BNU ANNUAL STAFF SUMMIT 2024
ACHIEVING THRIVE
Inspiring Change, Connecting Ideas, Celebrating Success, Collaborating Together
To make the most of your experience, remember to choose one session to attend per time slot
Welcome to the BNU Annual Staff Summit 2024
Achieving Thrive
Dear colleagues,
I am delighted to welcome you to our annual Staff Summit, a great opportunity for us to come together as a community and to listen to and learn from one another as we think about how to advance our own practice.
This year’s theme is ‘Achieving Thrive’ which reflects our shared commitment to advance academic and operational excellence and, as importantly, ensure that every member of our University community is supported to flourish and thrive at BNU.
The Summit’s programme has been carefully curated to provide opportunities to explore how we can work together to enhance our impact, support each other’s growth, and achieve BNU’s strategic objectives.
I encourage you to participate in as much of the summit as you can. There is a wealth of engaging and informative sessions - including interactive workshops and keynote speeches from esteemed guests - which will focus on sharing successes and identifying enhanced ways of working to ensure we meet our Thrive 2028 goals.
I hope you find the next two days insightful and engaging, and thank you for your continued dedication and contribution to making BNU a great place to study and work.
Best wishes,
Professor Nick Braisby Vice-Chancellor
KEYNOTE & EXTERNAL SPEAKERS:
HE and BNU Achievements
Professor Nick Braisby
Buckinghamshire New University
Professor Nick Braisby is the Vice-Chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University, a role he has held since 2019 after joining the university as Deputy Vice-Chancellor in 2017. Professor Braisby previously served as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) at the University of West London.
With an academic background in cognitive science, Professor Braisby earned his undergraduate degree in Natural Sciences (Psychology) from Queens’ College, University of Cambridge, and completed his doctoral research at the University of Edinburgh. He has held academic and leadership roles at several leading institutions, including The Open University and London South Bank University.
A Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, Professor Braisby is also an active leader in several national educational organisations. He is passionate about fostering innovation and inclusion in higher education, and under his leadership, BNU has continued to thrive as a hub of academic excellence.
Virtual Velocity: Turbocharging Your VLE
Steve Hoole
Education Programme Manager at University of Surrey
Dr Christopher Trace
Head of Digital Learning at University of Surrey
Steve Hoole is a seasoned digital innovator and strategist with over 16 years in technology-enhanced learning. He has held key roles at Buckinghamshire New University, Blackboard as a Customer Success Advocate, and JISC as Head of Analytics. Currently at the University of Surrey, Steve manages major institutional change programmes aimed at enhancing the student experience, including Surrey Online University Learning, which focuses on developing online PGT and CPD courses, and Digital Assessment, which seeks to transition high-stakes summative assessments away from paper-based formats.
Chris Trace is the Head of Digital Learning at the Surrey Institute of Education, where he leads the Digital Learning team in developing, implementing, and supporting the use of contemporary technologies to enhance the education strategy. Chris joined the University of Surrey in 2013 as the eLearning Coordinator for the School of Veterinary Medicine, and has since taken on roles such as Undergraduate Admissions Tutor, Pedagogical Development Coordinator, Chair of the Student Staff Liaison Committee, and Faculty Theme Champion for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.
Service Excellence: Practical Insights and Strategies with The Institute of Customer Service
Paul Kitson
Institute of Customer Service
The Institute of Customer Service is a leading authority dedicated to advancing excellence in customer service. We are excited to welcome one of their esteemed speakers, reflecting our recent partnership with the Institute. As a new partner, we are aligned with their mission to enhance customer experiences through professional development, industry research, and best practice guidance. Their work supports organisations in delivering exceptional service and driving innovation. We look forward to gaining valuable insights from their speaker and furthering our commitment to service excellence and organisational performance through this partnership.
The Resilient Leader: Weathering the Storm in Higher Education
Karen Omisore ACIB
Executive Director at University of Southampton
With over 15 years of experience in student administration and academic affairs, Karen Omisore is a visionary leader and strategic thinker dedicated to driving operational excellence in higher education. As the Executive Director of Student Administration and Academic Affairs at the University of Southampton, she oversees the delivery of high-quality services and support to more than 25,000 students and staff across six faculties. Karen is skilled in corporate strategy, systems thinking, workshop facilitation, and analytics. She has a proven track record of leading transformational change initiatives, enhancing student satisfaction and retention, and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
Inclusive Practice in HE
Professor Jonathan Glazzard
Professor at University of Hull
Professor Jonathan Glazzard is the inaugural Rosalind Hollis Professor of Education for Social Justice at the School of Education, University of Hull. His research is dedicated to exploring the experiences of minoritised individuals and groups, with a current focus on LGBTQ+ and disabled youth. He serves on the Editorial Boards of several journals, including the International Journal of Educational and Life Transitions and Equity in Education and Society, and co-convenes the British Educational Research Association Special Interest Group on Mental Health and Wellbeing in Education. Professor Glazzard also holds Visiting Professorships at BGU, Lincoln, Newman University, and the University of Northampton. His recent work addresses mental health, educational transitions, and early reading development.
