Highlands College
Safe Return to Highlands College
Staff Guide
We are now working towards implementing our ‘Safe Return to College’ plan, the emphasis of which is to prevent the spread of infection of COVID 19 to students, staff, and all stakeholders.
We have created this guide to clearly outline the key elements of our approach that apply to members of staff. It has been developed to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, your safe return to college.
When will I return to Highlands College?
We have been implementing a phased return to Highlands College from 1 June 2020.
The safety of our staff is paramount, we are therefore planning a phased return to College from 8th June until the end of term.
Staff that are needed to support students with a requirement to complete practical tasks or other tasks to achieve their qualification, or in order to be able to progress in their studies in the new academic year will be requested to return to College (in line with Government guidance).
Additionally, there will be an operational presence to support the safe running of the College.
How will I know when I am expected to return?
Heads of Department (HODs) will contact each member of staff in their department to ascertain when they will be returning to campus and who is to remain working from home. Where practicably possible, a roster system will be implemented to enable Team A and Team B working practices.
Physical distancing and staff rooms will have been considered during the HOD risk assessments and planned working practice.
If I am required to return, what steps are being taken to keep me safe?
The College has already undergone a deep clean, and an ongoing, enhanced, cleaning regime has now been implemented in line with COVID 19 cleaning guidance. On the first day of returning to College the HOD will brief staff on new working practices along with risk assessments which you will be requested to sign.
HODs have developed a safe system of works within their departments and areas of expertise, these include risk assessments and the creation of a Workplace Checklist specifically around COVID 19 Impact and physical distancing. This will be shared with you during a safe working brief prior to your return to College.
The risk assessments are ongoing, and protocols are likely to evolve over the coming months.
A pre-opening inspection will be conducted by identified members of Children Young People Education and Skills to ensure that all necessary precautions have been taken across the College.
What systems are in place should I need to move around the campus?
Members of staff are to limit movement and contact where possible across campus. To minimise contact and to support physical distancing, all staff and students must stay on the left-hand side of corridors and stairways where possible and abide by the new entry and exit points within the college.
Prior to returning to College, you must take the time to view our short video ( https://youtu.be/-8KK0dOcJkg ) outlining the new entry and exit points for each building. If you have any concerns with signage please feedback to States management team.
To assist this process, we have ensured that the appropriate signage is clearly visible. Please feedback to the estates manager if you notice any issues with signage around the college.
What happens if I have barriers preventing me returning to work?
The College will adhere to all advice and guidance from the Government of Jersey HR Business Partner in relation to staff vulnerabilities, wellbeing and staff support.
The College will keep you informed of any updates, particularly regarding advice for staff with pre-existing conditions and those with caring responsibilities. This is unprecedented times so we encourage communication and participation with all staff to ensure kept up to date at all times, as advice and guidance changes daily and if you are informed of any alteration or
Who do I contact if I have any questions or concerns about returning to College?
Your Head of Department is your first point of contact. Please contact them directly if you have any questions or concerns. They will endeavour to address these or direct your query to the appropriate person if they are unable to advise.
What should I do if I feel unwell?
In accordance with Government workplace advice, if you are symptomatic, you must not come to College and you should self-isolate. Staff members who need emergency service support will be escorted to Exam Room UC008 where an emergency safety kit will be located and deep clean arranged.
However, if you become unwell while in College and believe it to be COVID 19 related, you must immediately go home. Report the incident to Head of Estates who will arrange for a complete clean of the area which may have become infected. Then you must inform your Head of Department and telephone the COVID Helpline on 445566 for further advice and guidance. If you feel you need further medical support, please utilise the normal emergency medical procedures and call 999 or 612612.