news &views THE UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER MAGAZINE
July 2011
The
McClelland Centre
Olympic medallist officially opens Health and Wellbeing Centre p.4-5
In this issue:
100 Scholarships Leading philanthropist makes generous contribution p.2
iTunes U Unniversity of Worcester becomes downloadable p.8
Worcester Award Talented students boosting employablilty p.14
feature
100 new
Scholarships
Clive Richards with Professor David Green
thanks to leading businessman and benefactor O
ne hundred new scholarships will be created for new students joining the University of Worcester in September 2012, thanks to a leading Herefordshire philanthropist and City of London businessman.
The Clive Richards Scholarships will be worth £1,000 each and will be awarded to students based on their first year academic performance. Mr Richards said: “Education in all its forms, from primary school to university degrees, is key to the UK’s success in the 21st Century. I am delighted to be part of the drive to deliver this and give the opportunity to these students.” Professor David Green, University of Worcester Vice Chancellor, added: “This is a most generous donation from Clive Richards. Clive is well known for his passionate support for education. We are delighted that Clive has chosen to help support our future students with these valuable merit-based scholarships. We are very grateful that Clive has decided to invest in the future of our students who will go on to make a very positive contribution to society.” Clive Richards OBE DL FCA FCMA FBIM is probably best known for his charity work in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, although other geographic areas
throughout the UK have also benefited. The Clive Richards Charity, established in 1987, specialises in helping educational establishments in both the public and private sectors. It has sponsored the majority of Hereford high schools to obtain Specialist School Status besides supporting many other facilities of a capital nature. Mr Richards, who is a Fellow of the University of Worcester, has a long and successful career in business, joining global financial firm KPMG in 1954. In 1960 he qualified as a Chartered Accountant Chartered Secretary and Cost and Management Accountant, obtaining several prizes and first place in the Cost and Management Finals. Mr Richards joined Wedd Durlacher in 1960, becoming Managing Partner in 1967 before selling his partnership to Rothschild Investment Trust in 1970 where he became CEO. He subsequently became Group Finance Director of NM Rothschild & Son Ltd. During his business career in the City of London he has been a successful entrepreneur and private venture capitalist over a wide range of industries including the introduction of Mazda Cars into the UK.
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Mr Richards is currently Chairman and Senior Non-Executive Director of several plcs and medium sized private companies. A Freeman of the City of London, Mr Richards was awarded the Order of the British Empire for Charity in the Millennium Honours list and made a Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Herefordshire in December 2005. In September 2010 he was made a Freeman of the City of Hereford.
COVER STORY wELCOME
welcome W
elcome to the July issue of News & Views, featuring a roundup of news, launches and milestones from the past month at the University of Worcester.
and a business graduate who has been named Most Promising Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Many of our students are able to meet their goals and aspirations by the support provided by the University of Worcester. Thanks to the very generous contribution made by local businessman, Clive Richards, we are now able to extend such support by funding a further 100 scholarships each year.
Our feature article this month reports on the opening of The McClelland Centre. The Health and Wellbeing Centre was officially opened by Olympic medallist Steve Cram, who delivered a motivational speech on aiming high and achieving Please keep sending your news to your goals. Elsewhere in this issue we feature newsandviews@worc.ac.uk students who have achieved such goals; those who have been recognised with the Worcester Award
RECORD BREAKING JUNE OPEN DAY A record breaking 1022 prospective students registered at this year’s June Open Day on Sunday 26 June, compared to 642 at the equivalent event last year. The previous record of participation by prospective students at the June Open Day was 689. The scale of this success can be gauged by the fact that we welcomed an estimated 3,500 people to the University! The car parks and grounds have never been so full. The great majority of those registering indicated that they are interested in starting University study in 2012. We had prepared particularly carefully for this Open Day with innovative material on our Earn as You
Learn programme and the new fees position for undergraduates, as well as a new film sequence highlighting some of the University’s development of facilities and research as well as our wider contribution to society as featured on TV. We commissioned some independent research with those participating in the Open Day and results indicate that we are very highly rated and that the new materials and overall emphasis are very appealing to those interested in studying in 2012. Talks on specific subjects and individual consultations with colleagues were very well subscribed as were the sessions on such topics as finance and accommodation.
