Following the easing of Covid –19 restrictions, UEB Travel Sub-Group approval to travel on University business is no longer required.

Ongoing resourcing issues make finalising travel arrangements for staff more challenging than before the pandemic as Selective Travel proactively recruit staff to the Queen's account.

In order to address the challenges being experienced, the following measures will be in place from 30 March 2022 until further notice: 

• Staff are not required to contact Selective for domestic travel (UK and ROI). Bookings can be made directly using PCard or Purchase Order. Domestic travel includes all flights, accommodation and car hire;  
• In the event a staff member requires emergency travel services during a trip, Selective will be available should a new booking be required; and `
• Given duty of care obligations, where University travel is not booked through Selective, it is recommended that a record is held locally of the location of travellers. 

Where staff are required to undertake international travel on approved University business, this must continue to be booked through the University’s Travel Management Company, Selective Travel, but we are reverting to the normal method of approval via purchase order rather than the UEB Travel Sub-Group. 

Staff who need to travel internationally must  submit a request to their line manager, carry out a full risk assessment and, as there are still travel restrictions in place, check the guidance from NI Executive/official guidance from the intended destination to ensure that they comply with the entry/exit requirements.  This is an evolving situation so it is important that this is checked right up to the point of travel. 

This position will be kept under review and if circumstances change with increasing Covid rates internationally, the UEB Travel Sub-Group may need to re-instate enhanced arrangements to ensure the safety of our staff during any trips in connection with University business.

Please be aware that travel insurance will cover emergency medical treatment, however, any costs in respect of Covid related issues eg cancellation, curtailment, isolation etc will be borne by the home School/Directorate.

More detailed information can be found on both the COVID-19 FAQ page: https://www.qub.ac.uk/home/coronavirus-faqs/

And also on the Finance Insurance page: https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/FinanceDirectorate/visitors/insurance/travel-insurance/#9254971

Staff should refer to these pages for any updates/changes on travel advice.

We continue to encourage staff to make use of the COVID test kits which are available for collection throughout the University to facilitate testing before, during and after travel.

I trust these arrangements are clear. If you require further clarification on any aspect of the process and/or additional information, please email finance.dept@qub.ac.uk in the first instance.

This process relates to staff travel only, students should refer to the Student FAQ’s relating to travel.