Life December 2013 by University of Bedfordshire

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Remarkable students receive bursary and scholarship awards Page 3

New research could revolutionise healthcare treatments Page 6

Danny wins Silver at Student Radio Association Awards Pages 7

Graduation joy PAGES 4-5

December 2013

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National prize for research into child exploitation T

“I am delighted that the University has won the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for its extraordinary and important work.” Communications and events Team contacts Now based at The Atrium, Park Street West, Luton.

HE University has won the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for its pioneering research into child sexual exploitation. The prestigious prize is the highest form of national recognition open to higher and further education institutions in the UK and the award enhances the University’s widely-acknowledged reputation for its work in raising awareness of child sexual exploitation (CSE). The announcement was made by the Royal Anniversary Trust, which said the University of Bedfordshire’s work is of strategic national importance, influencing UK policy and practice, adding that it has positioned the University as a leader of child-centred research in an area of growing social concern. Bill Rammell, Vice Chancellor, said:“Receiving the illustrious Queen’s Anniversary Prize provides further recognition of the University’s widelyrecognised reputation for its groundbreaking research in social work and social care. I am particularly pleased that by addressing the societal challenge of child sexual exploitation, this University has helped to influence policy and change practice.” The Trust described the University’s activity in CSE as being exceptional and distinctive, as it has helped alter perceptions of children so they are seen as victims of child abuse, and worked with welfare agencies to ensure that children are safeguarded rather than criminalised through the youth justice systems. The Trust said this has brought about a “greatly improved practice in the protection of children and young people” and a fundamental change in approaches to child sexual exploitation. Professor Jenny Pearce, Director of the International Centre: Researching Child Sexual Exploitation, Violence and Trafficking, at the University, who led the work, said she was delighted the University’s ground-breaking research has been recognised, adding: “Our work is distinctive and unique because of its collaborative approach, engaging with partners in government, funders, service

providers and voluntary agencies, and because we prioritise the voice of the child through participatory methods of work. “As a result, we are working with young people and other colleagues to advance theory, policy and practice. We are contributing to widespread changes in approaches to child sexual exploitation, positioning it firmly within strategies to safeguard children.” Doreen Massey, Baroness of Darwen, Patron of the International Centre, said: “I am delighted that the University has won the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for its extraordinary and important work. I have witnessed the success of the International Centre in empowering vulnerable young people to find their voice and to go on to be confident and assured of their own potential. This has been achieved through groundbreaking, meticulous research and through working with partners concerned for these young people.”

Nick Sheppard Head of Communications & Events Nick.Sheppard@beds.ac.uk

Simon Wesson Communications Assistant simon.wesson@beds.ac.uk

Paddy Day Communications Assistant Patrick.Day@beds.ac.uk

Kevin Cunningham Communications Officer kevin.cunningham@beds.ac.uk

Nick Hamilton-Brain Communications Administrator Nickolas.Hamilton-Brain@beds.ac.uk

Nadia March Events Manager nadia.march@beds.ac.uk

02 Life – December 2013

BSO Graduation HRH Princess Royal, Princess Anne joined Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell in presenting nearly one hundred new osteopaths and twenty postgraduates from the British School of Osteopaphy (BSO) with their degrees last month. HRH is a patron of the School and took the time to speak with graduands about their careers, backgrounds and ambitions, at the annual ceremony – held in the spectacular surroundings of Methodist Central Hall in Central London. The University validates the BSO’s Master of Osteopathy (M.Ost.) degree which is recognised by the General Osteopathic Council (GOC).

Lucy Cook Events Administrator lucy.cook@beds.ac.uk

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Remarkable students awarded A

MUM-OF-ONE, who had 15 weeks off university as she battled with cancer, was one of the remarkable students given a grant of £1,000 to help with final year studies at the University of Bedfordshire last month. Jacqueline Woodley was balancing family life as a mum with her studies as a Psychology and Criminology undergraduate when her “whole world stopped”. “One morning I was taking my son to school and I had a really bad pain in my side – I was advised to go to hospital.” Jacqueline’s appendix had just

burst. Weeks of constant illness followed and then the Luton resident was given the news that she had a cancerous carcinoid tumour in her appendix. Determined to keep going with her studies, she sought the “excellent help” of the University’s Mitigation team – and with the aid of her best friend on the course Melissa Zunguza who has helped with childcare – managed to continue with her studies. Now fully recovered, Jacqueline was “delighted” to be one of the deserved 25 third-year students receiving £1,000 bursaries as part

Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell and Nicholas Wright Chair of The Steel Charitable with Jacqueline Woodley

Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell and Nicholas Wright Chair of The Steel Charitable with Dellecia Smith Dawkins

of the University's partnership with The Steel Charitable Trust, a grant-making registered charity which has supported the University over many years, to support talented, local students at risk of not completing their studies through hardship. “Despite being off for so long, I’ve been really pleased to continue with my studies – even at hospital at times – and achieve good grades. When I joined the University as a mature student, I was already determined to do well, however everything I have been through has made me ever more determined. If it weren’t for the doctors I wouldn’t be here now – so I want to go all the way, get my Master’s and this money will really help that,” said the 39-year-old. Another recipient was a mumof-two who is balancing her job with full-time studies, whilst her husband seeks work. Dellecia Smith Dawkins commutes to London to work at the Home Office, spreading her holiday entitlement across the year to help her attend University, whilst juggling all the household bills.

The Biological Science student said: “My enthusiasm for my course and my future is my personal drive to succeed and the fact that I do not intend to fail. I intend to keep striving until I reach my goal and being granted this bursary has given me a great boost to my aspirations and has encouraged me to give 100 per cent, knowing that others believe I can succeed as well.” This year’s grants were handed out by Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell and Nicholas Wright Chair of The Steel Charitable Trust, pictured. Mr Rammell said: “Last year 92 per cent of recipients of the Steel Charitable Trust bursary went on to achieve either a First Class or Upper Second Class Honours degree. We all know times can be tough and challenging, and we are very grateful for this extra support.” Mr Wright added: “The Trust is very pleased to continue to be associated with the University in support of such bursaries and is delighted that the students continue with their studies and achieve such high standards.”

Aiming to improve Nigerian health

POSTGRADUATE student has been awarded for her work, to raise awareness on Nigerian health issues affecting over 45 year olds, by the Nigerian Embassy in London. Christabel Ihedike came to the University last year after receiving The Nigerian President’s Scholarship which enables those with First Class Honours in the African country to study abroad. She was recognised by the

Scholarship last month as it held a ceremony to highlight the good work which is being done by these students to help Nigeria. Christabel, pictured right, who also graduated from the University last month with an MSc Public Health Degree, was praised for her work on presenting a weekly 30-minute show for a Nigerian Radio Station focussing on health issues – specifically hypertension, affecting over 45-year-olds in Nigeria.

Professor Gurch Randhawa, Diversity in Public Health at the University, joined Christabel at the ceremony and said it was “fantastic” to see her hard work rewarded. “At the University of Bedfordshire we’re renowned for our commitment to international students, and I’d like to think my appointment as a Guest of Honour at the Nigerian President’s Scholarship was in recognition of this.”

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Graduations

Last graduation joy of the year S

Actor Lee Ross was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Arts

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OME 1,400 Bedfordshire students from each of the University’s faculties received their degrees across nine ceremonies held at St Mary’s Church in Luton. The bitterly cold winter snap was not enough to wipe the smiles off the graduands faces as they collected their awards in front of their proud families, friends and tutors. Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell spoke of his pride of the graduating students. He said: “Every one of you has achieved what you set out to achieve when you began studying here. The excellent reputation of this University has been built on the success of graduates just like you.” The final day of ceremonies, 22 November, included a distinguished trio receiving honorary awards. Olympic gold winning Slalom canoeist Etienne Stott, who grew up in Bedford and learned to canoe on the Great Ouse, was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Science for outstanding achievements in canoeing.

At the same ceremony, Lutonborn actor Lee Ross, best known for his part in EastEnders as Owen Turner, was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Arts for his outstanding achievements in acting. John Cridland CBE, who as the head of the Confederation of British Industry is the key spokesman for 240,000 members of the British business community, was also recognised with an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration. Earlier last month, 150 graduating students from the majority of the University’s partner colleges were also presented with their awards at ceremonies at Milton Keynes’ Christ the Cornerstone Church. Among those was MK Dons’ acclaimed chairman Pete Winkelman, who received an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration, for his outstanding contribution to the life and community of Milton Keynes. l For more coverage visit www.beds.ac.uk/news

Olympic gold winner Etienne Stott received an Honorary Doctor of Science

Caption in here caption in here caption in here caption in here caption in here caption in here John Cridland CBE with Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell

