Changes affecting employees and PGRs who travel on the University’s behalf, plus travel bookers, from 14 May 2024

This briefing applies to all employees and directly registered PGRs who travel (either within the UK or overseas) on the University’s behalf, as well as travel bookers.

The University has implemented a comprehensive travel assistance programme supported by Crisis24. This provides services for employees and PGRs travelling away from their usual place of work, including a single point of contact for medical and security issues via a dedicated Open University Global 24/7 Assistance Helpline.

The current Crisis24 Global Risk Manager (GRM) platform will be upgraded to an improved Crisis24 Horizon platform on 14 May. This new travel management platform includes a web portal and a mobile app.

What will change?

Crisis24 Horizon will provide the same travel risk management services, including extensive threat intelligence.

To access these services, users will need to:

• Activate a Crisis24 Horizon account. 

• Download the Crisis24 Horizon Mobile app (from the app store) to gain access to extensive threat intelligence, plus a range of features including local safety alerts and an immediate way for travellers to raise a crisis alert (SOS) if they need emergency assistance.

• Contact [email protected] if they require further support.

Do we still use Click travel?

There is no change to the University travel booking policy and procedures. All travel must continue to be booked in advance, via Click Travel. Bookers must ensure that the traveller’s profile is updated to include their personal contact details, including an email address and mobile phone number.

A mobile phone number is essential to allow travellers to benefit from the services offered by Crisis24, and the University to fulfil its duty of care to staff. 

Where travel has not been booked via Click Travel (by exception), it’s essential that all travel details (including personal contact details) are manually entered onto the Horizon platform. Travellers and travel bookers are responsible for liaising with People Services at: [email protected]

Further Details

Further details, including the benefits offered and how to access the Crisis24 Horizon platform can be found at: Crisis24 Horizon Flyer PSM138

This short video provides a brief overview of the Crisis 24 Horizon platform. 

Prior to the migration on 14 May 2024, all University travel policies, procedures and documents on the People Services Intranet will be updated, plus details on the International Travel page.

Further advice on the application of People Services Policies and Procedures is available via:

Email: [email protected] or Call: (54111)