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.

Professional negligence

This cover applies where the University provides research (or training or consultancy) under a contract and a fee to outside clients.   This would apply where a third party claims to have suffered loss as a result of a breach of professional duty by an employee (whether by reason of a negligent act, or an accidental error or omission).

Public liability

This more general cover applies where a third party claims to have suffered accidental injury or property damage as a result of the actions of the University.  

Business travel / personal accident

This cover provides emergency medical assistance and cover for personal possessions and University property.

Material damage / business interruption

There could also be implications for research from the University’s property and contents insurance.   In the event of a loss involving an “insured peril” (e.g. fire) there could potentially be cover for loss of research materials and the cost of reproducing them.   In such circumstances, it is the responsibility of the University to prove the value of the claim.

Special circumstances

In many cases, cover will be straightforward – but there are a number of situations in which particular actions will need to be taken.

1. Healthcare (Clinical) Research in or through the NHS must follow the procedures of TASC (Tayside Medical Science Centre).   (Audit or service evaluation/development work with NHS[T] falls outwith the definition of research – but must be registered with NHS[T] Clinical Governance.)
2. Healthcare (Clinical) Research outwith the UK, or in the UK but outwith the NHS must be referred to the University’s Insurance section.    The University’s insurance cover does not encompass clinical diagnosis or treatment – and so it will need to be clarified that the liability for this is covered (in most cases by the hosting organisation).
3. Guidance must be sought from University Insurance for any proposed contract which would not be under Scots or English law.
4. The University does not permit travel to countries where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office instructs “no travel”.
5. Guidance must be sought from University Insurance for travel to any country where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against all but essential travel.   The approval of the University Executive Group will be required for this.
6. University Insurance can also advise on the extent of our cover for the different classes of insurance (i.e. indemnity limits) as well as the excesses which apply.

G A Campbell

16.02.18