SES Principles for Ways of Working

The SES Principles for Ways of Working were created collaboratively by the SES community to guide decisions about how we work and deliver our service in a post-COVID era. 

The principles are not a set of rules, but emphasise our Service values and what we collectively believe is important to inform our decision-making. They are intended to be used by all colleagues across the Service. The principles will be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain aligned with our culture statement and University/Service values.  

Five Principles for Ways of Working

1. We are all committed to providing an excellent service for our stakeholders and supporting each other within our SES community  

Our 'service excellence' is our top priority and will be the starting point for all of our choices about ways of working in our team and how we deliver our element of the Student Education Service. The importance of colleague wellbeing is recognised and we will all strive to ensure the best outcomes for individuals where possible.   

2. Our hybrid working model will be appropriate for the activity 

Working remotely may not suit every task, but equally, not every activity needs to be undertaken on campus. Decisions about where, how, and when tasks are undertaken will consider the needs of colleagues and stakeholders as the recipients of a consistent and effective service. 

3. Our ways of working will be planned, adaptable and responsive 

We are always looking to innovate or improve how our services are delivered. Decisions about ways of working will be reviewed regularly by teams and we will be willing to adapt to deliver our service. We are clear on our objectives and expectations, and we carefully consider how our ways of working impact our outputs and relationships. 

4. We value collaboration and community 

We work as one team with shared goals and shared values as part of one University. We maintain our focus on service delivery, sustaining relationships, and enabling collaboration, whilst appreciating and recognising individual preferences and circumstances. We trust teams to agree the best way of working to enable collaboration and deliver service excellence.   

5. Decisions relating to ways of working will be transparent and equitable 

Decisions about how, when, and where individuals and teams work will be made in line with these principles.