Dear colleagues,
Our Autumn Graduations concluded earlier this week with the last of our 13 ceremonies taking place in the Barony Hall on Tuesday.
Once again, I would like to thank our colleagues from across the University for the crucial role they play in organising and running these important events, and in particular those in Conferencing & Events, Student Experience, Security as well as other supporting staff from across our four Faculties and Professional Services Directorates.
It is always a great pleasure to preside over these occasions, to see our students successfully complete their studies with us and gain the qualifications that will enable them to go forward into their careers and to play their part – as Strathclyders – in tackling the challenges facing our world.
The most significant of these is the climate crisis, and with COP27 now underway in Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt, Strathclyders continue to play their part. We have a number of colleagues in attendance including those from our One Ocean Hub, who will reinforce and extend our international partnerships at the Conference. As part of the Association of Commonwealth Universities’ Future’s Climate Research Cohort, our team will also engage with a group of 26 early career researchers from all over the world.
We continue to build on our COP26 Legacy by putting climate awareness and sustainable development at the heart of our education offering and our research activities. We are achieving this by reducing our own impact through energy efficiency and the development of Climate Neutral Innovation Districts, and by addressing the complex challenges of behaviour change, climate justice and a just and equitable transition.
It is activities such as these that saw Strathclyde win the Student Engagement category in the EAUC UK and Ireland 2022 Green Gown Awards earlier this week. Many congratulations to the Education for Sustainable Development team at the Centre for Sustainable Development and StrathUnion colleagues for all of their efforts in this area.
Our socially-progressive values are evident not just in the contributions we make to the wider world, through our teaching and research, but in the policies we put in place for our staff as a values-led, people-orientated employer.
I am pleased to announce that we have enhanced our Carer Policy to now offer colleagues who are registered as carers up to five days’ paid carers leave, as well as strengthening our Maternity Support Leave Policy to provide up to three paid days’ leave to staff whose partners are pregnant to allow them to attend antenatal appointments.
Our staff are our most important asset, and we are committed to ensuring Strathclyde is an employee-friendly organisation that has measures in place to provide work-life balance, and to ensure that we can benefit from the range of experience and skills that a diverse workforce provides.
As we head into the winter, when we spend more time indoors and seasonal ailments increase, I would encourage you to consider what measures you can take to remain physically and mentally healthy.
This includes:
- utilising the handwashing facilities and sanitisation stations available throughout campus
- availing yourselves of the vaccinations against COVID-19 and flu which are now available, with details on those who are eligible on the NHS Inform website
- following the guidance on how to stay well and protect others – this includes not coming into the office if you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of respiratory illness
- keeping a safe distance from others and maximising ventilation by opening windows when using naturally-ventilated rooms. Rooms with mechanical ventilation have been checked to ensure good circulation of air; however, portable carbon dioxide monitors are also available to book via Estates
Further information, advice and resources on staying physically and mentally well can be found on our Wellbeing Hub and on the Strathclyde Sport webpages.
Finally, tomorrow is Remembrance Day when we recall the sacrifices of those who gave their lives in service of the country. All staff are welcome to attend a Service of Remembrance that will take place at 10.45am at the University’s War Memorial, at the entrance to the Royal College Building.
Thank you for your continued efforts and enjoy the weekend when it comes.
Best wishes,
Jim