Issue 9 Summer

2009

Profi leDavid Sines

ViewpointFergal Costello

FeatureMay Ball 2009

Sports newsThe magazine of Buckinghamshire New University

Contents

Connection magazine was produced by the Marketing, Communications & Recruitment Directorate at Buckinghamshire New University. Every effort is made to ensure that the information provided is accurate at the time of going to press.

If you have any questions or stories, please contact the editor, Anne Whitehouse, on 01494 605 249, email anne.whitehouse@bucks.ac.uk Contributions may be edited for length or style.

Buckinghamshire New University Queen Alexandra RoadHigh Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP11 2JZ

Telephone: 01494 522 141

Fax: 01494 605 023

Web: bucks.ac.uk

Designed and produced by Greens Ltd,www.greensdigital.com

Front cover image: Fairtrade University launch

© Buckinghamshire New University

This publication can be made available in alternative formats;call 01494 605 249.

Message and news from the Vice Chancellor 2

University wins ‘Oscar’ of education marketing 3

Bucks becomes a Fairtrade University 3

Increase in applicants 3

News from the Faculty of Society & Health 4-5

Business round-up 6-8

Student volunteering is celebrated 9

Employees learn sign language 9

Carols by candlelight 9

News from the Faculty of Creativity & Culture 10-13

News from the Faculty of Enterprise & Innovation 14-15

Counselling Service is celebrated 15

Sports news 16-19

University ball recaptures the magic of Oz 20

SU celebrates double award win 21

Alumni visit Chalfont 21

Student accommodation helps provide sustainable living 21

Research round-up 22-24

Conferences 25

Books 26

Bucks in the news 27

Obituary: Patrick Jordan 27

What’s on? Back cover

Message from the Vice ChancellorIt is deeply rewarding that the last few months have seen a series of signifi cant successes for Bucks New University. We have seen the highest percentage increase in applications for our full-time undergraduate degree courses at any UK university, been awarded Fairtrade University status by the Fairtrade Foundation, and topped the quality rankings for universities delivering nurse education for NHS London. Our bid for funding to support SMEs and individual business people in Buckinghamshire resulted in an award of £0.5m that is being match-funded by partner organisations.

In addition, our webTV site, Bucks Television, won a gold Heist Award for Education Marketing, and our Students’ Union have won two awards – a Best Bar None award for the most improved venue, and a Sound Environmental Impact Award for its environmental performance. Our students and graduates have also been on a winning streak, with Jewellery student Nicola Dessent, becoming one of two winners of the Ancestors/V&A Student Jewellery Design Competition, and alumni Mike Rymer and Christine Hartland continuing to win awards for their challenging short fi lm, SICK.

At the end of 2008, universities received the results of the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise. We were pleased to fi nd that there was research considered to be of international excellence in all the submitted areas. You can read more about our applied research activity, conferences and publications on pages 20–23.

This edition of Connection also includes four pages of sports news, including student sports activities, our involvement in plans for the 2012 Olympics, and news of our involvement in a new disability sports educational facility – all of which are helping us to deliver our sports strategy, which aims to put us on the map for our support of sport through academic studies, individual participation and achievement, and through engagement with our community and our partners.

At the end of 2007, we launched our Mojo Barriers Education and Training Centre, formalising a long-standing relationship between a key industry provider of crowd control barriers and our International Centre for Crowd Management & Security Studies. We were saddened to hear of the death in April 2009 of Patrick Jordan, managing director of Mojo Barriers, and one of our honorary graduates. We will always be grateful for his support of the University and our condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues.

This summer edition of Connection fi nds us eagerly awaiting the completion of our new Gateway building at the High Wycombe Campus, the refurbishment of our new Uxbridge Campus, and the completion of our new student accommodation which has been built with sustainability in mind. The next academic year will see these key projects come to fruition, providing up-to-date facilities designed to enhance the student experience, and physical reminders of our ambition to be a truly modern university, with a growing national reputation for its work and an international reputation for its specialist areas of expertise. I hope you will enjoy reading about our many achievements.

Prof Ruth FarwellVice Chancellor and Chief Executive

Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, Prof Ruth Farwell, has been elected Chair of higher education body, GuildHE, an inclusive body representing universities, university colleges and specialist institutions. Its members include institutions with a specialist mission or subject focus and are amongst the most dynamic and fastest-growing in higher education.

Prof Farwell is currently one of two GuildHE Vice-Chairs. She will take up her new appointment in August 2009, and will serve until November 2011. Her appointment follows the retirement of Prof David Baker, Principal of University College Plymouth St Mark & St John, who announced his retirement in November 2008, thus also stepping down as Chair of GuildHE from the end of the current academic year.

Prof Farwell was unanimously elected at the January 2009 GuildHE Council meeting. Prof Baker said: “I know that Ruth shares the values of GuildHE members in promoting high quality teaching institutions across a wide range of subject areas, professions and vocations. She will be an excellent chair at a time when our contribution to UK higher education will be of such crucial importance to the revitalisation of society in a post credit-crunch world.”

The appointment follows the announcement of Prof Farwell’s professorship (personal chair) in December 2008, in recognition of her past record and future intentions in the fi eld of higher education strategic management, learning and teaching, and policy formation and development at national level.

Vice Chancellor to become chair of GuildHE

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University celebrates increase in applicantsStatistics released in April by the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) showed that Bucks New University had the highest increase in applications at a UK university for its full-time undergraduate honours degree courses, with a 39.2 per cent increase in applications compared to last year.

The University had also retained its position as the UK university with the second highest increase in applications to full-time undergraduate degree courses, including foundation degrees, with a 33.4 per cent increase. The overall number of applicants to UK universities and colleges for full-time undergraduate courses is up 8.8 per cent on this time last year, and is a snapshot taken at 24 March.

Figures released in February, for numbers of applications received by 15 January, showed that Bucks had the highest increase in applicants to full-time undergraduate honours degree courses and the second highest increase in applicants to full-time undergraduate courses; the April fi gures confi rmed the University’s position as one of the top universities for increasing its attractiveness to prospective students.

The University’s position is thought to be the result of a review of the course portfolio, its commitment to enhancing the student experience through a unique student support package, its ongoing campus redevelopment programme, and the achievement of university title in October 2007.

David Gay, Pro Vice Chancellor, Academic Services, Planning & Enhancement, at Buckinghamshire New University said: “We are delighted that the fi gures confi rm our position as an attractive proposition for university applicants.”

Buckinghamshire New University has been granted Fairtrade University status by the Fairtrade Foundation.

The award means that Bucks New University has been recognised by the Fairtrade Foundation as meeting its internationally agreed standards as a Fairtrade University, and now has the right to display the FAIRTRADE mark.

A Fairtrade University is one that has made a commitment to supporting and using Fairtrade. It ensures that Fairtrade products are available in as many places as possible and raises awareness of Fairtrade and the benefi ts that it brings to producers in developing countries. At Bucks, Fairtrade foods are available in all campus shops and are used in all cafes, restaurants and bars on campus. Fairtrade foods are served at University and Students’ Union meetings, and in all University and Students’ Union management offi ces.

The University and Students’ Union joined forces to apply for the award, and the news of their success was announced at a special launch held during Fairtrade Fortnight, an annual event comprising promotional initiatives and activities held to promote Fairtrade across the country.

Vice Chancellor, Prof Ruth Farwell, commented: “It is great news that the University has been awarded Fairtrade status, and I congratulate all those who have helped to achieve this. The award refl ects Bucks’s continued efforts to encourage sustainability in our modern world.”

Yasmin Omar, President of Bucks Students’ Union, said: “Here at Bucks we recognise the role we play within the international community and so we will continue to support Fairtrade and promote its presence within our University and the wider community. Gaining Fairtrade University status has allowed Bucks to become a beacon of good practice within the region, and we hope that other organisations will follow.”

Did you know? The Fairtrade Foundation is the independent non-profi t organisation that licenses use of the FAIRTRADE mark on products in the UK in accordance with internationally agreed Fairtrade standards. The Foundation was established in 1992, and its vision is of a world in which justice and sustainable development are at the heart of trade structures and practices so that everyone, through their work, can maintain a decent and dignifi ed livelihood and develop their full potential.

University wins ‘Oscar’ of education marketingBucks New University has won a top award for its innovative webTV site, Bucks Television. The University took the gold award in the digital media category at the Heist Awards for Education Marketing.

The winners of the 19th Annual Heist Awards were announced at a gala dinner on 7 May 2009, hosted by BBC journalist and presenter, Jeremy Vine, at The Royal Courts of Justice in London. The Awards, described by Jeremy Vine as the “Oscars of education”, celebrate excellence in education marketing, and are held in high esteem across the sector.

Bucks New University’s entry was judged on various criteria, including the aims and objectives of the project, how it was implemented and project managed, and an evaluation of the outcomes and success of Bucks Television. Launched in July 2008, the site was the fi rst of its kind at a UK university.

Bucks Television was the inspiration of the University’s Web Marketing Manager and PhD student Cate Tollemache. It was designed by Bucks New University students, Mike Hewett, Yohannes Blumel and Daniel Waziri, and built by online media specialists the Twofour Group.

Cate Tollemache commented: “It’s fantastic that the innovation of Bucks Television has been recognised at the Heist Awards and I would like to thank everyone involved. As the fi rst webTV site of its kind at a UK university, it is revolutionary in its fi eld and justly deserves this award.”

Phil Haggar, Director, Twofour added: “We’re delighted that Cate and the team have seen their vision and determination rewarded with the gold award. bucks.tv is a great example of how our webTV platform, MEDIAFREEDOM™, can be completely customised to create something unique.

“We believe that Bucks New University now has a compelling and accessible webTV site that, from the viewing fi gures, is clearly a brilliant – and an award-winning – communications tool! With over 800,000 views to just one of bucks.tv’s videos, this is the sort of fi gure that a traditional broadcaster or mainstream media website would love!”

Visit bucks.tv to watch and join in. bucks.tv to watch and join in. bucks.tv

Bucks becomes a Fairtrade University

‘Oscar’ of

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Profi le:David Sines

Bucks New University has appointed Prof David Sines, BSc (Hons) Nursing, PhD, RN, RMN, RNMH, PGCTHE, RNT, ILTM, FRCN, FRSA, FHEA, as Pro Vice Chancellor – Executive Dean: Society & Health.

Prof Sines will take up post on 1 August 2009, in preparation for the move of the University’s Nursing provision and applied healthcare research to a new home in Uxbridge. The post is a new one, and follows the retirement of the current Executive Dean, Jaki Smart.

Prof Sines said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to this new position and very much look forward to working with the University to extend and develop new partnerships with health and social care colleagues in North West London, the Thames Valley and the Home Counties. The post offers a range of innovative and exciting opportunities for engagement with the local community from which new public sector workforce solutions will be transacted nationally. I am privileged to accept this new role and look forward to building on the successes of the faculty.”

