Over the coming weeks, you'll notice changes to how the University communicates with staff. Following a review of our internal channels, staff feedback and recent changes within the Communications team, our aim is to make communications easier to find, more relevant and less reliant on email.
What's changing?
The refreshed Staff Hub launches on Monday 12 October, and will see University news, information and updates grouped under four themes:
- Sussex Headlines – key news and actions for staff
- Sussex Spotlight – strategy, performance and student recruitment
- Academic Endeavour – research, events and academic achievement
- This is US – stories about our people and community
This will locate important news in one place, with other channels directing you there rather than duplicating content.
What does this mean for you?
Most staff need take no action. We encourage you to make the Staff Hub your first stop for University news, announcements, project updates and practical information. Colleagues who regularly publish content or request communications support will receive updated channel guidance and a simple framework for choosing the right channel. We'll keep reviewing how the Staff Hub is used, gather your feedback and refine the approach over the coming months.
Viva Engage
We'll also encourage greater use of Viva Engage, which all staff can access as part of the Microsoft Teams suite. While the Staff Hub is where you'll find news and information, Viva Engage is a space to discuss, share, ask questions, celebrate achievements and connect with colleagues. Guidance, including advice on notifications and joining communities, will follow soon.
What's next?
Later this autumn, we'll launch a fortnightly staff newsletter highlighting priority updates and actions, signposting to the Staff Hub for detail. PS Essentials and Academic Update have been discontinued, and their key messages will be included in the new newsletter.
If you have any questions please email the Internal Communications team: internalcomms@sussex.ac.uk.