Connect Spring 2014 by University of Cumbria

CONNECT Spring 2014

Performing arts students stage a production in the gym! Also: University researchers win grant to help protect snow leopard population Journalism student launches new Campus magazine Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Enterprise Week wins accolade

STAFF

04 Homecoming for university’s new chaplaincy coordinator 05 University lecturer brings in The Trolls 06 Top award for Diane 07 Help for Headway 07 A cake sale with a difference 08 University public lecture addresses the language of religion 09 Invitation to attend Harvard leadership programme 10 Staff profile—Kath Leigh 12 The cost of child poverty discussed at university public lecture 13 Staff appointments 14 Congratulations!

STUDENTS

15 Amy-Elise’s delight at prize 16 Journalism student launches new Campus magazine 17 You’ll never guess what! 18 Students work with music stars at major regional event 20 The tale of the war nurse, an australian soldier, a Carlisle school—and the university students 21 Kindle readers get the drift 22 Student is a winner in RSPB Scotland photo competition 24 Nursing students fundraise to travel to the Philippines

UNIVERSITY

25 Calva bar charity party 26 University consults on new student accommodation at Ambleside 27 Specialist community public health nursing 28 Dean of Westminster gives university chaplaincy lecture 28 University pledges support for the armed forces, veterans and their families 29 Local economic summit in Lancaster focuses on community issues 30 University’s enterprise week wins accolade 31 University helps shape learning in India 32 University programme supports company growth 33 New dementia education curriculum launched 34 Reflecting on the achievement of the Change Delivery Board over the past year

research

CONTENTS/SPRING 2014 ISSUE

35 Nevada Museum of Art names research fellows 36 Contemporary art project showcased in exhibition at Rheged 37 Faculty of Health and Science joins the Lancashire and Cumbria clinical research hub 38 University researchers win grant to help protect snow leopard population 40 Academic’s drawings acquired by the Henry Moore Institute 41 The health benefits of Scottish country dancing 42 Graduate School research support and staff development programme 2013-14 43 Research round-up 44 Noticeboard

If you would like to contribute to the next issue of Connect, please contact a member of the communications team:

lynn.clark@cumbria.ac.uk julie.ratcliffe@cumbria.ac.uk fiona.hughes@cumbria.ac.uk elizabeth.henzell@cumbria.ac.uk The copy deadline for the next issue of Connect is 16 May 2014.

FOREWORD In this term’s staff forum content, I referred to the university’s long term goal of achieving research degree awarding powers or RDAP. This four-letter acronym is one we’ll be hearing a lot of in the next months and years and it’s important we all understand and engage with the process required to allow us to award our own research degrees.

The University of Cumbria already has taught degree awarding powers or TDAP, and of course, the full university title and accompanying status. However, we still rely on the University of Lancaster to award our doctorates and other research degrees, and this is the final area of provision that we need to address in order to become fully independent. Achieving RDAP would give us greater academic freedom in deciding the types of research degrees we can award such as the ‘Cumbria PhD’— and consequently in establishing ourselves definitively as a fully-fledged contender within the higher education sector. In no way is the route to achieving RDAP a straightforward one. For example, we need to build academic staff capacity and capability for research, improve the research environment, and greatly increase research student numbers in order to successfully apply for the status. All members of academic staff were invited to complete the annual RDAP survey in February, covering their work in 2013. An important distinction to note here is that the RDAP survey is a much broader exploration of our research activity than the more familiar research exercise framework (REF which we undertook last year. The REF gave us a clear idea of current research strengths and weaknesses, and a good understanding on which to base planning for RDAP by identifying six disciplines and 29 research active members of staff that met its very specific and selective requirements. The RDAP survey, however, values all types of research and advanced scholarship, and even though staff do not have measurable outcomes to report in all sections, their input is still crucial to give a definitive picture of the scope and extent of programmes of research undertaken at the university. Not only will it provide proof of the excellent research being undertaken at the University of Cumbria, such data collection will drive our strategy in collaboration with departments, research centres, institutes and research hubs, leading to additional support, guidance and resources which long term will help academic staff to develop their research and scholarship.

Writing this at the beginning of March, 82 per cent* of possible completed surveys had been returned by researchactive staff. I cannot emphasise strongly enough the importance of this exercise as the first stage of the process of achieving RDAP – we must aim for a 100 per cent response to this and to all future requests for engagement if we are to have a chance at attaining this vital strategic goal. On the subject of strategic goals it has been pleasing to witness the numerous successes overseen by the Change Delivery Board over the past few months. The data centre project has been a huge achievement— on time and under budget, and one that has really made a difference to both staff and students. We are now occupying refurbished buildings on the Ambleside campus and the site is recovering a vibrancy generated by an increasing cohort of students. Phase 1 of the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system has helped increase student applications, with the resulting statistics available through CORE on StaffNet. The Agresso system upgrade has been successfully implemented while the procurement project is delivering substantial savings. Good progress is also being made on ongoing developments such as academic scheduling, video-enhanced teaching, and project working and reporting, while the Lancaster estates consolidation programme is heading towards project implementation stage, and the academic transformation and student journey programmes are both close to business case completion. Change is never easy, but with a positive attitude and the right people in place it can be secured. It goes without saying that these achievements could only have come about as a result of the hard work and commitment of everyone involved – my thanks go to you all for tackling this complex and crucial work with such effectiveness.

*update Professor Peter Strike Vice Chancellor

as of 19 March 94% returned

Our Staff

get invo lved Tell us about your achievements ...

Reverend Alexandra Logan

Homecoming for university’s new chaplaincy coordinator The university has welcomed a new chaplaincy coordinator who describes her appointment as a ‘real homecoming’. Preston, and for the past seven years she was a parish priest at St James the Less Bethnal Green, in the Diocese of London. The Reverend Alexandra (Alex) Logan originally trained as a youth and community worker at St Martin’s College in Lancaster, now the Lancaster campus, which is where she is based. She said: “I am delighted to be returning to the university where I was a student for a year, and to the Diocese of Blackburn where I was a curate. For me this is a real homecoming.” Alex, who took up her role on 6 January, will oversee chaplaincy work across all university sites, but she will have particular responsibility for the Lancaster campus.

She will work closely with the Reverend Matthew Firth, chaplain to the Carlisle campuses, as well as the university’s honorary chaplains and lay workers. A licensing ceremony, conducted by the Bishop of Blackburn, the Right Reverend Julian Henderson, was held on Friday 17 January at St Martin’s Chapel. Alex has been in ordained ministry for 11 years and undertook her ministry training at Ridley Hall in Cambridge. She has previously worked as a curate at St Mary’s Church in Penwortham, near

Alex added: “I look forward to working with the staff and students and supporting them in their work and studies.” Neil Harris, the university’s Registrar and Secretary, said: “We are delighted to welcome Alex to the university and look forward to working with her and her colleagues in the chaplaincy team. “The chaplaincy is an important part of the life of the university and I am sure Alex will develop and strengthen further its support for students and staff.”

University lecturer brings in the trolls Jim Eldridge

Lecturer Jim Eldridge has launched the first in his latest series of children’s books. Big Rock and the Masked Avenger is the first in his new Wrestling Trolls series and follows on the heels of his highly successful Disgusting Dave children’s books. The main character, Big Rock, is a wrestling troll, a massive lump of mobile rock on legs with a gentle sweet soul inside his rough exterior. It also features his trainer and manager, streetwise, cheerful 13-year old Milo, and 10-year old fragile orphan Jack … a boy with a Big Troll Secret. The fourth member of this ‘family’ is Robin, the laconic talking horse that pulls their caravan from wrestling bout to wrestling bout. Jim has already had 90 books published which have sold over three million copies, as well as over 250 TV and 250 radio scripts broadcast in the UK and across the world.

Jim says: “I hope kids of all ages will love Wrestling Trolls. I also hope it helps my creative students, both present and past, to believe that they—as well as me — CAN get their ideas and creations out there for the public. If Jim can do it, they can do it!”

He left school at 16 and did a variety of jobs, before training as a teacher. He taught during the 1970s in disadvantaged areas of Luton, before becoming a full time writer in 1978. He is now also an associate lecturer with the film and TV production department at the university.

The second book in the series, Wrestling Trolls Match 2: Hunk and Thud, will be published later this year. For further information, visit his website www.jimeldridge.com

Top award for Diane Professor Diane Cox

Professor Diane Cox has been awarded a Fellowship of the College of Occupational Therapists (FCOT) – the highest honour that the college can bestow on its professional members. Diane, who took up her new role as Director of Research and Head of the Graduate School at the beginning of the year, said she was ‘delighted’ to receive this honour.