David has been Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Care at London South Bank University (LSBU) since June 1999. He joined LSBU from the University of Ulster where he was a Professor, Head of Nursing and then Head of the School of Health Sciences. He started his career as a nurse in Surrey and became Director of Nursing and General Manager at Winchester Health Authority before moving to higher education in 1991.

David has extensive experience of NHS, NMC, RCN and Department of Health working party and committee membership and, amongst other activities, is currently a Governor at both Kings’ College Hospital Foundation Trust and Guy’s and St Thomas’. He is

also a Director of the British School of Osteopathy. David is also Professor of Community Health Nursing at LSBU, a title that will also be bestowed upon him when he joins Bucks New University.

Vice Chancellor of Bucks New University, Prof Ruth Farwell, said: “The move of our Nursing and healthcare provision to Uxbridge is a signifi cant step for the University, which will enable us to further develop our links with NHS London. We therefore decided to appoint, as a single role, a Pro Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean for our Faculty of Society & Health. David’s background and experience fi tted the role perfectly, and we are confi dent that he will be able to provide visionary leadership for the Faculty, building on its current strengths, and expanding and extending our work in this area, in addition to making a signifi cant contribution as a member of our Senior Management Team.”

Prof Janice Sigsworth, Director of Nursing, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, and a member of the appointment panel added: “I am delighted with the appointment of Prof Sines who has a wealth of experience, a strong patient and student focus, and an outstanding track record in innovation and delivery. I very much look forward to working with him.”

David has published extensively in the areas of community health care nursing, learning disability care and mental health nursing, and has been a member of the editorial boards of a range of publications including the Journal of Nursing Management and Journal of Nursing Management and Journal of Nursing Managementthe Journal of Clinical Nursing. He also acts regularly as a professional expert witness for the Government on matters relating to mental health and learning disability nursing, higher education and community care.

Prof Sines was inaugurated as a Fellow of the Royal College of Nursing, in 1989, in recognition of his contribution to the advancement of the learning disability nursing profession, and care in the community initiatives, and was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in 2002. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

David said: “The University has established an excellent foundation upon which to build a new, strengthened alliance with our local health and social care partners. Our future lies in the development of sustained employer partnerships and the promotion of service excellence, combined with the creation of workforce innovation and applied evidence-based practice.

“Our new campus building, combined with our new-found position at the forefront of the NHS London league table will facilitate the acquisition of new education and research contracts, which I hope will result in a major rise in reputation for the University as a leading provider of excellence in health and social care. I look forward to playing my part in leading the Faculty to achieve success in this regard and to assisting the University in achieving the aspirations set out in its Strategic Plan.”

Bucks tops NHS London Nursing rankings Bucks New University has been ranked number one for Nursing out of nine universities working in partnership with NHS London.

In December 2008, NHS London introduced a new way of measuring how universities and colleges ensure the next generation of healthcare professionals have the right skills to deliver world-class patient care. The new Quality Assurance (QA) system measured Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) against an agreed set of key performance indicators, focusing on value for money and the suitability of newly qualifi ed professionals to deliver the very best and appropriate healthcare possible in London.

The system looked at how the NHS has worked with HEIs to market courses, recruit students and continually develop course content. It also looked at indicators such as drop-out rates and the proportion of students who complete courses on time. Results have been published on a phased basis since December 2008 by profession rather than HEI.

Jaki Smart, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Society & Health, said: “We are delighted with the outcome of our annual review and evaluation for Nursing, which commended our good completion fi gures and strong partnership working, which was regarded as giving confi dence in our ability to recruit and educate a workforce fi t for modern healthcare practice.

“The outcome is particularly timely as we embark on the move of our Nursing provision from its current location in Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, to a new site in Uxbridge; the move will enable our undergraduate students to be closer to their placement providers and those undertaking professional programmes will be able to study closer to their workplace, so that the educational experience can become even better.”

Did you know? The NHS in London invests over £1billion each year into the development of new and existing staff. This budget is used to commission education and training courses from HEIs for a wide range of healthcare professions.

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Following collaboration between Bucks New University and Bucks County Council, a new foundation degree, Working with Children and Young People, is now being run one day a week over two years at Bucks’s High Wycombe Campus, and with our partner, Aylesbury College. After a successful recruitment drive during the summer of 2008, 23 students started the course at Aylesbury and 12 at High Wycombe.

Co-course leader, Penny Farrelly, said: “The students seem to be enjoying the whole experience and have recently received excellent feedback for their fi rst assignments. In the past, employers have complained that they cannot recruit staff with the skills that they require. The foundation degree provided us with the opportunity to work with employers to meet their needs.”

Feedback shows that students really benefi t from the opportunity to take work-based learning into an academic study programme, with comments including: “It’s really great to be able to share my experiences at work with other students who offer me a different perspective. I am learning so much from discussing things with them.”

“The modules we have studied so far have really made me question my practice and I am taking lots of that knowledge back into my work setting and trying to make really positive changes based on what we have learnt in the classroom.”

Upon successful completion of the foundation degree, students will have the opportunity to study for a further year to achieve a BA (Hons) Practice Development (Working with Children and Young People).

Bucks County Council are ensuring employees working in children’s settings have access to the foundation degree, as well as providing mentors to ensure the students receive adequate support to help them through their studies.

Co-course leader, Jane Wright, said: “The idea is that students ‘earn and learn’. The University is able to accommodate the learning needs of different types of students who missed the opportunity to reach their academic potential earlier in their lives. We look forward to seeing continued interest in this course, and to the students we currently have successfully completing the foundation degree and going on to further study at the University.”

New course supports children’s workforce

Employees run the London MarathonTwo employees from the Faculty of Society & Health ran the London Marathon to raise money for charity. Senior lecturer in Child Health, Jackie Hucker, raised over £2,000 for The Children’s Trust, which works with children with multiple disabilities and complex health needs, and is based at Tadworth Court in Surrey. It was Jackie’s fi rst London Marathon and she completed it in fi ve hours and 27 minutes.

It was also the fi rst London Marathon for acting senior faculty registrar, Sara Molan, who completed it in four hours and 58 minutes. Sara raised over £1,000 for The Derma Trust, which raises money to support research into skin cancer and skin diseases, and provides support such as counselling to those suffering from a wide variety of skin conditions. Sara said: “It was really hot on the day but the crowds were amazing and really pulled me through. Many thanks to all the Bucks New University employees who sponsored me.”

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University wins£500,000 to support University wins£500,000 to support University wins

local business people and SMEs Bucks New University has won £500,000 of Government funding which will be used to support Buckinghamshire’s individual workers and SMEs.

The funding, announced in April by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and the Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills, is part of a signifi cant Government investment, designed to help universities and colleges support individuals and businesses during the economic downturn.

The University requested support from the Economic Challenge Investment Fund through a collaborative bid made by the University and its partners: Aylesbury Vale District Council, ngage solutions, the Bucks Enterprise Hub, Buckinghamshire County Council, OdX, Progress South Central, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Wycombe District Council, Amersham & Wycombe College, Aylesbury College, and Aylesbury Training Group.

The funding will be used to bring together the expertise of the University and its partners to help companies withstand the recession. Open 4 Business, the University’s point of access for

services to business, will provide a programme of training, development, start-up space, incubation services and access to venture capital and knowledge transfer activities.

The offering will focus on two key areas: providing ‘stop-gap’ skills programmes for SMEs; and helping unemployed professionals, recent graduates and budding entrepreneurs to acquire the necessary skills for self-employment. Services will be offered at Aylesbury Vale Innovation Centre and at Buckingham House in High Wycombe, as well as through distance learning.

Susan Jones, Director of Enterprise at Bucks New University, said: “Buckinghamshire’s economy is dominated by SMEs, with over 89 per cent having ten or fewer employees. While the county has the fourth highest rate of start-ups, the failure rates are high. The recession has already seen an increase in unemployment amongst people from management, professional and technical backgrounds. We therefore decided to focus our bid on the specifi c needs of individuals and SMEs.

“We will be offering individual counselling sessions enabling people to develop action plans, short courses, technical support, specialist business advice, mentoring and networking, as well as the opportunity to recruit freelance workers to cope with peaks in demand, access to fi nance and affordable workspace. The aim is to provide short-term help, and to look to the future, to

help people and businesses succeed when economic recovery gathers pace.”

SME services will be paid for by a £2,500 voucher requiring matched funding. Individuals who use a business counsellor to access a package of activities will be funded through a voucher to the value £2,500, which will not require matched payment. The Government funding is being matched by the investment made by the partner organisations, with the management of the project being undertaken by Bucks New University.

Sir Alan Langlands, HEFCE’s Chief Executive, said: “This shows that higher education can respond swiftly to the needs of the local communities it serves. We set universities and colleges a tough task, giving them just four weeks to develop and submit their proposals, but they responded with enthusiasm and imagination, with 120 bids in total to the Economic Challenge Investment Fund.”

To fi nd out more about the services on offer in Buckinghamshire, call Open 4 Business on 01494 605 244, email open@bucks.ac.uk, or visitbucks.ac.uk/open

Open business

Open Business

A new National Enterprise Academy has been launched to provide full-time education for 16-19 year-olds who want to develop entrepreneurial skills. The initiative is receiving educational support from Bucks New University and its partner colleges, Amersham & Wycombe College and Aylesbury College, with outdoor activities taking place at Green Park Training and Conference Centre in Aylesbury.

The Academy is the brainchild of Peter Jones CBE, best known as one of BBC TWO’s Dragons’ Den ‘dragons’. Peter’s vision is for a place where the boardroom meets the classroom, and a change in the way business is taught to young people. The ultimate aim of the Academy is to improve the entrepreneurial capabilities of the UK.

The newly-established Academy is delivering the UK’s fi rst full-time accredited courses in enterprise and entrepreneurship,

in order to give students the skills, experience and support to set up and run successful and innovative businesses, or to become enterprising employees. The Academy has received backing from the Government, which pledged funding towards the Academy’s development.

28 young entrepreneurs started the Academy’s fi rst full-time course, the NEA Pathfi nder, in January. Peter Jones said: “In the current economic climate, it is essential that the UK workforce is equipped with the skills to drive economic growth. There are still great opportunities to start and grow a business, but if the economy is to continue to grow, we need to instill an ‘I can’ attitude into the next generation at an early age.”

The plan is to develop regional hubs and satellite academies over the next four years. For more information, visit thenea.org.uk

Peter Jones launches enterprise academy

Business round-up

Page 6

Young entrepreneursbecome My Great Business Idea winners Three enterprising Bucks students have won awards at Stage Two of Bucks New University’s annual My Great Business Idea competition. The winners of the awards were:• 1st prize of £5,000: Jon Cole for his unsinkable bullet-proof speed boat; • 2nd prize of £2,000: Chris Peabody for his unique social enterprise business that works with selected charities; • 3rd prize of £1,000: Sadiece Holland for her one-stop-shop for artists and music users.

