Sustainable Business Travel
It is the University’s expectation that all business travel* will be undertaken within the ethos and framework of the Guiding Principles of Sustainable Business Travel.
‘*Business travel’ has been defined as any travel by University of Aberdeen staff (regardless of destination, mode or class) away from University campuses, taken in association with University business, and for which the University pays directly.
Further information about the Guiding Principles, Travel Hierarchy and how they will be implemented is available online at the Sustainable Business Travel website. The recent revisions to the Expenses & Benefits Policy also took this new framework into account.
Travel insurance
Visit the University’s Travel Insurance webpage to register details of your journey. Do this for each overseas trip you take.
This gives you immediate access to the range of benefits provided by the travel insurance and enables the University to provide prompt assistance in event of major incident affecting the area to which you are travelling.
Information about your destination
Check the website below for up to date information and advice about the countries you will be visiting. Check it again shortly before you depart in case the advice has changed.
Will you need permission to travel from Head of College/Secretary to the University?
The University’s Policy (with Risk Assessment) and on Travel Overseas requires you to obtain the permission of the Secretary to the University before you travel to countries or parts of countries for which the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against all or all but essential travel. These areas are identified on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice website.
If you are given permission, you will need to confirm that the University’s travel insurers are prepared to provide insurance cover for your destination. You should contact the Insurance Office.
Booking travel and accommodation
Travel and accommodation can be booked through the University’s appointed travel agent Diversity Travel.
Information on how to make a booking can be found on our Corporate Travel page (requires login).
Overseas health advice
Health advice for those travelling overseas is available at the NHS Scotland website Fit for Travel.
If necessary, you should consult a medical clinic or doctor four to six weeks before departing on your journey. The consultation will determine the need for any vaccinations and/or anti-malarial medication, as well as any other medical items which you may require.
Travel health advice can also be obtained from the University’s Occupational Health Service (GO Health Services). You will need to provide a purchase order to cover the costs of any vaccinations and/or anti-malarial medication provided by the Service.
Safety considerations
General travel safety advice is available at the NHS Scotland website Fit for Travel.
Safety arrangements relating to overseas fieldwork will be detailed as part of your School’s safety documentation.
Your itinerary
You should leave details of your itinerary with the office of your School/Support Service and keep the office advised of any changes to your plans. This will enable the University to contact you and/or provide assistance in an emergency.
Emergencies while you are abroad
In event of an emergency while you are overseas, you should contact the University’s travel insurers on the phone number provided by AIG as part of the confirmation of your travel insurance cover.
If you want to contact the University outside normal working hours, you can phone University Security on +44 (0)1224 273939. Security will contact someone in your School or Support Service.