“This has added to an already exciting year following my new appointment within the university.”

She commented: “I am shocked, delighted and overwhelmed to be made a FCOT; as the application and nomination process is confidential I had no idea I had been nominated. My initial reaction was “Wow!” This has added to an already exciting year following my new appointment within the university.” Diane was awarded the fellowship as a result of her outstanding contribution to occupational therapy since gaining her professional qualification in 1983. She has a strong and growing personal research profile, and has contributed extensively to research within her specialist field of chronic fatigue and long-term conditions through collaborations with universities, the NHS and the social sector.

As chair of the editorial board of the British Journal of Occupational Therapy, and member of the Health Technology Agency (HTA) Mental, Psychological and Occupational Health Panel, Diane is very active in a number of external organisations and is one of only a handful of professors of occupational therapy in the UK. Diane will be presented with her fellowship award in June at the college’s annual conference in Brighton and, in addition, she will be added to the list on the Fellowship board at the college’s headquarters in London. As Director of Research and Head of the Graduate School within the university, Diane is responsible for coordinating the strategic development of research and scholarship, and managing the administration and quality of the postgraduate research student experience.

Help for Headway Staff at Fusehill Street campus are accustomed to seeing the members of the Headway North Cumbria group arriving for their meeting, held each week in the Blencathra building. The group offers help and support to people affected by brain injury and around 25 members and six volunteers meet at the university every Monday afternoon to enjoy various activities including baking, crafts and games – all designed to help brain injury survivors learn new skills, regain lost ones and reintegrate into society.

Headway group members ‘Gazza’ Reardon (left) and Simon Murray brush up their cooking skills

Headway supports people with all forms of acquired brain injuries (brain injury which has “We really appreciate occurred since this kind donation from birth) including staff at the university. those resulting The money will be from tumours, used to support a stroke and brain range of activities, from haemorrhage as well as memory improvement those caused by to practical life skills” a trauma to the

a cake sale with a difference Proving how generous our colleagues are, Kate Bowskill, APL officer with External Relations, organised an unusual cake sale at the Lancaster campus in December.

Kate invited people to make a donation, or alternatively they could exchange a toy for some cake, with the stipulation that the toy, which could be suitable for babies, children or teenagers up to the age of 16, had to be new and boxed or tagged. As a result, toys worth £160 were delivered to the Big Storage (Lancaster) Toy Appeal. The toys were distributed to disadvantaged children in the local area, via the Children and Parent Service, to bring some smiles for Christmas Day.

head such as road traffic accidents, assaults, falls and accidents. For the second year running, staff at Fusehill Street were encouraged to give a donation to this charity instead of exchanging Christmas cards. This year, staff at Brampton Road also joined in to achieve a grand total of £62.10 for this very worthy cause. The money has now been handed over to the charity to help continue its excellent work. Jean Wight, vice chair of the North Cumbria group, expressed her thanks, saying: “We really appreciate this kind donation from staff at the university. The money will be used to support a range of activities, from memory improvement to practical life skills, based on the needs of the individuals attending the group.”

Kate’s three year old had great fun helping her choose this marvellous collection of toys!

University public lecture addresses the language of religion Religious belief has always been a matter for debate, but perhaps never more so than now. Diversity of beliefs has never been more apparent, repudiation of all religion never more widely publicised. This topical issue was addressed in the second of a series of public lectures, all presented by academic staff renowned in their specialist areas. The lecture was held at the Lancaster campus on 9 December and relayed live to the Fusehill Street campus. In his presentation, Emeritus Professor Brian Gates posed the question: What’s the difference between Father Christmas and God? Religious language in the thinking of children and adults—a challenge for any university. Professor Brian Gates

“No religious institution is exempt from critical, even sceptical scrutiny. They’re too important to be ignored as irrelevances from yesteryear; we should take time to check what they’ve been talking about”

Professor Gates explained: “No religious institution is exempt from critical, even sceptical scrutiny. They’re too important to be ignored as irrelevances from yesteryear; we should take time to check what they’ve been talking about. “Such beliefs and sentiments are at the heart of society, in the oaths that are sworn in courts of law and in the celebration rituals of birthing, mating and dying. From these, as from stories of Guy Fawkes and Father Christmas, children pick up religious language whether taught it directly or not.” Drawing on his research with 6–16 year olds and their adult selves, from a range of very different backgrounds of religious belief and unbelief, Professor Gates gave examples—both amusing and serious—of the depth and superficiality of understanding. He asked whether universities, like schools, academies and colleges, have any responsibility to their students and staff to be deliberately and explicitly attentive to the grounds for beliefs and for the making of moral judgements.

invitation to attend Harvard leadership programme

Jem Bendell

The director of the Institute for Leadership and Sustainability (IFLAS) has been selected to join a group of world leaders in business and politics to study the latest leadership approaches at Harvard University.

Professor Jem Bendell, named a ‘Young Global Leader’ by the World Economic Forum, will attend the Global Leadership and Public Policy for the 21st Century programme in Cambridge, USA in March. Young Global Leaders are chosen by the forum for having demonstrated leadership for the common good on a global stage, and include people such as Kumi Naidoo (Greenpeace CEO), Hannah Jones (Head of Sustainability at Nike), and Chuka Umunna MP. The Forum of Young Global Leaders met in Davos, Switzerland, ahead of the Davos Summit. Professor Bendell is the first academic from the UK to be accepted onto the programme and says:

“Harvard provides elite education to some of the world’s most influential people, in a class-based setting.” “I am delighted to be accepted on to this Harvard programme, which gives me the chance to experience the latest approaches to leadership education, and also to share our own approaches in the Lake District.

“Harvard provides elite education to some of the world’s most influential people, in a class-based setting. In Cumbria we have a tradition of experiential learning, and a liking for taking our executive students into nature and to local heritage sites, to stimulate their reflection. I think in future we will see more combinations of such approaches.” Through a partnership between the Harvard Kennedy School, the Center for Public Leadership and the World Economic Forum, the programme has been developed to expand and enhance the leadership skills of Young Global Leaders, necessary to address the world’s most serious problems. The curriculum considers critical global policy areas such as education, environment, global health, international development, and security, and is provided free of charge due to sponsorship. As the world’s first professor of sustainability leadership, Dr Bendell recognises the need to blend insights from leadership development and the challenge of sustainable development. “Ultimately we need to better understand how to lead across borders, for the greater good, not only for our organisation,” he explains.

STAFF PROFILE/Kath Leigh What do you like to do in your spare time? A lot of my spare time is taken up with church activities—in particular I am involved in a recovery group, ‘Celebrate Recovery’, working with people who are struggling with hurts, habits and hang-ups. Seeing people’s lives transformed is very inspiring. I also like to watch football (Manchester United in particular), read, go walking and meet up with family and friends, usually with food involved.

Your job title, how did you end up at the University of Cumbria and when did you start? I started at St Martin’s College in 1998 as PA to the Head of Education and then moved on to be Faculty Senior Administrator before becoming Committee Services Officer in 2004. When the University of Cumbria was formed I was made Head of Secretariat and then following the major restructure in 2010 became Strategic Governance and Compliance Manager in the VCO. Describe your job. In my role I oversee a number of very dedicated staff in the VCO who support the following areas— legal services, committee services, records management and the executive assistants to the senior management team. One of the other main functions of my role is to look after the University Board. What brightens your day at work? My colleagues— especially when they bring cake!

Over the last three years I have also been on a variety of voluntary trips abroad working in organisations that my church sponsors. This has taken me to Mamallapuram in India to help out in an orphanage and take food to an ‘untouchable’ village tribe; to Lisbon to work at a food/clothes bank and most recently to Kibogora in Rwanda to help out in a hospital community and palliative care initiative. I have seen some very harrowing sights on these trips but also some very enriching community spirit – people who have very little being willing to share what little they have with others who are in worse need. I have found these to be very humbling but rewarding experiences.

Name your ideal dinner party guest and why Nelson Mandela to discover the process that led to his life-changing transformation from terrorist to peacemaker, how he learned to exercise forgiveness and go on to live life with intention higher than his own needs.

Name your favourite book and why Jane Eyre – I first read this at primary school and every time I read it I discover something new, so it’s an old favourite! Name your favourite film and why I don‘t really have one favourite – I tend to go for anything that is either feel-good or a parody on life. However, I do like Dirty Dancing – for the music obviously!

And finally, your favourite or dream holiday destination and why! I have recently been to Austria and was very impressed with its beauty, the range of things to do and the fast changing perspectives to the surrounding scenery.