Indrachapa Bandara was Highly Commended for his child tracking device.

The competition is open to all Bucks students and Bucks students from partner colleges, and is part of a programme to recognise and develop entrepreneurial ideas which have commercial potential. It is sponsored by Eden, Enrichment Technology Plc, IoD Buckinghamshire, and High Wycombe Enterprise Hub, and is run by the Bucks New University Enterprise team.

Susan Jones, Director of Enterprise at Bucks New University, commented: “We were delighted this year with the calibre of business ideas coming forward. There could only be three winners but the University and the judges felt that all of the ideas had real commercial potential.”

In addition to viewing an exhibition of the students’ entries, guests at the awards ceremony were treated to a speech by guest speaker, Sarah Lu, Creator and Director of Youdoodoll Ltd, who is a Bucks New University graduate and a survivor of the BBC’s Dragons’ Den.

Sarah Lu graduated from Bucks in 2001 with a degree in Graphic Design & Illustration. She moved to Brighton and established her own design agency, Shortlong Graphics, with the fi nancial help and support of the Prince’s Trust. Then, after a period working for top advertising agencies such as Cunning and Naked Communications in New York, Sarah founded Youdoodoll Ltd in 2007.

After selling 840 of the canvas, ‘mini-me kit’ Youdoodolls at a trade show, Sarah knew it was time to enter Dragons’ Den for a chance to come face to face with some of the biggest investors in the UK. In 2007, Sarah was successful in her bid to the Dragons, securing an investment from Deborah Meaden of £35,000 in return for a 45 per cent share of the business.

That investment and Sarah Lu’s hard work paid off with Youdoodolls being revealed as the most popular novelty gift that people in the UK were searching for on the internet in the run up to Christmas 2007. Sarah’s company now has over 150 independent stockists in the UK, 30 online retailers, and is expanding into Australia, Canada, China, Scandinavia and the US. Its predicted turnover for next year is a quarter of a million pounds.

Sarah Lu advised potential entrepreneurs: “An entrepreneur is someone who takes risks. When things go badly, it’s a good thing because it makes you want to excel. You are meant to fail, grow from it and then succeed. If I hadn’t made mistakes I would have saved a lot of money, but I wouldn’t have learnt much.

“Having an idea and setting up your business is one thing, but it’s only a fraction of what you will do. Running a business is very different. You need to think ahead and adapt – it’s not easy, but it’s so rewarding.”

For further information visit bucks.ac.uk/mgbi

Viewpoint: Fergal Costello, Furniture Design & Craftsmanship studentThe Wooden It Be Nice team got a pleasant surprise just before Christmas when the fi nal part of our prize for winning the Bucks New University Apprentice Challenge was revealed. We were to go on a residential course on starting a successful business. We all felt it would be a good opportunity and help to prepare us for life beyond graduation, and as students, having gourmet meals served to us for the weekend was a real bonus.

Our course is the BA (Hons) Furniture Design & Craftsmanship. Setting up in business is something we will probably all consider some time in the future. Over the three days, the course leaders, Business Boffi ns, touched on all the issues which we will face when we decide to set up our own businesses. The aim was to demystify the whole process. In addition, we were given a book written by Prof Russell Smith, the main lecturer. It was full of information for us to refer to in the future. Throughout the weekend there was an emphasis on the resources and the help we could access when setting up. There was a lot of focus on altering our perceptions of our skills and abilities. We were constantly reminded that when we graduate, we will not become designer makers, but business people with specialist skills in designing and making furniture.

We all began studying our subject because we are passionate about design, making, materials, and just generally never having to work in an offi ce. Our degree has helped to lead us down the paths each of us will pursue and has given us a range of technical abilities and the confi dence to apply them in the real world. For many in our fi eld it is the business side of their skill set which lets them down and limits their ability to pursue their goals. For us, setting up a business is a daunting task but one which each of us now believe we are capable of. As my team mate Jack White put it in the feedback session, “I thought it was something I could never do - now I know I can do it.”

Did you know? Prof Russell Smith is the founder of business support organisation, Business Boffi ns, and a columnist for The Independent. Wooden it be nice were the winners of the Apprentice Challenge, a new event for teams, held as part of the University’s Enterprise Week events.

Ruth Farwell, Jon Cole and Sarah Lu

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A company developed by Bucks graduates is not only thriving in the current economic climate – it is also helping others to develop and grow. EWExport is an international company specialising in export consultancy services. It provides a range of services from training, seminars and international fair presentations, to support in introducing products to new markets.

The company was established in Moscow in 2002, and now has offices in Brazil (Porto Alegre), China (Shanghai), Portugal (Braga), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) and Russia (Moscow). The business concept evolved when four of the five managing directors studied together

at Bucks, developing a friendship and a shared vision of how to grow an international business. They all combine high levels of educational attainment with formidable practical experience.

For example, Manuel Alves has a degree in Business Administration, a master’s in International Business and a master’s in Export and International Trade Management, and is fluent in five languages, with experience in multinational companies, developing international markets. Natalya Evtushenko has a degree in Linguistics, a master’s in International Business and experience in service development for a range of multinational companies across Europe.

Keith Doughty from the Enterprise Directorate said: “They are really talented people who have already achieved a great deal. We are involved in some very positive discussions with EWExport around partnership working, which might lead to our accrediting their training programmes, a role in Enterprise Week, delivery of our new export award, and involvement in the delivery of the recently successful Economic Challenge Investment Fund bid.”

Manual and Natalya are now married, and the group still have re-unions in High Wycombe. They contacted us through Debby Holmes when they read her profile in the last Connection.

Business leaders join advisory groupBucks New University has formed a Business Advisory Group to provide guidance to the University. The group of business leaders is helping the University in delivering its mission of being a new University for all, helping individuals and organisations to achieve their full potential.

External membership is made up of leaders from public and private sector organisations from across the local area. The group meets once a term with the Senior Management Team to discuss the strategic development of the University, recommend enhancement

activities, and identify opportunities for group members, employees and students to become directly involved with specifi c activities.

The group also helps monitor the implementation of our Enterprise Strategy, and provides input into the University’s business and academic development plans. Prof Derek Godfrey, Deputy Vice Chancellor, said: “Our Business Advisory Group is providing real insight into how we can develop in line with our goal of being a teaching-led, outward-facing university. Working in partnership is key to the success of the University.”

For further information or to get involved, email open@bucks.ac.uk

Home-grown and multinational!

Natalya Evtushenko Alves

Najieb MokhtarManuel Alves

Development fund encourages enterprise activityBucks New University has launched a new Personal Development Fund aimed at encouraging employees to undertake enterprise activities, such as developing short courses, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, or networking opportunities for businesses. The Fund provides employees with support from the Open 4 Business team, as well as a fi nancial incentive. Its aim is to encourage academic employees to develop new activities beyond their teaching responsibilities, and is part of the University’s aim to be a business-facing university.

Prof Derek Godfrey, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, visited China to deliver part of an MBA programme in Communications Management at Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications (BUPT). This programme attracts delegates from all over China who have been working in the telecom-munications sector and now wish to improve their expertise, particularly from a leadership and commercial viewpoint. Derek’s module is on creating business advantage from information and communication technologies. As a result of his work, Derek has been made a visiting professor at BUPT, and will be visiting annually to lecture on their MBA programme.

Derek said: “Working with the students in Beijing was really great – the level of enthusiasm and ability the students demonstrated was tremendous. I’m looking forward to going back next year to continue developing the links between BUPT and Bucks.”

For more information on the Personal Development Fund, visit bucks.ac.uk/open, email open@bucks.ac.uk, or call 01494 605 244.

Prof Derek Godfrey with MBA delegates

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Employees learn sign languageEmployees from the Student & Academic Services Directorate participated in hands-on disability communications exercises as part of their Christmas staff meeting. Participants were asked to join student information officer, Jackie Davidson, in signing ‘Christmas is coming’, following her demonstration of British Sign Language.

The session was organised by Equality and Diversity Manager, Pam Owen, who said: “I was delighted by the response I had from colleagues and hope that by raising awareness of communication issues in a light-hearted fashion, the serious issue of communicating with individuals with hearing losses will be remembered.”

For further information, email pam.owen@bucks.ac.uk

Student volunteering is celebratedBucks Students’ Union held their annual volunteering awards ceremony in March. Awards were presented to student volunteer Lucy Spencer, for her hard work in designing and painting a mural at Hilltop Community Centre and helping out with the scout movement. Amie Gavinho received a platinum award for 200 hours of service as well as unquestionable commitment to long-term projects, and Joanna Redbow received a bronze award.

This year’s fundraising award went to students Mark Bunce, Dan Grech and Jamie Osman, in recognition of their efforts and ingenuity in a Jailbreak event. They organised promotion of the event on BBC Radio 1, and were also the team who received the most sponsorship. A special achievement award was also given to Jailbreak winners, Caitriona Brennan, Benjamin Lee, Charlotte Moxon, and Tom Foy.

Every year an employee of the University is also issued with an award in recognition of their outstanding contribution to student volunteering. This year Jackie Davidson, from the Student & Academic Services Directorate, was awarded for her promotion of deaf awareness charity SignHealth, who are based in Beaconsfield. This included tutoring student volunteers in sign language in time for the Christmas carols.

To find out more about volunteering, email michael.paxman@bucks.ac.uk

Community join in carols by candlelight

The annual Bucks New University Carol Service brought together students, employees and a range of representatives from the wider community. The service was held at All Saints’ Church in High Wycombe. A candlelit procession from the High Wycombe Campus to the church was followed by music performed by the High Wycombe Music Centre Brass Band. Music during the service was provided by the choir from Bucks’s partner college, Amersham & Wycombe, the Street Dreams Urban Choir, and director of music and organist at All Saints’ Church, Graham Davies.

Volunteering co-ordinator Michael Paxman with students Benjamin Lee, Charlotte Moxon and Caitriona Brennan, and Pro Vice Chancellor, David Gay

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A group of actors from Bucks New University performed in High Wycombe town centre in March to raise awareness

amongst young people of the dangers of excessive drinking.

Natassia Cooper, Francesca Osimani, Susanna Widenbar, and drama course leader, Pedro de Senna, used various real life scenarios of a night out gone wrong as a result of excessive drinking, to prompt 18–24 year olds to think about the consequences of their actions in the cold light of day.

The activity, part of Nightsafe and the national Know Your Limits campaign, was co-ordinated locally by the Wycombe Community Safety Partnership, which includes Thames Valley Police, Wycombe District Council and Buckinghamshire’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team.

Chief Inspector Stuart Craik, deputy

local police area commander for Wycombe, said: “It is very important to police and partner agencies that people have a safe night out in High Wycombe and drinkers keeping within their limits is key to that. Most people enjoy alcohol safely and sociably, but there remains a minority who drink too much and ruin it for everyone else. We are determined to reduce the harm caused by binge drinking and the Nightsafe and Know Your Limits campaigns are helping us to achieve that goal.”