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Research

Expertise recognised

HE University’s Teacher Education department has received European Commission funding to improve the standard of teacher training at a Kosovan university. In collaboration with three other universities from Italy, Slovenia and Finland, the TEMPUS project commences in January 2014, when Bedfordshire and their partners meet with the University of Prishtina to draw up a schedule for the two-year programme. Funding, valued at more than 140,000 Euros (about £117,000) allocated for Bedfordshire’s part in TEMPUS, is set to make a positive difference in Kosovan education. “Thanks to the University of Pristinha’s ambition to improve their standard of teacher education and support from Kosovo’s Ministry of Education, this programme has been able to get off the ground,” said Dr Jenny Gilbert, Associate Dean of Quality and Special Projects at Bedfordshire. “Our responsibilities encompass the writing of four new teacher education programmes for the teaching of postgraduate degrees in maths and science. “I am confident our work will not only enhance the quality of teacher training at Pristinha, but also the level of teaching provided by existing academics to the students there.” With the University’s Computer Science and Technology department also awarded European Commission funding in recent months, Dr. Gilbert’s pleased to see the University receiving further recognition. She added: “We’ve been providing teacher education at the University’s Bedford campus for many years and it’s something we’re well known for. “Being recognised through such a prestigious organisation as the EU Commission for our teaching expertise is great news for the University.”

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Bedfordshire led research has potential S

UFFERERS of heart and kidney diseases in the UK could soon have personal treatment plans as a result of research being undertaken at the University. Having recently received European Commission funding worth some 420,000 Euros (about £352,000), the University’s Centre for Computer Graphics and Visualisation (CCGV) started work on the CARRE project last month. Bedfordshire’s project partners include universities, hospitals and private sector organisations in the UK, Greece, Lithuania and Poland. The research will investigate the effectiveness of patients receiving a more personalised treatment plan, based on their individual circumstances. Two hospitals in Greece and Lithuania will run trials involving patients who suffer from heart and kidney diseases. Participants will be placed on a healthy lifestyle programme, which will encompass regular exercise and a sensible diet. Dr Enjie Liu, from the University’s CCGV department who is leading the Bedfordshire team, said: “Patients will be fitted with sensors collecting data on their activities during the trial, which will then be analysed at Bedfordshire. “People react differently to different treatments and lifestyles, and we hope that this data will identify what course of action suits each individual best. “An awareness of what will work best will allow each

patient to take an active role in the care processes and share the decision making with medical professionals, which could lead to a better quality of life.” For NHS patients, the emphasis is still very much on the provider deciding the best course of treatment, but the CARRE project’s findings has the potential to change this. Dr Liu added: “With personalised healthcare becoming more popular around the world, the NHS could adopt this strategy if we demonstrate over the next three years how effective our approach can be, particularly as it is likely to reduce healthcare costs.” The programme will also look at the link between heart and kidney diseases and how they affect one another. Professor Gordon Clapworthy, Head of CCGV, said: “The University has a long history of healthrelated projects with European partners covering many forms of disease. “Dr Liu’s exciting new project will look particularly at patients who have both heart and kidney problems, as these complex cases have proved difficult to treat successfully in the past. “The project comes at a time where healthcare systems, such as the NHS trying to maintain their levels of care in the face of financial cuts. We hope that CARRE will help to provide pointers to how this can be achieved.”

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Danny takes silver A

HOST on the University of Bedfordshire’s student community radio station has won silver at prestigious national student awards. Media Production student Danny Fullbrook, who has been presenting on Radio LaB 97.1FM since he started his course three years ago, came runner-up in the Best Male Presenter category at the Student Radio Association (SRA) Awards 2013. The Dunstable resident was the first University of Bedfordshire student to be nominated at the elite Awards, which have been running since 1995, and are supported by BBC Radio 1 and Global Radio. This year there was some 600 entrants for the SRA awards held at London’s indigO2. And 20-year-old Danny said he was delighted to be one of the final few out of 600 entries to be nominated, let alone to win a prize. “I’m really chuffed, and still shocked now, as I wasn’t expecting it at all. Everyone is over-the-moon for me too, which is great,” said Danny, who hosts what he describes as a general music and chat show, and is now in his third, and final, year. “I wasn’t nervous in the run-up to the awards until I actually arrived and I saw the stage and everything and then that was when it dawned on me what a big competition this is. “Hopefully now I have this it will open some doors for me, it certainly something to put on my CV and it gives me that extra bit of confidence for when I leave university and I go out there looking for a job. “Next year I can enter all the clips from my last year at university so I’m really hoping that I can go for gold!” Danny arrived at the University having no real interest in radio. However as part of his course he was introduced to Radio LaB 97.1fm – a community radio station, run inside the University, which reaches out to between 20,000 and 25,000 listeners every week and has a reach of around 5km.

Danny Fullbrook

Danny is one of the student managers of the station – one of only three such university-based, community stations in the UK. Danny added: “I’ve certainly discovered that I really like the radio side of media, and that’s where I’m hoping my career progresses once I graduate. The course has been fantastic and having a community radio station, which goes out across Luton and beyond, has been brilliant as I’ve built up a decent radio portfolio.” Janey Gordon, Principal Lecturer in the Division of Journalism and Communications, runs Radio LaB. She said: “Danny is an excellent presenter and we are delighted for him to be receiving such an award. While it’s fantastic for Danny, it is also very encouraging for all our volunteers at Radio LaB 97.1FM.” The Student Radio Awards judges said: “We liked this a lot, and Danny shows good originality. Really engaging features, great story telling and use of audio. Confident on-air style and a good voice showing real promise.”

