I was pleased to welcome over 1900 people connecting into the All Staff Executive Briefing this week. One of the few good things coming from the pandemic is our greater connectivity and collegiality through sharing information and broadening of understanding of how things work across our global University. My thanks to those who were able to participate and for the comments and suggestions made. If you were unable to attend live, do take a look at the recording on the Sharepoint site. The briefing also featured a short film about the fresh annual planning process which is also accessible here.
As mentioned in the briefing, from my conversations with many people in the last two weeks, I know that the start of this year has been very demanding and, for some, draining – and while there is a sense of positivity as we see vaccines rolling out, the uncertainty will continue for several more weeks yet. My primary focus remains on assuring the wellbeing of the University-wide community. As we look ahead to the new horizons that vaccines offer, we also recognise ongoing disruption that requires our careful and timely attention. Being very mindful of the pressures many are under to deliver our teaching, support research and provide our services, the early Pulse Survey results are providing us with a good indication of how we are feeling and what additional support you may need. The survey closes on 5 February, but only two days since launch, over 700 responses had been received representing all locations – of which 80% were working from home, 51% were living with family and children, and over half had key caring responsibilities. Of the respondents so far, about 60% feel their work is manageable, 72% felt their priorities were clear and 75% felt their line manager was keeping them well informed. Amongst the trending messages, it is perhaps not surprising that 77% were working more hours than normal and 40% felt their work was not very manageable and felt their work-life balance was being challenged. I will report detailed results after the survey closes, so please do go online to give your feedback before the closing date.
I can also announce that the University Executive has agreed to provide our campuses with three additional Rest Days across February, March and April, as a thank you for your hard work and in recognition of the need to regroup and recharge. More details on the dates and how this will work with timetabling and in our different locations will be provided in the near future. As an Executive, we will be thinking about things we should pause or stop doing and I invite you all to think carefully about this also as I would welcome your suggestions.
These are remarkable times, and I am very aware of the dedication, professionalism and hard work that every one of you is showing and living through our values. Our next All Staff Executive Briefing is on Thursday 4 March and will include a focus on our research community. For UK staff, we have a special meeting on Financial Wellbeing and Pensions called ‘Your Pension Matters’ on Wednesday 3rd February at 11.15am. I hope many of you are able to join that.
Best wishes
Professor Richard A. Williams
Principal and Vice-Chancellor