Did you know? Know Your Limits is a Government initiative to highlight the negative consequences of drinking too much alcohol.

High Wycombe is encouraged to know its limits

Students and local schools celebrate design and creativityBucks design students joined with pupils from The Misbourne School in Great Missenden and Highworth Combined County School in High Wycombe, to show how design and creativity could help improve their schools’ learning environment and to celebrate their completion of the Sorrell Young Design Programme.

The Sorrell Foundation aims to inspire creativity in young people and improve the quality of life through good design. The Young Design Programme links young people in schools, further education colleges and community groups, with design students from higher education institutions and industry professionals. Bucks New University is one of nine higher education institutions in the UK to run the programme this year.

The local school pupils, who were aged eight – 16, formed a The local school pupils, who were aged eight – 16, formed a pupil client team. They discussed a number of common issues that could be improved in their school and created visual brief boards to express their ideas. In response, student design teams presented innovative and creative design solutions which answered the pupils’ briefs.

These included an outdoor area designed by student team, Green Gate Design, for The Misbourne School, which came complete with rubber courts for netball and fi ve-a-side football games, mosaic and wooden bench seating, and a removable canopy shelter. Student team, The Outsiders, working with a separate client team from The Misbourne School, also created seating and shelters using an organic theme inspired by Kew Gardens, which included plenty of foliage and copper fl owers. Student team, Pixel7, presented modern and vibrant plans for the washrooms at Highworth Combined County School, using a design which answered the practical needs but will also educate pupils about conservation and water usage.

Liz Bell, executive faculty manager for the Faculty of Creativity & Culture and programme manager for the project, commented: & Culture and programme manager for the project, commented: “The school teams presented their briefs in a clear and confi dent way and the concepts created by the student design teams were creative, interesting and very well received. We enjoyed working with the schools and have developed good working relationships which we hope will continue into the future.”

For further information visit thesorrellfoundation.com

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Students evolve chairs for exhibition Students from the Faculty of Creativity & Culture were treated to a lecture by furniture designer, Martino Gamper, during which he presented them with a special challenge and a chance to exhibit at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The challenge was to evolve a chair, within a week, from its original form into something entirely new, for exhibiting at the Victoria and Albert Museum Friday Late Show, Home Sweet Home, which celebrated all things homely.

The project, On the Evolution of the Species, required Bucks students to identify a chair they wished to work with, research its history, and respond to this by changing the chair, evolving its form into something new and bringing it to the height of its evolution.

“I was very pleased to be able to present the students with this challenge,” commented Martino. “It was a good test of their creativity and design skills, and the fi nished pieces looked great on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum. I have enjoyed helping the students and hope that my work and experiences will inspire them on to achieving great things.”

Neil Austin, Portfolio Leader: Design, added: “This was a fantastic experience for our students – fi rst of all to meet such an acclaimed designer such as Martino, and secondly to have the experience of responding to a creative challenge in this way and exhibiting at a national museum. Not many students receive this opportunity and we are grateful to Martino for helping us to create it for them.”

For further information on Martino’s work visit gampermartino.com

Bucks student wins jewellery design competition

wins jewellery design competition

wins jewellery

A student from Buckinghamshire New University was one of two winners of the Ancestors/V&A Student Jewellery Design Competition 2008–09. The winners were announced at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and the winning designs will become part of the INSPIRED! COLLECTION from Ancestors – a collection of designer jewellery inspired by the collections of the V&A.

Committed to encouraging the next generation of designers and to providing them with genuine commercial experience, Ancestors and the V&A are working closely with a number of universities in the UK. Second-year Bucks Jewellery student, Nicola Dessent, won the fi ne jewellery category, with Sarah Spalding from Duncan of Jordanstone College (Dundee University) taking the other fi rst prize. Bucks also had two

runners-up: third year student, Sophie Brearey, in the fi ne jewellery category; and second year student Alison Swindles in the costume jewellery section.

Nicola’s ‘Vine Necklace’ draws upon the Romanesque architectural elements of the V&A and combines them with the imagery of Bacchus, the god of wine, to form an elegant and fi ne necklace that is perfect for evening wear. The delicate bunch of lapis lazuli ‘grapes’ is lightly jointed to provide movement whilst being worn. This combines with an 18ct gold plate snake chain with a front fastening skeletal leaf and hook.

Nicola commented: “I was delighted and excited to win, and had worked hard for it. It was very overwhelming, but a lovely day, and I was really impressed by all the work I saw.”

Buckinghamshire New University has pioneered a new Certifi cate in Sustainable Events Management, the fi rst in a series of short courses promoting environmentally friendly events. The certifi cate has been developed by the University in partnership with Yourope, the European festivals organisation, and not-for-profi t organisation, A Greener Festival, and is supported by Julie’s Bicycle, a not-for-profi t company which aims to reduce the UK music industry’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The fi rst one-day course brought together some of the leading advocates of sustainability in the music and events industry. Speakers included: Andrew Williams of Seventeen Events; Alison Tickell from Julie’s Bicycle; Penny Kemp, Director, Big Green Gathering; Sabine Funke, RhEINKULTUR; and Ben Challis from A Greener Festival.

Teresa Moore Head of Music & Entertainment Management at Bucks said: “We see this course as an important step in supporting the work of many music festivals and events organisers, who are spearheading innovative solutions to ensure that their events are more sustainable. Topics covered included environmental law, traffi c and transport, benchmarks and standards, and planning sustainable events.”

Graduates from the fi rst course included representatives from DF Concerts, Ecoaction, Openair St Gallen, RhEINKULTUR, and the Glastonbury Festival.

For details of future courses contact Teresa Moore at teresa.moore@bucks.ac.uk

University launches green events certifi cate

Nick Humphrey Smith, managing director of Ancestors, Lauren Sizeland, V&A head of licensing and business development, and Nicola Dessent

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Fine art intrigue with Capturing the Moment

Fine Art students, Annette Spurin and Philippa Redman, hosted an exhibition of their work, Capturing the Moment, at the Wycombe Swan theatre from 10 March – 8 April.

Philippa and Annette, both mature students, left their jobs in business and teaching in order to achieve their ambitions of making a name for themselves in the world of fi ne art.

We asked Philippa about the inspiration behind her work: “The exhibition Paintings of Modern Life at the Hayward Gallery in 2007 greatly impressed me, in particular the work of Judith Eisler, who works from images taken from fi lms and uses them as a

source for her own paintings. I work in the same way using photographs from fi lms and YouTube, so that I can capture a spontaneous moment, and using oil paint I reinterpret the images to make them my own. I choose photographs of people who intrigue me and with two or more people, because I am interested in trying to convey the relationships between them.

“I also choose rather ambiguous images, so that the viewer can interpret them as they wish and for this reason my paintings are untitled. In the paintings I am working on blurring the images or giving them a soft edge to create a distance from the original image, to create a special atmosphere and to remind the viewer of their photographic origins.

“In this painting, I like the drama created by the woman in red and she demands that she is the centre of attention because from whichever angle she is seen, she is always looking at the viewer or someone else with whom she is having some kind of disagreement.”

Graduate exhibits at V&A The work of milliner and Bucks graduate, Stephen Jones, was shown at the Victoria & Albert Museum from February – May. The exhibition, HATS: An Anthology by Stephen Jones, revealed and recorded changes in headgear over the past 17 centuries. The result of nearly two years of research, the exhibition brought together items from the V&A’s collection that are usually displayed as part of an ensemble or within an accessories display.

Stephen was an art foundation student at High Wycombe College of Art and Technology, a precursor to Bucks New University, before going to St Martin’s School of Art (now Central Saint Martins) to study millinery. He opened his fi rst salon in 1980, and is now recognised as one of the world’s most radical and important milliners, having designed hats for celebrities including Vivienne Westwood, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and Madonna.

Stephen’s Spring/Summer collection, VANDA, is based on his research for the exhibition. For further information visit stephenjonesmillinery.com

© V&A Images

Image courtesy of Commesdes Garcons

Conservators receive grantThe Furniture: Conservation, Restoration & Decorative Arts course has received a second grant of £2,500 from The National Association of Decorative & Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS). A previous grant enabled fi ve students to purchase tools, materials and books. It is envisaged that the new grant will be used to support students who are undertaking unpaid internships during the summer vacation, and to help support a live project at a stately home in North Yorkshire.

Course leader, Paul Tear MBE, with four of the previous recipients of NADFAS funding

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Students stage fashion show Music & Live Event Management students staged a brand new fashion show, Swish, to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation UK® which grants magical wishes to children and young people fi ghting life-threatening illnesses.

Swish was an innovative live fashion experience targeted at young people. It aimed to highlight contemporary style through a runway show and styling tips and demonstrations. Eden, High Wycombe, provided the venue for the event and staging.

Funds were raised through a raffl e for spectators, with prizes donated by many local shops in High Wycombe. The catwalk clothes, which were modelled by Bucks students, were supplied by the House of Fraser, Jane Norman, Joy, Marks & Spencer, and Principles.

The students organised the event as part of their coursework. Jarno Stegeman, lecturer in Live Events & Venue Management, commented: “The ideas and hard work all came from the students, and they had to plan, organise and manage the entire event process from start to fi nish. Swish gave the students the live event experience that they’re after, and it is great that organisations like Eden and House of Fraser are so supportive of the University and its students.”

Film winsinternational acclaimAward-winning alumni, Mike Rymer and Christine Hartland, have continued to win international acclaim for their short fi lm, SICK, which deals with issues of mental illness. Director Mike Rymer and Producer Christine Hartland, were awarded the Best Drama prize by Florida’s The Indie Short Film Competition, which aims to create opportunities for aspiring fi lmmakers from around the world by bringing support and recognition to excellence in the art of fi lmmaking.

The award followed 18 previous wins (including Best Independent Film and Best Scenario in the 39th Canadian International Annual Film Festival) and six nominations across 23 countries. The team also celebrated their 50th festival selection at the 15th Bradford International Film Festival in March. For further information, visit sick.egoproject.net

in conjunction with Slough’s Gallery 435. The installation, In Witness of Yourself, explored the concept of private thoughts in public spaces, providing an oasis of calm amidst the chaos of Christmas spending.

This year’s project was supported by Boltblue, Queensmere Observatory Shopping Centre, the Slough branch of Barclays Bank, and Slough Cooperative Film Society.

Video artist brings live art to shopping centre

brings live art to shopping centre

brings

PhD student and Bracknell-based artist, Valerie Oliver, showed her video, In Refl ection of... in Slough in February.

The video was projected onto the outside of Barclays Bank in Queensmere Observatory Shopping Centre, in an effort to encourage the audience to question how they relate to and empathise with others within their social structure.