As Kath mentioned, during her free time she has worked as a volunteer in Lisbon, India, and Africa. Photographs reflecting some of her experiences are shown right (Mamallapuram, India) and below (Kibogoro, Rwanda).

Above: The children from Sinai Orphanage in Mamallapuram Inset: Two orphaned boys from Mamallapuram

Above: Giving out bags of rice to the untouchable village tribe. Below: Occupational therapy session with children and parents on the paediatric ward

Above: Rosie the goatâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;that we bought for the orphan girl, Agnes, pictured here with the social worker. Below: Marceleneâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a burns patient who we visited during her recovery as she had no family

The cost of child poverty discussed at University public lecture Child poverty levels in the UK accelerated in the period 1979-1997 from one in every ten children to one in three. Despite the Child Poverty Act, 2010, which enshrined in law a commitment to end child poverty by 2020, the harsh reality is that, as inequalities rise, child poverty levels in the UK are expected to increase, not decrease.

Emeritus Professor Margaret Ledwith

Professor Ledwith explains: “Community development, my area of work, is a practice committed to social justice and environmental sustainability, yet we find ourselves in political times that face us with crises of both.

Most people think the distribution of wealth in the UK is far more equal than it actually is. In fact, for over 30 years the gap between rich and poor has widened alarmingly, and shows no sign of easing. Within these unacceptable levels of inequality, children are the highest group at risk of poverty. Community development, action research and human flourishing: The cost of poor children was the third in a series of public lectures at the university. Tuesday 26 February saw Emeritus Professor Margaret Ledwith discuss why little has been effective in reducing this high risk to children, as well as the high cost to society as a whole.

“My talk focuses on child poverty as a serious social justice concern within the context of our political times.”

“My talk focused on child poverty as a serious social justice concern within the context of our political times. I drew critical connections suggesting that child poverty is a choice rather than a necessity. “These ideas are relevant to those with a general interest in child poverty or anyone involved in a practice that claims a social justice commitment, from teaching to health promotion to social work. “My intention was to offer a critical focus that cuts through the pathological blaming of victims of structural disadvantage, so prevalent in today’s society, to present altered perceptions and, therefore, alternative choices.” Professor Ledwith’s ideas on this subject are contained in her latest book, Community Development Theory in Action, to be published by Policy Press in 2014 The next public lecture takes place on Friday 9 May. Professor of Sustainable Engineering, Xiongwei Liu will discuss ‘Building and Community Microgrid Development’. More information and booking details can be found at www.cumbria.ac.uk/publiclectures

STAFF APPOINTMENTS

(between 14 November 2013 and 14 February 2014) A warm welcome to all new members of staff, whether transferring from other areas of the university or brand new to the organisation.

External Relations sTARTED Lucy Gager, international officer Emma Barritt, strategic marketing manager Claire Hayman, CRM data administrator Gillian Haigh, director of marketing and recruitment

1/20/2014 11/18/2013 1/6/2014 1/6/2014

Estates and Facilities Management Dawne Clark, general assistant (domestic services) Andrew Senejko, maintenance assistant Stephen Walshaw, electrician

11/27/2013 1/6/2014 1/20/2014

Faculty of Education, Arts and Business Barbara Manning, senior lecturer Sandy Ryder, senior lecturer Caroline Adams, senior project officer Pinaki Chakrabarti, senior lecturer in education Peter Davies, senior project officer business adviser Chelle Davison, head of department—undergraduate programmes Vanessa Gloginja, senior lecturer in education Elizabeth Heyworth, lecturer in marketing Emma Kerr, retail consortium web developer (KTP) Barry Lees, lecturer in policing Dr Jackie Moses, director of the Institute of Education John Pearson, lecturer in technical theatre Dr Katie Willocks, lecturer in HR and OB

1/6/2014 1/1/2014 2/3/2014 1/1/2014 1/1/2014 1/13/2014 1/1/2014 1/1/2014 1/13/2014 1/6/2014 2/1/2014 1/1/2014 1/1/2014

Faculty of Health & science Craig Betton, senior lecturer emergency and urgent care Stephen Walker, lecturer in social work Dr Diane Fotheringham, head of department— nursing and midwifery Anthony Murray, senior lecturer in medical physics Dr Rhona O’Brien, lecturer working with children and families Dr Sheila Pankhurst, deputy dean Rosalind Sanders, senior lecturer

12/2/2013 1/1/2014 1/20/2014 11/18/2013 1/6/2014 1/27/2014 1/6/2014

Finance and Planning Alice Davies, payroll manager

1/16/2014

Human Resources Service Zoe Hinchliffe, HR assistant Emma Smith, assistant HR business partner

12/9/2013 1/2/2014

Library and Student Services Amy Maslivec, LISS steward (Sunday steward) Matthew Budd, campus assistant Claire Dempsey, campus assistant Alison Fishwick, campus assistant Cecilia Hart, EDI manager Hannah Hillen, LiSS steward Andrew Medder, campus assistant Jennifer O’Keefe, learning enhancement adviser Daniel Prescott, student money advice manager Vicky Simpson, LiSS steward Becca Weir, general assistant Kate Wenham, support assistant (infrastructure and policy)

1/12/2014 1/31/2014 12/4/2013 12/16/2013 12/18/2013 1/6/2014 12/30/2013 1/13/2014 1/6/2014 11/25/2013 12/2/2013 1/6/2014

SAMIS Antony Bajgar, SITS manager Joshua Bancroft, administration assistant CIP Phil Hughes, administrative assistant (CIP)

12/3/2013 1/13/2014 1/13/2014

CONGRATULATIONS! Fergus Tristan Colbear 6 December 2013 Olivia Colbear (External Relations) and husband Trevor welcomed Fergus Tristan who was born on 6 December 2013, weighing 7lbs 12oz.

Nathaniel Fischer 10 December 2013 Amy Fischer (External Relations) and husband Karlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s baby boy Nathaniel arrived on 10 December 2013.

Our Students

get invo lved Tell us about your students’ achievements ...

Amy-Elise’s Delight at prize Third-year BA (Hons) Photography student Amy-Elise Trantum was awarded the Ede & Ravenscroft prize for ‘Highest Achieving Student in the Faculty of Education, Arts & Business’. The cheque for £500 was presented at Brampton Road by Executive Dean Professor Robert Hannaford in February.

Highest Achieving Student in the Faculty of Education, Arts & Business

Photography programme leader Mike England said: “The whole photography team would like to congratulate Amy on her success. At the presentation she spoke to the dean very positively about the course, and how it had opened up many opportunities. Amy is a shining example of what we expect from our students, demonstrating a high academic standard in both her photography and in her research. Before coming to us Amy received offers from other top art schools, but chose us after a very positive interview experience. We are delighted to have such a dedicated student on the course.”

Journalism student launches new Campus magazine A journalism student who started a magazine and website showcasing student talent has been awarded an UnLtd social enterprise grant to further his idea. Jack Stride

“Campus is a way of celebrating the talent at University of Cumbria.”

Social entrepreneur Jack Stride, from Sutton Coldfield, was awarded just under £3000 after successfully applying for a ‘Do It’ Award to fund Campus, a project he came up with in his final year of studies. “Campus is a way of celebrating the talent at the University of Cumbria,” says Jack, 20. “It gives exposure to the exciting and inspirational work done by past and present students and promotes them to future employers.” Stories for the magazine and website are sourced and written by a team of journalism students and will form an impressive portfolio for those involved.

“Tony Randall, programme leader for journalism, was really keen on the idea from the start,” Jack says. “We all use skills and techniques we have learnt from our time at university and the magazine is the perfect place to see our work in practice.” Campus is a social enterprise which will support graduates who develop enterprising and entrepreneurial skills by showcasing their achievements and will assist in raising their profile to help with future graduate employment prospects. Income generated will be reinvested back into the business to support the long term sustainability.

The award money will cover the printing costs of three editions of Campus and after that Jack hopes the magazine will sustain itself as he’s keen to create a Campus legacy and pass it down to future journalism students. Jack first heard about social enterprise support from lecturer Michael Mitchell. He then contacted student enterprise coordinator Sylvia Grainger. “Without the help of Sylvia I never would have won the funding for Campus. She really believed in the project and helped me every step of the way.” The funding and support is a partnership between the university and UnLtd and provides real help and support to students, staff and graduates who are looking to set up social enterprises.

You’ll never guess what! What’s this… the gym at Fusehill Street closed on a Friday lunchtime? Regular gym-goers and fitness-freaks all standing round watching three students behaving very strangely? Don’t worry, it was all pre-arranged and the gym was soon back to normal.

