eNews 21 February
New Staff Intranet, hybrid working arrangements, the use of AI, LGBT+ History Month and more
Introducing your new Staff Intranet
Your brand new Staff Intranet launches soon, featuring all the latest University news and information in one place. Discover how it will provide fast, simple and secure access to everything you need in just a few simple clicks, making it easier to find the information that matters most to you.
Strengthening our campus community
The University is updating its guidance on hybrid working patterns for colleagues to strengthen our campus community and sense of belonging among staff and students – to foster a better balance between time spent on campus and at home and help us all achieve the goals and objectives set out in the University Strategy.
Heads of schools and professional services are being asked to review current hybrid working arrangements, as well as to review the facilities required to support increased levels of campus working. This will ensure that local business requirements and the needs of staff are considered in detail to enable a positive and supportive campus working environment with the right equipment and spaces provided for colleagues to engage.
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in teaching and assessment
The University is taking a phased approach to developing staff guidance and training on the use of AI. The first phase of guidance will be made available on the Generative AI website at the start of March, focusing on assessment and talking to students about AI.
Celebrate
Final call | Leeds Partnership Awards 2024
There’s just five days left to nominate colleagues for a coveted Leeds Partnership Award. The annual accolades celebrate the achievements of staff and students who truly put into practice our shared commitment to work together to support all aspects of our University community. Nominations close at midnight on 26 February.
LGBT+ History Month
Guest lecture
5-7pm, 26 February
The Equality and Inclusion unit (EIU) welcomes colleagues and students to a guest lecture for LGBT+ History Month. Dr Koen Slootmaeckers, Reader in International Politics from City, University of London, will deliver a talk titled ‘What progress, and progress for whom? LGBT equality beyond legislative initiatives’.
In conversation with: Lord Michael Cashman and Professor Paul Johnson
6-7.30pm, 29 February
Join us as we round out LGBT+ History Month with this event. Host Professor Paul Johnson will be in conversation with actor, politician and LGBT+ activist Lord Michael Cashman, best known for playing Colin Russell in Eastenders. Book your tickets for the ‘in conversation’ event.
Thought pieces
Inside Track | Creating an inclusive health and wellbeing culture
“We have a collective responsibility to create an open, understanding and inclusive culture.”
We’re preparing to launch the University’s first organisation-wide approach to workplace health and wellbeing. Hear from Patrick Craig, Head of Health and Wellbeing at Leeds, as he outlines why the plan is so important, reflects on how it’s been shaped by listening to our community and explains the ways you can get involved.
Community
Heartfelt praise for charity cause championed by colleagues
“Our lives and the lives of #TeamRose have been endlessly enriched by her, and we’re braver, kinder, better people because of her.”
Colleagues whose lives have been touched by tragedy and trauma have been sharing their inspiring stories of the incredible support they’ve received from the outstanding organisation you’ve selected to be this year’s Staff Festival chosen charity.
N8 Research Partnership implements report recommendations
We have, alongside the other seven N8 universities, pledged to action the TALENT Commission employer recommendations. The N8 statement sets out the collective commitment to advance the culture and environment for research technical professionals who make vital contributions to each institution.
Event | International Women’s Day
9.30am to 2pm, 8 March
Register for a joint International Women’s Day event hosted by the University’s Women at Leeds Network and the Women’s Network from Leeds Trinity University. Join colleagues from across the two organisations to explore and celebrate cultural diversity, delving into its profound impact on our staff, culture and campus. The event will be followed by lunch and a networking session.
Climate and sustainability
Leeds City Bikes scheme lands on campus
Have you seen the new Leeds City bikes on campus? These electric bikes are available to hire through an app and are part of a citywide scheme designed to help increase the options for sustainable travel across Leeds.
Campus life
Register | Hear more on crucial University change in the latest COO session
1-2pm, 5 March
Register for the next COO Professional Services Open Meeting with guest speakers. Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, Professor Nick Plant, will provide an update on the current strategic priorities relating to the Research and Innovation Strategy. Arts, Humanities and Cultures Executive Dean, Professor Andrew Thorpe, and the faculty’s Operations Director, Emily Abbey, will share their thoughts on the role of operations within a faculty to support academic delivery, as well as the benefits of positive partnership working between faculties and services.
Help students access expert support after violence, abuse or discrimination
The Harassment and Misconduct team consists of specialist advisors who offer confidential, judgement-free support to any student or postgraduate researcher impacted by violence, abuse, bullying, harassment or discrimination. Explore the staff toolkit for information and advice, meet the team at a roadshow event, register for training to respond to disclosures, and find ways you can promote the team to students, including a new PowerPoint slide to use in lectures.
British Heart Foundation
We’ll be lighting up key University buildings in red on 24 February for the British Heart Foundation’s Health Month campaign.
Digital developments
New staff leavers process
As part of the Identity and Access Management (IDAM) project, the new staff leaver process has gone live today (21 February). Staff leavers will now be automatically notified about their account expiry, and their access will be controlled based on their record in SAP. As part of this work, colleagues’ name and department information in several core systems will automatically update to reflect the information in their HR record.