contents FEATURE 100 New Scholarships
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COVER STORY The McClelland Centre opens
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news Record breaking Open Day 3 A Fairtrade University 6 Think Smart students visit University 6 Students switch off and party on 6 Plant Science -glowing reviews at the RHS Spring Show in Malvern 7 iTunes U 8 Team Leaders 8 The Lisbon Challenge 9 PhD student says degree at Worcester was life-changing 9 Scholarship Stories 10 Crop protection kit allows farmers to reap benefits 11 An audience with Sir Hugh Orde 11 Bribery and Corruption explored in workshop 12 Forging new links with Nairobi 12 Business graduate named Most Promising Young Entrepreneur of the Year 12 Conference looks to support care leavers in higher education 13 Hay praise indeed 13 Little Miracles 13 Worcester Award 14
sTAFF FEATURE From Juggling Numbers to Jingling Bells: Mel Brittain
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McClelland Centre official opening
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COVER STORY
Olympian Steve Cram led the way as the University of Worcester unveiled its impressive new health and wellbeing centre. Around 70 invited guests joined the former 1,500m world record holder at the official opening of the McClelland Centre at the University’s City Campus. The new centre is based on the ground floor of the newly refurbished Charles Hasting Building, which was the principal building of the Worcester Royal Infirmary from 1771 and is where the British Medical Association was founded in 1832. The centre will specialise in nutritional advice, counselling, fitness and sports therapy. It has been named after Mary Jane McClelland who was appointed matron at Worcester Royal Infirmary in 1888 and played a pioneering role in nurse education including establishing a medical library for the use of nursing students. Steve Cram said: “My role as an ambassador for Clydesdale Bank allows me to get a feel for fantastic projects going on in the community and it was a great honour to be invited to open the McClelland Centre. “This project is about giving students a facility and a resource which they can use both academically and in their spare time, but also at the same open the door up to the local community. Turning an old derelict building into a facility like this is fantastic and I hope it is well used by the students
and the local community because when projects like this work well they are a real bonus for any city.” Among the impressive facilities at the new centre is the McClelland Exercise Suite equipped with top of the range gym equipment, along with nutritional advice, massage, counselling, sports therapy and injury rehabilitation clinics, and a multi-purpose seminar room. Vice Chancellor Professor David Green said the Charles Hasting Building had been carefully restored and converted for modern educational use and students would play a key role in the operation of the centre. He said: “The new centre will contribute to promoting the health and wellbeing of people who live in Worcester and the surrounding area and we are proud of this facility.” The McClelland Centre for Health and Wellbeing is open from Monday to Friday between 6.30am until 8pm, and on Saturdays from 8.30am until midday. For more information please call 01905 542001 or email wellbeing@worc.ac.uk
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NEWS
A Fairtrade University The University of Worcester has been reaccredited with Fairtrade status, after successfully maintaining and updating its Fairtrade policy. The award, from the Fairtrade Foundation, recognises the enthusiasm and commitment shown by the University through the support and promotion of the Fairtrade organisation. The feedback received from Fairtrade was very positive about the steps the University has taken to achieve the goals it has set in order to increase awareness of Fairtrade and its increasingly wide range of products. The University is committed to selling many Fairtrade products, such as tea, coffee, juice and cookies, across its entire site. The University also sources Fairtrade cotton products when purchasing uniforms, course wear and merchandise. The number of Fairtrade items available throughout the University is increasing each semester with new products being introduced each time.
Products are served at all meetings and events hosted by the University which highlights the organisation’s hard work and achievements. The University has a year long approach to promoting Fairtrade by not holding events during Fairtrade Fortnight but outside of it, ensuring a consistent approach to raising awareness of the Fairtrade organisation. Fiona Haworth, Chaplain at the University, said: “I’m delighted that the Fair Trade Status of the University of Worcester has been renewed. We have received very positive feedback from the Fair Trade Foundation and have been commended on maintaining and surpassing our goals. I’d like to thank all the staff and students who have worked hard to support us in our application, and look forward to building on our achievements.”
Think Smart students visit University “Very well organised and thought out, well done to all those involved’ Recently three groups of young people visited the University of Worcester. They had a tour of the University, and experienced a range of different activities from seeing some of the drama students practice, to the end of year art exhibition and speaking to the SU President. The visits were instigated by the students and arranged by University students and Widening Participation department. The students were visiting the University as part of the Think Smart project. The project is in its second year of development, and is run by the University’s Widening Participation department. It involves University students working in local schools for a period of ten
weeks teaching activities and interactive games to pupils between the ages of 12 to 15 years. The emphasis of the project is on building the students’ confidence and self esteem in school. As well as this the project allows University students to talk about Higher Education and University life and culminates in a University trip. It enables pupils to grow in confidence and self belief and get an early experience of University life.
commenting on the University’s friendliness and help of the University students and the department. The full impact of the project is being researched by a PhD student. For more information on the project please contact Susan Birch: s.birch@worc.ac.uk
The response from schools and students has been very positive, with schools commenting on how much their pupils enjoyed the project and praising the University students. Pupils actively engaged in the project and the trip,
Students switch off and party on Halls residents win an end of year BBQ halls party with the Student Switch Off! Students living in halls of residence at the University of Worcester have had a celebratory party for taking part in the Student Switch Off energy-saving competition 2010-11! They earned themselves a sunny BBQ party with music and garden games at Ledbury Hall, complete with produce grown on the campus student allotment. Over 176 students in halls pledged to save energy where possible in their residences, and it paid off! Students have been saving energy by taking
simple steps like not overfilling the kettle, putting a lid on a pan whilst cooking and turning lights off. Residents have also been uploading photos of themselves saving energy to win great prizes like Lush cosmetics and Ben & Jerry’s ice-cream. Harry Day, who is running the campaign, said “I’ve been really impressed by the enthusiasm that University of Worcester students and staff have shown by getting involved. It provides a heartening example of the responsible attitude the next generation of young adults have towards our environment.
