eNews 10 November
Values feedback, Fairer Future for All event, industrial action, USS pension sessions, COP26, surveys, wellbeing, Remembrance Day, Inter Faith Week and more.
Values
Last chance | Check and challenge our new draft values
The Big Leeds Conversation closes on Friday 12 November, and it’s your final opportunity to feedback on what is strong, wrong or missing from our values and behaviours framework. Check your email for your unique link to the survey from our partners at thebigleedsconversation@clevertogether.com. Please contact the Clever Together support team if you haven’t received your email.
Sign up | Fairer Future for All event
There’s still time to sign up to join Vice-Chancellor, Simone Buitendijk, and other senior colleagues, as they share more detail about how our 10-year strategy will create a fairer future for our staff, our students and our global community. The final event takes place at 9.30am tomorrow (Thursday 11 November).
Industrial action
Update on UCU ballots for industrial action
The results of recent ballots by the University and College Union (UCU) signal possible industrial action at the University this winter. UCU’s two ballots have now closed and the results provide a mandate for industrial action related to disputes over proposed changes to USS pension, and pay and other related issues. While UCU secured this mandate at Leeds, it has not done so at a number of other universities.
USS pension
Book | USS information sessions
If you’re an active member of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), or eligible to be one, you will have recently received, via email, a notice of statutory consultation to be conducted by employers. The consultation began on Monday 1 November and is open until Monday 17 January 2022. To support you through this process, independent USS consultation information sessions are available to book, with the first scheduled for 10-11am on Tuesday 16 November.
Strategy
Watch | Video summaries
Summary edits of the University’s Strategy overview, Research and Innovation and Education videos are now available. You can embed them in school and faculty websites, in presentations, or in any other official University capacity. Please contact David Pickering if you require any of the videos for offline use.
COP26
Visit | COP26 virtual engagement guide
With only a few days of COP26 remaining, the Priestley International Centre for Climate has created a mini-guide on how to engage with COP26 virtually, helping you to stay involved with the most critical climate summit to date. Visit the dedicated COP26 webpage and our latest COP26 events schedule for further information about the ongoing negotiations.
Read | Climate action blog
For the final week of COP26, Dr Cat Scott, from the School of Earth and Environment, examines how trees could help us with the climate and biodiversity crises. This is the latest in a series of climate action blogs hosted by Policy Leeds, in collaboration with the Priestley Centre, being published to coincide with COP26.
Other resources
Inside Track | University of Leeds Climate Plan and Net Zero Plan
Inside Track | Leeds on climate action and COP26
Watch | Leeds at COP26 recording
Campus life
FAQs | Face coverings
Access the updated FAQs outlining our approach to face coverings on campus for staff and students. Please consider using a face covering in crowded indoor spaces. You will need to wear a face covering (unless exempt) if a risk assessment identifies that one needs to be worn, with signs telling you where this is required.
Take a tour of campus
Visiting campus for the first time in ages, or ever? Book onto a 90-minute campus tour. Attendees to date have said the tour helped “provide a sense of place” and to “meet other colleagues”, plus you’ll discover some hidden gems and historic facts along the way! Tours are on offer each week until the Christmas closure.
Christmas crackers!
Christmas has come early with a range of seasonal promotions presented by Great Food at Leeds (GFaL). Why not treat yours-elf to some of the fantastic festive fare on offer at GFaL’s cafés across campus, including the Cinnamon Latte, Double Chocolate Hot Chocolate, Pigs in Blankets Panini or Gluten Free Golden Salted Caramel Brownie? Noel doubt about it… yule love them! And follow GFaL on Twitter for details about its special 12 Days of Christmas promotion coming soon.
Digital developments
Updates | Duo authentication
In response to requests to be prompted less by Duo two-factor authentication, from Monday 15 November you can switch on a remembered device feature, which means for many applications you will only need to authenticate once every 30 days.
To improve security, please be aware you’ll be prompted for Duo authentication from Monday 15 November if you remotely access your University computer from another device. This won’t affect you if you’re logging on locally.
You can sign up to the Duo mobile phone app for the quickest and easiest way to log on to our University systems. If you’re using SMS messages to obtain a Duo code, why not try the app instead? It only takes a couple of clicks once you’re set up.
Minerva Upgrade Project
Find out about forthcoming changes to Minerva following the successful migration to Minerva Ultra during the summer. The next phase of the project – focusing on teaching area improvements and moving to Blackboard’s new module and organisation – is now underway.
