Dear Colleagues,
I am writing to let you know that Silver Group has agreed changes to the University’s international travel policy, effective immediately, following recent updates to Government guidance.
Previously, all international travel on University business (apart from a small number of exceptions) required risk assessments to be reviewed by the University Safety Office.
However, in light of changing Government guidance, Safety Office sign-off is now only required where staff or students plan to travel to a country or region to which the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel (either because of COVID-19 concerns, or any other reason).
Travel to countries where there are no FCDO travel advisories can now be reviewed in accordance with departmental approval processes (and without Safety Office review). This now includes most countries on the UK Government’s ‘amber list’.
Other aspects of the University’s international travel policy – including the current requirement for Head of Department/Faculty Board Chair sign-off – are now under review and updated guidance will follow in the near future.
Please share this information with staff and students taking part in international travel as appropriate. Optional suggested wording for an email can be found below for these purposes, should it be useful.
For more information, please go to the Safety Office website.