11 November 2021 
Martin Higgs, Communications Officer
In a further demonstration of support for AUDE's Covid Heroes campaign, Minister of State for Higher and Further Education the Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP has today written to AUDE Chair Stephen Wells. The text of the letter is copied in full below.
Dear Mr Wells,
Thank you for your letter of 13 October, addressed to the Prime Minister, about AUDE’s upcoming Covid Heroes Campaign. I have been asked to reply on his behalf and I can assure you that I have his full backing in my response and any subsequent actions.
I am very grateful to AUDE for its promotion of excellence within higher education estates and facilities. The work of estate and facilities staff has always been vital, and this has never been more clearly highlighted than during the height of the pandemic.
You are right to thank them and have my support in doing so. On 2 November, I commented on the back of Jane White’s tweet to thank Covid Heroes for their tireless efforts throughout the pandemic in which they often went beyond the call of duty to keep campuses clean and students safe. I will be following AUDE’s Covid Heroes Campaign until it’s conclusion on 30 November.
Thank you for writing on this important matter.
Yours sincerely,
Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP
Minister of State for Higher and Further Education
