Life April 2014

Teachers value social media networkingPAGE 5

Careers offer help at special eventsPAGE 8

World Boxing Champ helps students focus on goalsPAGE 9

Research recognised with Queen’s Anniversary Prize PAGES 6/7

Online www.beds.ac.uk Email [email protected] Twitter @uobnews April 2014

Life

T HE Speaker of the House of Commons, the Rt Hon John Bercow MP, is to be the new Chancellor of the University.

He succeeds Baroness Ros Howells, who completes her distinguished five year term this spring.

Mr Bercow will formally take up the appointment in July. As Chancellor, Mr Bercow will represent the University on special occasions, confer degrees at graduation ceremonies and preside over meetings of the University Court.

One of the most recognisable figures in British public life, Mr Bercow has successfully sought to revive and reform Parliament and its procedures, empowering the legislature and actively engaging with the public and schools in particular on the work and importance of Parliament.

He delivered a public lecture to a packed audience at the University in May 2013 on the topic of parliamentary reform (as pictured).

Mr Bercow is a constituency neighbour of the University’s main campuses (Luton and Bedford), and in particular its newest location, University Campus Milton Keynes.

His installation as Chancellor was approved by the University Board of Governors’

Nominations Committee and will formally take place at a graduation ceremony in July.

Speaking on his ambitions and responsibilities as the new Chancellor, Mr Bercow said: “I am hugely honoured to accept this role.

“The fundamental principles of social

02 Life – April 2014

John Bercow to become University Chancellor

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DO you remember the London 2012 Games Makers – the helpful characters, dotted across the country, who assisted

the millions of spectators attending the Olympics?

Well now you have the chance to become a ‘Match Maker’, helping out in a similar fashion at MK Dons’ games.

As part of the University’s partnership with the League One club, the Dons are searching for students “with a friendly and approachable attitude and a welcoming and cheery personality” to help out with customer support on match days.

Sarah Thompson, Marketing Executive at the Dons, said: “We require candidates that can be pro-active in approaching both MK Dons fans

and away fans, and those who are passionate about customer service and always seek to help customers by going the extra mile to ensure satisfaction.”

Nadia March, the University’s Events and Sponsorship Manager, added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for students to build up their CV.

“We are thrilled to offer this opportunity with MK Dons as part of our continuing work with the club, in which our sponsorship primarily helps the club with their academy programme, aimed at 9-15 year olds.”

l Interested candidates should email [email protected] for more information.

mobility, internationalism, intellectual curiosity and achievement are close to my heart. I hope that I am able to support, and represent, the University’s commitment and ambitions across these areas, and beyond.

“Having visited the University recently, I was impressed by the world-leading research that is taking place, the commitment to developing students as citizens, and the shared commitment to realise the potential of all students no matter their background.

“I am already looking forward to my formal installation, and playing my part in supporting the University’s work.”

Bill Rammell, Vice Chancellor, added: “We are delighted that John Bercow has agreed to be our new Chancellor. John will be a tremendous ambassador for the University and our mission to transform lives and communities.

“I know that students, staff and others across the University community will share my delight in welcoming John Bercow as the newest member of that community.

“Baroness Howells will be a tough act to follow. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ros for her dedication, friendship and commitment to the University, our students and our mission. I’m delighted that she has agreed to continue to support the University as Pro-Chancellor.”

Help out at MK Dons

John Bercow MP

S PECIAL guest presentations, cookery demonstrations and wine tastings were some

of the highlights during Fairtrade Fortnight held last month.

Focussing on fairer prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world, events took place in and around the Luton campus, Bedford campus and at Putteridge Bury. This year’s campaign focused on the Fairtrade banana and why it is so important to farmers and their families around the world.

A varied programme of events included: lRyad Khodabocus from the

Luton Fairtrade Town-wide Steering Group visiting Fitzroy Court halls of residence kitchen to help students make fairtrade snacks as part of Go Bananas Day! They also hosted an information stall, assisted by student volunteers, pictured at

The Mall, Luton.lWicked Coffee giving away

fairtrade teas, coffees and chocolate bars at the Lounge Bar at Luton, with more than 100 visitors stopping by on the day. Wicked Coffee has been supplier to Beds SU since 2010 and selected because of its commitment to fairtrade.

lA Be a Producer day hosted at

Putteridge Bury, where student volunteers planted crops. Those taking part were treated to fairtrade biscuits and muffins supplied courtesy of Putteridge Bury Conference Centre.

lFairtrade Wine tasting events held in partnership with The Co-Operative, with good turnouts at both the Bedford and Luton campuses.

Andrea Thorogood, Community Projects Manager at BedsSU said:

“At the wine tastings we were treated to an amazing and inspirational talk from Daniela Cedron from Argentina who works for a winemaking co-operative. She told an inspiring story of how the Fairtrade Foundation has funded the building of a new school in her local town and the difference this made to the children and families from their wine growing community.”

Andrea added: “I’d like to thank everyone who helped to make this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight such a success, including: colleagues at BedsSU and the University-wide Fairtrade Steering Group, The Bedfordshire Green Hub, Treehouse and Seedbeds chaplaincies, Aramark, Putteridge Bury Conference Centre, Campus Living Villages, Luton and Bedford fairtrade town-wide steering groups, The Mall, Luton, The Co-Operative and Sainsbury’s.”

