Environment submissions database

In response to Government guidance the University closed its campus to the majority of staff and students on 19th March 2020. This caused disruption to preparations for, and activities during, the remainder of the REF period, specifically: • Impact on research programmes: H&S staff and SEE technicians drafted in to help with practice, e.g. setting up the Nightingale Hospital, Manchester and SEE students drafted into Lighthouse, Manchester; long-COVID clinic established on campus; practice as research particularly affected (SoAMCT), with researchers unable to present live work and performances/recording projects delayed/cancelled, taking publication of some outputs beyond census period; delays to initiation and continuation of funded projects due to workplace restrictions (e.g. KTPs, SBS); projects paused for staff involved in health/social care research contexts (H&S); restricted access to laboratories delayed research for staff and students, particularly international (SEE) Response: research moved online where practicable; existing research pivoted to COVID; COVID rapid response grant applications prioritised; with agreed contract delays researchers were placed on furlough and grant income deferred • Freeze on staff travel: conferences cancelled/postponed, others moved online; Visiting Professorship position in China cancelled (SoAMCT); lockdown restrictions caused Visa issues and delay to arrival of new researcher from China (SoAMCT), with subsequent appointment outside of census period Response: COVID-related specific ‘recovery’ in place for projects requiring travel that would have otherwise failed • Home working: large proportion of Salford staff with SRR have significant T&L workload, requiring upskilling to deliver universal online teaching, particularly affecting disciplines such as music technology, impacting on ability to undertake research; Schools with large proportion of women researchers (e.g. H&S) have caring responsibilities and home-schooling Response: All staff trained for online teaching delivery and laptop provision for home working; additional human resource allocated where possible to support researchers in delivering strategic grant bids • Impact on PGRs: some students reported challenges in progressing doctoral work due to demands of home-schooling; others whose work involves accessing specialist studio spaces/equipment, or work in health/social contexts (e.g. as NHS practitioners) affected; others had to revise/pause data gathering with delays in progression and completion Response: Students supported through multiple 3-month internal assessment extensions; COVID-affected thesis statements in place and pivot to online assessment • Impact-generating activities: particularly performances, workshops, public-facing events cancelled and delays in evidence (testimonial) collection Response: COVID statements included for 4 impact case studies and COVID-related disruption indicated in other REF3 narratives. Where possible, activities moved online • Resourcing pressures on professional support staff: affected REF team through lack of face-to-face collaboration, with 60% having additional caring responsibilities Response: Staff consulted on work patterns, signposted to additional University support and provided with equipment to allow ‘business as usual’. Roll-out of Microsoft Teams before lockdown ensured all staff could collaborate online. The uncertainty created by the pandemic and the post-COVID environment means colleagues are unsure about the future provision of resources (academic staff, support staff, infrastructure, financial support). There is unpredictability around face-to-face interaction for research (e.g. field work), travel for international programmes and research in health/social care contexts.