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Students and staff really put in the effort this year and the party is a credit to their hard work. Let’s see if they can get as involved next year!”
NEWS
Plant Science - Glowing Reviews at the RHS Spring Show in Malvern E
arlier this year, the University of Worcester’s STEM support office was invited to become a partner in the development of the inaugural Discovery Zone at the RHS Garden Show in Malvern. The Education theme for the Show reflected the designation of 2011 as the United Nations International Year of Chemistry, with Show and Competition Gardens as well as the Discovery Zone incorporating the theme of ‘Science and Plants’.
Linda Scott, The STEM Support Manager and Karen Blackmore a Senior Lecturer in the Institute of Education negotiated the range of science activities for the Discovery Zone and were then joined by Tracy Kellly-Freer (also IoE), to complete detailed planning for the event. Mike Wheeler (Institute of Science & the Environment) and Beverley Adams-Groom (National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Centre) provided additional advice and resources for some of the activities and as A STEM Ambassador, Beverley also attended the Show, working as a volunteer with groups of visitors. Seven University of Worcester Primary PGCE students expressed an interest in supporting the Discovery Zone, so they also joined the STEM ambassador programme (http://www.stemnet. org.uk) and delivered a variety of interactive activities and supported children’s investigative practical work. Karen Blackmore said: “We explored the senses, as a vehicle to encourage children to engage with plant science. The children identified different plants
using smell, made natural dyes from plant extracts, built their own models of flowers to explain pollination and took part in a ‘whodunnit’ problem solving task, amongst many other things. We ran the activities for three days and had more than 150 children involved in the Friday sessions alone.”
outreach activities related to science, technology, engineering or maths – please have a look at the dedicated webpages at http://www.worc.ac.uk/ stempoint for more information.
During the event the Discovery Zone was visited by the University’s Chancellor, HRH The Duke of Gloucester. “The Duke seemed really interested with the work we were doing,” said Karen. “He listened to the children making seed drum music and was impressed with what we had going on.” The multi-sensory experience also proved popular with visitors from all generations with the activities receiving appreciative comments from a range of gardeners, teachers and members of the RHS community. Kerry Anne Hollis, of Soudley Primary School, added: “The children really enjoyed themselves and raved about their day when they got back to school.” Following the event Sue Hodgson Jones, the Education Officer for the Malvern Showground reported “The feedback has been tremendous” and added “I am absolutely delighted but couldn’t do it without the extensive support I get from the STEM staff at the University and the volunteer STEM Ambassadors”. The STEM Support office manages the STEM Ambassador contract for STEMNET in the Herefordshire and Worcester region. There are always opportunities for UW staff and students to support local schools through
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NEWS
iTunes U gives global access to University of Worcester lectures S
The free content can be downloaded to a computer, iPhone, iPod or iPad.
tudents from around the world will now have access to lectures and educational material from the University of Worcester, without even stepping foot in the City. The University of Worcester has joined iTunes U, a dedicated area of the iTunes Store (www.itunes.com) that offers free audio and video content from leading educational institutions.
“Virtual learning iTunes U landing page has become a natural extension of today’s educational environment,” said Chris Garratt, the University’s Head of Learning Technologies and Innovation. “Our students, staff and potential students are interacting virtually more than ever before and need digital tools for continued learning. Worcester on iTunes U will be of great interest to audiences around the world.
Worcester’s iTunes U catalogue includes video interviews with staff and students along with course materials, seminars and all kinds of valuable academic information. Key events such professorial lectures, major conferences and Open Days will also be available at www.worcester.ac.uk/itunesu
“Ongoing knowledge and training should be widely available to the public. iTunes U will make the University of Worcester available to everyone.” The site currently features over 150 downloads and will be updated regularly with new content.
Team Leaders The Leadership Development Project’s innovative and dynamic programme aiming to increase leadership strengths and skills has been successfully completed for a third year. The Team Leadership and Course Leaders programme has proved to be worthwhile and engaging for staff and has inspired many to complete the course.
These are designed to help staff reflect on their own leadership talents whilst being challenged to develop and make them even better.