Bedfordshire has been accredited University Fairtrade Status since May 2012.

ACOURSE delivered by the University’s Healthcare Practice Department has been shortlisted for a prize at the

prestigious Student Nursing Times Awards.In recognition of the high standard of

teaching provided, Claire Kane, Clinical Anatomy course leader, and her team have been nominated for the Teaching Innovation of the Year category.

Supplied in partnership with Buckinghamshire NHS Trust, the programme is open to final-year Bedfordshire students on placement at Buckinghamshire Healthcare.

Attending a series of autopsies over weeks, the student nurses are given unique tutelage through each step of the procedure by Dr David Bailey, Consultant Pathologist at Buckinghamshire Healthcare.

“Having received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the student nurses, it is fantastic to see the clinical anatomy course now being recognised by the leading weekly magazine for nurses in the United Kingdom,” said Claire, a Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing.

She added: “Clinical Anatomy students report better awareness of anatomy and disease and thus provide better care to patients and relatives.

“This teaching innovation is having a direct impact on patient care, and gives a unique opportunity to have an enhanced experience which imparts deeper knowledge than observing autopsies or reading textbooks alone.”

The Student Nursing Times Awards ceremony takes place at the London Hilton Hotel, on Park Lane, on Wednesday, 1 May.

Life – April 2014 03

All the fun of Fairtrade Fortnight

Healthcare course up for top award

Email [email protected] News

From left: Harriet Wainwright (student nurse), Dr David Bailey, Claire Kane and Libby McKerrow (student nurse)



Emily goes behind the scenes

A REVIEW of the Registrar’s Department is helping the University’s

professional services enhance students’ experience.

Initiated by Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell last August, the review is evaluating the processes underpinned by the Registrar’s Department. The Department comprises a wide range of professional teams who engage with students at all points of their journey at the University.

A series of prioritised process improvement projects are now underway, each led by a senior member of staff and comprising a mix of staff from across the Departments’ teams to ensure they have the right blend of skills and experience

to inform effective change. These include:

l Better and more accessible data – for courses, units, and assessments

l Easier access to important documents – committee papers, policies and regulations

l Streamlined processes in assessment and exam boards and registration to reduce errors

l Common service standards l Further joined-up services

The Registrar Jenny Jenkin leads the review and looking closely at process to ensure teams continue to keep students at the centre of what we do.

“Bedfordshire has highly committed, passionate and creative staff with lots of ideas about where we can make

further improvements to the services offered to students. The review presents a great opportunity to make real changes – big and small – to shape how all our services will be delivered in future.

“Many staff are involved in the review process, with ideas and insights captured and shaped into detailed proposals for process improvements, including some changes which we can bring about quickly.”

l For full details of these projects visit the staff website at: //in.beds.ac.uk/news/registrars-reviewl For specific questions about the review, email Sarah Walshe, Head of Projects Office, Registrar’s Department.

Registrar’s Review keeps on track

ABEDFORDSHIRE student was given the unique chance to see how a football club’s media department

operates during a matchday.Emily Mead, a third year Sports

Management and Development student at the Bedford campus, was invited along to Luton Town FC’s thumping 5-0 win over Wrexham in the Skrill Premier (the fifth tier of English football) on Tuesday 25 February.

Emily was presented with her opportunity as part of the University’s partnership with Luton Town.

Shadowing the club’s Press Officer, Andrew Barringer, Emily gained an insight into the varying roles Andrew and his team undertake pre-match – ranging from how the team news is distributed via Luton’s website and social media channels to a briefing on interview requests Andrew

received from the attending media.Watching the Hatters’ victory against

Wrexham from the Kenilworth Road Press Box, Emily felt she learned a great deal from the experience.

“The enterprising and entrepreneurship module I am currently undertaking requires my team to target a company and discover the methods in which they communicate with their clientele – and how this can be improved,” said Emily, who lives in nearby Harlington.

“We selected Luton Town and I was particularly interested in how the club utilises their social media channels to interact with their fans.

“It was brilliant to acquire some first-hand experience and to have a close up view of how this is done by Andrew. I was really impressed with the content on Luton’s Twitter and Facebook accounts.”

NEARLY half of all eligible academic staff have taken part in the University’s Coaching for

Performance training programme. The compulsory programme, launched

last September, is designed for staff to use within Personal Academic Tutoring sessions with students, with the focus on conversations around academic performance.

“As part of our commitment to enhancing the learner experience, we are working to develop a coaching culture in many aspects of our work. I’m pleased to say we’re on target with the numbers of people taking part and staff feedback has been really positive, at sessions held across the campuses”, said Claire Burgess, Coaching for Performance Trainer.

Claire added: “At the end of these sessions many colleagues have said they believe the coaching will really help them in their one-to-one conversations with students.”

Post-session staff feedback has shown marked improvements in knowledge and understanding of coaching skills and styles, with 99 per cent of participants saying they are now more confident having coaching style conversations.

Further sessions will be held during April and May and throughout the summer, enabling as many staff as possible to attend before the start of the new academic year.

l Look out for new session dates on Noticeboard on the staff website or email [email protected] for more information.

Coaching sessions praised

The night concluded with Emily sitting in on post-match video interviews for the club’s website, conducted by Andrew with the Club manager, John Still, and Town players, Ronnie Henry and Jake Howells.

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S OCIAL media interaction could be a way forward for teaching professionals to

share information and network, University of Bedfordshire research has highlighted.

During a study by Dr Vicky Goodyear, pictured, it was uncovered that teachers at Buckingham School have already taken to sites such as Facebook and Twitter to share their

experiences in the classroom.A former teacher at Buckingham School, Dr Goodyear – now a lecturer in Sport and Exercise at the University’s Bedford campus – undertook a PhD looking at the use of the Cooperative Learning model, an educational approach focusing on group-based learning,

within physical education.In collaboration with

Buckingham School’s Physical Education Department, Dr Goodyear explored the teachers’ progress via Twitter and Facebook.

“When I began my PhD in 2010 I was very much interested in looking at how group-based teaching within the classroom was being implemented,” said Dr Goodyear, who was supported in her research by Dr Ashley Casey, lecturer in Physical Education at Loughborough University and Professor David Kirk, Alexander Chair in Physical Education and Sport at Bedfordshire.

“The teachers communicated with me via social media, with the department creating their own Twitter page and sharing their experiences with fellow Cooperative Learning teachers and myself, by posting pictures

and written updates of the Cooperative Learning model they were delivering.

“Prior to completing my PhD in 2013, I taught through Cooperative Learning myself and found that talking to others was key in developing my understanding of how to use the model. During my PhD, Twitter emerged as a form of communication and provided a platform for teachers to discuss their experiences of utilising the model.”

TEACHERS VALUE SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORKING

T HREE elements have combined to create a 60 per cent reduction in child

imprisonment rates in England and Wales over the last five years, according to a leading expert in youth justice – changes in government policy, pressure to reduce public spending and a strong belief that child imprisonment should only ever be used as a last resort.

John Drew CBE, the former Chief Executive of the Youth Justice Board, said at a recent Institute of Applied Social Research Professorial and Expert Speaker Lecture hosted by the University, that we must learn from mistakes made in the past and continue to look at alternative options to the incarceration of children.

“Whenever governments cut back on prison expenditure, there is a trend that the number of children entering prisons is reduced,” said the social worker of 40 years who oversaw a halving of the rate of child imprisonment during his four year tenure at the Youth Justice Board, from 2009 to 2013.

“In the 1980s, as expenditure in

the custody service was reduced – following all-time high numbers of children imprisoned in 1977 – the number of under 17s appearing in the Juvenile Court fell by 52 per cent, while the number of under 17s in custody fell from 7,700 to 1,900.”

The 1990s saw this figure nearly double, however, as attitudes towards crime changed and the death of Jamie Bulger put child imprisonment at the forefront of policy.

The trend continued throughout the early years of the Labour government after 1997. But from 2003 onwards a more child-focussed attitude began to change the government’s approach, and the seeds for the current reduction were sown. When the coalition government took over in 2010 and cut funding this trend developed further and imprisonment figures fell dramatically.

Professor Drew, who has

recently joined the University as a Visiting Professor, added “We must look at the 1980s and learn from the experience. We need to use it to change behaviour, and not just see a reduction in child imprisonment solely from the perspective of funding cuts; it needs to be a part of government policy because they believe reducing child imprisonment is the right thing to do.”

Throughout the lecture, Professor Drew insisted he was not against incarceration as a “last resort” for children in extreme cases, but he highlighted the issues with imprisonment – such as a high re-offending ratio, and the high number of child deaths.


Visiting Lecturer and youth justice expert speaks at lecture series

Professor John Drew CBE

Dr Goodyear’s research paper has led to her winning the 2014 Lawrence F. Locke Graduate Student Research Award, which is sponsored by the Physical Education SIG of the American Educational Research Association (AERA).

An internationally recognised accolade, Dr Goodyear will collect the award in Philadelphia, USA, in April, at AERA’s international conference, which is expected to be attended by some 12,000 international researchers.

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Email [email protected] www.beds.ac.ukQueen’s Anniversary Prize

THE pinnacle award in higher education, the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, has been

presented to the University by Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.

The award was bestowed upon the University in recognition of its applied research into child sexual exploitation (CSE) influencing new safeguarding policy and practice.

Although the presentation was last month, the pioneering studies began at the University in the early 1990s, consolidated under a dedicated research centre from 2006.

From 2006, the institution – the only to lead applied research on CSE in partnership with agencies and in collaboration with children – was the first to initiate research into what was, until the 1990s, a social issue framed as ‘juvenile prostitution’. At the time, the children were regarded as ‘the problem’ that needed to be addressed by criminal justice – rather than welfare agencies.

This work engaged with policy and practice from the outset through work undertaken by two professors: David Barrett and Margaret Melrose.

Their collaboration with police and major children’s charities raised awareness of the injustice of victims of child sexual exploitation being criminalised as perpetrators of offences relating to prostitution.

This momentum contributed to government guidance that recognised CSE as child abuse.