Microsoft Teams | Flexible calling
You will soon be able to make calls to national numbers or UK mobile phones via Teams Voice, even if you don’t have an existing University extension number. A dial pad will appear in the calls function of Teams when this has been installed. Part of a rolling programme to enable Teams Voice, we will contact you with further information once you’re able to receive calls via Teams. Access our Teams Voice presentation recording and FAQs for further information.
Reminder | Digital Education Systems Help Website
Visit the Digital Education Systems Help website for assistance with digital learning and teaching systems in the run-up to January’s examination and assessment period. The site provides task-oriented help and guidance for staff and students, along with step-by-step guides, updates and details of training courses to assist you throughout the academic year.
Feedback
Changing your identity | Do you have experience of this at the University?
We’re working on improvements to the way we handle requests to change identity in University systems and processes, and we want to consider your lived experiences as we do this. If you have experience of this at the University in the past two years, we’d love to hear from you. Share you experience of requesting a change to your title, name or gender
Take part | World100 tracker survey
Have your say in the World100 tracker – a survey measuring the reputation of leading universities among various audiences, from prospective students, teachers and parents, to UK and international academics, opinion formers, alumni and the general public. Views of university staff are being sought throughout November. The anonymous survey – which should only take about five minutes to complete – gives universities such as ours valuable insights into how we (and others) are seen by these different groups and tracks how our reputation may be changing over time.
Have your say | Library survey
Please share your experience of the Library and its services in a new survey, which will drive improvements for staff and students. It will only take about 15 minutes to complete, with the chance to win one of five £50 Love2shop vouchers. Closing date is Tuesday 30 November.
Survey | National Institute of Health Research (NIHR)
Take part in a survey evaluating awareness of the NIHR Leeds In Vitro Diagnostics Co-operative – a partnership between Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and the University. It should take no more than 10 minutes to complete, with the chance to win a £50 Amazon voucher. The survey closes at 9.30am on Friday 12 November.
Students
Read | Student newsletter
Read the latest student newsletter, which highlights important resources for those looking to get involved with COP26 and prompts students to review the University’s draft values framework.
Research
Register | Research Culture Cafés
Book your place on upcoming Research Culture Cafés. Dates and themes for sessions running until August 2022 are also now available, with the latest one on Thursday 16 December focusing on the themes of career development and responsible assessment. The online café-style conversations aim to promote a positive and inclusive research culture, and will help colleagues propose solutions for change, share experiences and create a community network.
Wellbeing and support
Book | Free workplace support for your mental wellbeing
If you feel you’re struggling and your wellbeing is impacting your work, you can book a virtual, free, confidential, one-to-one workplace support appointment. Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), sessions will help you develop a wellbeing plan, tailored coping strategies and ideas for suitable workplace adjustments. Contact Remploy now to book an appointment for Wednesday 17 November. Please include your name, home phone number, email and organisation name or call 0300 456 8114 for further information.
Sign up | Menopause in the Workplace workshops
Additional dates for the interactive Menopause in the Workplace workshops are now available to book. These are aimed at all colleagues, but there are also specific sessions for managers and men. The workshops aim to raise awareness of menopause and focus on how to develop a supportive culture for colleagues.
Register | Welcome event for new staff
Book your place on the virtual welcome event for new staff on Thursday 2 December. Find out more about Leeds, meet new colleagues and explore the range of benefits, support and advice available.
Appeal | Christmas food donations
The University branch of UNISON is calling for donations of food items and toiletries – from members and non-members alike – in aid of the Trussell Trust (Leeds) and Richmond Hill Elderly Action. A full list of suggested items is available on its website. Donations can be made at the Ziff Café until Tuesday 7 December, with union reps on hand between 11am and 1.30pm on Tuesday 23 and Tuesday 30 November.
Staff networks
Wanted | New Women at Leeds Network co-chair
Do you have the energy, enthusiasm and ideas to help take the Women at Leeds Network (WaLN) forward? If you’re committed to the WaLN aims, and able to work collaboratively to advance them, then contact current co-chairs Rachel Muers or Gillian Neild to find out more.
Learning and development
Sign up | Podcasting in Teaching workshop
Register for the Podcasting in Teaching workshop being held on Thursday 13 January to discover how you can use podcasts in your teaching practice. The interactive workshop, led by Antonio Martinez-Arboleda, Principal Teaching Fellow in the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies, explores practical examples and benefits of academic podcasts as a tool for community engagement and knowledge transfer.