Malcolm Armstrong, from the Leadership Development Project, said: “This is a vital University and SEDA (Staff and Educational Development Association) accredited programme aimed at supporting, developing and encouraging staff to utilise their strengths when in any leadership or team situation in the University.
The participants on the course are also taught how to work effectively with other team leaders across the organisation whilst enhancing their management and coaching skills.
“It is a reflective programme which leads to more effective team working across the University which, in turn, will be a key ingredient to the future success of the institution. It is aimed at anyone who wants to make a difference in their job role and will run again twice during next academic year.”
Jackie Bryant, Welfare and Finance Officer, said: “I learned a lot about people management and dealing with difficult situations, time management and communication skills. I feel more empowered and self aware now.”
Catherine Williams, Assistant Disability Co-ordinator, said: “It has made me more reflective. My job in the Disability and Dyslexia Service is busy and I can get caught up responding to student requests. The course The course, which engages staff to think strategically about their role and how they can has made me think more strategically.” get the best out of their team, is structured It should be stressed however that this course around a monthly series of workshops. is not only for team leaders or professionals in a position of authority, but can increase confidence in aiming for roles with increased 8 / JULY 2011 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
Recent staff participants
responsibility. Anyone interested in the course can find out more by contacting Mary Bradley at m.bradley@worc.ac.uk
NEWS
The Lisbon Challenge: doing ‘good’ in the name of palliative care The 12th European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) congress was held in Lisbon in May 2011. Senior lecturer, Brian Nyatanga reports on the conference which attracted 3,000 delegates. The range of topics covered at the congress reflected the diverse nature of aspects encountered in palliative and end of life care. Sessions focused on policy, research, education/training, symptom control including nasal route for breakthrough pain medication, demonstration of physiotherapy and other complimentary methods to enhance quality of life, death and dying, bereavement and paediatric palliative care issues. Considering all these topics, what seemed to come through loud and clear was the message that we must now try and reach out to all the four corners of the globe and introduce or improve palliative care for all.
Brian Nyatanga presenting a poster
Reaching out involves a multitude of activities and of fundamental importance is disseminating palliative care philosophy to countries that have not yet introduced it. Such work can be expedited if governments of those countries subscribe to the philosophy. Reaching out involves making literature and other useful information gateways accessible to others. The EAPC congress was a timely platform to introduce the ‘Lisbon Challenge’ which basically seeks to make palliative care a human rights issue. What seems central to human rights is the prevention of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment (CIDT) in all walks of life including health care environments. Because CIDT is concerned not only with physical harm but also with mental suffering, most medical and nursing interventions or omissions, including poor symptom control and inadequate services, may be classifiable as CIDT. That was the finding of a recent Human Rights Watch report, see www.hrw.org/node/98656 (accessed 13 June 2011), into palliative care provision in Ukraine. Equally poor communication skills which result in patients or relatives suffering because of the way information was imparted could fall under CIDT. Making palliative care a human rights issue may seem the ultimate strategy of reaching out, and ensuring that every patient receives palliative care, but the idea may be littered with difficult questions and these need to be thought through carefully if this challenge is to succeed. For example, how do we ensure uniformity of interpretation of the human rights ideology among health care systems and governments, some of whom are currently flouting similar ideologies like democracy? What descriptors are needed to determine that CIDT has or is happening in palliative care environments, and how are we going to monitor this? There may be an apparent tension between different perceptions that is, those who see human rights as a freedom issue, and others who see it as social idealism. These ideas need to be articulated clearly to avoid any confusion and more importantly, provide a benchmark for interpretation and monitoring. In some countries like South Africa and most western countries, human rights is part of the constitution, therefore can be monitored that way. This situation is not always true in other countries and patients there need protection. The time is now that we need to ensure, as we reach out, that we have follow up strategies to initial collaborations and support mechanisms for those in the early stages of developing palliative care for their patient groups Less fortunate people need others to do ‘good’ in the name of palliative care, making dying not such a dreaded activity but humane for everyone.
PhD student says degree at Worcester was life-changing A former University of Worcester student has told how studying for a Masters degree changed her life. Izabela Hopkins completed an MA in Literature: Politics and Identity at the University and as a result is now one year into a PhD at Birmingham City University.
Izabela Hopkins
“This would not have been possible without the support and encouragement, not to mention expert knowledge, of my tutors at Worcester,” she said. “At the risk of sounding clichéd, I will venture to say that enrolling on the course truly changed my life.” Izabela completed her undergraduate degree in Poland before coming to the UK and signing up for the Masters degree. “My dissertation was all about white identity in the American South,” she said. “I never thought that I would be doing a PhD but it just seemed like a natural progression.” Izabela applied for a PhD in Critical Theory at Birmingham City University and was selected for the one full time post on offer. Her PhD is looking at the reconstruction of whiteness in America Literature from 1890-1920. “My ultimate aim is to become a university lecturer in English,” she said. “That is something I never thought would be possible, and I thank all the staff at the University of Worcester who have made this possible.” Izabela added: “I was immediately drawn to the taught MA in Literature: Politics and Identity at the University of Worcester by the diversity and scope of modules the course offered. It is this diversity that offered me the opportunity to not only explore extensively various topic areas, but also to identify and focus on what was to become my personal area of interest, and lead to further research in the field.”
