Eligibility

All USHA members actively engaged in health and safety roles within universities are eligible to apply. A competitive application process will ensure the selection of candidates committed to sharing gained knowledge with the broader USHA community. Candidates below senior/management levels are especially encouraged.

Duration

Participants will be awarded grants for a period of up to two weeks (extension could be a subject of discussion upon application) in the UK or abroad. The duration should allow for a comprehensive experience, ensuring in-depth learning and meaningful exchanges.

Host Institution Selection

Participants will have the flexibility to choose the institution they wish to visit, based on shared interests and identified areas for professional development. Host institutions must be willing to facilitate a collaborative and enriching experience for the visiting professional and nominate a Mentor (a H&S professional at manager/senior level) to supervise the experience exchange and offer learning opportunities to the visitor. The selection of the Host University must be addressed in the application form to ensure it aligns with the scope of the exchange and justifies the travel expenses.

Grant Coverage

Grant can be used to cover travel expenses, accommodation, and a stipend to support daily expenses. The budget will be determined based on thorough research into travel costs and living expenses in various locations but may not exceed £1000. Any expenses above £1000 must be covered by the applicant’s employer.

Knowledge Sharing Requirement

Upon return, grant recipients will be expected to share their experiences, key learnings, and best practices with the USHA community through presentations, webinars, and by providing a written report of 2500 words within 3 months of the end of the travel.

Timeline

1. 1. Applications open – 21st October 2024

1. 1. Application close – 1st of December 2024

1. 1. Selection process and announcement of grant recipients – 15th of December 2024

1. 1. Inaugural travel grant period – January – December 2025

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit their applications to [email protected] using the application form template. The application form will ask each Applicant to provide:

1. Information on the activity for which they seek funding
2. How the Applicant will benefit from participating in the activity
3. Details on how any awarded Grant will be used
4. A declaration from the Applicant’s Line Manager in support of their application
5. A declaration from a staff member in the Host University who will be mentoring the candidate for the duration of their exchange

Support for the Application

Applicants must include a declaration of support from their Line Manager within their application. Please make the nominated person aware of this before entering their details into the application system.

Successful Applications

Only one grant of £1000 is available for activities scheduled in 2025 calendar year. The recipient will be notified by email of any funding decision. The Grant offer is conditional upon the Recipient submitting a reimbursement claim for eligible expenses incurred, in accordance with the USHA’s reimbursement policies and procedures. The Recipient must submit this claim within fifty (50) working days of the end date of the proposed activity. Reimbursement will be processed for the approved amount upon receipt and verification of the claim. The Grant amount will be reimbursed solely for the purposes set out in the application or otherwise approved by the USHA in writing.

USHA reserves the right to publicise the Grant awarded and the name of the Recipient. USHA reserves the right to terminate an award of a Grant if a Recipient is in breach of any of these terms and conditions, or chooses to stop the activity funded by the Grant, or becomes unfit or unable to pursue the activity, or leaves their employer at any time during the activity.