Third-year performing arts students were at the heart of the short closure, staging a production in the gym as part of a module assessment. The short drama, You’ll never guess what, was written, produced and performed by three students Amy Ibberson, Charlotte Malley and Emily Southall.

“We thought it would be good to stage our performance at Fusehill Street, to join up the two campuses in Carlisle.”

Amy explained: “The module explores staging performances in different venues. Because we spend most of our time at the Brampton Road campus, we thought it would be good to stage our performance at Fusehill Street, to join up the two campuses in Carlisle.” Their play focused on stereotypical characters from everyday life, and how they might behave in a gym situation. In the picture Charlotte (left) and Amy are portraying two elderly gentlemen working out on rowing machines while Emily is a bored teenager on the exercise bike.

Students work with music stars at major regional event A group of our students worked alongside experts in the music festival industry at a major regional event which featured a host of famous stars. Students rubbed shoulders with acts such as Disclosure and The 1975, while gaining valuable work experience at Blackpool Rocks—the North West’s biggest winter indoor music festival. The group was made up of students based at the Brampton Road campus, who are studying BA (Hons) Events Management, BA (Hons) Film and Television Production and BA (Hons) Photography. The high-profile event, held at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens in December, attracted 8,000 festival-goers and was hailed a huge success by organisers. Other acts at the festival included Swim Deep, Little Comets and Wretch 32, as well as Radio 1 DJs Danny Howard, Pete Tong and Trevor Nelson. Students shadowed festival staff and were assigned a range of roles, both front and backstage, including customer service, artist liaison, events assistant and events runner, which gave them the chance to learn new skills and to find out more about working in these fields. Ben Swift, is in his third year of BA (Hons) Event Management, and described his experience as ‘incredible’. The 22-year-old student, who is originally from Southampton, worked alongside the special events manager and box office manager, and was also tasked with managing the artists’ entrance.

Above: Images from Blackpool Rocks.

He said: “The experience itself was non-stop and fast paced, but I wouldn’t change it for the world—it was incredible. It made the career I wanted more visible.

“The experience itself was non-stop and fast paced, but I wouldn’t change it for the world – it was incredible.” Above: University of Cumbria student Ben Swift with Disclosure.

“There were so many highlights, I just couldn’t keep up with them. I was introduced to all the bands in the live arena including The 1975 and Swim Deep, and actually had a full ten-minute conversation with Matthew Hall from Little Comets. I had a dance with Wretch 32 and his friends, and also Trevor Nelson in the Urban Arena side stage. I was standing next to Vernon Kay for ages, and watched Disclosure from five yards away.” A group of BA (Hons) Film and Television students were appointed as the event’s media team and were given the opportunity to capture a variety of footage at the festival, which they will use to create promotional videos. Max Evans-Kirkman, 27, a third-year student, led the team. He said: “It was a good experience to be in charge of a crew. With the combination of age and experience on my side, I enjoyed offering advice and feedback to the other students in the group. All photographs taken by BA (Hons) Photography student Adam Bradbury at Blackpool Rocks.

“I hope we made a good impression and that the Blackpool Rocks organisers will call on University of Cumbria students again next year.”

Team member Sam Boyd, 21, from California and in his second year, said: “Filming at Blackpool Rocks was a wonderful experience that allowed me to enjoy two of my favourite things at once: filming and music. “Our small team worked very well together, and I think we ultimately figured out how to get the best coverage of everything that was going on at the festival. I definitely think this work will help me in my future career. This was my first time filming at a music festival, and hopefully not the last time.” Daniel Cuffe, of event organisers Cuffe and Taylor, said: “It was great to have the University of Cumbria students involved in Blackpool Rocks. Students were from a variety of different courses and year groups but all contributed to making Blackpool Rocks a great success. Students were often liaising directly with the artists and their management teams during which they demonstrated great event management skills with a professional attitude. “Students were enthusiastic, eager to showcase their talents and most importantly gained great live music event experience. We look forward to working with students from the University of Cumbria again in the future.”

The tale of the war nurse, an Australian soldier, a Carlisle school—and the university students There will no doubt be many commemorations this year to mark the centenary of the start of World War 1, but some of our BA (Hons) Film and TV Production students have already been involved in filming an event designed to bring it to life for children at one Carlisle primary school. Former Border TV chairman and university honorary fellow Jim Graham serves on the board of governors at Newtown Community School and had the idea to name their new library after a nurse who worked there during the Great War. At that time, the main hospital in Carlisle was at Fusehill Street —now our university campus—but the school premises in Newtown were also used to nurse wounded servicemen. Nurse Josephine Cherry was sent there in September 1918 to care for a seriously injured 23-year-old Australian soldier – Corporal Leonard Chase. Their story was unearthed and researched by another governor at the school, Julie Bowman, who is also a nurse at the nearby Cumberland Infirmary. The connecting threads of this fascinating story came together on Friday 10 January with a dedication and naming ceremony at the school, attended by all the children and filmed by our students. The story of Nurse Cherry and the Australian soldier was written by Jim

Above: left to right: Students Sam Boyd and Charley Stamp with Eric Scott-Parker (former Border TV location cameraman)

Graham and told with the help of Julie Bowman and former Newtown school pupil Matt Hilton, who is now a well-known author. The atmospheric tale told of Nurse Cherry’s devotion to duty and to her patients.

The ceremony also included WW1 songs from the school choir and the whole event was filmed by our students in order to produce a DVD to record for future generations the story of the school’s ‘Nurse Cherry Library’.

Corporal Chase was very ill with trench fever when he learned he was to be moved from the Fusehill Street hospital to Newtown. He asked if Nurse Cherry could come with him and special permission had to be obtained from the matron to allow her to do so. She stayed with him, watching over him day and night, until he died. She wrote to his family in Australia: “… he gently and peacefully fell asleep. His end was without struggle or moan. His memory will forever remain sweet in the heart of his Night Sister, or Irish Mother, as he loved to call me.”

Students involved in the project were Beth Smith (year one), Charley Stamp (year two), Adam Leach (year three), Max Evans-Kirkman (year three) and Sam Boyd, an exchange student from USA. The students worked alongside award-winning former Border TV producer Ian Fisher and cameraman Eric Scott-Parker. Beth commented: “It was really nice to go and make a film within the Carlisle community with experienced TV professionals. It was a good experience and I feel I learnt a lot. They were really approachable and listened to our ideas, which was great.”

Kindle readers get the drift Students on the English and creative writing degree course have launched a new anthology of their writing called drift – now available to download as an ebook. For the first time, writing by the university’s students can be downloaded to be read on Kindle e-readers, as well as tablets and smartphones.

drift brings together a great selection of short stories and poems by our students and is the brainchild of graduate student James Riddick, who felt there should be a platform for the group’s talented writers to showcase their work. Course leader Alizon Brunning also has a poem included in the anthology. She says: “Students here are encouraged to experiment across a range of genres and styles and drift reflects the creativity of both our current students and recent graduates. An important part of the degree programme in English and creative writing is understanding the publication process; a final-year

module on ‘publishing and performance’ gives students an insight into this and preparing work for submission provides valuable real experience.” There are plans to produce a print edition of drift later in 2014, and the students aim to publish the anthology twice a year. Students Anna Bowman, Emily Butt, Beth Fraser, Kirsten Glen, Matt Poynton, Amy Shaw, Roz Stimpson, Jake Turner, Hannah Tosh, and Laura Wenzlaw formed the editorial team for the first edition of the magazine. The cover was designed by graphic design student Matt Swales. To download a copy of drift, visit www.cumbria.ac.uk/drift

Above: (left to right) Editorial team members: Matthew Poynton, Roz Stimpson, Hannah Tosh, Anna Bowman and Jake Turner.

Student is a winner in RSPB Scotland photo competition Dominic Boulding, a third-year wildlife and media student, has scooped the top prize in the ‘Wildscapes’ category of the RSPB Scotland photo competition. Dom (22), from Carlisle, came out top with his image of a fiery sunrise over Cairngorm Mountain, taken on a week-long expedition in Scotland as part of his degree course. He explains: “We were there mainly to look for Scottish wildlife as part of the expedition module of our course. It was a fantastic trip. We went up Cairngorm and several surrounding valleys to look for mountain hares and that’s when I took the winning shot. “I decided to enter the RSPB Scotland competition because I wanted to showcase as many of my expedition photographs as possible. We had visited many RSPB reserves while in Scotland, so it was one way to show my appreciation.

“It is so difficult to get pictures into magazines, so to win as well as feature in two publications— it’s the best of both worlds.”

“I entered wildlife photos in the other categories as well. Luckily we did find some accommodating mountain hares and got some very intimate shots.

