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Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the escalating suffering in Israel and Gaza. We are united in our support for our Heriot-Watt global community and their safety and wellbeing is our absolute priority. We continue to be in regular contact with those colleagues and students who are directly impacted to offer our help. We also encourage anyone who needs our support to let us know if they are struggling or have been affected in any way by this and other humanitarian crises around the world.
I wanted to remind you that support for staff is available via our Employee Assistance Programme and Wellbeing sections on the intranet. Professional advice, guidance and support are on hand to help maintain your wellbeing and that of others around you. Please make sure and talk with your manager and of course HR colleagues are also here to offer further guidance whenever needed.
I am aware of many colleagues and students who are directly contributing to organisations locally which are providing vital medical, food, and further humanitarian assistance to people in Israel and Gaza. I would like to add my thanks to them. If you would also like to contribute, the British Red Cross is actively responding to the emergency.
We are proud to be a One Watt Community providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. Every member of our diverse and multicultural community should feel safe and included at all times. There is no place for any form of discrimination or harassment at Heriot-Watt. More information for students and staff on our website offers further support to members of our community. We also endorse the Universities UK statement issued recently.
If at any time you need someone to speak to, our multifaith Chaplaincy is also available to both staff and students for faith-based or spiritual support in person and online. And, in harmony with our Student Partnership Agreement, we continue to work closely with our Student Councils and Student Union at this time of crisis. The Student Wellbeing Services and the Student Union Advice Hub also offers impartial advice and support when needed.
Professor Richard A. Williams
Principal and Vice-Chancellor