The University extended its continued commitment to investment in applied research on CSE, appointing Professor Pearce in 2006 to lead the International Centre: Researching Child Sexual Exploitation, Violence and Trafficking, with a dedicated youth participation officer, Dr Camille Warrington appointed in 2010.

This work is now carried out by a team of ten at the International Centre which collaborates with staff from associated disciplines across the University.

The Centre, which works closely with nationally respected charities, is established internationally as pivotal in its research, teaching and learning on CSE work and related work on preventing sexual

violence against children.It has received more than

£1,275,000 major national and European funding since 2009. Currently staff are working with external partners to develop an international network of academics and non-governmental organisations

working to prevent sexual violence against children.

The work done by the Centre is grounded in long term relationships with partner agencies,

young people and their practitioners at local, national and increasingly at international levels. The most recent example of this was the research into CSE in gang affected neighbourhoods – funded by the Office of the Children’s Commissioner for England as a part of its national inquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation in gangs and groups.

This particular research was one of many done by the Centre. These contributions have included:l Working with The What Works

For Us Group (WWFU) – a self-help group for young people who have left exploitative situations, developed in partnership with three children’s charities – advising EastEnders on its 2011 CSE story line

l Undertaking research with the NSPCC ‘Breaking the wall of silence’ – identifying practitioners’ responses to trafficked children and young people

l Acting as Rapporteur with The Council of Europe ‘ONE in FIVE’ Campaign to stop sexual violence against children

Dedication to research recognised by royalty

Professor Jenny Pearce, Professor of Young People and Public Policy at the University, was presented with an OBE by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, at Buckingham Palace earlier this year.

Professor Pearce was awarded her OBE in the New Year Honours List, for services to vulnerable children and young people.


Email [email protected] Queen’s Anniversary Prize

Thought provoking films discussed at conference T HE young people who made four powerful short

films, reflecting their views on growing up in gang affected neighbourhoods and the sexual

exploitation they’ve witnessed, addressed experts about the future of tackling the issue nationwide.

At a special conference in London hosted by the University, those involved with the making of the documentaries were given their chance to speak about how they believe reducing the sexual violence experienced by young men and women in gangs can be achieved.

The audience – including representatives from charities and local authority bodies, policy makers, and MPs – at the ‘It’s wrong… but you get used to it’ conference were captivated by the films, which spurred a lively question and answer session.

The message from the young people was clear throughout: the issue of sexual exploitation needs to be put in the national limelight and addressed at an early schooling stage – improving education for not only students, but professionals too, and further raising awareness in the media and to the country as a whole.

“The authorities need to wake up to what’s happening, look at the research, and react now! It’s about preventing the problem before it becomes one – making sure that children understand about loving, caring relationships, life skills, and having the right role models to learn this from.

“We need to utilise the facilities (such as peer mentoring) we have and get people in who understand the problems, to deliver support. Stability in these projects will have a long lasting effect and will help the young people on our streets trust those who are trying to help them,” said one.

Another added: “These issues have been around a long time, they’ve always been there. This is not something new. It just all seems to be brushed under the carpet. We have to make sure everybody is ready to hear exactly what is going on, as this is not just specific to one or two areas, it goes on everywhere.”

Each of the young people spoke of the confidence they gained from playing such a vital role in the production of the films (managed by the award winning ‘International Centre: Researching Child

Sexual Exploitation, Violence and Trafficking’ at the University) – controlling the content, how they were physically made and editing.

After the Q and A group sessions followed where the young people were able to discuss issues on a one-to-one level.

Professor Jenny Pearce OBE, Director of the University International Centre said: “This was a fantastic event showing that lively discussion on sensitive topics is possible and worthwhile.

“The young people and the dedicated workers who support them are making a difference. These films are available for use in schools, youth centres and online. The booklet that accompanies them offers guidance to practitioners and others wanting to start discussion and raise awareness. We owe it to the brave and courageous young people who have put time and effort in to making these excellent films to disseminate them far and wide: making it easier to talk about the issues and working to prevent sexual violence.”

lThe films involved more than 35 young people. Each were recruited through eight youth projects across four sites in England – Manchester, Derby, Birmingham and London. The young people had control over the content, how the films were made and were actively involved in the editing process.

l The documentaries complement the ground-breaking research carried out by the University It’s wrong but you get used to it: a qualitative study of gang associated sexual violence towards, and exploitation of, young people in England. This highlighted the extent of gang-related sexual violence towards and between children and young people.

l The film project was managed in partnership with Latimer Creative Media, and with funding support from BBC Children in Need, Comic Relief and the Office of the Children’s Commissioner.

l The films are available to watch at http://www.beds.ac.uk/research/iasr/gasev

l Evaluating Barnardo’s provision of ‘safe accommodation’ for sexually exploited and trafficked young people

l Developing a CSE Assessment tool with the NSPCC and a CSE Knowledge Exchange with Northern Ireland

l Promoting young people’s work stopping sexual violence through the ‘Our Voices’ Project and the MsUnderstood project .Last month all the hard work

done by the Centre paid off as the University’s Vice Chancellor, Bill Rammell, and the Director of the Centre, Professor Jenny Pearce, and her team, pictured left, were invited to Buckingham Palace for a special award ceremony.

