News archive – January 2021
Join the next meeting of our book club
(04 Jan 2021)
The book club will meet on Friday, 29 January from 12:30pm until 1:30pm
Returning with any new gadgets?
(04 Jan 2021)
If you're fortunate enough to have received a new phone, tablet or laptop over the Christmas break, you may want to get it set up on University services
Listen: Manchester Museum Director on BBC Radio 4's Today programme
(04 Jan 2021)
Esme Ward discusses a year of challenges and opportunities – and being at the heart of our community
2021 New Year Honours for University academics
(04 Jan 2021)
Congratulations to our academic staff who have been named in this year’s New Year’s Honours
Information on our mental health support services
(05 Jan 2021)
We know that many of our staff will have found the announcement of the new lockdown restrictions difficult
Horizon Europe - UK Association to the Programme
(05 Jan 2021)
An update regarding EU research funding
Brexit – advice and support for staff
(05 Jan 2021)
Updated information for staff following the end of the transition period.
New national restrictions and our University
(05 Jan 2021)
A message from the President and Vice-Chancellor
New Mandarin courses available
(05 Jan 2021)
Our next round of online courses will start from 18th January and run for 10 weeks, with the option to just take half of the course for greater flexibility
Support for colleagues working during lockdown
(05 Jan 2021)
Critical worker status, Coronavirus Special Leave, flexible working and furlough leave are options available to colleagues
Watch: Our research on boosting your immune system on BBC One
(06 Jan 2021)
Professor Sheena Cruickshank explains her team’s work on immunity as we fight COVID-19 on BBC One’s The Truth about Boosting your Immune System
Rewarding Exceptional Performance Scheme
(06 Jan 2021)
The annual Rewarding Exceptional Performance Scheme will be open for nominations from Thursday, 7 January 2021
Start your new year fitness regime with a Zoom
(06 Jan 2021)
The online store is now live for our #ActiveAnywhere courses with the Early Bird offer of eight weeks for the price of six commencing 11 January 2021
Changes to Library services due to national lockdown
(06 Jan 2021)
Update on Library services
Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre celebrates bumper Christmas online shopping sales
(06 Jan 2021)
The Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre has raised over £7,500 in sales through its online Gift Shop, an incredible 500% increase on the previous year
UoM Sport response to national lockdown measures
(06 Jan 2021)
Update on how new measures will affect UoM Sport programmes
Wood Street Mission lottery winner
(07 Jan 2021)
Announcing the winner of the January 2021 draw
Take part in a university reputation survey
(07 Jan 2021)
You are invited to take part in a short online survey about university reputation, managed by The World 100 Reputation Network
Nominations open for our highest honours or a national award
(07 Jan 2021)
Submit your nomination for an outstanding individual to receive an Honorary degree, Medal of Honour or national honour
Staff benefits update
(07 Jan 2021)
It’s the first staff benefits update of 2021 with updates on wellbeing support, Making a Difference Awards, WaterAid webinar, Rewarding Exceptional Performance, walking and free Mandarin taster sessions.
Reminder: COVID-19 testing available to staff working on campus
(08 Jan 2021)
Colleagues are reminded that asymptomatic COVID-19 testing is available for staff who are currently required on campus
New reductions in rent following national lockdown
(08 Jan 2021)
The following message has been sent to our students today (Friday, 8 January)
Professor Steve Pettifer appointed University Academic Lead for Digital Learning
(11 Jan 2021)
A message from Professor Danielle George, Associate Vice President for Teaching, Learning and Students
Feedback on the PS assignment process
(11 Jan 2021)
Complete this short survey
There’s still time to enter our Making a Difference Awards
(11 Jan 2021)
The deadline's approaching for submitting nominations for our Making a Difference Awards
Change to our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion structure and reporting
(11 Jan 2021)
Mehrunnisa Lalani is appointed Interim Head of EDI
Book your place on our new digital wellbeing workshops
(11 Jan 2021)
When we think about how to look after ourselves, how much do we consider the impact of the technologies around us? Join our staff-focused workshop.
Wellbeing lecture - Positive psychology in difficult times
(11 Jan 2021)
Join Sukh Pabial, as he discusses how we can use positive psychology to support us during challenging times.
Can you help an education programme for refugees?
