eNews 23 February
Lifting of COVID-19 measures, industrial action, Research Transformed podcast, learning and development opportunities, IMC 2022 programme and more.
Coronavirus
Lifting of final COVID-19 measures
On Monday 21 February, the Government announced an update on lifting the final COVID-19 measures that are currently in place. There is no longer a requirement for staff or students to carry out two lateral flow tests a week. However, we do still encourage you to follow the government guidance on testing and what to do if you experience COVID-19 symptoms.
On Friday 18 February, the University’s legal agreement to distribute lateral flow device (LFD) tests ended, so we are no longer able to distribute these on campus. LFD tests will continue to be free from local pharmacies or ordered through the Government website until Friday 1 April.
Industrial action
Information and resources
Strike action continues next week from Monday 28 February to Wednesday 2 March. UNISON members might also take part in this action, as well as University and College Union members. Our Industrial Action In depth page provides information about what to expect and important instructions on how to report your participation in the strike.
At Leeds, we are already addressing several elements at the heart of the dispute through our Fairer future for all pledges, and work is progressing.
Research
Research Transformed – the podcast
A must-listen for everybody involved in research at Leeds, we’ve rounded up your key questions about Research Transformed, plus our new Horizons and Futures Institutes, and put them to Professor Nick Plant, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation.
Register | Thycotic Privilege Manager Pilot Programme
Researchers can now sign up to take part in the Thycotic Privilege Manager Pilot Programme, starting in early March. This new software aims to transform the way local computer administrator privileges are accessed, dramatically improving both usability and security. Contact Pankti Vadalia for more details and to get involved.
Digital developments
Sign up | Help shape our research data storage service
Do you need to archive research data for extended periods? Is your storage space full of files you rarely open but need to keep? Book your place at one of our open online sessions – on Monday 28 February or Thursday 10 March – to help shape how our storage service will archive and protect your research data.
Students
Apply | Laidlaw Leadership and Research Programme 2022
There’s still time to apply for the Laidlaw Leadership and Research Programme 2022. If you have teaching responsibilities, please share details of this paid opportunity with your first year undergraduate students. Eligible students can submit applications through MyCareer until midnight on Monday 28 February. They can also attend the final drop-in sessions to find out more or contact the Undergraduate Research team for further information.
Apply | 2022 summer school placements
Students can apply for 2022 summer school placements – an opportunity to study abroad this summer at one of our partnering universities. The deadline for applications is 10am on Friday 1 April. Additional funding to study abroad is available via the Turing Scheme and Santander scholarships for students accessing the Plus Programme.
Learning and development
Apply | Springboard Development Programme
Applications are now open for the April-July 2022 Springboard Development Programme. It’s designed specifically for the personal and professional development of women on grades two to four, and covers topics including improving self-confidence, being more proactive, effective communication and assertiveness.
Register | Lifelong Learning Centre newsletter
Read the first edition of the Lifelong Learning Centre (LLC) newsletter. Published each term, it shares information on how the LLC can support your role at Leeds. This follows feedback from LLC’s Open House event in November 2021, which you can now watch on demand. Fill in this short form to receive the LLC’s newsletters directly to your inbox.
Apply | Leadership development programmes
Apply to join the next OD&PL leadership development programmes. Each programme provides support to colleagues at different stages of their careers, ranging from aspiring and new leaders to those more established in their roles who are responsible for leading a change initiative.
Book | PebblePad training sessions
There’s still time to sign up for PebblePad training this month. The 45-minute introductory sessions are available alongside training to help existing users create innovative teaching materials. Both offer support to new and existing users on the use of the ePortfolio platform
Wellbeing and support
Register | Mindfulness-based stress reduction course
Sign up for a rolling eight-week online mindfulness-based stress reduction course starting on Wednesday 27 April. Hosted via Zoom, this course aims to reduce the negative effects of stress by increasing mental balance and personal effectiveness at work. Contact Yvonne Bell for further information and to book your place.
Health and safety
Feedback | Risk Management of Events Protocol
Share your thoughts on the proposed Risk Management of Events Protocol, which has been reworked based on staff feedback. The consultation runs from today (Wednesday 23 February) until Wednesday 23 March.
Events
View | International Medieval Congress 2022 programme
View the full programme of events for the International Medieval Congress (IMC) 2022. With IMC returning to campus from Monday 4 to Thursday 7 July, colleagues can find information about the planned festivities, stalls and exhibitions, as well as details of virtual sessions for those unable to travel to Leeds. Registration to attend opens on Tuesday 1 March.
Webinar | What the Future Holds: Science in the 21st century
Sign up to hear from Professor Jim Al-Khalili, theoretical physicist, author and BAFTA-nominated broadcaster, as part of our Inspired by Bragg programme. Professor Al-Khalili will reveal some of the most exciting areas of current interdisciplinary research, together with the new technologies that will transform our lives and tackle the world’s biggest challenges. The free event, on Thursday 3 March, will also explore how we may need to rethink the sort of science taught at schools.
Discount | DARE Liberty Lecture tickets
There’s still time to book your discounted tickets for the DARE Liberty Lecture, being held as part of our long-standing partnership with Opera North. Former Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England, Nazir Afzal OBE, draws on his acclaimed memoir for the event, which takes place at the Howard Assembly Room in Leeds on Thursday 24 February.
LGBT+ History Month 2022
To mark the end of LGBT+ History Month 2022, the Parkinson Building will be lit up in full rainbow colours on Monday 28 February. Visit the Equality and Inclusion Unit website to access resources and information about LGBT+ History Month 2022, which throughout February focuses on the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, their lives and their experiences.
Book | Free Friday lunchtime concert
Watch the next free Friday lunchtime concert of the Spring Season online or in person at Clothworkers Centenary Concert Hall on Friday 25 February. Part of our International Concert Series, the event presents Doomtet – a jazz band performing a range of original works.
In case you missed it
Vice-Chancellor’s blog | The language of peace
Inside Track | Research Transformed – key things to know
Inside Track | Knowledge for all: A new vision for the future of libraries
Feedback | Working on campus and individual circumstances
New webpages for Leeds alumni and supporters
Register | Foundations in Teaching course
#NorthInnovationWomen campaign 2022
Exhibition | Brotherton Collection’s 100th birthday
Register | Be Curious LATES: World Changers
Watch back l Be Curious LATES: Something to Bragg about
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