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SCHOLARSHIP STORIES
Second Teaching Trip for University Student A fter two weeks teaching English in Mexico, a University of Worcester student is preparing for her second expedition of the year.
Saralee Blake, who has just completed her degree in Media and Cultural Studies with English Language, is flying out to Morocco later this month to work in schools and orphanages. The twenty-two-year-old will spend a month helping children to master the English language and sharing cultural experiences. “I’m really excited about the trip,” she said. “I spent two weeks in Mexico in April, doing the same sort of thing, and it was a real eye opener. It was fantastic to be able to share my knowledge and experience and to learn about a new culture.” Saralee, from Easemore Road, Redditch, is hoping to undertake a Primary PGCE at the University of Worcester next year in the hope of becoming a teacher. “I wanted to spend some time gaining classroom experience, and thought what better way than to combine it with my love of travel,” she said. “I thought this would be more of a challenge than teaching at an English school because of the language barrier.”
Saralee was awarded £600 from the University’s Scholarship Panel to assist with the trip. “I feel a bit more prepared for Morocco having been to Mexico already, but I am still a little bit nervous,” she added.
University footballer will represent GB at World Games A
talented footballer and student at the University of Worcester has been selected to represent Great Britain at the World University Games in China.
Tom Thorley, who plays for Worcester City Football Club alongside his studies, will travel to Shenzhen for the tournament this summer. The 21-year-old midfielder impressed selectors at a weekend of trials run by the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS). “I’m really looking forward to this experience,” said the second year PE and Sports Studies student. “To represent Great Britain in the World Games is a fantastic honour.” Great Britain is one of 16 nations in the competition and in a four-team group with Japan, Canada and Ghana. Glyn Harding, Course Leader in Sports Coaching Science at the University of Worcester, said: “Tom is a very talented footballer and we are all very proud that he has been selected to represent Great Britain in this tournament. He is a model student, combining his studies with playing commitments and we wish him all the best.”
Tom has been awarded £625 from the University’s Scholarship Panel to assist with the costs of attending the Games.
Saralee Blake
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Tom Thorley
Sociology student to help war refugee children in Australia A
Sociology student will travel to Australia this summer to work with war refugees.
Twenty-year-old Hannah Wardingley, from Bromley, Kent, will spend six weeks teaching English to children from different countries affected by war. The children arrived in Australia through the United Nations Refugee Programme. “One big challenge will be to get them to open up so that we can help them integrate in to society”, she said. Hannah said that studying Sociology at the University had motivated her to do voluntary work, and this project allowed her to blend both career orientation and an interest in travelling. “I was highly motivated to do some charity work before going into full-time employment, so I was really excited when I had the opportunity of going to Australia,” she said. “I am hoping to make a real difference and this seemed the perfect chance by travelling and also helping people.”
The University of Worcester’s Scholarship Panel has awarded Hannah £800 to help with accommodation and travelling expenses.
Hannah Wardingley
NEWS
Crop protection kit allows farmers to reap benefits
An audience with Sir Hugh Orde
Research Unit Develops Rapid Testing Kit to Protect Agricultural Crops
Sir Hugh Orde, one of Britain’s most senior police officers was this year’s guest speaker at the annual West Mercia Police Authority Lecture.
A rapid testing kit, which can help farmers detect diseases that might affect their crops, has been developed by scientists at the University of Worcester. The University’s National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit (NPARU) has created a ‘pregnancy test-style’ piece of equipment that can identify and quantify particular airborne diseases, allowing farmers to take preventative measures before they can infect. The scientists at NPARU developed mathematical models to predict when disease infection can occur and air samplers that can collect airborne disease. Growers can monitor from the computer at home when the crop is at risk from infection. On days when a high reading is given a ‘pregnancy test-style’ detection test can be used in the field to determine whether disease is in the air. Using all of this information together allows growers to improve crop production and only apply fungicides if absolutely necessary. The test systems developed by NPARU scientists can be applied to other airborne material. In the future consumers could purchase a do-it-yourself test for airborne pollen allergens and a range of infectious diseases. Professor Roy Kennedy, Director of the NPARU, said: “Using this technology, work funded by the Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and translated to the industry by Horticulture Development Council (HDC) funding has reaped real benefits both to the consumer and to the environment. “It means farmers no longer have to waste time and money spraying crops when there is no disease in the air, and can be more effective in their protection, creating greater yields.”