(11 Jan 2021)
Volunteering opportunity for colleagues here at Manchester, a University of Sanctuary
Support for preparing online teaching during lockdown
(12 Jan 2021)
A reminder of what’s available to support colleagues in preparing online teaching content during the national lockdown
PS in conversation: Flexible working
(12 Jan 2021)
With Karen Heaton, HR Director, and Julian Skyrme, Director of Social Responsibility
Volunteer of the Year Awards 2021 - now open for entries
(12 Jan 2021)
In a year like no other, the impact of COVID-19 has shown just how incredible volunteers are, from supporting the NHS, to foodbank donations and helping neighbours
Flexible working options for staff
(12 Jan 2021)
During this lockdown, the closure of schools means that many staff will be home schooling or need to balance work commitments with childcare
Coronavirus Special Leave
(13 Jan 2021)
Coronavirus Special Leave is available in addition to our usual Special Leave allowance
Wellbeing support during lockdown
(13 Jan 2021)
We know that some colleagues will be finding this latest lockdown challenging
Furlough leave
(13 Jan 2021)
Information on the continuing furlough leave scheme
Support available while working during lockdown
(13 Jan 2021)
If you are balancing work with caring responsibilities or commitments, there are options available to support you
University to host COVID-19 vaccination centre
(13 Jan 2021)
Our University will be supporting the COVID community vaccination programme by hosting a centre at the former Chancellors Hotel site
Do you work in international research?
(13 Jan 2021)
The International Research Risk Programme invites PS and academic staff to participate in a survey about understanding and managing the risks associated with international research collaboration and partnerships
Curator to restart Egyptology in Lockdown sessions
(13 Jan 2021)
Dr Campbell Price's popular Egyptology in Lockdown live sessions will take place on Thursdays at 3pm
Revisions to risk assessments for On-Campus Teaching and Learning Activities
(13 Jan 2021)
The Generic Risk Assessments for On-Campus Teaching and Learning Activities have been updated to reflect the changing public health picture locally and nationally
Updated guidance for research activity on campus
(13 Jan 2021)
COVID Alert Level 5 guidance
Making a Difference Awards – deadline extended
(14 Jan 2021)
Due to popular demand, we are extending the deadline for our Making a Difference Awards entries
Viewpoint: Flexible futures
(14 Jan 2021)
Director of HR, Karen Heaton
Update on critical worker status
(14 Jan 2021)
The Department for Education (DfE) has issued further clarification about critical worker status for people working in higher education
Manchester Access Programme recruiting academic tutors
(14 Jan 2021)
Are you an academic or PhD student and want to support the progression of talented local young people to university?
Equipment to help you work from home
(14 Jan 2021)
As we are now back in lockdown many of us continue to work from home
Met Office weather warning – priority gritting areas
(14 Jan 2021)
Following the Met Office weather warning for ice, our Estates teams will be on campus gritting high-priority areas
Institutional Membership of Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship
(14 Jan 2021)
A message from The Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (Alliance Manchester Business School)
Funding opportunities for international strategic partner collaborations
(14 Jan 2021)
Academic staff who are interested in developing collaboration with our key strategic partner universities are invited to apply to the University’s pump-priming funds
Information on domestic abuse
(15 Jan 2021)
For anyone experiencing domestic abuse, working from home can be difficult and they may require support during this time
Intermittent issues accessing online services
(15 Jan 2021)
Global issue causing intermittent access problems
Call for new Athena SWAN national panel chair and reviewer roles
(15 Jan 2021)
Our University has been a member of the national Athena SWAN Charter to support and transform gender equality in higher education and research since 2008
Could you be a Board member for local institutions?
(15 Jan 2021)
Our University's School Governor Initiative (UMSGI), is hoping to assist three key local institutions to appoint staff members to their Boards
Nominations open for our highest honours or a national award
(18 Jan 2021)
Submit your nomination for an outstanding individual to receive an Honorary degree, Medal of Honour or national honour
How we delivered 1,039 activities to 18,900 learners in a year like no other
(18 Jan 2021)
Widening Participation in action – helping talented pre-16s fulfil their potential despite the pandemic
Rewarding Exceptional Performance Scheme
(18 Jan 2021)
The annual Rewarding Exceptional Performance Scheme is open for nominations
WaterAid webinar
(18 Jan 2021)
WaterAid change millions of lives every year, working in 28 countries to provide clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene.