“It is an enormous honour to receive this award,” said Professor Pearce.

“It means a lot for us, and particularly the partner agencies and young people we work with to have this recognition and the opportunity to further promote efforts to stop sexual violence.

“Our work is distinctive and unique because of its collaborative approach, engaging with partners in government, funders, service providers and voluntary agencies, and because we prioritise the voice of the child through participatory methods of work.

“As a result, we are working with young people and other colleagues to advance theory, policy and practice. We are contributing to widespread changes in approaches to child sexual exploitation, positioning it firmly within strategies to safeguard children.

“Our vision is to ensure that CSE is embedded within child care policy and practice and that children, families, carers and their communities are equipped to identify and prevent sexual exploitation.”

The Vice Chancellor added: “It truly was an honour to be invited to Buckingham Palace and to receive such a prestigious award from Her Majesty The Queen and The Duke Of Edinburgh.

“To win the Queen’s Anniversary Prize is a landmark moment for the University of Bedfordshire. It brings national and international recognition to the University for its ground-breaking research in social work and social care. I am particularly pleased that, by addressing the societal challenge of child sexual exploitation, this University has made an impact on policy and practice that will change the lives of many young people.”


Email [email protected] www.beds.ac.ukLecture

Computer security expert makes special guest visit

THE University’s Careers and Recruitment Service is offering final year undergraduates the chance to stand out

from other job applicants. At Careers’ upcoming events at Luton and

Bedford, students will be invited to network with employers and our award-winning Careers and Employability experts to improve their chances of accessing and gaining employment.

They will also be able to meet with some of our Alumni, to talk through their experiences of developing a career. Make a date in your diary now to attend one of the following:

lLuton campus, Tuesday, 29 April, 5-7pmlBedford campus, Wednesday, 30 April, 12-2pm

The Head of Careers and Recruitment Service, Cathy Hyde said: “This is your prime opportunity to network with local employers, seek advice from the University’s Careers team and to speak

to some of our past graduates about how they have made their careers take off – all at one University event.

“All of this combined with refreshments to help celebrate the end of your course.”

Cathy added: “Both events will also feature an area where students can speak with the Careers team if they need help or advice getting through the challenging job application process. Careers has also arranged for professional advisers to be on hand to discuss any post-study matters including; setting up your own business, how to produce a great CV, and, finding the right career for you.”

l Register now at: www.beds.ac.uk/bedsgraduateedgel These events are just one part of a wider suite of employability service offerings that the Careers and Recruitment Service provides. For more information visit www.beds.ac.uk/careers

THE University’s Professor who has made international headlines with his research into cracking the mysterious

Voynich manuscript is to host a public lecture on his ground-breaking decoding work.

Professor Stephen Bax will examine the script and language of the celebrated 15th century document during his special talk, which is being held at 6pm on Thursday, 10 April at the Luton campus.

During the lecture, the Professor of Applied Linguistics will focus on the procedure and problems in decoding the manuscript, and will also discuss moves to identify the underlying language of the manuscript.

Additionally, he will report on recent developments in his Voynich research project – taking into account the huge feedback and input he has received from scholars around the world since his work was released.

l To book a ticket visit stephenbax.eventbrite.co.uk

A LEADING computer professional recently spoke to the next

generation of mainframe specialists at the University.

Visiting as part of the Z Positive Lecture series, organised by the Bedfordshire Enterprise and Mainframe Society (BEAMS) for Computer Science BSc students, guest speaker Julie-Ann Williams discussed the impact of the security features of the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) Z series mainframe have on the IT infrastructure of major organisations.

Mainframe systems are the central servers that handle critical data and transactions for established businesses including major banks, airlines and large retailers. The centralised computing model and operational reliability of these systems has meant that, since the release of the IBM 360 in 1964, they have been at the heart of Enterprise IT.

Julie-Ann, pictured, is a mainframe security expert with

Final year student? Get along to an employability fair

more than 30 years’ experience and is Managing Director of her own consulting company, Millennia. Having worked for IBM early in her career, she has worked across the world and also took part in the hit BBC TV show Robot Wars where she captained team “Katakiller”.

Julie-Ann said: “Twenty years ago there was much focus on the distributed model of desktop computing, and many companies

under invested in mainframes skills. Now with cloud computing, the very scalable, centralised model of the mainframe is more important than ever and there is an increasing demand for a new generation of experts to come through.”Dr Herbert Daly,

pictured, a Senior Lecturer in Computer Science

at Bedfordshire added: “Someone of Julie-Ann’s experience is a great role

model for Computer Science students to learn from.”

Voynich lecture

T HE University of Bedfordshire is offering its courses at a centre

which is dedicated to providing educational, social and recreational opportunities for over 50s.

A new partnership between the University’s Knowledge Hub and the Retirement Education Centre (REC), Bedford, is enabling over 50-year-olds – not in full-time work – the opportunity to learn from some of the University’s experts as the institution continues to widen its access to a larger part of the community.

Currently as part of a 10-week programme, students are benefitting from lectures by Criminology experts, from the University’s Department of Applied Social Studies, who are each hosting a two-hour lecture, once a week.

