Snow and Adverse Weather Guidance

In the event of adverse weather, the University will seek to operate as normal, or as close to normal as is possible. In the absence of other information, staff and students should assume that activities are proceeding normally.

Individuals should check their email, the University’s X feed (https://x.com/lborouniversity) and the University’s website for updates.  Any information will also be posted on the internal noticeboard and the University’s Facebook account (https://www.facebook.com/lborouniversity/)

The University’s two campuses are in geographically different places, with different support services, different public transport arrangements and physical access. Any implementation of this policy needs to be cognisant of these differences.

All staff should make reasonable efforts to make it into work. They should check local weather conditions and take account of any weather warnings from the Met Office that are in place. Staff should dress appropriately for the weather, giving footwear particular consideration, wearing grippy shoes and avoiding smooth soles and heels. If staff cannot make it into work at the time they are normally expected because of the conditions, they must make contact with their line manager via email, phone or text message and they should normally try again if conditions improve and are safe later in the day. If the role allows, staff can work from home, or work flexibly in some other way, this could be put in place with appropriate agreement.

Staff should take annual leave or unpaid leave if they are unable to attend work or make other arrangements as mentioned above. Staff on grades 1-5 may use accrued flexi-time or make up lost time later if agreed with their line managers. Managers should be particularly mindful and supportive of staff with health conditions, and caring responsibilities,  for example, school closures. The University’s Family Leave Policy sets out principles for time off for dependents in unforeseen emergencies.

While the University makes every effort to ensure a safe campus for staff, students, tenants, and the public through its snow and ice clearance operations, campus users are reminded that they are also responsible for their own safety. Whether you are a pedestrian, cyclist, or driver, it is important to take the necessary precautions and adjust your behaviour accordingly.

Any decision to close the University will be taken by the Vice Chancellor.

The Chief Operating Officer (or nominated deputy in their absence) will determine with the Head of Service if a University service should close or operate to adjusted times. This is particularly important in terms of services that have a direct impact on the operation of other parts of the University or services (for example, Facilities Management, the Library).

University Security (Equans in the case of the London Campus) will be responsible for providing out of hours updates to the Chief Operating Officer (Director of Operations in the case of the London Campus) on weather.

1. An operational plan is maintained by Estates and Facilities Management, for gritting and clearing roads. Snow and ice clearance issues can be reported via the FM Helpdesk.

Loughborough Sport are responsible for determining the necessity of any sport fixture postponements subject to the rules of the relevant sports governing bodies. Any significant postponements should be notified to the University communications team.

Disruption to any advertised public events should be notified to the University communications team.

It is not feasible to host a central information point on any disruption to lectures and Academic Schools are asked, subject to point 4 above, to take steps to notify students of any cancellations using appropriate means including LEARN.

Any issues relating to concerns about impact on learning and teaching should be referred to the Pro Vice Chancellor for Teaching.