Law student leads the way

ITH local charities recruiting potential volunteers at the Bedford and Luton campuses at the Beds SU volunteering fairs, attendees needn’t have looked further than third-year law student Alisa Ali as an example. Alisa has been volunteering for two years with Friends of Bright Eyes (FOBE), a Luton-based charity supplying respite care for children with disabilities. “Joining FOBE was the best decision I could have made,” said Alisa, who is now a paid member of staff – in a role where she mentors volunteers, organises fundraising events and cares for the children. “Taking the children for days out

puts smiles on their faces. It’s a great feeling, and also allows their families the occasional break,” added the 21-year-old. “I have a hectic year ahead. I’m either at university, on work experience, producing spoken poetry for Luton-based radio station Inspire FM, or working for FOBE. I realise how fortunate I am with the life I have been given.” Alisa managed FOBE’s stall at the Luton fair. It was one of 30 such stalls as organisations including (Marie Curie, Luton & Dunstable University Hospital, and Bedford Borough Parent Partnership Service) were seeking potential volunteer students. More than 700 students expressed an interest in

volunteering – an increase on previous years. And Andrea Thorogood, Beds SU Volunteering Manager, said that those who do apply increase their experience as a student as they gain “real life experience and learn about the local community”. “Many volunteers have been surprised how much employers ask them about their volunteer experience during interviews and it is great they have experience to draw upon,” she said. “Networking in the local community may open up more opportunities; usually students start off volunteering just to get experience on their CV and then they realise they get so much more out of it.”

Beds grads have the Edge

HIRTY recent graduates received personal development plans to enhance self-confidence, leadership, and employability skills, at the inaugural three-day Graduate Edge Workshop. Careers and Recruitment Service marked the success of its scheme with a ceremony at the Postgraduate Centre, where participants were presented certificates by Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell and Executive Dean of the Business School Dr Sonal Minocha. Layla Nassir, who graduated in Computer Science this year, said participating gave her an insight into the corporate environment and she is now using the skills in her new role as project manager at Network Rail. The initiative aims to help further increase the number of graduates in further education or employment within six months of leaving the University. Maria Meehan, Acting Head of the Careers and Recruitment Service, said they will monitor participants’ outcomes to see the impact of the Workshop and are in the final phases of the current programme – offering coaching and job placement opportunities to graduates identified as unemployed or underemployed since last summer. l For further information contact Careers on 01582 489293.

Have an opinion on your experience at Bedfordshire?

HE National Student Survey (NSS) is an independent assessment of students’ experiences at universities and colleges across the country. From 13 January 2014, third-year students will be invited to take part in the NSS, which takes less than 10 minutes to complete. It will be totally anonymous and is THE opportunity for you to make your voice heard. The NSS results contribute to the official league table rankings for Universities in the UK, so your opinion really can make a difference. l Visit www.thestudentsurvey. com next month to find out more and to take part.

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Inspiring Masterclass from Uni’s CBeebies star

ECOND year Media Performance students gleaned tips from University alumnus and BBC TV presenter, Gemma Hunt, pictured left. Gemma, who gained a First Class degree in the same subject in 2003, returned to host a twoday Masterclass for budding TV presenters at the Luton campus’ TV Studio and Judith Blake Theatre. The CBeebies Presenter put 20 students’ presenting skills to test in front of the studio camera, and conducted workshops on

interviewing skills. Gemma, who presents hit show Swashbuckle, said she “loves” returning to the University and was “really impressed with the high quality of work”. Advising students, she said they should make the most of every opportunity while at university and make use of the “great facilities and tutors, which are just as good, sometimes even better, than in the TV industry”. “The students get such a great opportunity to work in a really

professional environment; I hope they make the most of every second,” she added. Dr Maria Wiener, Senior Lecturer in Media Performance, sees Gemma as the perfect role model and said it’s “extremely important” for aspiring students to meet such successful graduates. “There is a special connection between the students and Gemma. They can see the same skills she started developing when she was a student here made all the difference in her career.”

