Overseas travel

Risk assessment

You should always research the country/city you are visiting and consider the risks and special issues relevant to your trip.  Higher risk destinations will require a full Risk Assessment form to be completed and submitted for trip authorisation. 

Completion of the Travel Overseas Form will trigger a request for a full Risk Assessment if one is required for your destination. As a general guide, a full assessment is not required for the following countries:

  • Canada
  • United States
  • Australia
  • Hong Kong
  • Malaysia
  • Singapore
  • European countries (except for Greece, Turkey and Russia). 

However, this is dependent on current events and whether the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Red24 advise that the destination has current risks associated with it or an increased security status (due to terrorism, natural disaster, volatile political situation).  If in any doubt, please call Anita Randell (ext. 3308) or Kim Hadley (ext. 5110). 

If you have previously completed a Risk Assessment for a country you are revisiting, you will still need to complete a new assessment, taking into account the up-to-date advice available on the recommended websites (links below). A Risk Assessment only covers staff for one trip.  If multiple staff are travelling on a trip together, one assessment can be completed to cover all those attending. 

Please email a copy of your completed assessment to Anita Randell (University Insurance Officer) and Kim Hadley (International Office) BEFORE obtaining the required signatures. Contact Kim Hadley (International Office, ext.5110) for further advice or assistance in completing the assessment. Anita and Kim will review your assessment and advise on any changes or additional information required. You can then obtain the signature of your Head of Department or Dean and send the assessment to Sally Hartley (Directorate). Sally will send formal approval of your trip by email.

Please note: Fieldwork trips requires a different assessment - please contact Anita for advice.

Recommended Websites

The following websites must be referred to when completing the Risk Assessment form:

  • Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO): General travel advice
  • Red24 (ACE access code 7797): Country-specific travel security and health advice, plus the capabilities overseas from our insurers.  Click on 'Travel assistance website' on the right then select the country you are visiting

The key concern is that Heads of Department/Line Managers and the staff travelling have fully considered the risks, are making an informed judgement on whether or not to travel, and are aware of the steps to take in an emergency. These approval procedures are here to help the University undertake its duty of care to our staff.

If you have any other questions regarding risk assessments, please call Anita Randell (ext. 3308) or Kim Hadley (ext. 5110).

Travel planning tips
Terrorism, Bombs, Fire - Red24 advice (.pdf)