The purpose of this scheme is to set in place an easy way for Research Staff* to access help, support and advice in relation to COVID-related issues.  

The University of Sussex recognizes that although many of the challenges and stresses are common to most University staff, Covid-19 crisis posed a unique set of challenges for those who are early in their research career and on fixed term contracts. Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, Early Career Researchers have been experiencing the upheaval of a vastly changed landscape around their workload and ability to carry out tasks. The problems are exacerbated for those shielding or with caring responsibilities. Additional challenges may be posed for ECRs from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and other disadvantaged communities, who may experience lack of support in various aspects of their career development. ECRs feel anxious about the future, and the possibility that delayed research progress may disadvantage their career prospects, presenting clear risks for well-being and mental health.  

Through this purpose-made web portal, Research Staff will be able to ask for support in several areas, as highlighted in the below support request form. The Research Staff Office (RSO) will review the requests on a case-to-case basis and put in place appropriate actions to assist Research Staff. Depending on the challenge at hand the RSO will contact and ask support from a variety of professional and academic support streams, including Human Resources, Research Development, Research Finance, Technical Services, Heads of Schools, Schools Administrators, School Research Staff leads and line managers/PIs.  

*Research Staff are defined as members of staff on research-only contracts whose primary job role is to conduct research