Activities in the Community

Role in the Community

The University is a significant force locally and regionally and plays an important role nationally as a provider of well qualified graduates. Not only are we a major employer in the North East but through all our activities, teaching, research, and links with industry, we help to bring prosperity and add to quality of life in the Region.

We hope that in addition to your role as an ambassador for your subject or profession or for the University, you will also be encouraged to take part in activities in the community which through your involvement will help your own personal development and at the same time enhance the University’s reputation.

The University is occasionally invited to nominate staff to serve as governors of schools or serve on other outside bodies, charities, theatre groups and so on. If you are interested in serving in such a capacity please contact the Governance Support Unit (Registrar’s Division).

Letters to the Press

Normal practice is that if you write a letter relating to education policy or your academic expertise, you may use your University address and title. If your letter concerns your personal opinion on a non-academic topic, you should use your private address.

Use of University Headed Notepaper

University headed notepaper must only be used on official business. It must not be used to imply that the University is a party to a private business.

Private Trading

It is not permitted to carry out private trading activities from University premises without the express permission of the Vice-Chancellor or to imply any association with the University of a private trading activity.

Outside work

Full-time staff may not take up any other paid employment without the permission of the HR Director. The University also reserves the right to withhold permission for both full and part-time staff where there is a potential conflict of interest or where outside employment may have an adverse effect on performance.