Dear colleagues,
In the three weeks since the unjustified Russian invasion of Ukraine, we have witnessed horrific and heartbreaking scenes on our television screens. In the midst of the destruction, it has been heartening to see the response of the British public to the plight of refugees, with more than 100,000 people registering to open their homes to those seeking sanctuary.
Conflict anywhere in the world is distressing, and few of us would have expected war to return to Europe in 2022. While we all continue to hope and pray for an end to hostilities, we, as a University, have endorsed the position and statements on Ukraine from Universities Scotland, Universities UK and the European University Association. We also continue to engage with sector colleagues within Scotland and with government and third sector UK organisations to inform the details of support required for Ukrainian academics that are at risk.
Any colleague affected by the situation in Ukraine can access support through our independent 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme helpline on 0800 882 4102. If you feel your concerns are affecting your ability to work, please speak to your line manager.
Earlier this week, the First Minister confirmed that Scotland will continue its steady progress towards a return to normal life with the removal of the remaining legal COVID-19 restrictions on Monday 21 March, with the exception of the continued use of face coverings in most indoor settings – including within University buildings – and on public transport. This will be reviewed by the Scottish Government in two weeks’ time.
With the more infectious Omicron BA.2 sub-variant of the disease now dominant in Scotland, it is important that we all remain vigilant and take precautions to reduce our exposure to infection. These include: keeping a reasonable distance from others (1m); ensuring good ventilation; and, the continued wearing of face coverings in indoor areas. The University also participates in the Distance Aware Scheme for those who would like others to take particular care around them.
Importantly, the Scottish Government published its updated sector guidance earlier this week providing guiding principles for managing COVID in university settings. We will continue to take account of the guidance and are currently considering its implications for the University community and our future plans.
The First Minister also stated that regular free COVID-19 testing would cease at the end of April. The University continues to have a supply of lateral flow tests which can be collected on campus and I encourage colleagues to make regular use of these while stocks last.
At Strathclyde, our first priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of our University community and we want to make sure everyone feels safe, supported and secure. With that in mind, I am pleased to announce that we will shortly be launching a personal alarm system for staff and students, which can be downloaded and delivered through your smartphone.
Originally designed for lone workers, Strathclyde SOS has been tailored for our University community, and in particular those who live, work or socialise on and around our city centre campus.
The app, available to use 24 hours a day, seven days a week, provides a push button alarm on your phone for use in an emergency, which immediately connects users with the University Security Team. Strathclyde SOS will be launched initially through a pilot of around 1,500 users. Look out for more information about the app in next week’s Inside Strathclyde, where you can also find out how to register to take part in the pilot.
This morning, I hosted the first meeting in my latest programme of online Principal Engagement Sessions. As ever, it was enjoyable and encouraging to have the opportunity to update colleagues on the advances we have made as a University community on our Strategic Plan objectives, Vision 2025 and to celebrate all Strathclyders’ contributions to our collective success. Places on the remaining sessions are still available to book online. If you are unable to book on the session for your area please feel free to book onto another session at a time that suits you.
One of the key performance indicators within our Plan is the proportion of our staff who are international – which reflects our ability to retain and attract the brightest and best staff from across the world.
Last week we launched the campaign for the 2022 Strathclyde Global Talent Programme. Our aim is to appoint up to 24 exceptional academics (Chancellor’s Fellows) in strategically important research areas. This year, we are focusing again on finding talent to work in areas across all Faculties and we expect our search to be wide-reaching and diverse. Our people lie at the heart of our success and we are committed to maintaining the inclusive, values-led culture that helps our staff to thrive.
Finally, tomorrow sees the first of our long-awaited graduation celebration ceremonies for students who, due to the pandemic, were unable to celebrate their achievements with us in person. Over the next fortnight, I very much look forward to welcoming back more than 4,000 of our graduates from 2020 and 2021 to the Barony Hall to mark the achievements of these special cohorts of Strathclyders, alongside their family, friends and supporters.
Please keep safe and well, and enjoy the rest of your week.
Best wishes,
Jim