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UCL Global Mobility Policy
19 October 2021
Following the earlier return to campus guidance, UCL has introduced a Global Mobility Policy that sets out the required process to be followed where an overseas base for UCL staff is being considered.
The purpose of the policy is to ensure that, going forward, overseas assignments are considered in a more structured and systematic way.
Key points of the policy are that:
Adequate planning needs to take place- at least 90 days before overseas work is envisaged to begin.
Senior managers (Deans and Director of Professional Services) need to agree overseas assignments and risks should be assessed before a decision is taken. To facilitate this, risk assessments will be undertaken within the HR Division led by HR Business Partners and the Head of Global Mobility, which will support senior managers in the decision making process.
Working overseas usually requires additional costs to operate in a compliant manner. If overseas work is agreed these costs will be met locally and it is important that this is factored into any overseas assignment in case it affects viability. Some of the risks, costs and potential pitfalls of an overseas base are highlighted in the policy document, but these will vary by individual and country, and should be considered on a case by case basis.
The policy confirms that we will continue to support overseas work where it is agreed for the material benefit of UCL. However, given the likely additional costs and range of risks to individuals and UCL, going forward the normal expectation is for staff to be based within the UK to deliver work for UCL.