The RCM campus is open with social distancing measures in place for individual music-making, one-to-one teaching and small ensemble rehearsals and performances.
The health and wellbeing of the RCM community is our top priority and protective measures have been put in place to help ensure the safest possible use of the building at this time. This includes requiring all staff and students to wear facemasks and adhere to two metre social distancing on campus. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.
From September 2020, our focus is on providing space for music-making activities on campus and in-person delivery of as many activities as possible. To support this, we have a flexible curriculum for the autumn that will enable students to benefit from our world-leading teaching and facilities while keeping safe, as well as taking advantage of our digital learning environment.
Our autumn events season features a range of performance opportunities with social distancing measures in place. The programme includes visits from internationally renowned musicians, a wide variety of repertoire to explore and an innovative film series promoted via the RCM’s digital platforms. Some performance projects will use blended approaches to learning with both live and digital interaction, harnessing all the additional benefits that online resources can bring. Our expanded programme of streaming and recording will allow us to share all our performances, masterclasses and other activities with global audiences.
By January 2021 we are planning to return to teaching all classes onsite, except where we think digital delivery is better for students.
The Royal College of Music is a highly creative and adaptable community of exceptional students, professors and staff.
What should I do if I have Covid-19 symptoms?
Anyone returning from a country that is not on the UK exempt list must self-isolate at home for 14 days and must not, therefore, come into College until after the 14 days. The list of exempt countries can be found here.
If you have Covid-19 symptoms, or cold or flu symptoms, you must not come into the College. Call the NHS immediately on 111 and take a test. If you test positive, you will be contacted by NHS Track and Trace to track your contacts.
Please also contact the College immediately to tell us you have tested positive and to report your recent contacts at the RCM – we will then contact them to ask them to self-isolate; email us at coronavirus@rcm.ac.uk.
Can I deliver one-to-one teaching, coaching or accompaniment in-person at my home?
We will permit teaching from home (or an alternative location) for principal study lessons only for the autumn term in certain circumstances. Professors can only teach from home (or an alternative location) if they have advance approval from their Head of Faculty and if they have completed a risk assessment which shows that their non-RCM teaching space is Covid-secure.
- Teaching from home will only be permitted where the professor lives within the London area (defined as Transport for London zones 1-6)
- Timing of lessons must not clash with academic zones and must allow time for a student to travel to and from the College
- Students must be willing to travel to the professor for lessons and must be willing to pay any travel costs
- Some students may prefer a remote lesson; this must be their choice
If you would like to teach off-site you must contact your Head of Faculty and they will send you a form to complete. Any other teaching/coaching is not permitted from outside of the RCM.
If you have an underlying health condition that might prevent you from teaching at College, please contact your Head of Faculty.
If I am diagnosed with coronavirus will I be paid?
Academic & professional services staff
If you are diagnosed with the coronavirus you will be paid in line with our normal contractual entitlements and procedure. Members of staff should refer to the Sickness Absence Policy on the HR pages of Muse to clarify their entitlement to occupational sick pay.
In the event that you do not qualify for the occupation sick pay scheme, you will receive Statutory Sick Pay which is paid at the rate of £94.25 per week for up to 28 weeks, and will be paid from the first day of sickness.
Casual workers
If we have already confirmed your engagement we will honour our commitment and you will receive payment for that engagement at your normal rate of pay. The person who engaged you will process the payment in the usual way.
If I must care for a dependent or loved one unexpectedly will I be paid?
Academic & professional services staff
We ask that you use your best judgement and put the safety and wellbeing of you and your family first. We recognise that you might find it difficult to work while caring for dependents and ask you to do whatever you can.
Please ensure that you keep in close contact with your manager during this period so that they’re able to plan and monitor workloads. You will continue to receive your contractual pay.
Casual workers
If we have already confirmed your engagement we will honour our commitment and you will receive payment for that engagement at your normal rate of pay. The person who engaged you will process the payment in the usual way.
Travel
All staff are advised to consult the latest advice from the UK authorities before planning or undertaking any travel. Whilst government measures require those arriving in, or returning to, the UK to self-isolate at home for 14 days are in place, staff who travel overseas on leave and who will have a quarantine period on their return will need to either:
- work from home if this is possible; if you have returned to on-site working you should seek approval in advance to return to homeworking for the quarantine period.
- book additional days holiday to cover the quarantine period.
- take unpaid leave for the quarantine period.
Can I cancel my annual leave?
Even whilst working from home, it is critical for health and wellbeing to take your annual leave and have time away from screens and working life. Any annual leave which is already booked should normally be taken as planned.
In these exceptional circumstances and to support staff during this challenging time, we allowed 10 days of leave to be carried over when the leave period ended at the end of July 2020 – up from the usual five days. At the discretion of individual managers, this leave should be taken over the next two years.
Support
Supporting students who are worried about coronavirus
- We know that many staff will be approached by students with concerns about coronavirus. If a student raises a concern, please ask them to follow the advice on this page.
- If they have any questions, they should contact Student Services at studentservices@rcm.ac.uk.
Supporting colleagues who are worried about coronavirus or working remotely
- If a team member or colleague raises a concern, please ask them to follow the advice on this page or speak to Human Resources at humanresources@rcm.ac.uk.
- Whilst working remotely, it is a good idea to keep in contact with team members as much as possible through phone calls and conference calling on platforms such as Microsoft Teams.
- We would encourage staff to interact regularly with their colleagues and speak to their line manager if they are concerned about their mental or physical wellbeing.
Support for you
- If you are concerned about coronavirus or worried about friends and family, please do not hesitate to contact Human Resources for advice and support at humanresources@rcm.ac.uk.
- Staff can access mental health support via Confidential Care.
Prejudice connected with coronavirus
- The Royal College of Music has a zero-tolerance policy towards racism. If you witness or experience bullying or harassment, your voice will be heard and taken seriously.
- Staff can contact Human Resources for advice and support at humanresources@rcm.ac.uk.
Further questions
If we have not answered your question please email coronavirus@rcm.ac.uk.