The President of the Association of Chief Police Officers hosted a special ‘audience’ at the University of Worcester at the end of June.
Professor David Green, said: “We were delighted to host ‘An Audience with Sir Hugh Orde’. This latest annual West Mercia Police Authority lecture at the University further strengthens the strong, vital relationship between the University and the police in our community.” Councillor Sheila Blagg, Chair of West Mercia Police Authority, added: “We greatly value our links with the University and the Annual West Mercia Police Authority Lecture provides an opportunity for key national and international speakers to speak on important issues of the day.” Sir Hugh began his career with the Metropolitan Police Service in 1977. He was appointed Commander (Crime) for southwest London in June 1998 and in April 1999 was the officer in command of policing the aftermath of the racially motivated Brixton bombing in which 50 people were injured. He was promoted to Deputy Assistant Commissioner in October 1999 and was given day-to-day responsibility for the Commissioner’s Enquiry (Stevens III) into collusion and the murder of a prominent solicitor in Northern Ireland. In September 2002 Sir Hugh was appointed Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), a position he held for seven years. During his time in Northern Ireland he reformed the police force increasing Catholic recruitment; made significant inroads into peace with the end of the IRA threat and won the support of unprecedented numbers of nationalists and Catholics. Sir Hugh Orde was awarded an OBE in 2001 for services to policing, and in 2005 was knighted for his work. In 2008 he was awarded the annual Leadership Award from the Police Executive Research Forum recognising his work in changing policing in Northern Ireland following the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. In 2010 he was awarded a Queen’s Police Medal for services to policing.
The kits are proving popular with those in the agricultural industry. Fred Tyler, a consultant for Alphagrow in Lancashire, said: “The inoculum testing kits and the approach being taken, have shown reliability and show great promise in reducing the amount of pesticides required to control disease in crops.” Andy Richardson, from The Allium & Brassica Centre (ABC) added: “With the new test kits, we’ll be able to get a much better handle on Light Leaf spot (LLS) and in the future genetics clearly has a clear role to play.” The University’s National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit supplies all of the UK’s pollen forecasts, in association with the Met Office, as well as carrying out vital research into airborne allergens and testing for clients such as Allergy UK.
Sir Hugh Orde, guest speaker at the annual West Mercia Police Authority Lecture
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NEWS
Bribery and Corruption explored in workshop A timely workshop exploring bribery and corruption was hosted by the University of Worcester’s Centre for Ethical Leadership in May. The recent claims and counter claims in the FIFA scandal have put bribery and corruption in the forefront of the public’s attention. Using forum theatre and professional actors the participants in the workshop explored the important ethical issues currently facing organisations. The first session explored attitudes to bribery – with a lively discussion, prompted by actors taking polarised views about the culture of gift giving and the legal and reputational risks of giving or receiving gifts for services. The second session considered the implications of the Bribery Act 2010 – particularly section 7 which places the responsibility on organisations to ensure that they have robust procedures to prevent bribery taking place. Using an interactive activity, the third session looked at how leaders influence the ethical practices within their organisations, with consideration of how leaders’ personal values need to be reflected in organisational behaviour. Rob Sykes, Director of the Centre for Ethical Leadership, said: “Overall, the workshop provided an opportunity for leaders to look beyond compliance with the Bribery Act 2010, and to consider how developing corporate social responsibility can have a positive impact on individual and business performance by increasing internal clarity of purpose and accountability, developing felt responsibility throughout the organisation and building a long-term reputation for good practice. The Bribery Act is important, but the real dilemmas go beyond the law and come to how you live out your values.”
Forging new links with Nairobi A delegation of managers, educationalists and qualified nurses from an African hospital visited the University of Worcester to forge a new partnership.
The visitors, from Nairobi Hospital, spent two weeks in the region with the University’s Institute of Health and Society and with Hereford and Worcestershire Acute NHS Trusts. Last year two lecturers from the University visited the hospital, as well as Kenya Methodist University, to sign Memorandums of Understanding to apply for joint research funding from the British Council. Valerie Gorton, Principal lecturer & International Coordinator with the University’s Institute of Health and Society, said: “The aim of these relationships is to identify and promote professional development for
qualified nurses in Nairobi and to facilitate student and staff exchange.” The Institute of Health and Society has recruited several qualified nurses from Nairobi over the years and these students have left the University of Worcester with both BSc (Hons) and Masters qualifications. Mrs Gorton added: “Following these achievements they have returned to Kenya to disseminate their knowledge either in the hospital or the School of Nursing. It is this dissemination which has led to the development of these relationships and the current visit.”
