Close
Plan early for safe and successful fieldwork
31 July 2023
UCL expects that each department has clear arrangements, roles and responsibilities and a robust approval process for fieldwork.
It is vital that all fieldwork is planned sufficiently in advance of the intended departure to allow the institution to consider the proposal in suitable detail and approve it at an appropriate level.
Conversely, many instances of fieldwork at 皇家华人 are routine and low risk and may necessitate very limited planning, relying in the main on generic risk assessments and procedures.
Departments must have robust authorisation and approval processes for fieldwork.
Top tips for planning fieldwork
Off-site Working Itinerary
- Complete the Off-Site Working Itinerary听to let your department know where the fieldwork is taking place, arrival and departure dates, addresses and phone numbers of all fieldwork participants.
- Lodge the completed form with your department's听Off-Site Work Co-ordinator听鈥�听you can find your Off-Site Work Co-ordinator in the听Responsible Persons Register.
Undertake a suitable and sufficient fieldwork risk assessment
- Consider all stages including travel to and from the fieldwork destination and what to do if a difficult situation arises.
- Focus on guiding principles.
- Ensure safe operating procedures are in place and people have been trained on relevant equipment.
Insurance
Using vehicles for fieldwork
- Comprehensive insurance cover is provided for any vehicle owned or hired by UCL.
- Vehicles hired outside of the UK are not included under the UK policy and must be insured overseas by the hire company.
- Policy on driving minibuses.
Emergency planning
- Register on SafeZone app.
- Report all incidents and have a robust emergency response plan.
Monitoring and review
- Conduct a debriefing session after fieldwork and share lessons learnt with others via Departmental Safety Committees and review and update existing guidance.
Where can I get further information?
> Fieldwork
>听Framework for starting or resuming fieldwork at non-UCL settings
Feedback
Help us improve the website and let us know your suggestions, feedback, or comments.听Please contact us.