Many of the University’s Criminology lecturers come with

many years of experience, and the 10 lessons are running to a group of 13 on the course, include introductions to:lThe international Drug tradelTorture and international

Criminal LawlDealing with the mentally

disordered offenderlGangs and groups offendinglSex and crimelSerial crime

The topics were hand-picked to best suit the undergraduate’s wishes.

These were expressed in early assessments, following a one-off lecture by Alison Tresidder, Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Sociology, who has been overwhelmed by how engaged and enthusiastic delegates are.

Alison said: “This series of talks has been designed to give an insight into the study of Crime and the subject of Criminology.

The talks give an overview of the topics that are covered on our Criminology and Sociology undergraduate course at the Bedford campus.

“We consider it really important to move beyond the classroom setting and to connect with a wider local audience. The series of talks at the Bedford Retirement Centre has been an opportunity for us as academics to engage in a manner which promotes continued learning.”

James Luscombe, Business Development Manager at the Knowledge Hub, said: “The University is keen to engage with community initiatives in the local area so we were obviously delighted when we were approached by Bedford Retirement

Education Centre to explore the possibility of delivering talks to delegates from the Centre.”

Caroline Bacon, Centre Manager, REC, Bedford, added: “The REC is delighted to be working with the University of Bedfordshire, who have provided some fantastic and stimulating courses and talks for our students.”

The University of Bedfordshire academics who provided all content and presented the 10-week course are Alison Tressider, Ian Bridgeman, Helen Connolly, Suzella Palmer, Gary Manders, Seamus Murphy and Dimitrios Akrivos.

l For more information visit www.recbedford.co.uk or call 01234 302203.



FORMER World Boxing Champion and Inspirational Speaker Billy Schwer met with

students in the first of a new series of talks at the University.

Having enjoyed a distinguished career, which included winning the International Boxing Organisation (IBO) light-welterweight crown in 2001, Billy retired from professional boxing later that same year. In the years since he has pursued a number of vocations including a short-lived career as an actor.

Finally finding his niche becoming an inspirational speaker and performance coach in recent years, Billy is becoming well established, addressing diverse audiences from company executives to organisations supporting young people with special needs.

Commenting on Billy’s talk, the University’s International Internship Manager, Lee Allen said: “We believe university is about more than getting a degree.

“Inviting in speakers like Billy is

part of our personal development programme for students – someone who can share real practical experience of the challenges he has faced and the creative ways he has shaped his career.

“We are keen to provide opportunities for students to hear from speakers who can inspire them for their university career and beyond.”

Speaking to students at the Luton campus, the popular locally-born and raised ex-fighter reflected on the challenges he faced after retiring from boxing.

Billy added: “The first two years of my retirement were the worst of my life.

“Up to then I was training all the time, focusing on becoming World Champion and then my career was suddenly over.

I didn’t set myself a goal for once I had retired.

“I needed to reinvent myself and ultimately I wanted to make some sort of difference in the community. I like to think I have done that through my inspirational speaking with different sections of society.”

Billy’s visit to the University marks the start of a partnership that will see the 44-year-old lead monthly motivational talks with students from across the four faculties.

In addition, international students on the University’s internship programme, an initiative providing them with 75 hours of work experience at the University and with local businesses and projects, will have the chance to work closely with Billy to develop a marketing campaign for his own business.

Uni courses at Retirement Education Centre

Students at the Bedford REC with Gary Manders,

Lecturer in Criminology and Sociology at the University

Former World Boxing Champ helps students focus on their goals



Are you a final year undergraduate student?If so, time is running out to take part in the

National Student Survey (NSS). The survey closes on Wednesday, 30 April and

we want to hear from you!The annual National Student Survey (NSS)

asks final year undergraduate students across the UK to give feedback about their university experience.

Rumnique Gill, Director for Student Experience, said: “There are 23 core questions in the survey relating to aspects of the student learning experience. We are keen to hear from as many eligible students as possible. We’ve used the results from past NSS to build on what students say we do well and to identify areas where we could improve.”

There are some great incentives for completing the NSS including either a Domino’s pizza voucher or an “I Love UoB” T-shirt and the opportunity to win a trip to Paris via Eurostar!

l If you’re a final year student, have your say by logging on to www.thestudentsurvey.com

Last chance to take part in NSS 2014

L AST month, Life featured examples of the 20-plus projects, which have so far been awarded funding from the Vice

Chancellor’s Student Experience Fund (Steps). All the projects are designed to enhance

aspects of the Student Experience at Bedfordshire.

This month, Life features two contrasting projects recently given the Steps green light.

I CARE is the brainchild of Marcia Ogunji, a Senior Lecturer in Midwifery Practice, based at the Butterfield Park campus.

Marcia explains: “I CARE is an initiative with a long term view, designed primarily for healthcare students. It is also relevant and open to all those who are preparing for caring professions.

“The aspiration of I CARE is to get people thinking and talking about what it means to say ‘I care’”.

The ICARE pledge is:l I will be empathetic,l C ompassionate and patient in myl A pproach to others. I will bel R espectful of their needs and when

necessary I willl E scalate concerns appropriately with

advocacy as my ONLY motiveAn I CARE Conference takes place at the

University on 16-17 June 2014 and open to all Bedfordshire healthcare students, staff and external delegates from the healthcare professions.