The video depicts a self-portrait of the artist through a silent video of her singing in her bedroom. The performance helps generate a feeling of belonging in her own space for the artist, and relates to the way we can use memory and past experience to enrich our undertaking of the present.

Valerie said: “Previously, my work has been placed within a space from which I have consciously removed myself. My intention was that the video should be projected onto the outside of a building and, through revelation of my private space, I

became an integral part of my presentation.became an integral part of my presentation.“I was able to communicate with

the audience and ask individuals to the audience and ask individuals to describe their experience of watching describe their experience of watching the video and what they gained from the video and what they gained from it. Together, we were able to answer it. Together, we were able to answer each other’s questions and break each other’s questions and break down barriers, and get a glimpse of the down barriers, and get a glimpse of the essence of who we really are through essence of who we really are through the context of visual art.”the context of visual art.”

The video installations follow a previous showing of Valerie’s work in previous showing of Valerie’s work in the shopping centre in December 2006, the shopping centre in December 2006,

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Students test opinions on public punishment Criminology students from Bucks New University have conducted a study into the attitudes of the people of High Wycombe on the subject of re-introducing forms of public punishment for persistent young offenders.

Village stocks were set up at The Little Market Place in High Wycombe in March to measure local opinion and the public’s reaction to what was commonly known as ‘shaming’. Police Studies student Richard Barter was placed in the stocks in the guise of a persistent young offender. Over 200 passers-by were surveyed for the study, which aimed to encourage people to refl ect on how punishment might change in the future.

The research project, ‘Bring back the stocks?’, was led by students, Della Harrison and Ben Redman. Della commented: “I wanted to fi nd out what the public would think about bringing back public forms of punishment. Would this deter our young offenders? How do they feel about current forms of punishment, and do they believe in naming and shaming criminals?”

Course leader for Criminology, Lionel Cox, commented: “Most people now look back on the punishment of former days, public executions and so on, with horror. So what will people think in the future about the way we treat the prison population today? That is one of the questions we would like to answer.”

The study received the support of Thames Valley Police and the High Wycombe Town Partnership.

Law students provide advice First year Law students researched a range of topics before giving advice to students at a ‘legal fair’, which encouraged students to fi nd out more about the law, legal advice and their rights. Topics included: business law, consumer law, housing law, family law, and law enforcement legalities.

Attendees found the fair useful, with one student commenting: “I have learnt so much today. I didn’t know about some of these laws and what people are allowed or not allowed to do. I’ve found today very informative.”

Students help fi ght eczemaFirst year students organised a seminar in order to raise awareness of the work of the National Eczema Society. The seminar, ‘Corporations and charities: a case of successful partnership,’ was held at the Chalfont Campus in February.

The seminar highlighted the importance of relationships between commercial companies and charities, and discussed the importance of societal marketing in the 21st century – a concept that encourages companies to consider society’s long-term interests as well as those of consumers.

The event was a collaborative venture between the University, the National Eczema Society, and local pharmaceutical company Stiefel Laboratories, Inc, and the students raised £260.

The event was hosted by Pascal Waucquez, managing director of Stiefel Laboratories, Margaret Cox, chief executive of the National Eczema Society, and senior lecturer, Vic Davies.

Margaret Cox said: “We are delighted to see the fi rst year students show interest in, and support for, a condition that is greatly misunderstood. The National Eczema Society is a trusted source of information and support for people living with the condition. We are delighted to support the student project and embrace the opportunity to share our experience with the students of Bucks New University.”

Did you know?Eczema is a form of dermatitis that affects over fi ve million people in the UK. The National Eczema Society is the only charity in the UK dedicated to providing support and information for people with eczema and their carers. Stiefel is the world’s largest independent dermatology company.For more information visit eczema.org and stiefel.com.

Page 14

Media agency judge digital advertising assignmentMediaCom, the UK’s favourite media agency according to Marketing Week, visited Bucks to judge top performing second-year students on Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations degree courses.

Press director, Lucy Brunning, and head of MediaCom’s digital arm, Ben Poole, quizzed student teams on their ideas for launching new magazines in paper and digital formats. Student teams were asked to pitch a new magazine concept justifi ed by in-depth primary research. The twist was to solve the business problem facing the publishing industry – how to make money from the associated website.

The students, working in multi-disciplinary teams from across the three degree subjects, had to produce a mock up of the magazine complete with articles and likely advertising, together with a full rate-card, and the complimentary website offering. The range of titles was diverse, covering websites for young mums and OAPs, a cultural and arts magazine, music magazines, and a student website and magazine.

The winning concept, a magazine named Bon Chic, targeting young ‘Sloane-rangers’ was developed by Nikki Nimmo, Billy Coulson, David Carpenter and Laura Crossman. David said: “I really believe in this, I would love to get it produced for real. I think it would really fl y.”

Advertising and Digital Communications Management student, Ben Phippen, added: “I got a real sense of achievement from developing the website for our VIP Exclusive magazine. It took ages but I learned loads.”

Judge Lucy Brunning said: “We were really, really impressed with what the students have learned. They had a real understanding of their target markets, what makes people tick – that really shone through!”

Fellow judge, Ben Poole, added: “The students operated out of their comfort zone. I was really impressed with their knowledge of digital media, but there is so much content out there and that means Google – how do you get it up there? The winning entry answered all these questions.”

Vic Davies, course tutor for the Advertising and Digital Communications degree, said: “It was very valuable to get a major agency, like MediaCom’s input to this process, as the question of how to combine paper and digital versions and to make money from it, is a real issue for the media and advertising industry, and we need to ensure that students are fully engaged with these debates. Digital agencies are constantly trying to address the issue of how the internet generation consume media content – who better to ask than members of the internet generation?”

Cisco speakers advise studentsStudents from the School of Computing & Advanced Technologies were treated to a special seminar with guest speakers from major networking giants, and University partner, Cisco.

Cisco systems engineer Rik Irons-Mclean and manager John O’Donnell, spoke of their interest in applied technology and how it can enhance the business and social environment. Students had the opportunity to ask questions regarding the technology industry and the opportunities for graduates, with suggestions including securing hands-on experience and considering specialising in a particular area.

Did you know? HP and Cisco became the University’s primary suppliers of ICT products and services following the signing of a partnership agreement in 2008.

New events industry qualifi cation launchedA new Certifi cate in Stage Barrier Signing Off Competency has been launched at Bucks. The Certifi cate is delivered as a one-day workshop and is aimed at event industry professionals whose work requires an understanding of the complex safety issues that underpin stage barrier technology.

It was launched by Jim Gaffney, Managing Director (UK) of the world’s largest crowd barrier company, Mojo Barriers, who delivered an inaugural workshop, including formal lectures, discussion sessions, and opportunities for peer-to-peer learning. The launch was supported and attended by leading industry fi gures from Alistage, Earls Court Exhibition Centre, Live Nation, National Stadium, Olympia Exhibition Centre and Wembley.

Dr Mick Upton, from the International Centre for Crowd Management & Security Studies, commented: “The introduction of a certifi cate that will enable crowd safety practitioners and local authority offi cers to establish the integrity and fi t-for-purpose use of a front of stage barrier system is long overdue. The fact that the Bucks New University course is delivered by Mojo, the most experienced barrier supplier in the industry, ensures that the information provided is both practical and a step forward in crowd safety planning.”

Owen Grainger-Jones, senior lecturer in Crowd Safety Management, added: “By working through the many possible issues which can arise with signing off stage barriers, the learners, who are all working in the events industry, should become better informed and more confi dent when it comes to decision-making on site.”

For further information email Owen Grainger-Jones at owen.grainger-jones@bucks.ac.uk

A special event was held in May to celebrate the professional contribution made by eminent psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, Dr Bernhard Baruch, to the development, success, insight and care offered through the University Counselling Service over almost 20 years.

Guest speaker, Dr Baruch, presented a working seminar to invited guests from the University. Dr Baruch’s wealth of experience has spanned over 60 years, and he reflected on how he had seen mental health and psychiatric provision change from the pre-medication 1950s and old ‘asylum’ institutions, to the current focus on care in communities.

Dr Baruch has worked actively with the head of the Counselling Service, Dr Elizabeth Jordan, providing clinical supervision and support to activity at Bucks, and emphasizing the importance of seeing and relating to the needs and care of individuals. Dr Baruch acknowledged that universities face incredible pressures when dealing with the changing characteristics and health needs of students and employees, and complimented the senior management on the provision of counselling care through the Counselling Service.

One of the invited guests, Liz Bell from the Faculty of Creativity & Culture commented: “Students and colleagues alike have benefitted from the development of the University’s Counselling Service. It is a great comfort to know that there is an oasis of calm and understanding available for those in need, and it has been of great help to many individuals in our community.”

Counselling Service is celebrated

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Bucks take on Middlesex in Varsity fi xtureBucks New University’s sports teams played their annual Varsity fixture against new rival, Middlesex University, in March.

255 students travelled to Middlesex to watch or take part in a variety of sports, including basketball, badminton, football, rugby, hockey, netball, table tennis, tennis and cheerleading. Points were accumulated throughout the day to provide the final scores, and after an exciting day’s competition, Middlesex benefited from the home advantage and took this year’s Varsity title.

Yasmin Omar, President of the Bucks Students’ Union and member of the women’s hockey team, commented: “This year’s Varsity has really helped to generate team spirit between the Bucks teams as we don’t often get to see each other play. There’s been healthy rivalry and a great atmosphere between the two universities, and hopefully we’ll come back here again next year to challenge the title!”

The outstanding Bucks performance of the day was from the men’s rugby team, who won their game by a resounding 38 points to 17.

Sports news

Page 16

Rugby studentscommended for Rugby studentscommended for Rugby students

coachingStudents on the BA (Hons) and Foundation Degree Sports Management & Rugby Studies programmes have been awarded a certificate and letter by the County Sports Partnership (Bucks Sport) for their coaching work in schools.

The students were nominated for the award of ‘Project of the Year’. Although they didn’t win, they were congratulated by Bucks Sport for their ‘fantastic contribution to sport in Buckinghamshire’. The criteria for the award included: success in bringing positive change to communities; and evidence of successful

and sustainable partnerships with the public, private or community sector.

Each year, the rugby students complete training to become qualified coaches. They receive additional preparation from school partners, the Rugby Football Union and London Wasps Rugby Club, to prepare them to work in primary schools. The students then work in groups to coach school pupils, before running a rugby festival at Easter.

Key to this work is the partnership between the School of Sport, Leisure & Travel and the Rugby Football Union’s Development Officer, Tim Holmes, who is based at the Wellesbourne Campus along with the London Wasps Community team. The programme provides students with the opportunity to develop relevant experience of coaching and working with young people, as well as extending their knowledge of the rugby industry.

Tim Holmes commented: “The students fulfil a vital role in delivering sport in the community, as well as gaining valuable experience in coaching and event organisation. They also have the opportunity to work with children with special needs which is a challenging but very rewarding experience.”

