A “Critical Incident” may be defined as an unusual or serious event, on or off campus, which may have a significant impact on the University’s core business and on the usual coping abilities of the individuals involved.
It is recognised that these incidents may also impact on friends, families, tutors and support staff, as well as the individuals involved. This may include (but is not limited to):
In the event of a major critical incident, such as a terrorist attack, plane crash or natural disaster, the Major Incident Plan will be implemented.
The operational response to a critical incident is conducted by the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), led by the Director of Student Experience.
This ensures that action is taken in a timely, co-ordinated and sensitive manner, with good communication – both internally and externally – and appropriate support.
The CIRT members are responsible for manning the CIRT emergency phone on a rotational basis and provide a consistent 24 hour response, 7 days a week.
CIRT Phone number: 07738 574099
You must ensure your own safety and call 999 immediately if you are made are aware of – or find yourself face to face with – a situation that may be a criminal offence or represent an immediate threat to yourself or others. Staff should never intervene with a situation where there is a potential threat or danger.
When your own safety is ensured, please contact the security team on ext. 4444 or 0800 389 8455 from a mobile phone, security will act on the information and report the matter to the CIRT.
CIRT Phone number: 07738 574099
Members of staff who become aware of a potential situation which may be considered as a critical incident, and which does not represent an emergency as described above, should contact the security team as soon as possible.
The University security team and accommodation management are expected to follow their normal procedure, calling the emergency services as appropriate, and contact CIRT to report the incident as soon as possible as part of their process.
A major incident is defined as:
This may include (but is not limited to):
This may include incidents taking place in student accommodation, or at other off-site locations (i.e. field trips, University business abroad or external sporting activities).
The first priority in any major incident is to bring the situation under immediate control.
Staff should contact the security team immediately on ext. 4444 or 0800 389 8455 from a mobile phone who will call the emergency services. The security team will notify the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) lead, who will contact the Major Incident Team.
The University’s security team have all the contact numbers for appropriate staff who may be required for specific emergencies.
The Major Incident Team is led by the Vice Chancellor – Major Incident Co-ordinator (MIC) – and consists of senior representatives of key organisation areas, who will manage the University’s response to a major incident and set out the actions to be taken, including:
Further information can be found in the Major Incident Plan - 
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