Dear colleagues,
I am writing to update you on the next phase of the University’s ‘Return to Site’ project (‘Phase 4’), which we are renaming the ‘Future Ways of Working’ project.
The unique operating circumstances of the past 14 months have prompted learning and reflections which we hope to now use to improve the experiences of students and staff at St George’s. We have opportunities to rethink our ways of working, while ensuring we retain the strong sense of community which we value and that we are meeting business needs. Inclusivity and supporting the wellbeing of students and staff will be guiding principles in our plans.
We have already sought input from staff across St George’s and have agreed a number of key points:
- All members of staff will be expected to work on-site for a proportion of their time.
- All will be eligible to request flexible working, with a new Flexible Working Policy under development.
There is much more to consider, but I understand that staff will wish to be clear of expectations if the next step of the government’s roadmap for easing restrictions goes ahead as planned on 21 June, while recognising that we must remain flexible to any possible changes to that timeline.
Some staff have worked on-site throughout the pandemic to maintain essential activities, but others have not been at the University for the past 14 months. There is a transition ahead for us all as our community adapts to this next phase.
The Covid-19 Steering Group has agreed the following timetable for rolling out future ways of working.
From 21 June to 1 September 2021:
‘Reflect’ (stage 1) – Staff should attend site as required by their role. As part of a gradual return, we expect those who have been working remotely to attend site at least one day per week (pro-rata for PT staff) but they could attend more if they would like to, or if required to by their line manager for operational reasons. Local arrangements agreed at Director level may apply for business or health and safety reasons.
From 1 September 2021 – Spring 2022:
‘Trial and Develop’ (stage 2) – trials will take place of flexible working. Staff who wish to spend part of their week working remotely will be able to do so, but please be aware that the current draft of the revised Flexible Working Policy requires Director approval for anyone who wishes to work off site for more than 40% of their contracted hours.
From Spring 2022 onwards:
‘Implement’ (stage 3) – longer term working patterns will be established, with physical and technological infrastructure changes to support future ways of working.
As the pandemic continues, we may of course need to adapt our plans to meet any changes to government guidance. Each phase will be subject to regular review to ensure the operating approach works for the University and the community, with an ongoing focus on meeting students’ needs and ensuring they have the best possible university experience.
At the start of 2020 I could never have imagined the challenges that would lie ahead for us as a community. I am proud of how we responded and adapted and hope we can now take all that we have learnt through these extraordinary times to bring about positive change.
Please look out for further updates and I’d value any comments or suggestions about how we can best shape our future ways of working.
Best wishes,
Paul Ratcliffe
Chief Operating Officer