Updating campus printers
We’ll be replacing 146 printers across campus from 4 March and during the Easter break. The new kit will be faster, more reliable and more energy efficient, but the way you print will remain the same. We’ll switch each printer out one at a time to keep disruption to a minimum, with more details on this process coming soon.
Digital declutter
We all need a digital declutter from time to time. Keeping your files organised can reduce stress and save time. Join our Digital Declutter community on Viva Engage for tips and tricks plus ways to make the most of OneDrive. Find out more about Viva Engage if you’ve never used it before.
Students
National Student Survey (NSS)
The annual survey asking final year students for feedback on their course and University experience is in full swing. Colleagues can now see the current institutional response rate for NSS 2024, as well as a breakdown for faculty, school and programme response rates. Don’t forget to use the NSS Staff Toolkit to register for a drop-in information session and download a whole host of resources to help raise awareness of the survey. The NSS will remain open until 30 April.
Undergraduate Programme Survey (UGPS)
The UGPS runs concurrently with the NSS and is sent to all non-finalist undergraduate students. Feedback contributes to enhancing the quality of education and the student experience here at Leeds. Like with the NSS, we’ve created a UGPS Staff Toolkit, which provides advice and suggestions to help you promote the survey, as well as resources for you to download and adapt for your own school.
New online hub for mature students
The new Mature & Younger Mature Student Hub has launched, bringing our community of almost 2,000 mature undergraduate students at Leeds together. The hub is a one-stop shop for communications, events, support and resources specifically relevant to mature students. Please encourage eligible students to explore this valuable resource.
Plus Programme 2022-23 Annual Report
The Plus Programme team is excited to share its Annual Report, which showcases a variety of initiatives from across the year. The report also highlights insightful student stories, important statistics about the Plus Programme and information about the impact of its work.
Attend | Undergraduate Research Experience (UGRE)
Until 23 February
Students from the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures will showcase their brilliant and innovative work in this year’s UGRE programme. More than 40 speakers and an eclectic mix of presentations, from aboriginal awareness, to gender and lobotomy, to the 1980s rave scene, will be taking place. No booking is needed.
Did you know?
Did you know that there are over 5,000 students on the Plus Programme, 155 of whom are care experienced, and 67 of whom are estranged from their parents. Take a look at all of the ways that the University provides support for care experienced students and estranged students.
Research
Bradford arts and research networking event: New collaborations
12.30-4pm, 28 February
Are you an academic or artist/art organisation/cultural worker keen to get involved with Bradford2025? Join us for an opportunity to share your practice, knowledge and curiosity at this highly interactive and informative event at the University of Bradford’s Norcroft Auditorium. Register your initial interest for the Bradford arts and research networking event and we’ll be in touch with further information.
Narrative CV/R4RI drop-ins
Various dates
As part of the BOOST career development programme, Organisational Development and Professional Learning (OD&PL) is offering drop-in sessions for researchers who are developing a narrative CV, or R4RI, and who would like feedback, advice or guidance on how best to do this. There’s no need to book, simply turn up on the day.
Staff networks
Event | Working Class Staff Network
4-5pm, 26 February
Join the Working Class Staff Network for an online event featuring guest speaker Dr Jess Pilgrim-Brown, who will share details of her doctoral thesis exploring the experiences of working-class professional services employees at Russell Group universities. Join the Working Class Staff Network MS Teams area to access the event invite.
Wellbeing and support
Pregnancy yoga course
Colleagues can sign up for a six-week yoga course starting on 7 March. Sessions will take place from 12 noon to 1pm on Thursdays, incorporating movement, breathwork, meditation and relaxation for all trimesters from 12 weeks. Please contact Sarah Budello at s.a.budello@leeds.ac.uk for further information.
Learning and development
Keep up to date with the latest learning and development opportunities from the University on our For Staff website, including:
- Foundations in Teaching course
- Development session for mentors
- Pedagogical Power of PebblePad workshops
- Student panel on academic personal tutoring
- Development drop-in sessions (Grades 2-5)
- Academic personal tutoring (APT) discussion group
- Exploring academic personal tutoring (APT) at Leeds
Events
Keep up to date with the latest events from the University on our For Staff website, including:
- Contested Bodies | Performing gender as you see fit
- Lecture | Pinter, Pensions, Artaud and the Absurd
- International Concert Series
- Visiting Artist’s Talk
- People centred design
- Go fund yourself? Funding and the future of high growth startups in the Leeds City Region
- Contested Bodies | Curator tour
- Contested Bodies | In conversation with Tiegan Handley
- Book | Gryphons Go Kids Camps
Tell us your story
We’d like to hear about the great work you’re doing. Contact internalcomms@leeds.ac.uk to share your stories.
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Keeping up to date
You can keep up to date with our latest news on the For Staff website and the staff Twitter account.
With best wishes,
The Internal Communications and Engagement team