Guidance for Managers (ATAS)

As a Manager, how will I know if an ATAS certificate is required?

  • For Skilled Worker visa applicants, HR will look at the applicant’s nationality, visa type and SOC code in the first instance as part of the initial pre-employment checks/contract extension checks.  If the applicant is not exempt on the basis of these points, HR will ask managers to confirm whether the research activity falls within one of the CAH3 codes listed and, if so, an ATAS will be required.  Managers will be asked to complete the ATAS research statement form which HR will then send on to the applicant so they can apply.
  • For Temporary Worker (GAE) visa applicants, managers will need to look at Points 1-5 under ‘Who needs an ATAS certificate’ to determine whether one is required for their applicant.  Managers will be asked to confirm whether an ATAS is required on the Temporary Worker – Certificate of Sponsorship application form and, if so, be asked to complete the ATAS research statement form which HR will then send on to the applicant so they can apply.   
  • For Standard Visitor visa applicants, managers should look at Points 1-5 under ‘Who needs an ATAS certificate’ to determine whether one is required for their visitor.  If an ATAS is required, managers should complete the ATAS research statement form and send this to their visitor so they can apply for their certificate.  Standard Visitor visa applicants do not need to have their ATAS certificate in place at the time of applying, however, Schools must see and check the visitor’s ATAS certificate prior to the visit commencing to ensure the details are correct and match those on the ATAS research statement form.

 

Guidance for Managers on Writing the Research Statement

  • The research statement must be provided by the University, not the individual, as it is the University’s description of the research.
  • It should be no more than 2000 characters including spaces.
  • The statement should be written in the third person. 
  • The statement should include as much technical detail as possible and should cover the whole of the employment/visit period.  If the research expands beyond the detail on the research statement, or changes focus, a new ATAS certificate will be required.

For employees (Skilled Workers): ensure this matches the description of their role as per the job description.  This should include information on the scope and application of the research and the experimental tests and methods/techniques which might be used.  Include complex details where appropriate.

For visitors (Temporary Worker (GAE) and Standard Visitors):  This should cover all research they will undertake during their visit, including information on the scope and application of the research, and the experimental tests and methods/techniques which might be used.  Include complex technical details where appropriate.