Information and advice following closure of UK travel corridors
(18 Jan 2021)
All UK travel corridors will remain closed until Monday, 15 February – information available to those affected
Supervisors for online Nuffield Research Placements wanted
(18 Jan 2021)
Could you change someone’s life this summer? Register to host a virtual Nuffield Research Placement student
Data Protection and Brexit – what you need to know
(19 Jan 2021)
Now that the Brexit transition period has ended, the UK is classified a 'third country' for the purposes of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (EU GDPR)
New report outlines how the government can address COVID-19 ethnic disparity
(19 Jan 2021)
A new report from The Runnymede Trust and the Centre on the Dynamics of Ethnicity has addressed the possible causes of - and offers solutions to – the ethnic disparity of the effects of coronavirus
Sign up to be a Compassionate Colleague
(19 Jan 2021)
Over 400 members of staff have now attended a Compassionate Colleague mental health awareness session
Our Assessment Pledge 2020-21
(19 Jan 2021)
A message from Professor April McMahon, Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students and Laetitia Alexandratos, Education Officer and Nana Agyeman, Postgraduate Officer, University of Manchester Students’ Union
International Research Survey deadline extended
(19 Jan 2021)
The deadline to complete the International Research survey has been extended to 31 January 2021
Support available while working during lockdown
(20 Jan 2021)
If you are balancing work with caring responsibilities or commitments, there are options available to support you
The 8 Brocades of Qigong - an easy to follow routine with Feixia Yu
(20 Jan 2021)
Join the session on Wednesday, 27 January at 2pm
Looking back: The Christie Library
(20 Jan 2021)
We take a look at the illustrious origins of the Christie Library, one of the most recognisable buildings on our campus
Resources and support available from Staff Learning and Development
(20 Jan 2021)
Resources and support available to help individuals and line managers who are dealing with challenges specific to the current situation
Staff benefits update
(20 Jan 2021)
How benefits support your wellbeing
Microsoft Teams – January update
(21 Jan 2021)
An update on guest access and new features including breakout rooms
Royce Landscaping Project - tree removal
(21 Jan 2021)
To improve the public realm space outside the Henry Royce Institute (HRI) building, a number of trees will need to be removed
Free complementary therapies programme
(21 Jan 2021)
The White Rose Beauty College in conjunction with UoM Sport are offering free places to staff
Staff Network Group spotlight: ALLOUT (The LGBT+ Staff Network)
(21 Jan 2021)
With February being LGBT+ History Month our first spotlight of 2021 falls on ALLOUT
Reminder: COVID-19 testing available to staff working on campus
(22 Jan 2021)
Colleagues are reminded that asymptomatic COVID-19 testing is available for staff who are currently required on campus
Supporting PGR Wellbeing and Mental Health - training resources for supervisors
(22 Jan 2021)
We've launched two online training modules for PGR supervisors on supporting PGR wellbeing and mental health
Online programme to celebrate International Mother Language Day
(22 Jan 2021)
Creative Manchester is coordinating a number of online events this year
Free eye examinations
(22 Jan 2021)
Book now for a free eye test
Wellbeing Event: LGBT+ History Month
(25 Jan 2021)
As part of our celebrations for LGBT History month, join us for a focused wellbeing event with our wellbeing partners, We Are Wellbeing.
Online staff open meeting with the Senior Leadership Team
(25 Jan 2021)
Thursday 4 February 2021
Weekly COVID-19 testing available to staff working on campus
(25 Jan 2021)
From this week, staff who are currently required on campus will be able to take two asymptomatic COVID-19 tests per week.
Director of IT Services
(26 Jan 2021)
Unfortunately, due to personal reasons, Claire Priestley will be unable to join our University as Director of IT Services.
One-week meeting light period approaching and an annual leave reminder
(26 Jan 2021)
A reminder of workload changes and support in recognition of the exceptional efforts being made by our staff during these challenging times
147 bus - service reduction
(26 Jan 2021)
Following guidance from the Department for Transport, Stagecoach are reducing the frequency of the 147 bus service
Benefit from the support of our alumni community
(26 Jan 2021)
Do you have a project that would benefit from the support of our alumni?
Wellbeing lecture: Positive psychology for managers
(26 Jan 2021)
Positive psychology practitioner Sukh Pabial will deliver a new version of his popular wellbeing lecture for those with line management responsibilities
Support Time to Talk Day on 4 February
(26 Jan 2021)
Our University made a public commitment in June 2013 to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination by signing the Time to Change pledge
Update on the USS 2020 valuation
(27 Jan 2021)
New update from USS
Support available while working during lockdown
(27 Jan 2021)
If you are balancing work with caring responsibilities or commitments, there are options available to support you
Project launched to understand wellbeing of Greater Manchester school pupils
(27 Jan 2021)
University experts are set to work with leaders from Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and all of the city-region’s secondary schools on a major new project that will survey children about their wellbeing and preparedness for life beyond school, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic
Widening Participation - how much do you know?
(27 Jan 2021)
Take our survey so we can better understand WP knowledge
Qualtrics survey tool webinars
(27 Jan 2021)
QualtricsXM, a powerful, simple to use survey tool was recently launched and is available to all staff and students
Viewpoint: Andy Westwood
(27 Jan 2021)
On the The Skills for Jobs white paper
Vaccination programme – volunteer guidance for staff
(27 Jan 2021)
A message from Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility
Celebrate LGBT+ History Month in February
(27 Jan 2021)
As ever, LGBT+ history and the celebration of our diverse community are vastly important, which is why all our events will still be taking place online this year
Staff benefits update
(27 Jan 2021)
A special way to show loved ones you care when you can’t be there, Time to Talk Day and other upcoming wellbeing events
Oscar-winning director to deliver 2021 Bogdanow Lectures in Holocaust Studies
(28 Jan 2021)
The Centre for Jewish Studies is pleased to announce that its 2021 Bogdanow Lectures in Holocaust Studies will be delivered by Oscar-winning film director László Nemes
University operations following updated government guidance
(29 Jan 2021)
A message from Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility