COVID-19 | SETsquared Bath Policy Announcement #3

It’s hard to believe a month has passed by since the last announcement, although at that time few people would have suspected that we were (according to the BBC) a mere 8 days from the peak of the virus outbreak. Three weeks on from that peak, we are now able to see the first signs that talk is turning towards an easing of the lockdown. The expectation is that this will need to be phased and gradual in order to control the risk of a disastrous second peak emerging. We should discover next week what the next steps are likely to be and what the roadmap will look like for the coming weeks and months as we begin to contemplate a return to what will remain for some time a changed workplace environment. 

I am quite confident that - whatever the circumstances we find ourselves in - we will continue to adapt and develop taking the best of the new approaches we have in place and rediscovering what works, or can be made to work from our former tried and trusted methods whilst all the time keeping an eye on safely for our colleagues and our members. We must judge when the time is right for this and make sure we are fully prepared to manage our activities for the new reality in which we we find ourselves.

With his in mind we have been undertaking a survey of our members and hub participants to help us understand clearly their needs and issues as the results of the pandemic begin to bite. If you have been asked to contribute to this and haven’t yet found time, I would encourage you to do so in the next day or two. If you have already completed it, I thank you for making the effort and taking the trouble in this difficult time. It will help us in making a strong case for the right support as we move forward and aid us in the effectiveness of our response.

Best wishes and keep safe!

Brian