Higher education meets disability sport

Did you know? WheelPower was founded by the late Professor Sir Ludwig Guttmann, who revolutionised the treatment of people with spinal cord injuries at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in the late 1940s. Through this early work by Professor Guttmann and his team, Stoke Mandeville is recognised as the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement. For more information, visit wheelpower.org.uk

Bucks New University has become a technology-enhanced learning consultant to a brand new disability sports educational facility, the Stoke Mandeville Stadium Institute of Sport and Education.

The Institute is based at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the National Centre for Disability Sport. It will provide a unique programme of sports education and training opportunities for disabled people and those working in disability sport, which will contribute to the legacy of the London 2012 Paralympic Games. The Institute is committed to enabling disabled people to become involved in sport as athletes, coaches, administrators or officials, and to increasing the number of qualified coaches, officials, volunteers and classifiers.

The new Institute is a partnership between WheelPower – British Wheelchair Sport, Bucks New University, Bucks & Milton Keynes Sports Partnership and Leisure Connection. Bucks New University will provide consultancy in technology-enhanced learning, and advise on the

development of a flexible and distributed learning centre, similar to that created at Bucks, so that students are able to attend some of the new educational courses delivered at the Institute virtually, from home, work or hospital, simply through an internet connection.

Prof Chris Kemp, Executive Dean for the Faculty of Enterprise & Innovation, commented: “Bucks is one of the first universities to become directly involved with disability sport and this progressive pathway of sports education is unique. As a 21st century university, we recognise the importance of using technology to enhance our teaching and learning, as demonstrated by our partnership with Cisco and HP, and we have helped the Stoke Mandeville Institute to adopt this form of technology to the benefit of their learners.

“The beauty of this type of education is that it is education for all, promoting inclusivity and creating opportunities for everyone by reducing the need to be physically present whilst a course is

taking place. This will ultimately increase participation and involvement, which is the Institute’s mission.”

Martin McElhatton, Chief Executive of WheelPower, said: “Through the wonderful opportunities this new Institute will create, disabled people and those who want to get involved in disability sport will enhance their skills. The Institute will support sports bodies to develop their workforce and provide an educational pathway from NVQs up to degree level courses. Our unique partnership brings together experience from the educational, commercial and sports sectors and aims to leave a lasting legacy in sport and education.”

Courses scheduled for this year include: An Introduction to Disability Sport; Running Sport: A Club For All; Certificate in Sports Leadership; and Wheelchair Basketball Grade 1 Coaching Assistant. If you are interested in arranging or undertaking disability sports education, please email BDMStokeMandeville@leisureconnection.co.uk

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Bucks recently helped to host a visit by representatives from the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Malawi as they visited the South East of England to look at pre-games training camp venues for their athletes ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Floriano Massah, President of the Malawi NOC, and Helene Mpinganjira, Secretary General, joined with members of the Bucks & Milton Keynes Sports Partnership Board as guests of Bucks & Milton Keynes Sports Partnership Board as guests of the University to watch London Wasps play Newcastle at Adams Park, before committing themselves to the South East as their training camp base.

Ian Barham, Buckinghamshire Manager for the 2012 Games, who helped co-ordinate the visit was delighted with the University’s support in hosting the Malawian representatives: “For many visiting teams, the choice of training camp venue is about more than the quality and availability of training facilities. The warmth of welcome and the links to cultural and education opportunities will often be the deciding factor in which venue teams choose. Both Floriano and Helene were very impressed teams choose. Both Floriano and Helene were very impressed with the hospitality offered by Bucks New University and were very keen to develop closer links between the University and their athletes in the lead up to 2012.”

Bucks New University students on the International Football Management degree programme travelled to Bergamo, Italy, to study the infrastructure of Italian football. The students made the trip as part of their Intermediate International Football Business Management module. They studied the coaching and academy systems in Italy, and learnt about the management of professional football clubs in Serie A, the equivalent of the Barclays Premier League, and Serie B. Students were hosted by Atalanta BC and UC AlbinoLeffe football clubs, and were given access to all areas of the club management structure and systems and marketing activities of both clubs.

Doug Cole, senior lecturer in the School of Sport, Leisure & Travel at Bucks New University, commented: “The hospitality extended to us by both clubs was incredible and Bucks New University is excited about developing these exciting new international football partnerships.

“This was the University’s second trip to Italy and it was a huge success, not only with regards to the student experience, but also in terms of highlighting other potential opportunities to collaborate with our new partners in the future. We hope to see this as an annual feature of the International Football Management Degree programme experience.”

One of the highlights of the trip for the students was a visit to the famous San Siro stadium in Milan, the home of both AC Milan and Inter Milan football clubs. Marwan Awar, a second year student on the BA (Hons) Sports Management & Football Studies course, said: “The trip to Italy was unique and an experience I’ll never forget. To learn about the structure of an Italian football club and how it operates compared to an English club gave everyone on the trip an idea of how much experience you need in order to be a success in the industry.

“This trip will help me in my course as it showed me how football has been transformed into a business compared to ten years ago, and especially because I’m keen to work in football club marketing in the near future.”

News of Bucks’s trip was well received in Italy and even spread to the Italian national press with an article being published in the national sports newspaper, Tuttosport.

Italy was unique and an experience I’ll never forget. To learn about the

Students study football the Italian way the Italian way

Malawian Olympic Committee visit Bucks

Page 18

Lord Coe launches Buckinghamshire’s 2012 plansLord Coe launched Buckinghamshire’s plans for the 2012 Olympic Games at a special event, the Bucks 2012: Are You Ready? conference, held at Green Park, Aston Clinton, near Aylesbury.

The event was organised by the Buckinghamshire Manager for the 2012 Games, Ian Barham, with the help of students and staff from Bucks New University. It brought together organisations from across the county with an interest in the London 2012 Games, with the aim of encouraging them to make the most of the Olympic and Paralympic opportunity on our doorstep.

Lord Coe, Chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, launched Buckinghamshire’s 2012 Legacy Plan with Adrian Moorhouse, Olympic gold medallist and Chair of Bucks 2012 Group, Martin McElhatton, Chief Executive of WheelPower, the national charity for Wheelchair Sport based at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, and Peter Norfolk, Paralympic gold medallist and business entrepreneur.

Lord Coe said: “The 2012 Games present many involvement opportunities for local businesses, organisations and community groups, and through the Legacy & Ambitions Strategy, Buckinghamshire is helping ensure its residents benefit from this once in a lifetime event. Now is the time to get involved.”

With sporting partnerships across the region, it was a natural step for the University to play a role in the organisation of this milestone county-wide event. Prof Chris Kemp, executive dean of the Faculty of Enterprise & Innovation, described the opportunities presented for education regionally by the 2012 Olympic Games. In addition, first year students on the BA (Hons) Events & Festival Management course helped organise the event as part of their coursework, assisting with the event set-up, looking after guests, media relations, stewarding and administrative duties.

Nick Eade, senior lecturer and Event Management course leader, commented: “Our students are getting an academic grounding through their university studies, coupled with practical hands-on experience at a 2012 event, which is fantastic for their CVs and will definitely provide them with enhanced employability opportunities.”

“This is a great opportunity to be involved in 2012”, added Bucks student Sarah Dunham. “I don’t think many other universities would be able to offer that.”

experience at a 2012 event, which is fantastic for their CVs and will definitely

enhanced employability

opportunity to be involved in 2012”, added Bucks student Sarah Dunham. “I don’t think many other universities would be

Golf Ambassadors Programme is launched The Berks, Bucks & Oxon (BB&O) Golf Partnership has teamed up with Buckinghamshire New University to launch a unique Golf Ambassadors Programme. The aims of the programme are to provide students with real hands-on experience in the golf industry and to provide the BB&O Golf Partnership with high quality sports management volunteers.

Four second-year BA (Hons) Sports Management & Golf Studies students from Bucks have been selected to work alongside the BB&O Golf Partnership in the new programme, which has been developed by Francisco Baeza (principal lecturer at Bucks New University), Justine Lawrence (development officer at the BB&O Golf Partnership), and Phil Beard (volunteer manager of the England Golf Partnership).

Justine Lawrence commented: “The calibre of students interviewed was very high which made the selection process difficult, but we’re delighted with the four selected and look forward to working with them. We are sure that their contribution and youthful approach will prove most beneficial to the partnership.”and youthful approach will prove most beneficial to the partnership.”

Francisco Baeza added: “This is an excellent programme that will be very beneficial to Bucks New University, golf students and the BB&O Golf Partnership. On behalf of the University and the students, I would like to say that it is great to be

working with such prestigious organisations from the golf industry.”Phil Beard from the England Golf Partnership confirmed that if successful

within the Berks, Bucks and Oxon area, he is hoping to launch the scheme nationally with

other county golf partnerships.The selected Bucks students are

James McGilvray, Rajiv Patel, Luke Jennings and Lauren Drake, and they are

being mentored by Justine Lawrence and Francisco Baeza on two separate projects.

The first project will be working alongside the county development officer in expanding the number of clubs being awarded GolfMark,

which is a national accreditation scheme that identifies and recognises junior and beginner-friendly golf facilities.

The second project will be working with a number of schools within Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire that provide some form of golfing activities to

their pupils. The students will be working with the county development officer and the

Golf Foundation in establishing the school links, providing a variety of initiatives to introduce children to golf.

Students remember MikeStudents at Bucks took part in the Mike Reilly Memorial Cup 2009 in memory of fellow student, Mike Reilly, who tragically died of meningitis at his home in Chelmsford in December 2007.

In recognition of Mike’s passion for rugby, the event was a Mixed Teams Social Rugby 7’s Tournament. £300 was raised for The Meningitis Trust, the UK’s longest established meningitis charity and the Bucks Students’ Union nominated national charity for 2008 – 09.

Tom Lydon, one of Mike’s closest friends, commented: “The memorial is a fantastic event to remember and honour one of life’s shining lights! Many of us who were close to Mike knew that his biggest passion was his rugby, but he also devoted a lot of his time to his friends, so a social rugby event is the perfect way to honour him.

“Mike’s passing obviously came as a massive shock to all who knew him. He was a great friend who was always there when you needed him and was always keen to have a good time - especially when it involved a few pints and watching the England rugby lads battle it out on the pitch!

“This memorial event was first staged in January 2008 after Mike’s death and it was a great success. Everybody has a really good time and the whole day is played out in the spirit that Mike would have wanted it to. This is not only an opportunity to remember a legend, but also to raise money for The Meningitis Trust to help stop this tragedy happening to others in the future.”

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The original Wizard of Oz captivated its depression era audience with colour, music and fantasy, helping them forget their financial woes, as they followed Dorothy down the Yellow Brick Road.

Times have changed, but with everyone feeling the pinch once again, Bucks Students’ Union invited a new generation of Dorothys and Tin Men, to enter a fantasy world of musical extravaganza, vivid colours and tiny wee men!