VC hot-foots it! A

CHILLY Bonfire Night quickly warmed up for the University’s Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell, as he braved a walk over burning embers to help raise money for Keech Hospice Care. Mr Rammell joined fellow University staff; Laboratory Manager Paul Cavendish and Graduations Administrator Paul Wheeler, and more than 40 other brave walkers at the Stockwood Park fundraiser. The participants met with professional Firewalk experts Time4Change, who prepared them for the 20-foot-long firewalk, which reached temperatures of more than one-thousand degrees Fahrenheit. The participants then lined up and calmly marched bare-foot one-by-one over the scalding course, something many thought impossible just a few moments earlier. “I’m so delighted to have taken part” reflected Mr Rammell, pictured. “It truly was something I would never have thought I could achieve, but I’m delighted to have put myself up for such a good cause”. The feat followed Mr Rammell’s recent visit to Keech in Luton, to meet with staff and patients. The Vice Chancellor was introduced to three-year-

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old Tye Kimani at Keech’s colourful Day Room where the children and their families can relax in an informal space which has under-floor heating, therapeutic mats, and sensory-themed entertainment. Tye, pictured below right, was born with a variety of difficulties including, cerebral palsy, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, visual impairment and hypoxia ischemic encephalopathy. Tye has been attending Keech Hospice Care since 2011 after his doctors thought he may not make it. While at Keech – which cares for adults living in Luton and South Bedfordshire and children from across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes – he enjoys the hydrotherapy pool, massage and music therapy as well having overnight stays giving his mum some respite care. Kate, Tye’s mum, moved to England in 2009 from Kenya with no family. She said she doesn’t know what she would do without “amazing” Keech and the support from the team, which have turned into “my family”. “It’s so reassuring knowing that there are professionals who know exactly how to treat your child that will be there for you through thick and thin.”

Mike Keel, Chief Executive of Keech Hospice Care said: “We are thrilled that the Vice Chancellor supported us as we really appreciate all the help we can get. All of our services are offered 365 days of the year and is free to families that need us. But ‘free’ care costs. In order to provide free care, we need to fundraise for 70 per cent of our annual running costs of £7million as just 30 per cent comes from the Government or NHS. Therefore our services are made possible because of the generous support from the local community.” The University donated £500 to Keech to take part in the event. l To donate and partake in other fundraisers, visit www.keech.org.uk

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Noel’s artwork is all around the world

RTWORK created by Noel Douglas, Senior Lecturer in Graphic Design at the University, is being showcased on both sides of the Atlantic. This 6mx3m photomontage (pictured here in Serbia) named ‘Abstract Forces’ has been exhibited at various galleries across Europe and America. It originated from Noel’s book – It’s the Political Economy, Stupid, which is the first to focus on how the current economic crisis is explained through art and theory. Noel – an artist, designer and activist, whose main interest is the ‘role creativity plays in social and political movements, designed and art’ – adapted the book, published by Pluto Press last year, into this piece of visual art. The aesthetics of the tome (and ‘Abstract Forces’) took its look from movements on Goldman Sachs stock trading screens as the book was being made. Featured inside It’s the Political Economy, Stupid are essays from well known intellectuals including Slavov Zizek and Judith Butler. “It was fantastic exhibiting my montage at that size and discussing the origins of It’s The Political Economy, Stupid, which has now been transformed into a show.

The audience and I also debated the latest economic crisis issues,” said Noel, who has taught at the University since 2006. “The exhibition was in the spectacular setting of The Centre For Cultural Decontamination in the Serbian capital Belgrade; funded by their partners – the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation – one of the largest political education institutions in Germany and supporters of critical analysis of contemporary capitalism, which It’s The Political Economy, Stupid pinpoints. “The latest It’s The Political Economy, Stupid show is exhibiting in the 400 Gallery, in Chicago, USA.” Noel has been in the spotlight this year with two more projects. An essay, Revolt – based on the link between art and rebellion – and he also featured in This Is Not a Book about Gavin Turk, a collection of essays reflecting on philosophical questions relating to art and life being published by Gavin Turk. Noel added: “It’s great that people want to hear, see and read about my work, and we’ll be using some of the experience gained from the recent projects to develop some interesting projects for the students I teach at Bedfordshire. This will help them to become confident visual communicators too that can talk meaningfully with images.”

Upcoming events l Rt Hon Jack Straw MP, Public Policy Lecture. Wednesday, 4 December, G101, Luton Campus Centre, 6-8pm. EVERYONE WELCOME This lecture series provides access to high-profile public intellectuals and policy makers who are world experts in their field. Jack Straw will be the third thought leader to deliver a Public Policy lecture; bringing conversation with the University in a public forum. For more information on the series visit www.beds.ac.uk/aboutus/vcprofile/ lectures To book your free ticket visit - https:// jstrawppls.eventbrite.co.uk l Carols by Candlelight. St. Mary’s Church, Luton, Thursday, 5 December, 6.30pm. EVERYONE WELCOME. St. Paul’s Church, Bedford, Tuesday, 10 December, 6.30pm. EVERYONE WELCOME. The spirit of Christmas will come to the University at its annual candlelit carols services. The two services will feature both local and student-led choirs. The Christmas celebrations are open to everyone, including members of the public. Mince pies and mulled wine will be served afterwards and donations can be made to nominated charities. For more information visit www.beds. ac.uk/events-builder/events-search-page l Department of Art and Creative Industries Launch Evening. Invite only event Monday, 9 December, 9 Guildford Street, Luton. 5.30pm. The event will represent a period of growth, celebration and new directions in all the department’s programmes. This exciting move into the former Alexon building is part of the overall trajectory of the University to influence economic and creative growth in Luton. The University is aiming to take the DNA of the former building to generate the University’s next creative phase of innovative art and design.

Award accepted with PRide

HE Marketing team were victorious, collecting four honours at this year’s Thames and Chiltern regional Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) PRide Awards. The prestigious PRide Awards ceremony, hosted at Sopwell House near St Albans, is the only UK-wide awards scheme recognising excellence in public relations and communications work across the country. And the University won three Gold awards in the Best External Publication, Best use of Research, Planning, Measurement and Evaluation, and Best Use of Social Media categories. A silver award was also achieved in Best use of Digital.

Sarah Hampton, the University’s Marketing Manager, said it was a “great achievement for the team and the University”. “It really shows how we’re ahead of the competition with our initiatives. It’s very satisfying for our work to be recognised by the industry, and it was an enjoyable evening to celebrate the team’s success.” CIPR President Sue Wolstenholme added: “The exceptional quality of entries received this year is a real testament to the thriving industry which exists in the region. The Awards represent the best, most creative and most effective public relations work and to win one is a great achievement.”

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ICT projects in the making

ICT ushers in new era D

URING the past 12 months the University’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) department has undergone a transformation. It has changed name, encounterd a change in focus, new personnel and how the department works with University staff and students alike. The team, which changed its name from Computer Services Department to ICT last summer, also relocated from Park Square at Luton campus to the nearby Atrium building on Park Square West at the same time. Approximately half of the 52-strong ICT team has changed over the past year, which has included the appointment of five new managers. Stevie Watson, Incident and Service Manager in ICT, joined the University last June and has overseen the development of the new servicedesk system. The new state-of-the-art servicedesk system will enable University staff to follow the statuses of their logged-calls, keep informed about scheduled maintenance works and access a detailed FAQs page on the staff website. In addition, a service catalogue section has been incorporated into the new servicedesk, enabling staff to request work-related equipment, from desktop to mobile devices – subject to approval from their department manager and servicedesk operator. Commenting on the management suite, Stevie said: “When work started on creating a new servicedesk, the main feedback we received from staff cited a lack of transparency and communication. “We believe we’ve rectified these problems in the new system by providing regular updates on the status

of each logged call, while instead of an email merely acknowledging each query, a description of the next steps of action will be provided. “Also, once the new servicedesk is launched, there will be a tutorial video and screen shots available on the internal website on how to use the system.” The updated management suite has a provisional launch date of Monday, 16 December and will be prominently located on the staff website homepage. Preparations for the launch have included an extensive training programme undertaken by ICT staff. Stevie added: “The whole ICT team is thoroughly prepared ahead of the launch. We’re very much looking forward to this exciting new development in how we work with the University. “My service desk team, who endeavour to solve staff requests’ on the first call has been strengthened with the recruitment of three new technical support operators in preparation for the launch. “The team will also be able to perform regular monitoring of all IT systems. For example, if we receive 50 incidents of problems affecting staff emails, this will be highlighted as a major incident and resolved as quickly as possible.” The ICT’s servicedesk are set for a busy period in the lead up to Christmas – and beyond, as they’re also working on implementing an out-of-hours University helpline in conjunction with Northumbria University. This innovation is on schedule to be launched at the end of January 2014. l Visit in.beds.ac.uk for more information about the servicedesk launch.

Innovative student placements scheme

HILD and Adolescent Studies undergraduates are being offered four-months work experience at children’s centres, which cater for families with children under five years old. A new University partnership with Luton Borough Council and the Pre-school Learning Alliance will enable 13 second, and third, year students to undertake placements at seven Luton Children Centres. Students will work alongside professional staff supporting parents and providing education

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around topics including child development. “This is an amazing opportunity for our students and our community,” said Liesl Conradie, Senior Lecturer in Child and Adolescent Studies. “It will provide students with the cutting edge when they interview for jobs as they will have the theory as well as the link to practice. “In addition, it will aid the overall student experience but also crucially the employability of our students, who will be trained to be

successful within these roles.” Depending on the success of the programme’s pilot phase, and following an evaluation process, the scheme could be rolled out enabling every Child and Adolescent Studies student at the University – and also other students in related fields – an opportunity to gain such experience. Christine Rogers, Children’s Centre Strategy Officer from the Pre-school Learning Alliance, said the organisation has always encouraged volunteers.

INDOWS 7 is to be installed on computers across the University; enabling PC’s to perform up to 50 per cent faster than their current speed. Replacing the existing system, XP, Windows 7 will be rolled out from later this month, with installation across the campuses to be completed by the end of April 2014. “Windows 7 is a massive leap forward and the University’s staff and students will certainly notice a big improvement in the performance of their PC’s,” said Mujib Rahman, Desktop and Media Services Manager in ICT. “All PCs will be upgraded at the same time so they can handle the latest version of Windows 7, which is more functional and robust and in sync with the latest systems.” Various exciting IT projects are currently underway. For example, Desktop and Media Services is implementing an audio visual equipment revamp in some 250 teaching rooms across the University. The refurbishment includes an upgrade to widescreen highdefinition specification screens. Both students and staff will start seeing the changes, from new PCs to lecture wall screens, while all-in-one teaching lecterns are being fitted with touchscreens, to control the lecture screens. Mujib added: “ICT is currently 12 months into a three-year programme implementing state-of-the-art equipment, which has already been installed at University Campus Milton Keynes and the larger lecture theatres at our Luton and Bedford campuses.”

“Gaining first-hand experience of the problems that families within Luton often experience will allow students to develop key skills and consolidate their theory based learning,” she added. Cllr Khtija Malik, Portfolio Holder for community development in Luton, added: “This is one of many fantastic volunteering opportunities that are available in Luton. A variety of positions are available where people can gain valuable new skills.”

l Email volunteering@luton.gov. uk for more information.

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Partnership Director honoured for University’s ‘wider access’ vision

HE University has been recognised for its commitment to widening participation by a national higher education organisation. The National Education Opportunities Network (NEON), a not-for-profit body which brings together universities, schools and colleges to work together to widen access to higher education, appointed Steve Kendall, the University’s Associate Dean of Partnerships and Director of Widening Participation, as its new Chair this summer. Steve, at the University since 1983, believes his new role underlines the University’s ethos of wider access. Steve said: “The fact that NEON chose the University’s Bedford campus for their Summer Symposium is recognition of our commitment to widen access to higher education. “In addition I’d like to think my election as Chair of the organisation also underlines the excellent work being done by the Access Partnership Team.” NEON, founded at the end of 2011, has made great progress since its creation. “It’s great for the University because we’ll be exposed to the substantial membership base NEON’s acquired, and I’ll be spreading the word of the widening participation work we undertake at Bedfordshire,” Steve added. “NEON members include universities, colleges and trusts and we’re working hard to forge links with schools. “It has grown rapidly over the past two years, and its members include the Higher Education Funding Council for England and NUS.” Further to his NEON commitments, in October, Steve travelled to the inaugural World Access Congress in Montreal, Canada, a global version of NEON. Steve added: “Since the World Congress, I have been working to establish an international group that can compare how different countries and systems approach widening participation and success in higher education. We already have members in Belgium, Australia, Canada and Germany, as well as the UK.”

Graduates selected to widen access to University

OUR Bedfordshire graduates have been appointed by the University to help widen participation with local schools and colleges. The newly-formed Graduate Access Fellow (GAF) scheme will see the quartet, which started in September, each spend a year in one of the University’s four faculties. They will work with academics and students to support an expanded, and ‘strengthened’, outreach programme. The Fellows’ responsibilities will include encouraging current students to participate in work experience programmes – internally and externally, including within local communities. In addition, they’ll play an important role in championing the Access agenda and inspiring learners to progress to higher education. Crucially, they will help to develop new faculty-based initiatives to support access and student success. “Fellows’ will be instrumental in helping to engage our staff and students in projects, activities and events, thereby refining those skills that will prepare them for graduate employment,” said Trevor Sinclair, Access Partnership Lead Officer at the University. “They will help to support initiatives including the University’s student internship programmes, volunteering and recruitment to the Access Partnership Associates Scheme, supporting the delivery of a wide range of outreach activities in local schools and colleges.” Fran Hudson, GAF for the Health and Social Sciences Faculty, said: “I came to the University through an access course. I studied Childhood and Youth studies and graduated earlier this year. For my dissertation I researched Widening Participation in a Higher Education setting, which has provided me with a great basis for my role as a GAF.

