While students and staff are following Government advice and staying at home, Edge Hill’s key workers in Facilities Management are keeping the University safe, secure and clean for everyone’s return.
The teams are carrying out essential services such as grounds maintenance, deliveries, security patrols and cleaning. All to support students still living in halls and colleagues.
Facilities Management are also at the forefront of the University’s efforts to support the NHS.
The University has offered accommodation to any NHS, Police or key public sector worker who needs to self-isolate away from their family. It is down to Facilities Management to set up rooms for key workers and support them during their stay.
This is just one of the many ways Edge Hill is helping out during the Covid-19 crisis.
While the teams are bravely going into work to keep others safe and well, we decided to catch up with them virtually to thank them for their vital support to the University.
Operational Risk and Environment Manager Peter Roberts – Campus Support:
“We are continuing to look after student welfare and carry out regular security patrols whilst the campus is closed. My team are also booking in NHS workers and looking after their needs. It’s great that we’re able to help the NHS out. We still have four shifts working with additional support being provided by porters and the post and print team and we’re so grateful for their support at this difficult time. The team work hard to ensure the safety of students 24/7, every day of the year, so they are used to being on campus when most other people are not. Thankfully, this team of unsung heroes has managed to continue to work together to support staff and students on campus and keep them safe. They are a credit to each other, and the University and I am extremely grateful for their continued hard work.”
Buildings and Maintenance Manager David Shearman – Estate Services:
“We are undertaking daily inspections across all buildings on campus, ensuring critical equipment is operating correctly and we have devised a strategy for bringing all buildings back to use when we get the go ahead. In my opinion, everyone in the Estates and Facilities teams deserve praise, with a particular shout out to everyone in Campus Support and Housekeeping.”
Facilities Manager Tina Hanson – Housekeeping
“We have inspected, cleaned and set up 105 bedrooms for the emergency services and are helping with any queries from NHS Staff. The team of 38 staff are pulling together and proud to play their part in this and helping the NHS staff. They understand this is vitally important and they are glad to be doing something useful. I think it’s important to mention the work of the supervisor managers who have supported their team members through this worrying time.”
Service Delivery and Insight Manager Lindsay Ogden – Help desk, post, deliveries.
“On top of my teams’ regular duties of sorting post and answering any and all queries that come in we are also are supporting the accommodation team by establishing which students are still on site, supporting IT and learning services who are loaning laptops to students and assisting Campus Support by providing patrols around campus.
“I honestly cannot thank my colleagues enough, they have never questioned anything that has been asked of them, they are all dedicated and always happy to help or support for the benefit of everyone. I am so grateful to my fantastic team, they are a credit to Facilities Management and the university.”
Edge Hill is also playing a broader role in society. In addition to a wide range of generic support, the University has: 
- Agreed to release, on full pay, any professionally qualified member of staff who wishes to temporarily re-join the NHS workforce;
- Donated vital personal protection equipment (PPE) to local NHS trusts, including gel, aprons and masks;
- Loaned equipment to the Government to maximise Covid-19 testing capacity;
- Launched an online learning hub to support schools, families and partners while classroom teaching is halted: https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/educationpartnership/linkstolearning/
- Supported new sign-ups from students and staff in response to the Government’s call-out for volunteers;
For more updates about what support the University is offering in response to COVID-19, visit the latest news and FAQ pages here: https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/ or follow the University’s social media accounts.