“A highlight for me was the ptarmigans that we saw on the mountain - it was something I will never forget.” With over 200 entries in the competition, the judges had their work cut out to choose the winners. A judge commented on Dom’s photo: “The wildness of a place is hard to sum up. It’s not just about the landscape and the animals, or even the minimal impact of people; it’s also about the mood of a place, the light, the weather—and those things change in an instant. I love this picture for the atmosphere it conjures of an ancient place with its ancient trees at the day’s start or end. It’s a moment the earliest people to settle Scotland would have recognised. It sends a shiver up my spine.” Dom’s win secured him an impressive array of prizes ranging from ‘Endurance’ binoculars to a £250 voucher from a photographic retailer. However, he is most excited about the opportunity to have his image featured in the RSPB Scotland photography competition calendar 2015 as well as in Scotland News magazine. He says: “It is so difficult to get pictures into magazines, so to win as well as feature in two publications—it’s the best of both worlds.” Although Dom comes from Kent originally, he intends to stay in Cumbria when he completes his degree – at least until he saves up enough money to go travelling to take more amazing photographs!

“The wildness of a place is hard to sum up. It’s not just about the landscape and the animals, or even the minimal impact of people; it’s also about the mood of a place, the light, the weather—and those things change in an instant.”

Nursing Students fundraise to travel to the Philippines Two adult nursing students will travel to the Philippines during the summer to work in a hospital after raising hundreds of pounds to fund their trip. Bethany Brockbank* and Katie Chapman, both 19, have organised a variety of fundraising activities including cake sales and bag packing events to help pay for their travel costs. They have also received donations from the Rotary Club of Carlisle, and three of the Freemasons’ Carlisle Lodges, and were awarded funding from UCSU through the Eleanor Peel Trust and from Carlisle Overseas Aid Trust. The students, who are based at the Fusehill Street campus and are both in their second year of study, will stay in Iloilo in the Philippines for three weeks in June and July where they will gain valuable work experience on a variety of wards in a city hospital. As part of their course, the students were given the opportunity to complete an elective placement and they decided on the Philippines due to its advanced health care system.

*Bethany was shortlisted for the 2014 Cavell Nurses’ Trust Outstanding Student Nurse award.

Shortly after making their decision, Typhoon Haiyan struck the Southeast Asian country killing thousands of people and displacing millions.

Bethany Brockbank (right) and Katie Chapman.

Bethany, who is from Kirkbyin-Furness, said: “I’m glad I’m going to the Philippines because after what has happened out there I think they will be crying out for help. “I’m not sure if I will be going anywhere that was hit by the typhoon, but even if people haven’t been physically affected there will be many who have been affected emotionally and mentally and I would be happy to provide support to them.” Katie, who is from Newcastle, said: “I cannot wait to go to the Philippines. I think that the experience will change my life in a positive way, allowing me to appreciate the NHS healthcare system that we have in the UK. We are likely to come across conditions in the Philippines that we do not see within the UK and therefore it will allow me to be exposed to a different experience of care.” Bethany and Katie, who both work shifts at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle, have raised more than £1,000 but they are working hard to raise even more cash to cover their travel and accommodation costs which total £2,300.

Anybody who would like to donate to the students’ trip can call Bethany on 07766 197017.

They also want to take extra money with them which they will use to buy medical equipment. Bethany added: “I would love to be able to buy them something like a bladder scanner or a couple of BM machines and some blood pressure monitors.” The students will be holding another bag-packing fund-raiser in Asda superstore in Kingstown, Carlisle on Saturday 19 April.

Our

University

get invo lved Tell us about news and developments in your area …

Below: Carlisle’s Ukulele Orchestra

Calva Bar Charity Party The Calva Bar held a Charity Christmas Party on Friday 6 December, in aid of the Eden Valley Hospice. One of our students, Ed Clark, is a member of a band and offered their services free of charge. The 70 staff members, students and friends were in for a treat with Carlisle’s Ukulele Orchestra “The Ukulele All Stars” playing two 45-minute sets, getting everyone up dancing and singing along. During the interval, hot turkey rolls and chips were served to keep the revellers going, and a raffle was drawn with 20 prizes donated by local businesses and staff. A DJ rounded off the evening and everyone was delighted when it was announced that £385 had been raised. Due to demand a staff summer party is being held on Friday 16 May. There will be a barbecue at 6pm followed by live music from The Blue Feeling, a local band playing blues, soul and rock ’n’ roll! Tickets are on sale at Calva Bar for only £5. Above: Left to right; Loren Ttakoushis, Heather Robertshaw, Jack Davies, Ellie Slack, Katie Johnston.

University consults on new student accommodation at Ambleside A public exhibition has been held to look at possible options for the provision of new student accommodation within our existing estate at Ambleside. The university was keen to gather feedback and understand the thoughts of its staff, students and the local community. The event, held in the Barn at the Ambleside campus in February, allowed people to view different options for the creation of the student accommodation, make comments and share ideas towards this first stage of the project. Representatives of the university were also present to answer questions. Chief Operating Officer Janet Whitworth said: “This event was part of an ongoing consultation process for the redevelopment of our Ambleside campus and we are grateful to hear the views of all our stakeholders. We have continued to listen to our staff and stakeholders throughout the redevelopment process, and adjusted plans to incorporate feedback received from all other consultation exercises. Understanding ongoing views, particularly of those living in the local area, is extremely important to us to ensure any future development has positive outcomes for both community and our students.” After the workshop event, the exhibition boards were moved to the local Ambleside library where people can continue to provide feedback. The material can also be view online at www.cumbria.ac.uk/ambleside.

Above: Images of the redeveloped Barn.

Specialist Community Public Health Nursing The university has helped two nurses from Bermuda to become the first in their country to qualify as health visitors through studying on a UK Nursing & Midwifery Council approved programme.

Jennifer Robinson, 44, and Isabell Jervis, 49, undertook the Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Community Public Health Nursing – Health Visiting. This course, led by Sam Whittle, is based on the UK Nursing & Midwifery Council standards of proficiency and focuses on contemporary policy and practice guidelines for health visiting. The distance learning course was divided into two parts—the students spent half their time learning the practical nature of health visiting, supported by their practice teacher Carmel Baxter-Wilkes, and spent the other half dedicated to their academic studies using the virtual learning environment Blackboard. They studied modules including health visiting, public health practice, leadership, evidence-based practice and research. In addition, Jennifer and Isabell opted to spend two weeks at the university’s Lancaster campus, where they had dedicated tutorial time and also worked with UK health visitor teams to observe, discuss and compare practice. Head of Department of Lifelong and Interprofessional Learning, Jo Blake said: “Jennifer and Isabell have been exemplary students—very enthusiastic and dedicated to their learning and development of specialist health visiting practice. “The model of combining a professionally approved UK online university course with a programme of professional development for public health nursing in Bermuda has worked well, as Jennifer and Isabell have been able to explore and implement changes

in practice, as they have progressed through their course, working in close collaboration with colleagues. “Key individuals in Bermuda, including Gaylia Llandry, Gaynell Hayward-Caesar, Lynn Jackson and Carmel Baxter-Wilkes had the initial vision and have been inspirational leaders in making this project work in Bermuda. It has been a pleasure to work with individuals so committed to improving public health and health outcomes for children, young people and families.” Jo and her team are now exploring the possibility of offering a model that combines an education programme with a service improvement plan, within an area of practice such as health visiting, to other countries.

Above: Nurses Jennifer Robinson and Isabell Jervis. Photo courtesy of Nicola Muirhead/Bermuda Sun.

Dean of Westminster gives University Chaplaincy Lecture

University pledges support for the armed forces, veterans and their families

The Dean of Westminster delivered this year’s University of Cumbria Chaplaincy Annual Lecture.

Lancaster City Council brought together a broad range of organisations from across the public sector and community in February to sign up to the Armed Forces Community Covenant.

Each year the lecture is given by a prominent Christian from the worlds of church, politics or culture. This year’s lecture was given by The Very Reverend Dr John Hall, the Dean of Westminster. University chaplain, the Reverend Matthew Firth, said he was thrilled that the dean had accepted the invitation. He commented: “It’s wonderful to have such a notable Christian speaker agree to travel to Carlisle for our lecture.” In this year’s lecture the dean explored ‘The Christian Faith at the Heart of the Nation’.

Above: Geoffrey Etule with Lancaster Mayor June Ashworth

The University of Cumbria Chaplaincy Annual Lecture is an opportunity for the university, local church and local community to engage with ideas about the place of the Christian faith in today’s society.

Director of HR, Geoffrey Etule signed the covenant on behalf of the university at a special event at Lancaster City Museum. The Community Covenant is a voluntary statement of mutual support between civilian communities and their local armed forces community. It aims to reinforce the principles of the national Armed Forces Covenant made by central government, which recognises the sacrifices made by those who serve in the armed forces and seeks to ensure that there are no disadvantages as a result of service in the armed forces, and that special consideration is given where justified. Areas that have a community covenant in place are eligible to access the Community Covenant Grant Scheme.

Above: Dr John Hall in discussion with the vice chancellor

This is open to local groups, organisations and individuals, and its aim is to provide financial support for local projects which provide benefits to both the armed forces community and the wider community. The government has made £3m available for the period from 2011-15.

Local economic summit in Lancaster focuses on community issues

Above: Jem Bendell, Below: Michael Hallam

Ethical entrepreneurs and community organisations from the Lancaster region gathered at the university in early February for a local economic summit, hosted by the Institute for Leadership and Sustainability (IFLAS).

Professor Jem Bendell hopes the partnership with ESTA will help to bring the innovative work being done at IFLAS – including use of local currencies - to a wider audience.

Lancaster Ethical Small Traders Association (ESTA) has formed a new partnership with IFLAS aimed at helping the city’s enterprise community to network, develop new ideas and collaborate on sustainability projects.

Delegates were enthusiastic about the aims of the summit. Tony Haslam runs Banking on Carbon Ltd, a Lancaster firm working to create a local currency for Lancaster with the added benefit of helping users offset their carbon footprint.

ESTA chairman Michael Hallam told the 50 delegates that the objective for the summit was to find ways to spread the ‘think globally, act locally’ philosophy. He said: “We live on a finite planet and we’re starting to see things folding in on themselves. Politicians and governments can’t do everything. It’s up to everyone to create a sustainable world and we need to empower communities to come up with their own sustainable initiatives.” Delegates discussed ideas around the themes of encouraging lifelong learning, developing a strong community fabric, protecting the environment and creating a thriving local economy.

He said: “Small business is the heartbeat of the community. The University of Cumbria has to engage in ways that make sense to the community. We hope our partnership with ESTA grows.”

He commented: “I came to the summit to raise the profile of the REALM local currency. It’s really useful to connect with people who don’t know what we’re doing. There’s a lot going on in Lancaster, but we need to find ways of getting through to people.” Delegate Ian Aspin owns a TV company and is currently a PhD student writing a book about creating shared values within communities. He said: “What people here are doing, is looking at ways to create shared value and look at ways that we can work together. It starts at local level like this, but it’s completely scaleable.” The next ESTA summit will take place at our Lancaster campus during the summer.

University’s Enterprise Week wins accolade A range of people attended the events including students from the university, sixth form pupils from William Howard School, and Year 10 and 11 pupils from Caldew School, as well as business owners and those interested in setting up their own businesses.

Sylvia Grainger

In recognition of the support given to entrepreneurs in the region, GEW has handed the university a High Impact award – an accolade given to ‘highlight the very best events’ held during the week. The university’s student enterprise coordinator Sylvia Grainger said: “We are thrilled to be presented with a High Impact award, and for GEW to commend the events we held during Enterprise Week in this way.

The university has been presented with an award highlighting the support it gave to businesses and entrepreneurs during Global Entrepreneurship Week. Trade experts gave free workshops and advice sessions to budding entrepreneurs and fledgling businesses during the university’s Enterprise Week in November. “We are proud to have The successful programme, strong links with a range which was held at the of organisations in new Carlisle Business the region and we will Interaction Centre, was continue to work together organised to celebrate to help our business Global Entrepreneurship community flourish.” Week (GEW) —the international campaign set up to develop the next generation of business leaders.

“The university has an ongoing commitment to support businesses and entrepreneurs, and our dedicated enterprise team is always on hand to offer advice and guidance.” Enterprise Week was run by the university in partnership with Carlisle College, Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, Carlisle City Council and Cumbria County Council. Sylvia added: “We are proud to have strong links with a range of organisations in the region and we will continue to work together to help our business community flourish. “We are looking forward to organising another Enterprise Week in 2014 which will build on the success of this year’s programme.” To find out more about the work the university does around business support and enterprise, visit www.cumbria.ac.uk/Enterprise.

University helps shape learning in India A group of Indian government officials visited the university to find out more about higher education in the UK in a bid to improve teaching in their home country.

Above: The Indian delegates with Professor Sandra Jowett (fifth from left), Christine Marcangelo and Jeremy Benson (both far right.)

Six members of the Government of Gujarat and Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat, along with a representative of British Council India, visited the Fusehill Street campus in early December. The event was organised by the Higher Education Academy (HEA) and formed part of a week-long programme for the Indian delegates, who also visited Leeds University and Sheffield Hallam University. The purpose of the visit was to explain to the visitors how the university uses the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF)—a set of guidelines which reflect best practice in the higher education environment—to support teaching and learning across its campuses, and how it supports staff to ensure standards are kept high. The government officials will be sharing this knowledge with their colleagues when they return to Gujarat, with the aim of introducing certain aspects of the framework to their own higher education policy.

As part of the visit, the government officials met with a range of university staff, including Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Sandra Jowett, members of the Academic Quality and Development (AQD) service and lecturers. Senior lecturer in AQD, Caroline Marcangelo, hosted the visit and was supported by principal lecturer Jeremy Benson and administrative assistant Emma Wilson. Caroline said: “It was a great privilege to be chosen by the HEA to host this event, and shows the high regard in which we are held with respect to the UKPSF. “Our visitors were really interested in how the standards influence strategic decisions, underpin teaching and assessment methods, and ultimately impact on student learning and success.

University programme supports company growth The programme provided Georgie and her colleagues with both evidence and reassurance that businesses face similar challenges and that many of her employer Johnston and Wright’s activities are already very successful. By using these creative thinking solutions she has become a much more valuable member of the team.

Georgie Clay outside Carlisle Old Town Hall.

Georgie explains: “In addition to the group sessions, the coaching has been a fantastic resource and is something I would like to continue; it provides a real opportunity for selfevaluation—where you are, where you want to be and where you want to be in the future. It’s also been great to establish goals and realise that without them we really would just coast.

A university business support programme is already making a real difference. The scheme, ‘Knowledge Action Network’, brings together business owners and managers to share knowledge and experience whilst supporting them with business coaching, workshops and technical support. The programme is new to the North West and the university is already working with over 40 local businesses to improve the economic impact they have in the region. Newly qualified architect Georgie Cray, from Carlisle, feels she packed 10 years of learning into just six months on the programme.

“The last few months are only a very short period of time in the context of the business, and many of the things I’ve learned I won’t have the chance to put into action for some time, however, there is no question that they have been, and will come to be, invaluable.” John Berry, programme manager for the Knowledge Action Network, based at Energus in Workington, says: “The programme brings business owners and managers together to learn from one another. As we have a wide range of people involved, everyone learns things that are unique and individual to them. In Georgie’s case she was able to bring more upto-date practices to the group whilst fast-tracking her own knowledge of business management.” For further information about the Knowledge Action Network, visit www.cumbria.ac.uk/ KAN or www.knowledge-action.co.uk

New dementia education curriculum launched The university is one of a group of UK universities in the Higher Education for Dementia Network (HEDN) that has developed a new curriculum to improve dementia education in the UK. The curriculum has been designed as a guide to universities for developing the content of higher education programmes for health and social care professionals such as nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and social work. This will help universities to ensure their courses address the knowledge and skills health and social care staff need to care for people with dementia.

She said: “We are excited to be involved in the launch of this curriculum. As the first university in the UK to deliver a foundation degree with a named pathway in dementia care, the curriculum for dementia education (CfDE) will also be embedded in all our health and social care programmes.

HEDN, which is coordinated by charity Dementia UK, has developed the curriculum over a number of years through consultation with people living with dementia, their families, dementia care practitioners and network members.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for those who provide services to people with dementia, as education specialising in dementia care is now gaining the recognition that it deserves. These standards will ensure that the university will provide a high quality curriculum that is meaningful and contemporary.”

This followed from research conducted by HEDN which identified that coverage of dementia in most UK university health and social care courses was inadequate and inconsistent.

HEDN hopes the curriculum will eventually be adopted by all UK universities, resulting in coverage of dementia in all health and social care courses, as well as consistency in the depth and content of what students learn.

“Dementia needs to be integral to education for all health and social care professionals but also needs to be delivered in a consistent and systematic way.”

Linda Morrison is programme lead for the Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care.

Rachel Thompson, chair of HEDN, said: “Dementia needs to be integral to education for all health and social care professionals but also needs to be delivered in a consistent and systematic way. “We hope that the CfDE will provide a framework to ensure that this happens effectively and across all education providers.”

Reflecting on the achievement of Change Delivery Board over the past year Also, in a busy year, we have overseen the delivery of Ambleside Phase 1, the Carlisle Business Interaction Centre and the move of our campus in Tower Hamlets to East India Dock Road.

Janet Whitworth

The first phase of the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is up and running and has made a positive contribution to our increased student applications. Finance has successfully delivered the upgrade to the Agresso system, and our management information reporting through CORE is now available on StaffNet.

Chief Operating Officer Janet Whitworth chairs the Change Delivery Board. Here, she gives an update on progress made in the past twelve months.

“Thanks to everyone involved for their hard work. It is really having a positive effect on our ability to deliver projects.”

“Reflecting on the achievement of Change Delivery Board over the last year, the successful projects delivered are foremost in my mind. The data centre project has been a huge achievement—on time and under budget. Although we don’t see it on a dayto-day basis, it has made a massive difference to the resilience of our IT.

Progress towards a new timetable delivery process is moving on and the video enhanced teaching project is nearing completion. The procurement project is delivering substantial savings in areas such as non-essential subscriptions and the renegotiation of our Blackberry contract. We have seen a massive improvement in working with projects and reporting regularly through highlight reports. Hopefully this learning will be applied when we accept the big transformation programmes from planning and resources committee. The Lancaster estates consolidation programme is now being progressed to project implementation stage, and academic transformation and student journey programmes are both close to business case completion. Thanks to everyone involved for their hard work. It is really having a positive effect on our ability to deliver projects.“

Our

Research

get invo lved Tell us about your research...

Nevada Museum of Art names research fellows Each year the Centre for Art + Environment (CA+E), based at the Nevada Museum of Art, names a limited number of research fellows for two-year appointments. The fellowships are not open to applications but are awarded in recognition of existing or proposed projects that will contribute to understanding how humans interact with their natural, built and virtual environments.

Above: Mark Wilson and Bryndís Snæbjörnsdóttir.

The Centre awarded one of the 2013–2015 fellowships to the art partnership of (University of Cumbria lecturer) Mark Wilson and Bryndís Snæbjörnsdóttir. Their art practice is research based and socially engaged, exploring issues of history, culture and environment in both humans and non-human animals. Through their practice they challenge and deconstruct various notions and degrees of ‘wilderness’. They conduct their practice from bases in Iceland, the north of England and Sweden and are currently engaged in tracing the waters of the Colorado River from the Grand Canyon to Phoenix.

Contemporary art project showcased in exhibition at Rheged A new art exhibition has opened in a special projects gallery space at the Rheged Centre, Penrith. Cumbrian Alchemy is an ambitious contemporary art project hosted by the university and supported by Arts Council England. The exhibition of drawings, photographs and artefacts is the result of a research project by American artist Brian McGovern Wilson and British artist and the university’s Professor of Fine Art, Robert Williams. The project, which unfolded over a number of years, looks at Cumbria and Lancashire’s Energy Coast, a string of industrial facilities including nuclear power plants, renewable energy facilities and mines. The artists explore the connection between these industrial elements and the archaeology, monuments and oral traditions of the region.

The Cumbrian Alchemy exhibition at Rheged, Penrith is open daily 10.30am – 4.30pm until 13 April 2014 and admission is free

To coincide with the opening of the exhibition, a lavishly illustrated book has also been launched. Designed by the artist James Brook, it brings together material from the Cumbrian Alchemy project with essays by eminent professionals in the field in an enquiry into the place, the spaces, the people and the monuments of the region.

Essayists include the archaeologist David Barrowclough from the University of Cambridge, an expert on the prehistory of Lancashire and Cumbria, who considers the concept of deep-time in Cumbria and the future archaeology of long term storage of nuclear waste. Nuclear specialist Paul Abraitis investigates the natural history of radiation in the region, whilst Cumbrian journalist Alan Cleaver provides insights into the folklore of ‘places of power’ in Cumbria. The Cumbrian Alchemy exhibition at Rheged, Penrith is open daily 10.30am–4.30pm until 13 April 2014 and admission is free. For more information about this exhibition or the book about the project then please visit: www.cumbria.ac.uk/Courses/SubjectAreas/CreativeArts/ Research/FineArt/CumbrianAlchemyBookPublication For more information about the Rheged Centre please visit: www.rheged.com

Faculty of Health and Science joins the Lancashire and Cumbria Clinical Research Hub The faculty has become a partner in the Clinical Research Hub/Lancaster Health Hub hosted by Lancaster University. The purpose of the hub is to establish a cross-sectoral research platform to drive forward world-leading innovation in healthcare research and stimulate regional economic growth.

www.lancaster.ac.uk/ shm/work/clinical_ research_hub/about

The other partners in the hub are: • Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Highly research active and has more than doubled its patient recruitment into clinical trials since 2007 allowing the residents of Blackpool and the Fylde coast and beyond to have access to the latest treatments.

The objectives are to:

• Calderstones Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Based in the Ribble valley and provides a specialist service for people with learning disabilities.

• engage public and private sector colleagues in collaborative research initiatives

• Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust A health and wellbeing trust specialising in inpatient and community mental health services.

• translate innovative healthcare research into genuine benefits for patients • enable research capability and skill acquisition through continuing professional development and training.

• Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust A large acute teaching trust based in Preston that supports a broad range of research across a large number of healthcare conditions. • North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust An acute trust, based in Carlisle and Whitehaven, committed to supporting research and development as a means of maintaining and enabling delivery of high quality healthcare. • University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation trust committed to providing opportunities for clinical research and development.

University researchers win grant to help protect snow leopard population During 2014-15, a team of five experienced scientists and conservationists from the University of Cumbria will be using ‘trailcams’ or camera traps to carry out a population survey of snow leopard numbers in the nature reserve. They will also model the potential impacts of climate change in the reserve, mainly in relation to changes in the treeline.

Dr Ian Convery

Principal investigator Dr Ian Convery, from the university’s Centre for Wildlife Conservation explains:

The future of the snow leopard may seem far removed from life in rainy Britain, but university researchers have secured a grant for research to help preserve the species in southern Kazakhstan.

“The snow leopard is one of the most charismatic species on the planet. Climate change represents one of the biggest challenges to its survival.”

A Snow Leopard Conservation Grant has been awarded by the Snow Leopard Network for a project to be undertaken in partnership with Almaty State Nature Reserve, Kazakhstan, Kazakh National University and Central Queensland University, Australia.

“The snow leopard is one of the most charismatic species on the planet. Climate change represents one of the biggest challenges to its survival, and this research will enable us to make some predictions about the future for snow leopard numbers in an important area of its range, the Tian Shen mountains in Central Asia. “This research builds on existing good working relationships that the university has forged with institutions in Kazakhstan. There are currently no reliable estimates of snow leopard numbers in the nature reserve, one of only two stable populations of snow leopards in the country. “We have already used these cameras for research in a range of different environments, such as the high Rocky Mountains in Alberta and temperate rainforest in British Columbia, Canada. Trailcam technology has improved dramatically over the last few years. Cameras can function down to extremely low temperatures and can be left in the field for up to 12 months on one set of batteries.”

Dr. Charudutt Mishra, executive director of the Snow Leopard Network comments: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are dealing with highly endangered, yet the least studied, of all large cats. So far, not a single study in Kazakhstan has undertaken a robust population estimation of the snow leopard, let alone population monitoring. The work of Dr. Converyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team and their Kazakh collaborators is a very important first step in population monitoring and understanding the impacts of climate change on the snow leopard in Kazakhstan.â&#x20AC;? In the long term, the researchers plan to establish a permanent network of trailcams in Almaty State Nature Reserve to monitor both snow leopard and prey species population numbers. Reserve staff will be trained in the management and maintenance of the camera traps, allowing the project to continue long after the grant funding has ceased, strengthening the capacity to monitor and protect snow leopard populations for the future. Other researchers from the university involved in the project include Billy Sinclair, Volker Deeke, Naomi Van de Velden and Viktor Kouloumpis.

Above: Photos courtesy of Snow Leopard Trust/Nature Conservation Foundation

Academicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drawings acquired by the Henry Moore Institute The Henry Moore Institute at Leeds has acquired a series of drawings by the Professor of Fine Art, Robert Williams as part of an archive documenting American artist Mark Dionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tasting Garden project (1998) at the Storey Gallery in Lancaster. Part of a major collaborative project, the drawings were made as designs for 21 oversized bronze representations of various fruit types made by Robert for the installation in the hidden gardens of The Storey Institute that explored issues of diversity, ecology and global agribusiness. The project was a major part of the ArtransPennine98 event curated by the late Robert Hopper of The Henry Moore Sculpture Trust and Director of Tate Liverpool Lewis Biggs. The archive, which has already been exhibited in the UK, the Netherlands, and New York, was collected by former Storey Gallery Director Dr John Angus and is made up of drawings by Dion and Williams with documentary photographs by Don Burnett. The archive will be permanently held at the Henry Moore Institute at Leeds, where Robert was a postgraduate Henry Moore Scholar in the 1990s. Tragically the Tasting Garden was destroyed by vandals and metal thieves in 2008.

the health benefits of Scottish country dancing The university’s Active Ageing Research Group (AARG) has featured widely in the Scottish press after publishing findings about the health benefits gained by older women through Scottish country dancing in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. The researchers found that this type of physical activity can delay the ageing process on locomotion-related activities of older women and benefit their functional ability. AARG, in partnership with the University of Strathclyde, analysed data from women aged 60-80, who had taken part in Scottish country dancing for at least ten years, and their ability to perform day-to-day tasks in comparison to non-dancers of the same age group. The 26 Scottish country dancers and 34 nondancers, who were all healthy and participated in the same amount of physical activity each week, were assessed on a variety of tasks, such as how far they could walk in six minutes, how fast they could cover six metres, or how far they could reach towards their toes while seated. While the results showed dancers and nondancers aged 60-70 had similar functional abilities, the analysis revealed dancers aged 70-80 performed better than their nondancer counterparts in the various tasks.

Anyone who is interested in AARG’s work can email activeageing@ cumbria.ac.uk

The researchers believe that the effect of the ageing process on locomotorrelated activities in Scottish country dancers can potentially be delayed due to the routines which combine forwards and sideways movements with side-skipping, turning and hopping elements – all of which combat the deterioration of the nervous system.

“The present study shows that Scottish country dancing can be an appealing form of exercise to achieve that, as it not only brings the social and mental wellbeing of group dancing but it also helps to maintain functional ability.” The study, which was published earlier this year, states: “These findings advocate the participation in Scottish country dance in combating the inevitable degenerative effects of ageing in the performance of functional ability tasks when compared with age-matched individuals participating in other forms of physical activity.” Dr Susan Dewhurst, lead researcher and senior lecturer in sport and exercise physiology, said: “With the ageing population being a major concern due to the impact on public services and particularly the NHS, promoting active ageing that will result in independent and healthy living is crucial, both for the NHS and the individuals concerned.” “The present study shows that Scottish country dancing can be an appealing form of exercise to achieve that, as it not only brings the social and mental wellbeing of group dancing but it also helps to maintain functional ability.” Age-related physical degeneration severely affects people’s quality of life and puts a large amount of strain on the NHS. With the number of people aged 65 or over projected to rise to more than 16 million (nearly 50%) in the next 20 years, AARG is committed to finding ways which can lessen the effects of ageing, by identifying the most effective interventions of age-related degeneration and promoting them into future health schemes, as well as developing scientific research which can be translated into practical applications.

GRADUATE SCHOOL RESEARCH SUPPORT and STAFF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 2013-14 These sessions will be informal meetings for mutual support, encouragement and development of research degree candidates (registered with University of Cumbria or elsewhere) and supervisors. Each session will include guidance on some aspect of the research degree process.

L AXB

Please join us for all or part of any of these. It will be helpful to know if you are coming. Please contact Sonia Mason on 01524 384221 or email sonia.mason@cumbria.ac.uk

Location

Lancaster Alexandra Building

Fusehill Street, Carlisle

Learning Gateway (LG)

All sessions are 5.00pm–7.00pm

Date

Topic, Presenter, Room

Thursday 3 April Thursday 10 April

Mixed method enquiries, Dr Chris Loynes

Thursday 8 May Thursday 22 May

Data security: Being a safe researcher, Dr Ian Convery

Thursday 5 June Thursday 19 June

Questioning and interviewing techniques, Dr Paul Cammack

Room:

AXB014

LG003

research ROUND-UP A selection of some of our staff research outputs from the past few months

Stephen Longstaffe was an invited speaker on 'Marlowe's Radio Play: Dido Queen of Carthage', at the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)/British Academy (BA) funded conference ‘Performing Dido’ at Oxford University.

Sally Elton-Chalcraft presented a paper at ECER (European Council for Educational Research) in Istanbul in September with colleagues from Chester and Liverpool John Moores (Esme Fairbairn funded Creativity project). They reported on findings from their collaborative three-year project in a paper entitled 'Creativity in a Policy Vacuum: ‘An Investigation into the Understanding and Implementation of State Guidance and Policy on Creativity in Education by Intending and Newly Qualified Teachers’.

Adrian Copping, Sally Elton-Chalcraft and Kären Mills (PG primary QTS team) presented a paper at UCET (Universities' Council for the Education of Teachers) in November 2013 'Enabling student teachers to facilitate creative teaching and learning in primary schools.’ This University of Cumbria funded research reported on findings from their three-phase collaborative project (the research team also included Ian Todd and Dennis Howlett, also PG primary QTS team).

Against the backdrop of School Direct developments, Alison Jackson and James Burch have been researching the concept of ‘Third Space’ activity and over the course of the last year have produced a series of publications and presented at conferences including The space between: opportunities to explore new pathways in the context of policy change, UCET; The teacher as researcher: Driving improvement in schools, Research Institute for Professional Learning in Education (RIPLE); and Strengthening Teacher Education, Teacher Education Advancement Network (TEAN)/Higher Education Academy (HEA).

Colum Cronin is joint author of Sport, Education and Society (2013): Lived experience and community sport coaching: A phenomenological investigation, Sport, Education and Society, DOI:10.1080/13573322.2013.858625

Paul Miller’s article Depression, sense and sensitivity: On pre-diagnostic questioning about self-harm and suicidal inclination in the primary care consultation was published in Communication and Medicine. 10(1), 39-51.

Interested in volunteering with Lancashire Constabulary? Special constables have the same powers, equipment, and receive similar training to a regular officer. Candidates must be over 18 years old, have no convictions within the last five years, not be involved with the sale or supply of alcohol and must have resided in the UK for the last 36 months. Specials are asked to perform at least 16 duty hours per month. More details can be found on the Lancashire Constabulary website www.lancashire.police.uk/recruitment/special-constable Josh Bancroft (Lancaster CIP admin assistant) has first-hand experience as a special constable. Email him at Joshua.bancroft@cumbria.ac.uk for more information, or the local contact for Northern Division, Jen Seal on 01524 596659 Jen.Seal@lancashire.pnn.police.uk

AQD Learning and Teaching FEST 2014 3 July 2014 Lancaster

WILLIAMSON FAMILY FUN RUN

is Family Fun Run Park 3km /5km n so am illi e W th , th The four n is from 10am 2014 . Registratio ril Ap . 13 on ay no nd 12 on Su e 5km event at at 11am, and th 3km run starts s in partnership ar spor ts student ye al fin by per d se Organi £3 per adult, £8 Council, entry is ty Ci r ly/ te mi as fa nc 0 La £1 with per runner and advance, or £4 . es iti tiv ac r family/ team in t and othe y. Entertainmen m team on the da ; entry forms fro ial or em M on Asht fé. Ca Registration at rk Pa e th d re Complex an the Spor ts Cent

Send us your stories

If you would like to con tribute to the next issue of Co nnect, please contac t a memb er of the communications team: lynn.clark@ cumbria.a c.uk julie.ratcliffe@ cumbri a.ac.uk fiona.hughes@ cumbri a.ac.uk elizabeth.henzell@ cum bria.ac.uk The copy deadline for the next issue of Connect is 16 May 2014.

If you would lik e to submit a paper detailin g a prac tice exchange session , or a poster, please co mplete this online form .

Closing date : 22 April 2014 . Theme of SUST AINABILIT Y All sessions will be CALL FOR PAPE RS 35 minutes long and The corporate th eme of posters will be on public Sustainabilit y ha s been display for the fu ll day. chosen as the fo cus of this Please contac t Ca roline years’ award. Cl ick Marcangelo if yo u have for more inform ation. any queries x622 8.

SPORT RELIEF FUN RUN Five students have org anised a fun run in aid of Spo rt Relief, with support from Carlisle Leisure Limited, in Bit ts Park on Sunday 23 March. One, three or six mil es routes. Sponsorship form an d fundraising kit availab le. Register Staff and students are also being asked to volunteer on the day - email Ch ris Banks chrisbanks80 @aol.com .

Fusehill Street Carlisle CA1 2HH