Business graduate named Most Promising Young Entrepreneur of the Year A graduate from Malvern enjoyed an all-expenses paid trip to the Houses of Parliament, after being awarded the University of Worcester Business School’s Most Promising Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.
The award was sponsored by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and saw Philip Jolley travel to London to visit the FSB’s offices and archives and a trip to the Houses of Parliament where he met Worcester MP Robin Walker. “The day at the House of Commons was amazing,” he said. “It was a fantastic opportunity to see for myself how organisations such as the FSB work with members of Parliament. I had tea on the terrace with Robin Walker MP who told me what was on the agenda and then I had a personal tour of the House of Lords and saw Mr Speaker’s ceremonial entrance to the House of Commons.” The Award is based on student performance in the University’s
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Business Management degree programme, and is awarded to the most promising ‘entrepreneur’ undertaking and completing the year 3 (Level 6) module in Small Business Management.
FSB Regional Organiser Angela Fitch said: “We are delighted to be able to sponsor a Worcester student for this prestigious award, and look forward to continuing with this support as an annual event.”
Philip Jolley
Thirty-two-year-old Philip, who achieved a First Class Honours degree in Business Management and Accounting, created a business around a race car simulator under the SPEED (Student Placements for Entrepreneurs in Education) programme.
NEWS
Conference looks to support care leavers in higher education Ideas for supporting care leavers in Higher Education were the topic of a special conference at the University of Worcester. Staff from the University got together with
young people, foster carers, educationalists and social work staff from across the region to discuss ways to encourage and support those coming from a care background. Building on the previous successes of the University’s Foster Care Matters initiatives, the conference was jointly arranged by Student Services, the Institute of Health and Society and the Institute of Education. Presentations came from academics, practitioners, young people and Registry and Student Services staff.
Peter Unwin, a Senior Lecturer in Social Work at the University and a registered foster carer, opened and closed the conference with an overview of the extra problems facing care leavers, such as finance, accommodation in holiday periods, and lack of aspiration to access and succeed at Higher Education. The University’s Registrar, John Ryan, spoke about the new Access Agreement for care leavers and there were also sessions exploring research and personal experiences. Michael Varley, a Sport and Exercise Science graduate, spoke about his experiences as a care leaver at the University of Worcester Peter Unwin said: “Michael’s experiences led to a lot of discussion and the conference ended with individual and group plans for better ways of attracting, retaining and ensuring the success of care leavers, even after they have graduated, being compiled. These plans will be fed back into the Care Leavers’ group, which is being charged with putting the issues discussed at the conference into action.”
Little Miracles:
The Drama of Science
A
play was performed recently at the University aimed at inspiring school and college students from the region to engage critically with scientific and ethical issues. ‘Little Miracles’, a play on stem cell research, was staged in the University’s state of the art Darwin laboratory. Nearly 250 students from seven schools and colleges within the region were booked for a day’s experience of activities hosted by Dr Susanne Prankel and Dr Mike Wheeler of the Institute of Science and the Environment. Students received a short introductory lecture on scientific developments in stem cell research, followed by the play, which was commissioned by the Biochemical Society and starred professional actors boasting performances in the Royal Shakespeare Company. The play was developed by
Islington Community Theatre and awardwinning playwright Joy Wilkinson and funding to perform it at Worcester was obtained from VETNET LLN. The story centres on a young stem cell researcher whose mother developed dementia. The play explores the controversy surrounding the ethics of embryonic stem cells and their use in medicine. Following the end of this powerful drama, students discussed ethical issues highlighted by the play before spending time using newly acquired microscopes to investigate human blood cells. The aim of the day was to inspire students to be more confident in actively engaging with scientific topics and to introduce them to a side of HE that they might not have expected. The feedback from students and their accompanying staff was overwhelmingly positive (“I got really lost in the play”) and many students described that they felt more inclined to apply for HE studies and to UW in particular after meeting friendly staff and being able to use the high quality facilities.
Hay praise indeed A special Dragons Den/Apprenticestyle event for young people, hosted by the University of Worcester at this year’s Hay Festival, won praise from the Duchess of Cornwall. Camilla Parker Bowles made a surprise appearance at the famous festival, held annually in Hay-on-Wye, on the same day as the University’s enterprise event was taking place. She spoke to members of University staff about the project, which aimed to encourage youngsters to become entrepreneurs. Kim Thomas, a graduate intern in the University’s Business Development Office, said: “The Duchess approached me and had a chat about the University’s presence at the Festival. She seemed really impressed by what we were doing.” The enterprise event, hosted by the University in association with UK Youth, was a “mash-up” of The Apprentice and Dragons’ Den with young people starting the day with an idea, then creating a marketing campaign and finally putting it to a panel of Dragons. The day was split into three 60-minute sessions with a theme of Olympics 2012 to 2024. There were Waterstones gift vouchers for the teams that worked best together and produced the best campaigns. Howard Skerry, Head of the University’s Business Development Office, said: “We had a really enjoyable day and the young people got very engaged in the activities. “We were delighted to be part of such a prestigious event and even more so that the Duchess of Cornwall took time to hear about and praise our work.”
