As the University slowly prepares for a phased return to campus, it’s important to remember those who never left. Here we speak to Sarah Thomson
from and Accommodation, Catering and Events (ACE) about adapting to the pandemic, and how their jobs have changed over the past 20 months.
Sarah Thomson is Catering Manager for four of the Grab and Go cafes. Her job has changed a considerable amount over the past 20 months.
"In March 2020, I worked with other managers to organise an ACE ‘staff pool’ of catering colleagues who would volunteer to help support teams across the University.
I was then involved in the preparation and delivery of up to 100 meals per day to ACE essential workers who were still working on site.
Prior to the cafes reopening for the return of students in September 2020, I cleaned and cleared out food from cafes across all campuses, donating any non-perishable food and drink (sweets, crisps, cans of soft drink) to food banks in the city.
The cafes reopened for the start of the new term but footfall was much lower than expected so I moved into the Self-Isolation catering team in October 2020, preparing meals and grocery boxes for students who were self-isolating.
In February 2021 I joined the very busy ACE Allocations team helping process refunds for students cancelling their leases, allocating accommodation for students starting in September and responding to emails.
The feeling of being appreciated wherever I have helped out, by both staff and students, will be a lasting memory of the past 20 months. Feeling like I was adding value and played my part in helping the students, and ACE, is something I will cherish.”