Death of member of staff

Dealing with the death or serious injury of a member of staff of the University

Death / serious injury while at University or undertaking University related activities

• Member of the public or the University community reports incident to Emergency Services (usually including the Police) and also may inform Security Services.
• Depending on the situation the Police or appropriate member of emergency services should notify the next of kin.
• Police or member of University community inform Security Services who inform:

  • Registrar / Nominee.
  • Director of Health and Safety.

The following persons should be contacted by the Registrar / Nominee:

1. Vice-Chancellor
2. Personnel Director
3. Director of Communications
4. Director of Estates
5. Director of Health and Safety
6. Head of Department
7. Staff Counselling Service
8. Chaplaincy

Personnel Director / Nominee

• Ensure that the next of kin have been notified
• Quickly inform the next of kin of their main contact point, if needed, at the University
• Ensure appropriate arrangements for collection of the deceased’s belongings
• Ensure that colleagues/friends of the deceased are informed in an appropriate manner
• Ensure appropriate arrangements are made if the next of kin visit the University
• Take responsibility for strategic decisions, overall co-ordination and University’s general response
• Ensure that friends/collleagues are aware of the help and support which is available eg staff, Chaplaincy
• Inform friends/colleagues of funeral arrangements and attempt to ensure appropriate University attendance at the funeral
• Ensure Embassy or High Commission is informed, if appropriate
• Ensure wishes regarding treatment of body are ascertained and repatriation, financial and funeral arrangements are satisfactory, if appropriate*
• Ensure memorial service, collection/other financial support and messages of condolence are arranged as appropriate*
• Arrange for letter from Vice-Chancellor to be sent to the family on behalf of the University.

Director of Communications

• Prepare and circulate a statement to all appropriate University staff, if the media are likely to be interested, and liaise with the media directly if required.

Director of Health and Safety

• Assume tactical control of the event if involving serious injury or death, referring to Registrar for strategic decisions as necessary.
• Represent the University in any official investigations, if these prove necessary.