Dear colleagues,
I am writing to share with you a letter to staff we received from Michelle Donelan MP, Minister of State for Universities. The letter can be read here.
It is encouraging to see that the government clearly acknowledges what a challenging time this is for staff and students across the sector. Minister Donelan thanks staff for working creatively and tirelessly to support their institutions and stresses the importance of education to the health and well-being of students.
The letter notes staff contribution to enabling students to return safely to site including taking on additional roles such as coronavirus testing. It has been a real boost to our staff and students, as well as reinforcing the importance of what we do at St George’s, that the majority of our programmes have been able to return to site this term. We are continuing to engage those who have yet to return with online activity, including postgraduate students and those completing research.
Confirmed in the communication, we very much welcome the additional funds provided by the government for student hardship and we are seeing an increase in the number of students accessing support.
Student communication
We also received a letter to students, and this was shared with them in a communication which can be read here. Within this letter we offered further guidance on the issues highlighted by Minister Donelan, which included applying to the access to learning fund, support available to students and testing within the University.
We are listening to, and working closely, with the Students’ Union and are in regular contact with the three employee trade unions through the Joint Negotiating & Consultative Committee. We will continue to keep you updated on any changes within the University.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation, and for ensuring that St George’s is able to continue delivering the healthcare, research and medical education the nation needs in these unprecedented times.
Best wishes
Professor Jenny Higham
Principal