UWE Bristol signs new business drive to help nation through Covid-19 crisis
See all news
The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) has joined businesses from across the UK in an initiative to help Britain and its most vulnerable citizens to pull through the coronavirus crisis.
UWE Bristol is one of over 300 organisations to have signed the C-19 Business Pledge which was launched by former Cabinet Minister, RT Hon Justine Greening.
The national scheme encourages businesses to join the coronavirus effort by pledging to help their employees, customers and communities across Britain get through the crisis and has already received the backing of employers representing over 1.5 million staff and students.
Justine Greening said: “With the future of many employers hanging in the balance and incredibly tough times unfolding in sectors across the UK, businesses face many incredibly difficult decisions. But those companies who are able to, can have a huge role in battling the impact of coronavirus and make a real difference in these uniquely challenging times.
“The C-19 Business Pledge is all about encouraging as many businesses as possible to get involved and then helping them do that faster and better by sharing all the great work that’s already been done. The early response has been incredible and I’ll do everything I can to help to connect up British business to play its role.”
Employers who sign up to the pledge give their backing to three main objectives built around employees, customers and communities. They will not only help Britain through the immediate challenges of coronavirus, but also through its recovery.
Suzanne Carrie, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at UWE Bristol said: ‘‘From the outset our priority has been our people; our students, staff and the wider community around us. As a university that focuses on mental wellbeing for staff and students in all we do, we have prioritised ensuring our staff and students are safe and able to work and study from home where possible. We are proud of the ways that we have been able to support our NHS, local communities and schools during this period and we continue to do everything we can to support our students.’’
UWE Bristol has already introduced a number of measures to support employees, students and the wider community through the crisis. This includes but is not limited to: moving staff to remote working where focus is on output rather than hours worked and where staff are able to work flexibly, allowing time for child care of caring duties; moving teaching online and communicating regularly with students to ensure their final grade is not negatively affected by the crisis; ensuring students have access to IT and mental health resources and support; and providing financial support to students in need.
In terms of supporting the wider community, UWE Bristol’s Exhibition and Conference Centre has been converted into a temporary hospital to provide hundreds of extra beds if local services need them, while accommodation that is not currently being used by students is also being made available for NHS staff on Frenchay Campus. UWE Bristol academics have also been producing much needed supplies such as visors and disinfectant for NHS staff.
Related news
25 July 2024
Extraordinary community work recognised with honorary doctorate
Rosa Hui MBE DL, founder of the Chinese Community Wellbeing Society (CCWS), has been awarded an honorary doctorate by UWE Bristol.
23 July 2024
Honorary doctorate for Bristol changemaker and civil rights hero
Guy Bailey OBE, a civil rights activist instrumental in the Bristol Bus Boycott, has been awarded an honorary doctorate by UWE Bristol.
23 July 2024
Honorary degree for TV channel founder offering prisoners in-cell access to training and education
Jezz Wright, founder of a range of in-cell channels that aim to help prisoners with their rehabilitation, has been awarded an Honorary Degree by UWE Bristol.
11 July 2024
UWE Bristol completes largest low carbon student accommodation development in UK
New student accommodation at UWE Bristol which is the largest low carbon development of its kind in the UK has been completed.
07 June 2024
Academic selected as Design Council Expert
Dr Matthew Jones has been selected to join the new cohort of Design Council Experts.
05 February 2024
Universities unite for joint pledge to tackle sexual violence and harassment
Universities in the west of England have pledged together for the first time to take a collective approach in tackling sexual violence and harassment.
06 December 2023
Internationally renowned architect joins UWE Bristol
UWE Bristol has appointed Piers Taylor as Professor of Knowledge Exchange in Architecture.
16 October 2023
UWE statement on Israel and Gaza – supporting students and staff
UWE Bristol statement on Israel and Gaza.
28 September 2023
Building a School of Health and Social Wellbeing for the future
UWE Bristol is developing proposals to relocate its School of Health and Social Wellbeing from Glenside campus to Frenchay campus.
28 September 2023
Teaching Excellence Framework: UWE Bristol provides an outstanding student experience
The student experience UWE Bristol provides has been judged to be outstanding in a new sector-wide assessment of teaching quality.
08 September 2023
Statement – Maddy Lawrence
UWE Bristol statement following the inquest into the death of Maddy Lawrence.
31 July 2023
UWE Bristol awards seven recipients with honorary degrees
Seven people have been presented with honorary degrees during UWE Bristol’s summer graduation ceremonies at Bristol Cathedral.