On Tuesday 23 June, Jim Andrews, Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary wrote to all staff. You can read the full text of his email below.
Dear Colleague,
As I am sure you are aware, the Met Office has put in place an amber weather warning for extreme heat that covers the whole region from Monday to Thursday this week, with a red warning in place for the northern part of Sussex from Wednesday to Thursday.
Campus facilities will be open as usual and the University guidance on working in hot weather is available online.
It is expected that managers work with their teams and review their local business continuity arrangements to ensure the safe continuation of essential activities. This can include enabling flexible and remote working where feasible, especially for colleagues with health conditions or those with caring responsibilities who may be impacted by school and nursery closures.
University leaders have met to agree some additional guidance for this exceptional period.
Working in hot buildings
Some parts of the Sussex estate are particularly sensitive to temperature changes, and the temperature of offices, laboratories or teaching spaces will vary considerably within a building depending on the side of the building it is on, and whether rooms have air conditioning. Please try to make arrangements to work flexibly within and between buildings where possible.
The Student Centre is available to all, and provides a cool space with a mix of tables, desks and 1-1 spaces where you can work. You can follow this thread on Viva Engage to share tips about hot weather working on campus.
Staff who live within the red warning area
Staff who live within the red warning area should consider their travel arrangements to campus as there may be public transport disruption. Please discuss with your line manager where this may be a concern.
Staff at increased risk (health conditions, pregnancy etc.)
Some colleagues may be considered at increased risk from exposure to high temperatures, including those with underlying health conditions, those taking certain medications, breastfeeding and pregnant workers. Where such risks are identified, either through risk assessments, health declarations, or existing management processes, appropriate adjustments must be implemented to reduce exposure.
Where it is not reasonably practicable to reduce the risk through adjustments to the working environment or task (e.g. changes to duties, working hours, or location), managers must seek further advice to determine appropriate next steps, liaising with HR if necessary
Collective consultation meetings
Collective consultation one to one meetings are ongoing during this week. These should still proceed. Where it is necessary to move to an online meeting managers must ensure that all participants are provided with a Teams link.
Please be aware of the possible impacts of this current spell of hot weather on colleagues, neighbours, vulnerable people and friends and seek to support each other as much as possible. If there are changes to the Met Office warnings, I will update further.
With best wishes,
Jim
Jim Andrews
Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary