NETWORK NEWS

WESTMINSTER TEAMS UP WITH WORLD-CLASS FOOTBALLERS

The University’s Professor Mohammed Gulrez Zariwala, a leading researcher in nutritional supplementation and Director of the Centre for Nutraceuticals at the School of Life Sciences, has partnered with elite athletes, Mathieu Flamini and Mesut Özil, to launch a new range of health supplements for their brand UNITY.

The Centre for Nutraceuticals is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the area of nutraceuticals, supplements and functional foods, and will act as a catalyst for improving health and wellbeing guided by research and innovation.

Mathieu Flamini, co-founder of UNITY, said: “After searching high and low for the best supplements and being disappointed by what was on offer, we decided to take matters into our own hands by creating our own range. We collaborated with worldrenowned scientists at the University of Westminster to produce the most effective supplements.”

WESTMINSTER TEAMS UP WITH WORLD-CLASS FOOTBALLERS

ALUMNI RECOGNISED IN NEW YEAR AND QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LISTS

The New Year Honours and the Queen’s Birthday Honours lists are the most significant announcements of civilian and military gallantry. This year, Westminster celebrates several alumni, who have been recognised for improving the lives of others or being outstanding in what they do.

Rajinder Tumber (Computer Science BSc, 2005), was awarded an MBE for his services to the cyber security industry. Rajinder has worked in the cyber security industry for over a decade, and has written many articles that have been published by magazines such as Forbes. Rajinder is also a valued mentor to students and a board member at the University.

Jenny Garrett (Business Administration BA, 2000) received an OBE for her services to entrepreneurship and to women in business. A long-term supporter of the University, Jenny is also a published author, a Freeman at the Guild of Entrepreneurs, an award-winning career coach, and a TEDx speaker.

Dr Maria Lenn (Social Science BA, 1980), was awarded an MBE for her services to unemployed people in London. Maria is the Founder of the charity Suited & Booted, which helps unemployed, vulnerable and low-income men into employment by providing interview clothing and interview advice.

Other alumni to have been recognised in the New Year Honours 2021 include: Debbie Scully (Management Studies, 1987), who received an MBE for her services to drama training and higher education; Catherine Tuitt, who studied a Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) programme at the University and received an MBE for her services to the community in London; and Caron Bradshaw (Law LLB,1990), who is Chief Executive of the Charity Finance Group and was awarded an OBE for her services to charity. John Sidebotham (Transport Planning and Management MSc, 1985), meanwhile, was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his outstanding service and contribution to health and wellbeing in his position at Network Rail during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ALUMNI RECOGNISED IN NEW YEAR AND QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LISTS

WESTMINSTER PROUDLY RANKS IN TOP 20 UNIVERSITIES GLOBALLY FOR SUPPORTING GENDER EQUALITY

According to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2021, which assess universities against the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the University also ranks in the top 25 globally for supporting reduced inequalities.

This year Westminster has successfully held its place in the top 200 universities in the world for delivering these goals, even as the number of universities assessed increased by 45 per cent.

These fantastic results reflect Westminster’s commitment to the values set out in the SDGs, which recognise that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-inhand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.

WESTMINSTER PROUDLY RANKS IN TOP 20 UNIVERSITIES GLOBALLY FOR SUPPORTING GENDER EQUALITY

ALUMNA CELEBRATED FOR INTERNATIONAL WORK ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Dr Orna Rosenfeld (Urban Regeneration and Development PhD, 2012) was named the global winner of the prestigious Social Impact Award as part of the Study UK Alumni Awards 2021, run by the British Council.

Dr Rosenfeld is a global adviser on housing, a research scientist and author. She has provided research and consultation to governments, cities and an extensive number of international organisations, thus contributing to the provision of affordable housing in 56 countries in Europe, North America and Central Asia. She is currently supporting leaders of global organisations to undertake agenda-setting research, and advance housing policy and investment in pursuit of inclusive recovery post-COVID-19.

Speaking about the award, Dr Rosenfeld said: “Winning this award would not have been possible without the support and inspiration I have received from my PhD supervisors and my colleagues at Westminster, as well as from the British Council and Chevening Scholarship.

“This award is testimony to the magnitude of the social impact housing has on our lives and societies, as well as the importance of education to advance it. But our work has just begun. I dedicate this award to this vital work and the efforts ahead.”

ALUMNA CELEBRATED FOR INTERNATIONAL WORK ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING

FASHION ALUMNUS HAS COLLECTION FEATURED IN HARRY STYLES’ MUSIC VIDEO

Steven Stokey-Daley (Fashion Design BA, 2020), had his graduate collection featured in Harry Styles’ music video for the song ‘Golden’.

The items worn by Styles include a pair of oversized, off-white, floral trousers and a billowing, slightly transparent, white shirt. His collection, ‘The Inalienable Right’, made use of deadstock and leftover tweed, chiffon and silk from Alexander McQueen’s material archive, which was donated to the University.

The collection, with key items including a wool tattersall check trench coat and a dressing gown made from 120 panels in three different silks, debuted at London Fashion Week. Since then, Steven has continued to work in an environmentally and sustainably conscious manner by using donated deadstock and end-of-roll fabrics.

Speaking about the collection, Professor Andrew Groves, Professor of Fashion Design, said “Steven’s collection was inspired by the public schools of England including Harrow, which he could see through the studio windows. Six months later, it’s terrific to see his work being championed by Harry Styles in his latest video.

“Steven had already started his own business, but this attention has skyrocketed his profile; he has been inundated with new orders, including from editors at Vogue. Having taught him in the final year, I know he will make the most of this opportunity and build his business.”

FASHION ALUMNUS HAS COLLECTION FEATURED IN HARRY STYLES’ MUSIC VIDEO

WESTMINSTER MAKES PROGRESS TOWARDS DECOLONISING THE CURRICULUM

The University has created a Decolonising the Curriculum Toolkit, a collaborative project between students and colleagues, which aims to provide the resources to begin thinking about and engaging in decolonising learning and teaching.

Decolonising is understood as an ongoing process that involves unravelling assumptions about the syllabus, critically examining content and forms, and imagining new ways of learning together.

“The process of decolonising our curriculum is not only essential for creating an inclusive learning and teaching environment, but it is also a fundamental pillar of building relationships with students,” says Dr Fatima Maatwk, a member of the project team. “Re-evaluating our assumptions about how we teach and what we teach, and acknowledging the collaborative spirit of decolonising, are vital to engage with our students and to create a safer, principled learning space for us all.”

WESTMINSTER MAKES PROGRESS TOWARDS DECOLONISING THE CURRICULUM

CHERISH: NEW PLATFORM FOR SUPPORTERS OF STUDENTS SUFFERING WITH POOR MENTAL HEALTH

While conducting a study to understand selfharm among university students, Westminster researchers in psychology discovered that many students were providing support for others who had self-harmed, but with little resources available to support them.

In response to these findings, the research team created a first-of-its-kind online platform, CHERISH, which provides much-needed resources and information for anyone giving support for another individual engaging in self-harm.

The website has been developed alongside participants with lived experience, including professionals, family and friends, and those with personal experiences of self-harm. It aims to bring together information on self-harm and mental health on one platform, something that participants felt was particularly lacking for them as supporters. CHERISH also aims to nurture community support through encouraging supporters to share their experiences in blog posts.

Laura Culshaw, Doctoral Researcher in Psychology at Westminster and Research Associate working on the CHERISH project, said: “This research highlights the importance of bringing supporters into the forefront of the mental health conversation.”

CHERISH: NEW PLATFORM FOR SUPPORTERS OF STUDENTS SUFFERING WITH POOR MENTAL HEALTH

RECENT GRADUATE WINS SILVER AT RIBA PRESIDENT’S MEDALS AWARDS

The award, which recognises the world’s best student architecture projects, was presented to Robert Beeny (Master of Architecture RIBA Pt II, 2020), for his work titled Devil’s Valley Geothermal Co-operative.

His project is based on an area of Tuscany, Italy, known as the Devil’s Valley, which has become well established for its production of renewable and geothermal energy. Beeny’s design project proposes a new rural self-build development that protects the livelihood of local communities that rely on the renewable energy source. The development is powered by a geothermal well, with a pipeline and manufacturing spaces cascading down the valley landscape.

In 2020, the RIBA President’s Medals received their highest ever number of entries in their 184-year-old history, with 336 entries nominated by 118 schools located in 32 countries.

Talking about his award, Robert said: “To be recognised by RIBA in this way is an incredible honour and truly humbling. This award is the benchmark for excellence within architectural education across the world, and so I am extremely proud to represent the University of Westminster in this manner.”

RECENT GRADUATE WINS SILVER AT RIBA PRESIDENT’S MEDALS AWARDS

WESTMINSTER ACHIEVES ITS HIGHEST EVER SCORE FOR POSTGRADUATE SATISFACTION

The University placed 18th out of 89 institutions in the UK for overall satisfaction in the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) 2021.

The overall satisfaction rate has continued to improve at Westminster with each PRES: this year with doctoral researchers rating their overall satisfaction with their studies at 82 per cent, compared to a sector average of 79 per cent.

Westminster achieved a response rate of 62.6 per cent against a sector average response rate of 36.1 per cent. This is the fifth highest nationally – a fantastic achievement that ensures the results truly reflect the views and opinions of our doctoral student community.

The success in PRES 2021 builds on the University’s Strategy, which sets out to provide an exceptional student experience and exceed sector benchmarks for student satisfaction while also developing a unified, interdisciplinary community of researchers with a vibrant body of PhD students at its heart.

WESTMINSTER ACHIEVES ITS HIGHEST EVER SCORE FOR POSTGRADUATE SATISFACTION

A THOUSAND STUDENTS AND COLLEAGUES TRAINED IN ACTIVE BYSTANDER INTERVENTION

Green Dot is the University’s active bystander training programme, through which students and colleagues are able to learn the basics of bystander intervention and the principles of safely intervening in situations of power-based violence.

The programme aims to provide participants with the knowledge and confidence to challenge inappropriate behaviour or any situation where there is a risk of escalation or harm.

Westminster is the first university in the UK to introduce the Green Dot initiative, and began the pioneering programme against power-based violence in 2017, with funding from the Quintin Hogg Trust. Since then, the University has mentored other institutions in the UK following through with the training programme. This spring, the University reached the milestone of 1,000 students and colleagues trained on the Green Dot programme.

A THOUSAND STUDENTS AND COLLEAGUES TRAINED IN ACTIVE BYSTANDER INTERVENTION

ALUMNI DONATE MORE THAN £100,000 TO SUPPORT STUDENTS DURING THE PANDEMIC

Thanks to generous support from our alumni community, students raised a staggering £109,197 for the COVID-19 Response Fund during the annual telephone campaign last November.

The three-week campaign involved 40 Westminster students contacting more than 1,000 graduates to hear about alumni experiences and raise money for the COVID-19 Response Fund, which aims to support students suffering financial hardship caused by the pandemic.

The campaign also provided students with the opportunity to speak to alumni about their time at Westminster, and gain valuable career advice and support. The fund has been a lifeline for many vulnerable students affected by the pandemic, providing bursaries towards living expenses. Our alumni showed great consideration for the situation and generously donated to support those students who were struggling financially.

“A huge thank you to those of you who have been able to donate at this time,” said student caller Jessica Rayner. “I’ve been overwhelmed, personally, by the response, the generosity and the kindness.”

ALUMNI DONATE MORE THAN £100,000 TO SUPPORT STUDENTS DURING THE PANDEMIC

QUINTIN HOGG TRUST FUNDS 23 CORONAVIRUS-RELATED RESEARCH PROJECTS

Westminster’s Research Communities have received £218,500 from the Quintin Hogg Trust, ensuring that the University’s research expertise is being harnessed to address new issues that are arising as a result of the pandemic.

Each of the 23 projects align to one of the University’s Research Communities: Health Innovation and Wellbeing, Diversity and Inclusion, Sustainable Cities and Urban Environments, and Arts, Communication and Culture.

The wide range of projects within these areas tackle a variety of important issues, from the impact of COVID-19 symptoms and ill-health on decision-making biases in key workers, to how COVID-19 will affect future planning and design of sustainable and healthy cities.

Speaking about the funding, Alan Yabsley, Westminster Research Community Facilitator, said: “We are confident that these projects constitute a distinctive Westminster response to a public health crisis, capitalising on our particular research strengths and expertise.”

QUINTIN HOGG TRUST FUNDS 23 CORONAVIRUS-RELATED RESEARCH PROJECTS

WESTMINSTER LAUNCHES SOCIAL IMPACT HUB

As part of the University’s mission to expand work-related opportunities for students and to contribute to its communities in positive, impactful ways, the School of Organisations, Economy and Society has launched the Social Impact Hub.

Westminster is a social enterprise, and is the first university in London to be awarded the Social Enterprise Mark, demonstrating our commitment to creating positive social change. The new Social Impact Hub reflects this commitment, and operates in the not-for-profit sector to develop the employability skills of students, and help tackle social and global challenges by contributing to the community in positive ways. The Hub co-ordinates work experience for students, who will collaborate with ethical partner organisations such as charities and social enterprises to help address their projects.

“We want to use the talent and potential of our students to benefit users in the non-academic sector”, said Dr Lilian Miles and Simon Richardson, who manage the Social Impact Hub. “The Hub will also develop the employability skills of students, because students will work in real-life situations, and use their knowledge to develop solutions for organisations. By working on real-life issues, students will develop a sense of social responsibility and empowerment to contribute to the community in positive ways. So, it is a win-win for everyone.”

WESTMINSTER LAUNCHES SOCIAL IMPACT HUB

WESTMINSTER CELEBRATES ALUMNI VOLUNTEERS

This June, the University’s Alumni Team launched the Westminster Alumni Volunteering Awards to recognise the contribution that alumni volunteers and partners make to the Westminster community.

The University of Westminster is fortunate to have hundreds of active alumni volunteers, who selflessly give back to the University by donating their time to support and inspire students and recent graduates. Through different programmes and events, our alumni volunteer as speakers, mentors, hosts and ambassadors, giving students more opportunities, support and motivation to fulfil their potential.

The Alumni Team held the awards during national Volunteers’ Week, and celebrated the generosity and dedication of alumni volunteers across five categories:

THE EXCEPTIONAL SUPPORT OF STUDENTS AND RECENT GRADUATES AWARD

The Exceptional Support of Students and Recent Graduates Award was won by Rogerio Simoes Silva (Social Media MA, 2015). Rogerio has played an invaluable role in providing support to the Westminster community as a mentor on our Career Mentoring Scheme, receiving glowing reviews from his mentees.

ROGERIO SIMOES SILVA

THE ALUMNI SPEAKER OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Alumni Speaker of the Year Award was awarded to Caron Bradshaw MBE (Law LLB, 1993). Caron is the Chief Executive of the Charity Finance Group, and recently received an OBE for her services to charity. This April, she volunteered as a speaker on the Westminster Working Cultures (WWC) UK programme programme, and was commended for her openness and the authentic telling of her professional journey.

CARON BRADSHAW MBE

THE GOING THE EXTRA MILE AWARD

The Going the Extra Mile Award was given to André Modenesi (Media Management MA, 2016). André is the University’s Alumni Ambassador for Brazil, a speaker for the WWC Professional programme, and contributed to the first Alumni Ambassador Bulletin.

ANDRÉ MODENESI

THE LONG SERVING VOLUNTEER AWARD

The Long Serving Volunteer Award was awarded to Jenny Garrett OBE (Business Administration BA, 2000). Jenny has been a committed, longserving volunteer and supporter of the Westminster community. She has been a speaker for the What It Takes series three times, and has also been a keynote speaker at Women of Westminster events.

JENNY GARRETT OBE

THE VOLUNTEER PARTNER AWARD

The Volunteer Partner Award honours non-alumni partners that recognise the potential of Westminster students and generously offer specialist knowledge and insights to support their development. Signature Recruitment earned this award for playing an invaluable role in providing exceptional support to students through mentoring during the pandemic.

SIGNATURE RECRUITMENT