As the University slowly prepares for a phased return to campus, it’s important to remember those who never left. Here we speak to Helen Reid,
Accommodation, Catering and Events (ACE) about adapting to the pandemic, and how their jobs have changed over the past 20 months.
Helen Reid, Domestic Team Leader in Chancellors Court, is part of the ACE Property Team.
“Covid-19 has meant that we have had to adapt quickly to changing cleaning protocols as well as ensure that staff feel safe in their working environment. I feel proud of our team that worked hard on the ground over the past 20 months to reduce anxiety for students at a difficult time as well as providing extensive cleaning throughout the Estate.
The most challenging part of working through the pandemic for me and my team was the lack of interaction with our students compared to 'normal' years. Usually we interact with them every day and take an interest in how their day has been. However, last year we couldn’t even enter their household and we missed forming these relationships.
Working through the pandemic has taught me that even though things are different we can be successful in the new normal. The majority of ACE staff have been working over the past 20 months in order to keep students safe in such a difficult time - a fantastic achievement by all the frontline staff at the University.