EAUC Update and response to COVID-19

18th March 2020

Across the world, the situation surrounding COVID-19 is moving rapidly and the pandemic is also at the top of the Further and Higher Education sector’s agenda where it is likely to stay for some time. Despite the social and economic disturbance caused, we often see reports on how the planet has become the unlikely beneficiary of coronavirus with satellite images released by NASA and the European Space Agency showing a dramatic reduction in nitrogen dioxide and CO2 emissions, as well as the significant decrease in coal consumption and air travel.
 
During these times, we want to make sure that we remain a significant positive force by showcasing key voices, research from across the sciences and social sciences, as well as support services for our members. The main changes and member resources we are currently implementing include:
 

• Wednesday Wins - Open Discussion Group

As social distancing means that over the next few weeks many of us will have to work at home, we have initiated an informal discussion opportunity for all members to join. If you’ll miss the camaraderie of the office, or would simply like to continue to be in touch with peers within the sector, you may want to join us every Wednesday between 12:30 -13:30.
 

• Cancellation of all planned EAUC face-to-face meetings and instead facilitate for these to happen virtually until after Easter when we will review these again as per existent recommendations, including: regional meetings Community of Practice and Topic Support Networks meetings

Please refer to our Events and Training Opportunities page for more information. If you are booked onto any of these events you will receive separate emails for each specific event.
 

• The EAUC offices will remain staffed at the current level with the majority of staff members working from home; we all have the ability to work from home so you should not notice any disruption in terms of your membership apart from the above mentioned face-to-face meetings

If you are unable to contact us by phone please email us at info@eauc.org.uk and we will get in touch with you.


We would like to encourage our members to follow the advice available by the Government - the Prime Minister’s statement is available in full here. It includes recommendations on a range of measures including increased social distancing; stopping non-essential travel; working from home where possible; avoiding pubs, clubs and other social venues; and protecting the elderly and those with long term health conditions, although the advice remained that schools should stay open at this stage. Urgent clarification is needed as to whether that advice about schools continues to apply to all education settings including colleges and universities.
 
In the meantime, all of us at EAUC wish our members, their friends and family to stay safe and well.

ENDS