Borrowing University Equipment to Support Extended Working at Home

When the University entered into lockdown, we could not be certain how long it would last, or how the University would plan for a return to normal activity. Moreover, there was a very strong instruction from the Government that everyone should remain at home, only undertaking essential journeys. Accordingly, we decided that colleagues should not be allowed to return to campus to remove items of university equipment.

Circumstances have now changed. It is clear that some colleagues will be working from home for some considerable time to come, travel is now permitted, and we are starting to reopen some of our buildings, albeit only for those whose work cannot be done from home. We also know that some colleagues have been struggling to work from laptop screens and that other items of equipment, for example chairs, would help colleagues to find a more comfortable working environment at home.

We have, therefore, relaxed the restrictions on borrowing office equipment and some items of ICT for those who will be spending the majority of their time working at home. Colleagues may, with the approval of their Head of Service, or College Director of Operations, borrow desktop display screens, keyboards, mice and desk chairs to support their work from home. Other items may only be borrowed with the explicit consent of the Head of Service, or Director of Operations and no item of ICT, other than those listed, can be removed. Please note, PCs and thin client devices will not work remotely and must remain on campus.

There will be some restrictions on these loans, however. Each area must ensure that sufficient chairs, screens, keyboards and mice remain in the office so that those who are required to attend the campus are able to work effectively. Colleagues borrowing equipment must also check, prior to removing any equipment, that it is in a safe and usable condition. They will be asked to confirm that on the loan form that must be completed in each case (download the form here). Equipment that is unsafe, or not working effectively, must not be removed from campus and should be reported in the normal way.

Access to the campus to collect equipment will be strictly controlled and your College Director of Operations, or Head of Service, will put in place an appointment system for you to be able to collect your equipment. Please do not come into campus unless you are explicitly authorised to do so. Some buildings are not yet open and whilst we will facilitate access to those buildings, it will only be for the purpose of collecting equipment and/or personal possessions as water and other systems will not have been recommissioned.

Simon Parkes
Deputy Vice Chancellor