Finance and Procurement services: insurance

The vast majority of the University’s insurance cover is arranged though UMAL - the Universities Mutual Association Limited. The University retains the services of an insurance broker (AJ Gallagher). The appointment of a broker followed an open tender exercise. Policies are reviewed annually.

Inventory of items

All departments of the University are required to keep an inventory of items of equipment and other assets under their control.

The Finance Office maintains an equipment asset register, based on returns submitted by departments, reconciled to capitalised elements in the annual accounts. A register of properties and the associated deeds are also controlled by the Insurance section. 

Business travel & personal accident insurance

University employees (and their School or Directorate) are expected to make sure that they have appropriate travel and personal accident/emergency health insurance cover when they travel on University business. 

Those relying for cover on their personal travel or agency provided insurance should check that their policy includes 'Business' Travel and Personal accident/ Emergency health treatment cover when abroad.

Business travel and personal accident insurance

Vehicle insurance

The University's Vehicle Insurance Policy does not provide insurance cover for the use of vehicles owned by members of staff when used on University business or for private or personal use or hired cars for personal use.  In such circumstances, staff should check with their insurers that their policies provide adequate cover for business use.

Motor Insurers often provide additional cover for "business use" at little or no extra cost, dependant on their assessment of the additional risk involved. It is important that members of staff explain to their insurers the frequency and sort of journeys undertaken. (Estimates of annual business mileage may assist).

The phrase "social, domestic and pleasure purposes" in motor insurance policies is usually understood to include travel to "your usual place of work".

Vehicle insurance

Mileage rates

The rate which can be claimed for journeys using your own vehicle are as follows:

Transport of hazardous material

The transportation of hazardous materials is highly regulated and controlled. Members of staff contemplating the transportation of materials that are (or might be) hazardous MUST check with the Safety Office well in advance. The University employs the services of a qualified Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor, who will need to be appraised of the proposed activity and decide whether it can happen and, if so, what control measures are required. Failure to follow these procedures could put the safety of people at risk and may affect insurance validity.

Goods in transit

The University's "Goods in Transit" and "Property" policies provide cover for University property which suffers accidental damage or loss but excludes theft from unattended vehicles. University property (including manuscripts) should be concealed from view and locked in the boot, if unavoidably left in an unattended vehicle.

As far as is practical, manuscripts and other reproducibles should be copied to avoid total loss in vulnerable situations.

Employers' liability insurance

It is a legal requirement that the University's current 2023-2024 Employers' Liability Certificate must be either prominently displayed or made available to all employees in electronic format.

Research and insurance

Research is integral to the University’s mission – and a key component of the work of undergraduates, postgraduates, and staff. The University carries a range of insurances to protect itself and its staff and students.