The Next Decade in Student Health
and Wellbeing
Dr David Attis
Managing Director of Strategic Research at EAB
David is a seasoned expert with over a decade of experience working with more than 500 colleges and universities across the US and Canada. He leads workshops and strategy sessions for boards, deans’ councils, and department chairs, addressing major trends impacting higher education. David’s research focuses on data-informed decision-making, innovative academic programme design, university budget models, academic organisational structures, managing large-scale research, and the future of doctoral education. Before joining EAB, he served as Senior Director of Policy Studies at the Council on Competitiveness, contributing to the National Innovation Initiative, the National Academies’ Rising Above the Gathering Storm report, and collaborating with Professor Michael Porter on the Competitiveness Index.
Be 10% Braver
Jaz Ampaw-Farr
International Keynote Speaker, Broadcaster, Author and Co-Founder of Be Human First Limited
Jaz is a multi-award-winning motivational speaker and one of the top female speakers in the UK, renowned for her ability to galvanise audiences into action. Known for her unique talent in reframing stories and situations, Jaz brings transformative insights to work, life, and communities. Drawing from a challenging childhood and her diverse career as a TV presenter, TEDx Speaker, stand-up comedian, and reality TV star, she combines authentic honesty with humour to inspire and empower others.
Highly influential in the education and health sectors, Jaz has led national and international projects to unlock potential in leaders and teams. Alongside her husband Ed, she co-founded Be Human First Limited, a leadership development consultancy focused on engaging and motivating teams to drive business growth and create lasting legacies.
Jaz’s TEDx Talk, which chronicles her journey from a troubled childhood to a respected resilience influencer, showcases her ability to captivate and uplift audiences with humour and humility. Her work challenges and ignites those around her, helping them rise from ‘mindset poverty’ to achieve previously unimagined outcomes. Jaz speaks internationally, collaborating with industry leaders such as Skillsoft, Gucci, and the BBC.
Looking Ahead
Professor Damien Page Deputy Vice-Chancellor at BNU
As Deputy Vice Chancellor at Buckinghamshire New University (BNU), Professor Page brings a significant track record of executive leadership, overseeing the education and research portfolios and driving key strategic initiatives. Passionate about advancing excellence and innovation, he fosters a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and empowerment across the university.
Professor Page leads initiatives such as Aurora, the Race Equality Charter, and AI, championing diversity, equity, and social justice in higher education. Professor Page manages nine Heads of School and represents BNU on various internal and external committees, including health partnerships, FE/HE collaboration, and the Working Class Leaders in HE Network. His research expertise covers alternative provision, family engagement, compassion fatigue, and leadership development, with numerous publications in these areas.
Reflections on teaching Gen Z and their expectations of HE Honest Conversations
David Bell
Senior Professional Cirencester College
David is a Senior Professional from Cirencester College, a premier specialist sixth form college known for its outstanding academic achievements and innovative approach to education. Cirencester College stands out as one of the top-ranking institutions in the country, offering a wide array of subjects and professional apprenticeships that bridge the gap between school and future pathways.
As a senior professional with a deep understanding of educational dynamics, David will share invaluable insights into the demands and expectations of Generation Z. Their presentation will shed light on how educational institutions can adapt to meet the evolving needs of today’s students, drawing from Cirencester College’s renowned blend of academic challenge, pastoral support, and enrichment.
In addition to its robust guidance and university application processes, which ensure well-informed student choices, Cirencester College boasts impressive university performance statistics. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), its students consistently perform better at university than state schools and the sixth form sector, regardless of their background.
Michael Jacobs, Corporate Mediator, CMP Solutions
Michael joined CMP in 2009 as a corporate mediator and holds CEDR accreditation. In addition to his practice as a family and community mediator, he delivers a range of corporate mediation training courses, all of which have been highly popular and consistently sold out here at BNU. Michael will be sharing his techniques for having honest conversations, drawing on his extensive expertise and successful training experiences to help us navigate these crucial discussions effectively.
