Government roadmap and on-campus events

As the government roadmap progresses, working in collaboration with MRT and Legal Services, the Events Team have developed information detailing the University’s approach to on-campus events over the coming months. 

The health and wellbeing of our University community (colleagues and students) remains our top priority and therefore a ‘virtual-first’ approach is still being taken across the majority of event activities in order to reduce unnecessary risk of infection spread. However, as government restrictions begin to lift, for the period up to the 21 June (or when the government roadmap ends), a small number of event types will be prioritised to take place on campus in a face-to-face setting. These are:  

• Student engagement – including events run by RUSU for students e.g. ‘Mojos on The Meadow’. 
• Student recruitment – including activities primarily for prospective students and applicants looking to commence their University studies in September 2021 and 2022 e.g. self-guided campus visits/tours.   
• Commercial – including only event types permitted at each roadmap stage. 

Please note, all face-to-face events during this time are subject to approval via the Events Notification Process. 

After 21 June (Step 4 on the government roadmap) we are all hopeful that many of the restrictions around events will ease significantly, enabling a wider range of activities to be considered over the summer months (and beyond). Once government releases further information, guidance and legislation, about what will be allowed and what mitigations will be required this will be reviewed by MRT and an update will be provided to colleagues.  

So from 21 June (or when the government roadmap ends) we are keen to prioritise three further event types, as a minimum in the first instance:  

• Colleague team gatherings and events – including team planning workshops, team building activities, team picnics or celebrations (e.g. leaving parties).  
• Museum events – although museums can re-open for visitors (no earlier than 17 May) events will not be able to resume until after 21 June  
• Organised community groups – walking groups, local school groups or uniformed youth organisations (for example Scouts, Guides or Cadets) can undertake outdoor activities on campus. 

Therefore, it is recommended that colleagues who are considering events over the summer, particularly those that fall outside of categories 1-6, should pause any planning or date-setting ahead of the next release of government information and the subsequent MRT update. If you would like to discuss event ideas in advance of this, including how to make the most of virtual event alternatives do not hesitate to contact the Events Team.

For further information on which events are being prioritised and the health and safety measures required to ensure these can be carried out in a COVID-secure way please view the COVID-19 FAQs: on-campus events guidance page.