The University’s 2009 May Ball started off with a champagne reception, in the Chalfont St Giles Campus’s 18th century manor house, where holders of Golden Tickets were entertained.

At the main entertainment area, the lucky party-goers were greeted by fairground attractions, a chocolate fountain and the chance to enjoy the

dazzling firework display, while sampling the evening’s signature drink ‘The Ozmopolitan’.

The musical entertainment took place over six themed rooms, which truly lived up to the promise of the fantasy experience. At ‘the Crossroads’, Gavin & Stacey star Matt Horne headlined with a DJ set, featuring his own take on the indie and alternative dance music scene, whilst at the ‘Poppy Field’ top DJs Crazy Cousinz teamed up with vocalist, Kyla, to bring some funk to the house.

Deep in ‘the Wood’, Welsh rap legends, Goldie Lookin Chain, served up their unique fusion of social commentary and decidedly un-politically correct lyrics, which culminated in a stage invasion by the ecstatic crowd.

The ‘Emerald City’ marquee offered a pageant of salsa and jazz, where the

well-dressed and glamorous took the opportunity to show off their Latin rhythm, under the green-hued lights.

Other top acts included The Paddingtons, Dolly Rockers, Bella Burlesque and Hed Kandi DJs, as well as Hip Hop star Kano, a quick scan of whose audience revealed that most bow ties were decidedly off the collar!

The end of the night saw more than one apparently talking scarecrow agree that ‘there’s no place like home’, but as Bucks ended its last ever Chalfont-based ball, perhaps ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’ would have been a more fitting eulogy.

University ball recaptures the magic of OzBy Alexander Peek

Alex Peek is a Bucks graduate and schools & colleges liaison officer.

Page 20

Alumni visitChalfontA group of alumni who all became teachers re-visited the Chalfont Campus, having graduated in 1969 and 1970. Pictured (from left to right) are: Mike Fleming; Mike Wotherspoon, Roger Kirk, Keith Houghton, Greg Edland, and Peter Cosker. All are now retired from teaching, except Roger Kirk who became National President of the teachers’ union NASUWT in 1994, and now works in special education. Mike Fleming became Head of Maths in a South London comprehensive. Mike Wotherspoon became an adviser. Keith became Head of English in a Thurrock comprehensive. Greg became a Senior Teacher at an Essex comprehensive, and Peter taught in South London schools before becoming a pilot for Monarch Airlines.

Students’ Union celebrates double award win

The first phase of Bucks New University’s new Hughenden Park Student Village is on schedule for opening at the start of the 2009–10 academic year and will feature a range of sustainable elements in its structure.

The superstructure was completed in The superstructure was completed in the spring with building contractor, Galliford Try, ‘topping-out’ the new building at the end of March. The occasion was marked with a gathering of representatives from the University, Galliford Try and Bucks’s development partner, H2E, who witnessed Vice Chancellor, Prof Ruth Farwell, and President of Bucks Students’ Union, Yasmin Omar, lay the final section of the sedum roof of the building to signify its completion.

By September 2009, Hughenden Park Student Village will consist of 234 student rooms, including rooms for disabled and mature students. All of the blocks will have

sedum roofs which will help with sustainable drainage, provide natural soundproofing, offer a safe habitat for insects and birds, and help increase oxygen and decrease CO2 levels in the atmosphere.

In addition, the entire landscaping and roads around the blocks will be permeable roads around the blocks will be permeable so that rainwater can soak into the aquifer and not be discharged into the drains. Each block will have large refuse recycling areas and each kitchen will be provided with recycling containers.

Each block will also have four solar thermal panels each capable of producing 450 kWh per year to heat water. Covered bike storage spaces will be provided and there will be a taxi rank on site for transport at times outside the local bus service.

Prof Ruth Farwell commented: “Topping-out our new Student Village is a real milestone, and I’m delighted to lay

the final section of the sedum roof and to see the Student Village taking such great shape. It is part of our ongoing commitment to providing the best possible student experience and a memorable time at university. Currently, in many ways, we are in a significant phase of the University’s in a significant phase of the University’s development, and today’s landmark is demonstration of our having succeeded in completing yet another part of the Bucks New University of the future.”

Paul Mathuson, project director for Galliford Try Construction South, said: “We are delighted to be working with Buckinghamshire New University to develop quality, modern sustainable student accommodation which we are confident will meet the needs of a wide range of students for years to come.”

Student accommodation helps provide sustainable living

Bucks Students’ Union has won two prestigious awards – a Best Bar None award for the most improved Student Union venue in the UK, and a Sound Environmental Impact Award.

Best Bar None is a nationally recognised award scheme which measures how responsible a venue is and how committed they are to licensing objectives. The scheme is administered through the National Union of Students (NUS) and is independently audited against a strict set of criteria. Students’ Unions then measure themselves against each other in a bid to improve, or to reward and share good practice.

The judging criteria include ensuring full compliance with the licensing law, procedures for dealing with someone who is intoxicated, and ensuring safety and comfort.

Andy Smith, Operations Manager for Bucks Students’ Union, commented: “I think this award sums up our values as Bucks Students’ Union; our customers are more important to us than the contents of their wallets and I hope that’s how they feel when they are in our venues.”

The SU also gained a Bronze Standard in this year’s Sound Environmental Impact Awards which recognise efforts to improve environmental performance. Writer, comedian, actor, broadcaster and director, Hardeep Singh Kohli, probably best known for presenting the BBC’s The One Show,

hosted the awards ceremony.Tristan Tipping, Deputy General

Manager for the Bucks Students’ Union, said: “We are really pleased to be gaining this accreditation and truly believe in the ethos behind the scheme. Being recognised in this way is a fitting tribute to the commitment of the staff and students at Bucks, and in moving forward through the Sound Impact project we have made a positive impact on the way we work and operate in our bars, catering and retail, and throughout the entire organisation. When considered alongside our recently awarded Fairtrade University status, this accreditation shows we genuinely care about the world around us and are prepared to act to make whatever difference we can.”

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Lecturer exhibits in Stockholm in Stockholm Senior tutor in Ceramics & Glass, Neil Brownsword, has recently exhibited a new body of work, Elegy, at Blås & Knåda, a prestigious gallery in the centre of Stockholm. The exhibition was supported by Estrid Ericsons Stiftelse, Stockholm Stad Kulturforvaltningen, and IASPIS (the International Artists’ Studio Program in Sweden).

For nearly a decade, Neil’s work has been a sustained mediation on the decline of British ceramic manufacture in his home town of Stoke-on-Trent. Assuming the role of artist/archaeologist, Brownsword salvages by-products from former ceramic production and regenerates these vestiges of labour into poetic abstract amalgams.

Coinciding with the launch of the exhibition Neil was invited by IASPIS to deliver a lecture about the development of his practice, and its socio-historic context. Organised as a collaboration between IASPIS and Konstfack University College of Arts, Crafts and Design, the lecture was followed by a conversation with Louise Mazanti, Professor in Design and Craft Theory and History, in Konstfack’s Department of Interdisciplinary Studies.

Neil is now planning a period as an artist in residence at the Rorstrand Porcelain Museum in Lidköping, where he hopes to work with their extensive archive of copper engraving plates and moulds to develop new work in 2010.

Head of School becomes RBA Fellow Malcolm Plastow, Head of the School of Visual & Communication Arts, has been elected as Fellow of The Royal Society of British Artists (RBA) in recognition of his service to art education. He became involved with the RBA when writing and validating the BA (Hons) in Fine Art at Northbrook College, Sussex. Malcolm hopes that his links to the RBA will result in guest lectures and opportunities for student prizes and scholarships.

Article is highlight of 2008 An article by Prof David Brodie and David Nunan from the Faculty of Society & Health, and colleagues from the University of Essex and Coventry University was chosen as part of Physiological Measurement’s highlights of 2008. The article, ‘Association between RR interval and high-frequency heart rate variability acquired during short-term, resting recordings with free and paced breathing’, was chosen as part of a selection of papers representing the high quality and breadth of contributions that were published in the journal last year. The articles listed received the highest praise from international referees and a high number of downloads from the journal website.

Research Assessment Exercise highlights areas of excellenceThe results of the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE2008), designed to access the quality of research undertaken at higher education institutions, were published in December. Bucks New University made submissions in the areas of Allied Health Professions and Studies, Art and Design, Business and Management Studies, and Sports-related Studies, receiving recognition for its applied research activity in all the subject areas.

The University’s Art and Design submission resulted in 5 per cent of its quality profile being considered to be world-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour. This was supported by a further 25 per cent of the quality profile being considered of international excellence. The international excellence quality profile was achieved by 5 per cent in Sports-related Studies, 10 per cent in Allied Health Professions and Studies, and 20 per cent in Business and Management Studies. In Sports-related Studies, 50 per

cent of the quality profile was recognised internationally.

Prof David Baker, chair of representative body, GuildHE, and Principal of University College Plymouth St Mark and St John spoke of his delight at the successes of GuildHE members: “The RAE has achieved its aim of recognising excellence wherever it may be found. We are proud to see demonstrated that our colleagues specialising in unique niches have been acknowledged for their world-class and internationally renowned successes. It is also important to appreciate the message that high quality research is a part of every academic community and that the applicability and impact of research work is also a necessary factor in its development and its recognition.”

The content of submissions made to the RAE2008 was published on the RAE2008 website in April. For further information, visit rae.ac.uk

Did you know? The first RAE was undertaken in 1986. It introduced an explicit and formalised assessment process of the quality of research. Further exercises were held in 1989, 1992, 1996 and 2001. 2,344 submissions were made by 159 higher education institutions in RAE2008.

Research round-up

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Research reviewhighlights inequalities A new research review published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) shows that Gypsy and Traveller communities in Britain experience extensive inequalities. The report by Sarah Cemlyn from the University of Bristol, Dr Margaret Greenfields from Buckinghamshire New University, and the Friends, Families and Travellers organisation, reviewed existing research across a wide range of policy areas.

Some of the key findings of the report, Inequalities experienced by Gypsy and Traveller communities: a review, are that: the lack of suitable secure accommodation underpins many of the inequalities that Gypsy and Traveller communities experience; Gypsies and Travellers die earlier than the rest of the population; Gypsies and Travellers experience worse health, yet are less likely to receive effective, continuous healthcare; children’s educational achievements are worse and declining (contrary to the national trend); participation in secondary education is extremely low with discrimination and abusive behaviour on the part of staff and students frequently cited as reasons for leaving education early; employment rates are low, and poverty high.

According to Sarah Cemlyn: “This review reveals severe and far-reaching inequalities and discrimination affecting Gypsies and Travellers. Underpinning many of these is the lack of appropriate accommodation for between a fifth and a quarter of caravan-dwelling Gypsies and Travellers, resulting in lack of basic facilities of water and sanitation, lack of security, and frequent and sometimes brutal evictions.