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FEATURE
Worcester Award University of Worcester students are boosting their employability with the annual Worcester Award. The Worcester Award recognises the activities and experiences of students, both within and outside their studies, which could contribute towards their future employability. Students had to demonstrate their skills in a range of ways, including work experience, community or voluntary activities and being able to effectively promote their skills, attributes and experiences to others, through CVs and interviews. Rose Watson, Employability Development Officer at the University said: “Employers tell us that although they value a good degree, they also want to see graduates who have undertaken work experience, and who have developed the skills and attributes to become self motivated and effective employees.” The Worcester Award has been supported by a number of employers, including Tripp Martin, from Enterprise Rentacar. “I am confident that recipients of the Worcester Award will be able to take ‘real life’ examples into future career roles and make an immediate impact,” he said. “Many students state in interviews that they hope to make an impact in a future job role. From what I have personally seen, Worcester Award winners are able to show what they have already done in past experiences, which gives more confidence to future employers.”
Case studies Margaret Kimble
Luyao Wang
Margaret Kimble had worked with children for many years before deciding to take the plunge and gain a university degree. As a mature student in Early Childhood she felt that she needed to prove her employability and so applied to complete the Worcester Award.
Masters studet Luyao Wang, known as ‘Laurel’, entered the Award after a chance conversation and said it had been one of the best things she had done while at university.
“I wanted to update my skills and learn how to sell myself,” she said. “The Worcester Award gave me the perfect chance to do this.” She added: “I really enjoyed taking part in the Award, it was very valuable and I learned a lot.”
Adefolaju Ojengbede For Adefolaju Ojengbede the Worcester Award offered an opportunity to improve his skills and become more confident. The Business Management and Economics student said it was a chance to see how much he had matured while completing his degree. “It was quite difficult because there was a lot to complete,” he said. “But it was definitely worth it. I learned a lot about myself and how to present myself at interviews and sell myself better on paper.”
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As part of the Award, all candidates under went an interview with a real employer. “This really helped me to see where my strengths and weaknesses are in an interview situation,” Laurel said. “I learned that I need to slow down when I am talking.” Laurel said completing the Worcester Award had been an enjoyable experience that had helped her to improve her employment prospects for the future.
Jonathan Patton Sports student Jonathan Patton had been involved in numerous extra-curricular activities while completing his degree and after completing the Worcester Award, was able to turn all of those into valuable examples of his employability. “The Award is recognition of all the things that I have been doing while at university,” he said. “It was a chance to collate everything and for me to learn how to turn those experiences into positive examples of my employability.
STAFF COVERFEATURE STORY
This month we chat to Principal Accountant Mel Brittain who has a rather wild side when she leaves the University.
From Juggling Numbers to Jingling Bells: With her blacked face and fishnet tights as she dances in the streets, it’s hard to imagine that by day Mel Brittain is an accountant at the University. Professional and demure in the workplace, when she leaves the Campus Mel has a fiery side that sees her don a fabulous costume and lose all her inhibitions. Mel has been Morris dancing for about five years, since joining her local group, Foxs Border Morris, with the intention of playing the flute. “When I got there they asked if I would like to have a go at dancing and so I thought why not,” she says. “I enjoyed it so much. It was like nothing I have ever done before.” The group performs Border Morris, which is believed to have started around the time of Oliver Cromwell. Mel: From accountant to Morris dancer
“It’s entirely different to the Morris dancing most people think of,” Mel says. “We black our faces, which comes from when the peasants would black their faces and wear rags, with feathers in their hats as a sneer to the gentry, from whose land the birds were poached!” The team, which is made up of men and women of all ages, rehearse once a month at their base in Cookley, near Kidderminster, and dance out a couple of times a month. “I enjoy being able to get dressed up and perform when no-one recognises you,” Mel says. “It’s really good for just letting yourself go and having fun. It’s also really good exercise!” Foxs Border Morris travel all over the Country performing and from July 15-17 the group has an event at Tutbury Castle at Burton upon Trent, where there will be 255 Morris dancers. “It’s really interesting to go to folk festivals and see all the different Morris groups,” Mel says. “There are so many variations. The costumes are all different and the styles really vary.” But it’s not just the Morris dancing that Mel gets up to away from the University. She is also a keen musician, playing the flute, the fiddle, the mandolin and currently learning the ukulele; as well as being a talented artist. What do you get up to when you leave the Campus? Email Sally Jones with your interesting stories at s.jones@worc.ac.uk Mel’s artistic talent
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