Marcia added: “This year also sees the launch of the I CARE Merit Badge award scheme, in partnership with local NHS Trusts. Patients and/or their relatives will be invited to nominate Bedfordshire students for a badge if they feel that the student has demonstrated the principles embodied in the ICARE pledge.”

Students have already given ICARE their backing. Emily Bradwell, a Bsc Adult Nursing student said: “I CARE is an exciting opportunity to channel the enthusiasm we have for our future profession to ensure a positive change we’ll be able to see directly on the wards we are placed on.”

l To sign up for the conference visit the I CARE page www.beds.ac.uk/stepsTo find out more about I CARE please email: [email protected]

A NOTHER successful benefactor from Steps is the HEAL Research Internships Scheme.

HEAL, within the University’s Department of Sport Science and Physical Activity, has launched a paid Internship Scheme, open to all undergraduate and postgraduate applicants.

The Scheme aims to offer students paid

Projects share their Steps to success

Healthcare students are set to benefit from Steps funding

research work on exercise epigenetics.HEAL group project leader Dr William

Brown said: “Successful candidates will engage in a HEAL-based industrial research collaboration which may involve working with our genomics science partners at the Colworth Science Park in Bedford.

“This is an excellent opportunity for students to excel by gaining recognition from both the University and our collaborators in industrial bioscience.”

To apply, download the online application form at: www.beds.ac.uk/steps

l To find out more about the full list of Steps projects, or to suggest your own idea please visit www.beds.ac.uk/steps. Alternatively email [email protected] for more information.

ALECTURER in English Studies at the University has had a collection of his

poems published.Dr Gareth Farmer’s book, titled

Pomes, was inspired by the poet, Veronica Forrest-Thomson, on whom Dr Farmer’s PhD was based. His collection focuses on far ranging topics including politics and the environment.

Spurred on by the publication of several short pamphlets over the past decade, Dr Farmer has now published his first book.

“I wrote a short pamphlet of poems in 2013, published by

Knives Forks and Spoons Press who then asked me if I had enough material to extend to a book,” said Dr Farmer, who joined the University in 2012.

“Pomes is something I am particularly proud of as it is my first long title, and the book highlights several stages of my poetry career during the last five years.

“According to my publisher, they are selling like hotcakes.”

The 91-page book includes 30 poems and two longer passages, but there’s a trio of poems that stand out for Dr Farmer.

The academic and poet added:

“There are three poems I am particularly pleased with.

“’Rise to Order’ is an ongoing poetic sequence dealing with revolutions and war, while ‘Above Muskegon’ and ‘Humming Herds and Rugged Rabbits at KU’ are about travel, the environment and critical thinking.”

With a formal launch event for Pomes to be held at the University’s Bedford campus later this year, Dr Farmer already has ambitions to produce his next title.

He added: “I am currently writing a poem a day on my blog for 365 days (http://diurnalsweigh.wordpress.com/), and by the end of that period I hope to select the best 100 for a second book.”

l To purchase a copy of Pomes, which is priced at £8 in the UK and available in paperback, visit http://knivesforksandspoonspress.co.uk/pomes.html.



A CADEMIC, Dr Agnieszka Piotrowska, is to direct the world premiere of a new play, by distinguished young Zimbabwean playwright

Blessing Hungwe, at a major arts festival in Harare.Supported by the University and the Nhimbe Trust,

with the Zimbabwe Theatre Association, Lovers in Time is a comedy about the legendary female spirit medium Mbuya Nehanda, who was executed by colonial rulers towards the end of the 19th Century for leading an uprising against white settlers.

In the play she returns to life in the present day, but as a male.

The play has been selected by the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) board from hundreds of entries. It will take place during the HIFA, which runs from 29 April to 2 May 2014.

Dr Piotrowska, Reader in Film Practice and Theory and Course Leader for MA and MSc Digital Film at the University, will also make an experimental documentary film which interrogates trauma through comedy, and the issue of race relations through arts and humour.

Playwright Blessing Hungwe said: “I am thrilled

we are making this happen. Agnieszka and I have sat on different festival juries for years and it is very pleasing that we are collaborating with each other at last.”

Dr Piotrowska added: “I am delighted to be working with Blessing Hungwe, whose work I have admired for a long time. I am also directing some of the most accomplished young actors in Zimbabwe on this production, such as Charmaine Mujeri and Michael K. It is an ambitious project as we are going to be dealing with some very delicate and even traumatic issues through comedy. I am truly excited and happy at this opportunity.”

Dr Piotrowska’s documentary film about race relations, The Engagement Party in Harare, was nominated in the Best Documentary category at the International Images Festival for Women in 2012 in Harare - the only non-African to be granted the distinction.

She is a specialist in film and psychoanalysis and her monograph Psychoanalysis and Ethics in Documentary Film was recently published by Routledge, to enthusiastic reviews.

THE University’s Health and Safety team is jubilant, following continued improvements in best practices across the University.

Since 2011, Health and Safety has been running a best practices programme across nine departments and faculties, assessing progress year-on-year.

