Safety, Fieldwork and Ethics
Before leaving the Department for fieldwork, there are a number of procedures that must be followed in order for your research and your travel to comply with University of Oxford policies. The School's Statement of Safety Organisation may be consulted here.
Fieldwork
Fieldwork is defined as any practical teaching or research activity performed in places outside the control of the University, but where the School retains responsibility for the safety of the employee/student.
Travel
Staff travel is defined as any travel on University business; i.e. travel also eligible to be covered by University insurance.
The full Code of Practice in Safety and Overseas Travel is available here and must be read before forms are completed.
Two forms must be considered before fieldwork or business travel, even if travel insurance is not required: The Travel Evaluation Form and the Full Risk Assessment. We strongly advise you to obtain University insurance: travel insurance application form. Full details of the University insurance cover can be found on the University website. All students completing fieldwork are required to fill in a Travel Evaluation Form and a Full Risk Assessment.
All completed travel-related forms should be returned to Elizabeth Eldridge in the General Office at 51 Banbury Road at least 6 weeks before departure. If you have any questions, please contact her: elizabeth.eldridge@anthro.ox.ac.uk
Important, and in addition to University insurance: obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for travel in European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland. This will cover you for emergency medical treatment only. You can apply for this on line here at the NHS website.
Ethics (CURECs)
All students and staff must complete a CUREC form before leaving for fieldwork. It must also be signed by your supervisor (if appropriate) and the Head of the Department.
Guidance on ethics clearance procedures for staff and students in the School of Anthropology can be found here.
CUREC forms are available here.
Electronic versions of completed CUREC forms must be emailed to Kate Atherton at kate.atherton@anthro.ox.ac.uk accompanied by an email of support from your supervisor. Any questions should also be directed to Kate.
Health and Safety Training courses
A number of Health and Safety training courses are available, which research students are encouraged to go on before conducting fieldwork. Further information and links for the courses can be consulted here.