Whenever there’s a significant event when our services are or are likely to be disrupted, the Library implements its Business Continuity Plan.

One of the roles in this plan is a Welfare response team.  The purpose of this team is to:

• Provide support for staff
• Check in about workloads
• Check if anyone isn’t coping
• Check in with staff who are self-isolating
• Understand any concerns
• Share major concerns and broader themes with managers.

Stuart and Tim will be heading up this team.  We are very grateful for the support of the following team members: Kim Hall, Maria Veronese, Anton Angelo, Glenna Wong, Kathryn Andrews and Hugh Joughin.

Over the next wee while you can expect a call /message / email from one of the welfare team.  They will be checking in with you as a friendly face/voice and asking how things are going.   They’ll feed back to the welfare response team any major issues or concerns and arrange for follow up if appropriate.

Confidentiality will be respected as far as possible however if the welfare team is really concerned about you they may exercise judgment (for example get in touch with your manager).

This team does not replace your normal communication channels with your manager.  You should still be talking to your manager about any issues or concerns, however we recognize as things get busy, more disruptive and disconnected this might not happen as often as we’d all like.

We also want to mention the availability of EAP Support Services at any stage.  You can contact them anytime (0800 327 669).  EAP provides a free counselling service to UC staff members and their immediate family members.  Some things EAP can help with include dealing with stress, pressure, anxiety, depression, child and family concerns, workplace conflict and financial or legal difficulties.  You do not have to ask your manager for permission to contact EAP.

Tim Stedman