Guidance for PIs & Managers

PIs & managers should refer to the following guidance in conjunction with the information on this page:

• Latest Updates for Research Continuity - for up to date information on access, permissions, occupancy reports requirements, Covid-19 Induction Training and Return to Work forms for researchers and much more.
• Key Contacts for Research Continuity
• Research Continuity Approval & Reporting Processes
• The Campus Business Continuity Team sharepoint Local-Unit-FAQs

While the Heads of Colleges and the Vice President for Research and Innovation (VPRI) will have oversight over Research Continuity Research Continuity Approval & Reporting Processes, in practice, the principle of subsidiarity means that approval and local oversight will be delegated for the most part to Heads of Units - Heads of Schools/RICUs, and where delegated Heads of Departments/or equivalent.

• Compile Covid-19 Response Plan Documentation in accordance with guidance on the Research Business Continuity Supports webpage, Research Continuity Approval & Reporting Process guidance and the Campus Business Continuity Team (CBCT) guidelines (Returning to Campus).
• Covid-19 Response Plan Documentation must continue to be drafted/updated as necessary.
• Prior approval for research activities is no longer a requirement by UCC Research Business Continuity - prior approval requirements to be decided upon at a local level, ie prior approval may be deemed necessary by local Heads (Schools/RICUs), and in some instances Heads of Colleges, for certain activities.
  • Where deemed necessary/required at a local or College level, submit compiled Covid-19 Response Plan documentation to the Head of School/RICU Director (and Head of College if required).
• Authorised persons, for each unit, must, in accordance with their Covid-19 Response Plan, carry out regular quality control and compliance checks in their research area/unit.
• Feedback any issues/queries to the Head of School/RICU, or where delegated, to the Head of Department or equivalent, who will inform the Research Business Continuity Team (RBCT).
• Ensure that all Covid-19 Response Plan Documentation/communications are managed and stored in line with your agreed/approved unit’s processes for managing documentation.