Register | Meet the Curators event
Register to attend a Meet the Curators event, running from 3-5pm tomorrow (Thursday 11 November), to find out more about the Cultural Institute and Leeds Museums and Galleries (LMG) launching the third round of the Cross-Disciplinary Innovation Fund. The project will pair up academics with curators, enabling them to work together in exploring LMG’s nationally recognised collections from a broad range of research perspectives.
Recording | Introduction to Agile
You can now access a recording from the online Introduction to Agile session held on Thursday 4 November, featuring case studies, a Q&A and an explanation of Agile through the medium of ten-pin bowling! Agile methodology is a way to manage projects by breaking them up into several phases, involving constant collaboration with stakeholders and regular evaluation.
Final call for project proposals
It’s the last chance to submit your project proposal for the Laidlaw Leadership and Research Programme 2022. The programme aims to develop a new generation of leaders, while providing supervisors with an opportunity to mentor ambitious students who could make a lasting contribution to their school’s research output and reputation. Closing date for submissions is Friday 12 November.
Sign Up | Leadership Development Programmes
OD&PL has launched three new programmes designed to deliver support to leaders at different stages of their journey, ranging from aspiring and new leaders to those more established in their roles who are responsible for leading a change initiative.
Register | Building Impact Momentum Programme
Register for the next Building Impact Momentum Programme to help develop ideas for impact that can be applied to research projects or grant applications. The programme, which runs from January to April 2022, is open to research, academic and professional support staff and consists of six webinars, additional reading, partner work and impact practice. Closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 19 November.
Events
Remembrance Day
Our annual act of Remembrance will take place from 10.55am tomorrow (Thursday 11 November) in the University precinct, outside the LUU building. There will be a two-minute silence at 11am, followed by a wreath laying at the Brotherton memorial. The Parkinson Building will also be lit up red from tomorrow until Sunday 14 November to mark the occasion.
Inter Faith Week 2021
See the Equality and Inclusion Unit website for further information about activities to mark Inter Faith Week 2021, together with information about faith groups and available resources at the University. Running from Sunday 14 to Sunday 21 November, the event provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships and understanding between people of different faiths and beliefs.
Webinar | Tackling antimicrobial resistance
Book to attend a webinar, running from 10.30am to 12 noon on Tuesday 16 November, featuring several prominent keynote speakers. Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simone Buitendijk, and Asiya Odugleh-Kolev, World Health Organisation Head of Community Engagement, will address the event hosted by the Community Engagement for Antimicrobial Resistance (CE4AMR), an organisation tackling the issue of AMR in low- and middle-income countries.
Exhibition | The Expressive Mark
You can view a new exhibition at The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery from Wednesday 17 November. Curated by Anne Goodchild, The Expressive Mark traces the significant contribution to the development of British post-war art made by pioneering artists exploring the abstract. Entry to the gallery – open from 11am to 2pm, Tuesdays to Fridays, in the Parkinson Building – is free.
In case you missed it
Vice-Chancellor’s blog | Decreasing the distance – the value of keeping close
Help us promote the Student Information Service
Find out how LASER can help your research
Web resource | Embedding online course material in on-campus teaching
Launch | New Fully Online Education Masters programme
Register | Elsevier negotiations meeting
Flu vaccinations | Reimbursing the cost
Sign Up | Mindfulness at Work for Leaders and Managers programme
Updated | Laser Safety Management Protocol
Register | Lifelong Learning Centre open house
Get involved | Pint of Science 2022
Book | 2021 Festival of Social Science
Register | Business Confucius Institute (BCI) annual lecture
Sign up | North-South MedTech Summit
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Keeping up to date
This eNews is brought to you by the Communications team. You can:
- keep up to date with our latest news on the For Staff website and by following the staff Twitter account
- access our previous staff email communications on our dedicated In Depth webpage
- check for the latest information and advice on our coronavirus website; including updated data for the number of coronavirus cases among staff and students; and
- access key University systems and information, such as HR self-service, IT, the Office365 web app, year planner, Minerva and purchasing, via the staff systems and quick links sections towards the top of the For Staff homepage. Even more handy links have been added, including OD&PL, the 2020-2030 Strategy, Wellbeing and Safety, Sustainability hub, Research and Innovation Service (RIS), USS pension, ResearchFish and MyGrants.