Venue Information
The Atrium
Breakfast, Fayre and Registration will be held in The Atrium.
Presentation Sessions
Presentation sessions are held in the North Wing and South Wing. Please refer to the map below for reference. To find the rooms where the presentations and workshops will be taking place, please use either the lift or the stairs by the main entrance to travel to the third floor as required.
ATRIUM
SOUTH
NORTH WING
LILY ’SWALK
Capture your professional profile today
Elevate your personal brand with a professional headshot! We’re pleased to offer you the chance to have your photo taken by a professional photographer right here in the Atrium. Whether you’re enhancing your LinkedIn presence, updating your Outlook profile, building your professional and personal brand, or simply refreshing your digital image, a high-quality photo can make all the difference.
This service is completely FREE , and your photo will be sent directly to you—ensuring your privacy and exclusivity. No one else will have access to it.
We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity.
If you would like to have your profile headshot taken, please take note of the sessions listed below
2nd September 11am - 2pm 3rd September 9am - 1.30pm
DAY ONE
MONDAY 2 SEPTEMBER
TIME
! Join our keynote sessions and external speakers
9am - 9:45am Breakfast, Fayre and Registration The Atrium
10am - 11am
Keynote: Opening, HE and Achievements
Professor Nick Braisby, Vice Chancellor at BNU
11.15am - 12pm Workshops and Sessions
Preview into BNU’s Departments (Civic Engagement, Sustainability and EDI)
Matthew Rogers, Steve Edge, Zahara Chowdhury
Understanding the HE regulatory context
Dr Marcus Wood and Dr Emma Tomsett
Honest Conversations
Michael Jacobs, CMP Solutions
Gateway Lecture Theatre with overflow stream in The Room
12pm - 1.30pm Lunch break and Information Fayre The Atrium
1.30pm -2.15pm Two Keynotes – specially curated for academic and PSE colleagues
! For Academic Colleagues - Virtual Velocity: Turbocharging Your VLE
Steve Hoole, Education Programme Manager at University of Surrey & Dr Christopher Trace, Head of Digital Learning at University of Surrey
! For PSE Colleagues - Service Excellence: Practical Insights and Strategies with The Institute of Customer Service
Paul Kitson, Institute of Customer Service
2.30pm - 3.15pm Workshops and Sessions
Feedback Loops: Crafting and Sustaining Effective
Feedback Loops in the Workplace
Zahara Chowdhury
The Business of Inclusion
Janet Cash
AI in the Classroom: A Practical Toolkit
Nicola Shephard and Kevin Campbell-Karn
3.15pm - 3.30pm Break
!
3.30pm - 4.15pm
Keynote: The Resilient Leader: Weathering the Storm in Higher Education | Karen Omisore ACIB, Executive Director at University of Southampton
Gateway Lecture Theatre with overflow stream in The Room
DAY TWO
TUESDAY
3 SEPTEMBER
TIME
9am - 9.45am Breakfast, Fayre and Registration The Atrium
Keynote: Inclusive Practice in HE
10am - 10:45 am
Professor Jonathan Glazzard, Professor at University of Hull
11am - 11.45am Workshops and Sessions
Preview into BNU’s Departments
(Registry and Commercial)
Jon Lees, Richard Snell
Using Data for Educational Enhancement
Ben Brabon, Megan Hunn
Reflections on teaching Gen Z and their expectations of HE
Lecture Theatre with overflow stream in The Room
David Bell, Senior Professional Cirencester College S3.01
12pm - 1.30pm Lunch break and Information Fayre The Atrium
Keynote: The Next Decade in Student Health and Wellbeing
1.30pm - 2.15pm
Dr David Attis, Managing Director of Strategic Research at EAB
2.30pm - 3.15pm Sessions (10, 11 and 12)
Generating Income from your Academic Brand
Sarah Williams and Dr Christopher Lewis S3.02
AI Ways of Working: Innovating Better Workflows
Dr David Attis, Managing Director at EAB S3.01
Mindfulness in the Workplace & Mindful adjustments
Ian Rowe and Zahara Chowdury N3.06
3.15pm - 3.30pm Break The Atrium
Keynote: Be 10% Braver
3.30pm - 4.15pm
4.30pm - 5pm
Jaz Ampaw, International Keynote Speaker, Broadcaster, Author and Co-Founder of Be Human First Limited
Keynote: Looking Ahead
Professor Damien Page, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at BNU
Lecture Theatre with overflow stream in The Room
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