“At the same time I’d like to continue this research and I intend to study for a Masters Degree at the University when I conclude this current role.” Joining Fran are Luke Middleton, Creative Arts, Technologies and Science; Callum Mould, Education and Sport, and Jodie Leigh in the Business School, pictured.

NEARLY 700 students have reported on what they would like to see improved at the University as part of the Tell Us scheme, which launched on 1 October. Following a promotion push from coordinators, the majority of feedback has focussed on Facilities and Estates, Registration and Induction, Communication, Social Events and Sport. To-date, 18 per cent of feedback complimented staff, academic achievements and professional services. Amanda Krebs, Assistant Director for Student Experience, said: “The response has been amazing. We received a marked increase in feedback.” Ken Roberts, Associate Dean Student Experience for the Faculty of Education and Sport, added: “It is great to receive so many positive comments about teaching and professional services staff, especially at the Bedford campus.” Staff have been thanked for their contribution and the CATS Faculty Office won a certificate and chocolates for the best launch initiative. l Students can continue to ‘Tell Us’ via the many suggestion boxes, email: tellus@beds.ac.uk, face-to-face sessions www. beds.ac.uk/telluslive and via web forms on www.beds.ac.uk For further information email studentexperience@beds.ac.uk

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partnership between the University and National Youth Theatre (NYT) has recently been created as part of the University’s widening participation strategy. The venture, which was launched at Speaker’s House, Parliament, in September, saw the NYT hold a four-day residency at the University’s Bedford campus. Hundreds of schoolchildren – for many their first visit to a theatre or university – viewed performances of ‘If Chloe Can’ and ‘You Can’, with the latter premiered at the University’s Theatre, pictured. Both plays focused on aspirations and career choices for youngsters. Professor Helen Bailey, Acting Executive Dean of Partnerships at the University, believes the NYT link-up further underlines Bedfordshire’s commitment to wider access for students. “We pride ourselves on our students coming from different areas of society,” said Professor Bailey. “For the 2013/14 academic year, 35 per cent of our fulltime undergraduate student population are from black and minority ethnic groups which are under-represented in higher education. In addition, more than 13 per cent of our young fulltime undergraduate students are from low participation neighbourhoods.”

Performing arts partnership in spotlight

She added: “The aim of the partnership with the NYT is around using the arts as a means of encouraging young people to debate futures and the prospect of university. “The National Youth Theatre and University of Bedfordshire are two organisations that share a passion for recognising and nurturing talent and we will continue to develop ambitious projects which support the

aspirations of our students and young people.” The NYT residency also encompassed workshops and master-classes, as well as special discussion panels featuring University experts, NYT alumni, including Game of Thrones’ Luke Barnes and industry leaders. Paul Roseby, Artistic Director of the NYT, said: “I’m delighted that the NYT and the University are collaborating to inspire

RIBUTES have been paid to Graham Dean, Commercial Service Manager, who died in the early hours of Friday, 15 November. A statement from Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell, Beds SU Chief Executive Michele Flynn, and Beds SU President Daniel Login, read: “Graham made a huge contribution to the success of the Students’ Union, in particular the recent developments at both Bedford and Luton campuses. “Much more than that he was a hugely respected and dynamic member of the University community. His passing is a very sad loss to us all.” Further tributes were paid to Graham by Daniel, who has written an article which can be found on www.bedssu.co.uk/ articles/graham-dean To pay your respects, there is a memory book in the Lounge in Luton and in the Bedford SU Lounge and anyone who knew Graham is welcome to contribute to it.

young people from a diverse range of backgrounds to achieve their potential. “For many young people in the UK there seems to be an illusion code to break around deciding what to do in the future. “Our partnership is a model of how young people’s aspirations can be raised by cultural organisations and educational institutions working together. “Long may it continue.”

Sports awards

Tributes to Graham

www.beds.ac.uk

Outside of the University, Graham was a cherished son, father, and grandfather. For those wishing to pass on messages to the family, contact Michele Flynn, via Michele.flynn@beds.ac.uk

Graham Dean

HE University’s elite sporting students have been awarded scholarships to help them progress with their sporting careers outside of their studies. Platinum Sport Scholarships were handed to 19 of the University’s top sport-stars (performers, coaches and officials) including GB bobsleigher Antoe Walters, GB canoeist Mallory Franklin, and football coach Josh Smith. Michelle Morris, Sports Officer, said: “These awards are made to students who have achieved the highest standard in their chosen sport or activity. The awards are designed to support both the student’s development in their chosen sport and support University sport. “Primarily, the sport scholarships aid the athlete to either continue at the level they are at or develop. It is very important for their sport and extremely beneficial for both performers, coaches and officials. “ l To apply for a sports scholarship please visit www.beds.ac.uk/sportbeds

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