8. Conditions around the remote working environment
8.1. The University will provide each individual working in a hybrid way with either a set of core IT equipment to support their hybrid working or items from that set as either required by the individual or appropriate to how regularly they are working in a hybrid way. This core set may vary depending on the nature of the role, but a standard provision will include a laptop, headset, keyboard and mouse for use both in the University workspace and in the remote working environment, with access to the use of a docking station and monitor in the University workspace. As a standard practice, equipment will not be duplicated for hybrid workers unless part of reasonable adjustments to support those with disabilities and long-term health conditions, but Institutions are strongly encouraged to provide further equipment, such as a monitor, if resources are available to do so.
8.2. A health and safety assessment will need to be undertaken before agreement is given under the procedure to ensure the remote working environment is suitable for the level of hybrid working and types of tasks that would be undertaken. In the spirit of this Policy, the opportunity to rectify an inadequate home remote working environment where possible should be provided before a final decision is made.
8.3. As part of providing a suitable remote working environment, individuals should ensure they have appropriate furniture to support the level of remote working they are undertaking as part of the hybrid working arrangements. As a standard practice, furniture will not be provided for hybrid workers unless part of reasonable adjustments to support those with disabilities and long-term health conditions, but Institutions are strongly encouraged to provide specific items, such as a suitable chair, if resources are available to do so.
8.4. If the remote working environment is a home, individuals must ensure that their remote working environment has a reliable internet connection and, where necessary, phone signal that are appropriate for the nature of the tasks they are able to undertake remotely.
8.5. Individuals should ensure their personal home insurance is suitable for the type of work they are undertaking where their remote working environment is their home. Additionally, where this is the case, individuals should not normally meet others in connection with work in person in the remote working environment but should organise for this to take place on University premises or in a suitable public space.
8.6. Individuals must inform line managers or other applicable members of staff responsible for their working arrangements of any relevant changes to the remote working environment, to ensure that a new health and safety assessment can be undertaken if necessary.
8.7. No costs incurred by individuals in connection with their remote working, such as energy costs, connectivity charges, or printer consumables, will be reimbursed by the University. This also includes the costs of travelling to and from the University unless explicitly agreed beforehand.
8.8. Further advice on these conditions is provided in the guidance associated with this Policy.