The latest University-wide assessment has produced some “impressive” results according to the University’s Head of Occupational Health and Safety, Gary Smith, with all participants achieving Gold by the end of last year – for the first time.

Gary said: “These positive results demonstrate the hard work and commitment of many staff and students across the University, which has ultimately resulted in making our campuses even safer places to work and study.

“By involving our students in this process since 2011, we’re listening to and addressing issues raised from a health and safety perceptive, further improving their student experience and also helping them prioritise health and safety matters in the workplace, for when they leave the University.”

Those taking part in the programme were: Faculty of Creative Arts, Technologies and Science, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Business School, Faculty of Education and Sport, Registry, Human Resources, Research and Enterprise, Academic, and, External Relations (including Facilities and Estates, Finance, Marketing, Admissions, Recruitment and Communications (MARC) and International Office).

Departments achieve Health & Safety Gold

Poetry book published

Dr Piotrowska with the Lovers in Time crew

Bedfordshire film maker to direct landmark play in Zimbabwe

AWINDSURFER and a badminton player have been awarded a grant

which was setup to mark students’ great sporting and teaching achievements in memory of a Bedford stalwart.

Third-year Physical Education Qualified Teaching Status students Joshua Brown-Bolton and Jonathan Benson were presented with the annual Christine Heath Sports Scholarship, which celebrates students who have competed at a national level.

Joshua, who learned to windsurf aged nine, is currently not competing whilst at university.

However the 20-year-old is making a “tremendous contribution” through instruction and coaching, and as well as teaching people how to learn windsurfing across Europe, he is also tutoring eight Bedford students to help them attain their instruction qualifications – something which he already possesses.

His coach commends his enthusiasm and commitment in motivating others, and his skill in instructing.

Joshua, who originates from Leeds and now lives in

Bedford, said: “It was an honour to be presented with the £500 scholarship. I’m planning on using the funds to help me with my studies – to progress as a PE teacher – and to help with purchasing equipment, which will help further my own windsurfing skills.”

Fellow cohort Jonathan – along with his younger brother – has been a county badminton player for many years, representing first Hertfordshire and then Bedfordshire.

He plays for, captains, and coaches, the University first team which last year was unbeaten and

this year are currently leading their division.

The 20-year-old said his aspiration is to use the funding to help “inspire future generations to play badminton” through his coaching with local clubs, and to help him finance opportunities to improve his own play.

His coach states that Jonathan is “very motivated” and plays a key role in the University’s team being responsible for sponsorship, team kit and booking transport.

Dr Margaret Whitehead, President of the Bedford Physical Education Old Students’ Association, presented the awards

and said: “We are delighted to present these awards and shall be pleased to keep in touch and follow the progress of both Joshua and Jonathan.”

Christine Heath, a keen sportswoman who competed at a high level of many games including lacrosse, was a student at Bedford between 1951 and 1954 and went on to become a Principal Lecturer for many years.

She was also the Secretary of the Bedford Physical Education Old Students’ Association for 25 years.


Online www.beds.ac.ukNews

Bursary for sport stars

Olympic Bobsleigh prospect boosted by SportsAid funding

Jonathon and Joshua with their certificates

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RADIO Lab 97.1FM, the University’s student community radio station,

has raised almost £700 for Sport Relief – as Life went to press.

The Radio Lab team produced a special 24-hour broadcast, which featured a show every hour.

Encouraged to make a pledge to the Sport Relief cause during the 24 hours, listeners had the chance to enter a number of competitions on air and via Radio Lab’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. A large number of prizes donated by local businesses were up for grabs including a meal for two at Toby Carvery and a month’s free membership at The Gym in Luton.

24 hour show

BEDFORDSHIRE student and bobsledder, Ashley Watson, has been awarded

funding, to boost hopes of competing at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.

Ashley’s progress has prompted SportsAid, an independent charity that provides support for young and aspiring British athletes, to award the 20-year-old funding to the tune of £1, 000. Past SportsAid funding recipients include Olympic Gold medal winners Sir Chris Hoy and Mo Farah.

The Sports Therapy student is planning to use the funding to cover his travel costs to British Bobsleigh’s Headquarters at the University of Bath this summer.

Ashley only took up bobsleigh as a brakesman in May 2012 but the former track sprinter has already worked his way into the British

Bobsleigh set-up, including an appearance in January’s World Junior Championships in Germany as part of the GB four-man sled.

“Competing at the 2018 Winter Olympics is the goal and receiving this funding will hopefully help me in realising that ambition,” said Ashley, who hails from Peterborough, Cambs.

“British Bobsleigh nominated me for the prestigious SportsAid funding, and the faith they have shown in me is a massive confidence boost.”

With the 2013/14 bobsleigh campaign now at an end, Ashley already has his sights set on becoming a regular fixture in British Bobsleigh’s junior squad once the new season commences in October.

He said: “Throughout the summer period away from

my studies at Bedfordshire, I will be at the University of Bath where I’ll train on the push-start track, which enables British Bobsleigh athletes to hone their starts away from the ice.

“Hopefully I do enough for the coaches to select me next winter for either the North American Cup or Europa Cup, which are competitions consisting of a series of races for countries’ junior teams to gain experience in.”

Life April 2014

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