Below are some FAQs and answers for Rose Bruford College. If you have any specific questions please contact your line manager or email hrteam@rosebruford.bruford.ac.uk
Can I work from home?
From 5pm on Friday 20 March all staff have been requested to work from home. Please refer to your staff emails for a range of help guides and support documents.
There is also some good advice on Jisc about how best to do this.
How can I access College resources?
Please refer to your staff email for information and instructions how to access your resources remotely including contact details if you need help with IT equipment.
Please find useful links below:
Virtual Learning Environment
RBC Portal for Emails and other services
Office 365 apps including Teams
Do I need a special out of office email if I am working remotely?
No. Unless you are sick or on leave you should not put an out of office response on your normal work email account that relates to home working or the COVID-19 situation. It may give the impression that you are not available or confuse people trying to contact you.
Can I still come on campus to use my office?
All staff offices have been closed and can't be accessed. Please login your staff email to access the latest information, resources and advice about working at home. If you have any questions or require additional support please email your line manager.
Do I need to contact the College if I self-isolate?
Where you are having to self-isolate, please could you let your line manager know. In turn, line managers need to be communicating this information to Human Resources. A reminder that, in individual cases, the current advice is to self-isolate for seven days, but if you are in household and someone displays symptoms, then the household members need to self-isolate for 14 days.
If I have symptoms and need to self-isolate do I sign off sick?
Employees can 'self-certify' for the first 7 days off work. This means following the RBC workplace process but not having to get a note from a doctor or NHS 111.
Those self-isolating due to coronavirus for more than 7 days can get an online self-isolation note from the:
Can I book leave?
Yes, as long as you let your line-manager know and the dates are registered with HR too.
Can I cancel my annual leave as my holiday has been cancelled?
At the moment, normal annual leave arrangements apply so staff can request cancellation. However, requests will be reviewed on a case by case basis. If booked leave and holiday plans changed, we generally prefer that staff still take their leave. Nonetheless, management will ensure that all request/s to cancel are reviewed favourably, bearing in mind that the business needs takes precedent. It is important that people take a proper break from work when working remotely and, at the moment, the position on carry over remains the same (5 days). Managers will be encouraged to ensure that their teams are using leave to take time away from work and avoid a backlog.
Can I work flexible hours to accommodate child care?
Yes, the College strongly supports flexible-working thereby ensuring staff-members find the right balance between work and home. In addition, all employees have the legal right to request flexible working - not just parents and carers. If you require further information, please contact the HR team
Who can I contact if I am feeling anxious or need support?
We are aware that, for all staff, this is a very challenging time. We have invested in a new arrangement with an organisation called Education Support who are able to provide supplementary support to colleagues from a wellbeing perspective. Details have been sent to your staff email address.
These are exceptional circumstances and it is understandable that you may be finding things difficult. Seek support from your family, friends, line manager and colleagues. The Employee Assistance Programme, (Education Support) is available for expert help and guidance, please do use it, it is there to help you.
You can also find useful information regarding looking after your mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak form the Mental Health Foundation. The charity Mind has also produced some useful resources.