeing support service providing members with a variety of ways to express their thoughts and feelings and access support.
  • A reminder about how to access the university’s own Counselling Service, quick links to financial support services and links to online wellbeing support available through the Leadership and management Academy and UoN Sport.
  • In recognition that financial concerns are a key issue for staff, the university has an agreement with the Nottingham & Lincs Credit Union (NLCU) who provide ethical, fair and competitive financial services, including savings and loans directly through payroll.  As a not for profit business, NLCU look to work positively with customers’ specific personal financial circumstances, and offer preferential rates to our employees.  More information is available directly at the Notts and Lincs Credit Union payroll page  or through the Employee Hub.

The Wellbeing resources are available alongside a range of wider support guides developed for managers in response to the pandemic which can be accessed here.

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