Advice to Staff During Times of International Tension

A multi-cultural community, such as the University of Aberdeen with over 100 different nationalities on campus, will face challenges at a time of international tension. The University's primary concern is for the safety and well-being of our staff and students and the University has expectations about how people will behave towards each other that reflect our commitment to mutual respect and tolerance.

If you experience or witness any behaviour that makes you feel uncomfortable, please raise this immediately either with your Head of School, the Head of your College, HR Officer or another appropriate member of staff. Alternatively, you may feel more comfortable contacting a Harassment Advisor, whose names can be found on posters displayed on noticeboards and on the back of the leaflet entitled: "Staffing Policy against Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying in the Workplace".

In addition, the following advice is offered:

  • Behave at work in a manner that is respectful of the rights and well-being of others and encourage those you know to behave in a similar way;
  • Exercise tact and diplomacy when discussing current world events;

If you have anxieties about how the international situation is affecting you personally, the sources of help listed above are available to you to help you.

For information on overseas travel and contact details of British embassies: http://www.fco.gov.uk/

Steve Cannon

Secretary to the University