The University of Wolverhampton (University) has duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its employees and make similar provision for non-employees including students and visitors who may be affected by the University’s activities.

This policy is designed to secure a healthy, safe environment for all members of the University

community which includes students, staff, contractors, partners and visitors. It also ensures compliance with the Smoke-free (Exceptions and Vehicles) Regulations 2007 (as amended) and the Health Act 2006 (as amended).

The policy is designed to acknowledge all members of the University community which is reflected in identifying where smoking is permissible on campus.

The policy applies to all members of the University community (as defined above), whilst on university owned and controlled (rented or leased) property.

Smoking (including the use of electronic cigarettes and vapes) is prohibited in the following areas:

• Within all University buildings.
• Within vehicles owned and operated (rented or leased) by the University.
• Within rented or leased vehicles used during university business.
• Within Halls of Residence (bedrooms and communal areas).
• At any University building entrance.
• Within University grounds, except for designated smoking areas.

Anyone wishing to smoke is asked to respect the rights of others to enjoy a smoke-free environment.

The areas on Campus where smoking is permitted (i.e., designated smoking areas) are:

• Halls of Residence (all campuses) – designated smoking areas.
• City Campus (Wulfruna) – to the right of main entrance to Ambika Paul (MD) building at step bottom.
• City Campus (Molineux) – Housman (MX) building - grassed area to the rear and adjacent to front entrance, canopied area.
• City Campus (Springfield) – Front of loading bay area of SPA building.
• Walsall Campus – rear of Samuel Johnson (WN) building and car park outside WJ sports Centre.
• Telford Campus – grassed area to front of Angard Paul (SA) building.
• University of Wolverhampton Science Park (UWSP) – rear of Technology Centre (PA) and front of Creative Industries Centre (PC).

         The locations of these are all identified in Appendix A of this document.

The University have provided designated smoking areas within campuses that have:

• Students living in halls of residence; or
• Buildings that provide 24 hour opening times e.g., Learning Centres, tenanted accommodation.

Staff, students and visitors who chose to smoke in the areas permitted on campus are asked to take a responsible attitude to ensure that areas are kept litter free, and to ensure they do not stand in close proximity to open windows and doorways.

By providing designated smoking areas the University has attempted to recognise the wishes of the University community,  as well as its moral and legal duty to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable,  that their right to work, study or visit without being exposed to smoke is met.  

Working in association with the Facilities Support Teams, the Director of Estates and Facilities has responsibility for the management and determination of the smoke-free zones, which includes the University of Wolverhampton Science Park.

It is the responsibility of the Facilities Support Teams, to install and maintain appropriate and adequate signage at entrances and smoke free zones, as well as to provide adequate smoking waste bins where necessary across each of the campuses.

The University community is expected to take personal responsibility for observing this policy and should feel able to draw this policy to the attention of colleagues, and of visitors to the University.

Failure to comply with this policy, specifically a repeated disregard for not smoking in prohibited areas, may be referred to the relevant line manager as a disciplinary offence (staff) / or as an offence under the student code of conduct (Policies and Procedures - University of Wolverhampton (wlv.ac.uk) / Student Conduct - University of Wolverhampton (wlv.ac.uk)).

There are no exceptions to this policy.

The University may change this policy at any time, and where appropriate. Where a policy is not due for review, but is found to require updating, it will remain published, unless the reasons for review render it obsolete.

The University is committed to providing training and development to help with the management of smoking-related problems.  The Occupational Health Service (Human Resources) may be able to provide cessation support for staff. Students are advised to contact the Students’ Union for similar support. In addition, members of the University community can approach their general practitioners who will provide information, support and advice on smoking cessation.

For general queries, please contact the University Health and Safety Department at HSDEmails@wlv.ac.uk.

For queries relating to compliance with this policy, please contact the Corporate Compliance Team at compliance@wlv.ac.uk.