Top updates from across the University.
1. University finances
Earlier this month the Principal and Provost shared a video outlining the measures being taken to address financial challenges. This included information about the five new workstreams and what they aim to achieve.
Reimagining our size, shape and ways of working
2. New preventing sexual harassment training
The University is committed to providing a safe working environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We want all colleagues to be aware of the expected standards of behaviour and how to raise issues about anything which causes concern. To support this, all staff have been enrolled in a new online training course on preventing sexual harassment at work.
The training, ‘Preventing sexual harassment: A practical overview’, helps you recognise sexual harassment and explores how victims and bystanders can respond appropriately. It also covers the complaint processes available to those who have experienced sexual harassment and their legal rights. Please complete the training via People and Money:
Preventing sexual harassment training
3. Changes to Disclosure Scotland PVG criminal record checks
The Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, which is a type of criminal record check managed by Disclosure Scotland, has changed as a result of new legislation. This impacts how staff are recruited, including when current employees move roles or have a change in duties. It also impacts staff who process PVG certificates for students as part of their programme admissions or placement work.
The key changes are:
- Any new employee in a role that works with vulnerable groups including children, or who supervise people in these roles, must not start work without a PVG certificate in place. If the certificate is not in place, employment contracts won’t be issued, and the employee will not be paid.
- It will become a requirement to include a clause in any offer letters for applicable roles stating that the offer is being made ‘subject to’ receipt of a valid PVG certificate.