“However the report goes well beyond this in reviewing inequalities across multiple policy areas including education, health, social care, employment, criminal justice and community

cohesion. It found that stereotyping and racism is pervasive and often overt, frequently fuelled by misleading media reporting. Children are particularly vulnerable to racism from people in authority, members of the public and other children.”

Margaret Greenfields added: “The review explores a range of issues which have so far been overshadowed by the necessity of providing adequate accommodation for marginalised members of these minority communities. We have welcomed the opportunity afforded by the EHRC commissioning this review to move beyond this and consider not only the prejudice and inequalities experienced by Gypsies and Travellers, but also good practice, especially that developed by Gypsies and Travellers themselves despite being faced with almost over-whelming odds.”

The review contains detailed recommendations for each policy area investigated. It highlights the need to provide sufficient sites, for service providers to fulfil their duties under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 by providing culturally appropriate services, and the importance of developing solutions in consultation with Gypsy, Traveller and Showman communities.

The publication of the research review followed publication of a briefing paper by Dr Greenfields for the Race Equality Foundation. The report, Gypsies, Travellers and Accommodation, was launched at the House of Lords at an event hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Traveller Law Reform, in association with the Traveller Law Reform Project and Irish Traveller Movement in Britain.

It highlighted the fact that it would take just one square mile of land to provide legal pitches for all the Gypsies and Travellers currently camped on roadsides and unauthorised sites. Dr Greenfields said: “More legal sites would help

break the cycle of tension between the settled and travelling communities and result in reduced enforcement costs as the number of unauthorised encampments decreases.”

The EHRC report can be downloaded from equalityhumanrights.com. For the Race Equality Foundation paper, visit reu.org.uk/housing

suitable secure accommodation underpins many

communities experience; Gypsies and Travellers

recommendations for each policy area investigated. It highlights the need to provide sufficient sites, for service providers to fulfil their duties under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 by providing culturally appropriate services, and the importance of developing solutions in consultation with Gypsy, Traveller and Showman communities.

followed publication of a briefing paper by Dr Greenfields for the Race Equality Foundation. The report, Accommodation,of Lords at an event hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Traveller Law Reform, in association with the Traveller Law Reform Project and Irish Traveller Movement in Britain.

one square mile of land to provide legal pitches for all the Gypsies and Travellers currently camped on roadsides and unauthorised sites. Dr Greenfields said: “More legal sites would help

Bucks New University and the International Centre for Crowd Management & Security Studies have launched a new bi-annual journal. The Journal of Crowd Safety and Security Management is a free educational, industry-oriented journal which primarily seeks to disseminate the findings of students’ work-based projects.

The aim is to enhance and promote research and good practice in the age-old, but academically-fledgling crowd management and security industries. The editors, Ali Bakir, Stuart Kirk, and Owen Grainger-Jones, hope to create and encourage a dialogue between academia and industry, and between academics/practitioners and their students. The overall aim is to help make the industry more professional.

In addition to students’ work, the editors also welcome other academic articles, research notes, book reviews, commentaries, and industry views. The journal is a response to requests from practitioners, many of whom helped support the development of crowd safety and security courses. For further information visit crowdsafetymanagement.co.uk/journal

New journal disseminates research in crowd safety and security

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The mountainous topography of Nepal causes the top soil to be eroded constantly leaving behind an iodine deficient surface which produces iodine deficient plants. This causes infant and maternal mortality, cretinism and thyroid goitre.

Prof David Brodie from the Faculty of Society & Health is working with Prof Nirmal Baral at the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences to establish the incidence of iodine deficiency in Eastern Nepal, and to attempt to

rectify the condition by supplying local people with iodised salt. Prof Brodie recently walked over mountainous trails to visit remote villages and observe how the methods of cooking and storage of iodised salt impacts on its stability.

Funding for the project has been obtained from the Rotary Foundation and will enable a portable laboratory to be built into a 4x4 vehicle. This will mean that the work, which is currently confined to the area around Dharan, can be extended into more remote areas.

Iodine defi ciency in Eastern Nepal

in Eastern Nepal, and to attempt to which is currently confined to the area around Dharan, can be extended into more remote areas.

Second Bucks student joins international network PhD student, Indrachapa Bandara, has become the Sri Lankan National Representative to the World Network of Young Leaders and Entrepreneurs (WNYLE). He is the second Bucks student to become a WNYLE representative, after PhD student Knowledge Chinyanyu Mpofu was appointed Zimbabwean Representative last year. Indrachapa’s appointment means that Bucks New University is now the only UK university with two WNYLE representatives.

Indrachapa is a PhD researcher from the Centre for Applied Computing in the Faculty of Enterprise & Innovation. He is due to complete his PhD in July, and his research topic is ‘Driver Drowsiness Detection Based on Eye Blink’.

Indrachapa commented: “It gives me great pleasure to be duly accredited to represent my country, Sri Lanka, in a worldwide drive to promote hi-tech youth entrepreneurship

and leadership development. Working closely with the Open 4 Business department at Bucks has given me a unique opportunity to enhance my entrepreneurial skills, which I will use to represent WNYLE in Sri Lanka.

“The global experience I have gained at international conferences in terms of engagement and presenting scientific papers has undoubtedly developed my leadership skills, and this is what my country needs for its economic recovery initiatives and future development. With recent economic and industrial developments in various sectors, Sri Lanka is certainly going to benefit from this accreditation to the WNYLE.”

Did you know? The WNYLE is an international non-profit organisation aimed at fostering youth entrepreneurship and innovative leadership worldwide. WNYLE has headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and has an executive board of leading professionals from 15 countries and national representatives in 60 countries.

Page 24

Conferences

Creative Minds: Creative Futures Bucks New University hosted a free one-day conference entitled Creative Minds: Creative Futures, in February.

The conference was attended by a distinguished gathering of speakers from the creative industries, providing local people and prospective students with an insight into many creative areas of study, such as jewellery design, textile design, ceramics and glass making, creative writing and advertising.

Conference speakers included: Trevor Baylis OBE, world famous inventor; Nik Powell, co-founder with Richard Branson of Virgin Records; Tom Robinson, singer/songwriter and BBC broadcaster; Yasmin Sidhwa, celebrated actress and director, and Head of Arts Education at Pegasus Theatre, Oxford; Boo Ritson, critically acclaimed artist, Bucks graduate and honorary graduate; Leslie Morris, Head of Design Skills, Design Council; and Mike Rowbottom, professional writer and broadcaster for 35 years, and now senior lecturer at Bucks New University.

The event was organised by the Faculty of Creativity & Culture and sponsored by Progress South Central, The Lifelong Learning Network for Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey. As well as being the perfect opportunity for young people thinking about their futures, it was also ideal for people looking for a change of career or considering new directions.

“The conference was all about widening participation in the creative sector, aiming to encourage those who may not have previously thought about a creative career to do so, and to experience the breadth and variety of options available to them,” commented Ruth Gunstone, deputy dean of the Faculty of Creativity & Culture.

Twelve professional support employees representing faculties and the Student & Academic Services Directorate travelled to Exeter for the Association of University Administrators (AUA) Annual Conference in April. Delegates had gathered from all over the country and from much further afield, with representatives from universities in Africa, Australia, Canada Europe, Japan and the West Indies, and over 800 attendees in total.

The programme on offer was varied and wide-ranging with more than 100 sessions, so that it was possible to move from one entitled ‘Can we be positive about change?’ to another called ‘Turning water into wine .. or how every university administrator can perform miracles’. There were also a number of keynote addresses by well-known and respected speakers, including Professor Steve Smith, Vice Chancellor of the University of Exeter, Tim Melville-Ross, the Chair of the Higher Education Funding Council for England, and Ann Mroz, editor of Times Higher Education. Each of these addresses concentrated on a current issue in higher education.

Bucks’s Branch Co-ordinator, Rosemary Anderson, said: “The two social highlights of the conference are always the big quiz and the formal dinner followed by entertainment. We were extremely delighted and somewhat surprised to come third overall in the quiz, which is not bad considering the opposition was made up of so many other teams of highly intelligent university administrators! Altogether it was a most interesting and stimulating three days where we all learned a lot and had great opportunities for networking and forging links with staff from many different universities.”

The AUA is the professional body for higher education managers and administrators. For more information contact Rosemary Anderson, on rosemary.anderson@bucks.ac.uk, or visit aua.ac.uk

Employees attend administrators’ conference Sport students

present at national Sport students present at national Sport students

conferencepresent at national conferencepresent at national Three students from the School of Sport, Leisure & Travel were selected, amongst other candidates, to make oral presentations of their fi nal year dissertations at the Annual Student Conference of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).

The conference was held at Hull University on 31 March and 1 April. Sports Management & Rugby Studies student, Craig Morrison, presented his work on the ‘Effects of inspiratory muscle training on endurance performance in collegiate rugby players’. Sport Psychology student, Stuart Leonard, presented his work on ‘Coach perspectives of mental toughness within cricket’, and Sport & Leisure Management student, Alex Hughes, presented his research on ‘Male physique perception and social ideals’. The students have been supervised by Dr Maria Konstantaki, Scott Bradley, and Lisa Griffi ths, respectively.

The three students were very pleased with their performance at the conference and received many positive comments on their work. Two of them are already thinking of continuing to postgraduate study and following a career in sport science.

Tom Robinson

Trevor Baylis OBE with conference attendees

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Page 25

Gender, Design and Marketing – How gender drives our perception of design and marketing By Gloria Moss, senior lecturer in Human Resources at Bucks New University, and Visiting Professor at the Ecole Superieure de Gestion, Paris

Popular books such as Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus introduced to the public the idea that men and woman think and perceive the world differently. Now a comprehensive book investigating gender and visual perception shows that, when it comes to design and marketing, men’s and women’s preferences are poles apart too.

Gender, Design and Marketing addresses the wider implications of how gender affects every aspect of design, marketing and ultimately sales. Gloria Moss says: “Amongst men and women, women are often the prime purchasers, and it is vital that organisations grasp the new science of gender perception. Until now, the issue of how products should best be fashioned for male and female markets has, to a great extent, been overlooked, and this book provides vital new information for organisations on how to target products appropriately. Applying this information has the potential to reap substantial benefits for those who learn from it.”

The differences in perception cover what people produce as well as what they prefer. Samples of paintings and designs spanning decades show men are more likely than women to use dark colours, straight lines, little detail, prominent and regular typography and a three-dimensional ‘look’. Women are more inclined to favour rounded lines, colour, detail, non-standard typography and a more two-dimensional ‘look’.

Males prefer to depict moving objects, machines and tall buildings as well as violent themes, male figures and caricatures. Females, on the other hand, favour the depiction of static objects, low rise buildings, female figures and smiling faces. These differences emerge from studies spanning the globe, and hold true of paintings, drawings, graphic, product and web design.

Moss’s book offers researchers, designers, brand and marketing specialists a new understanding of the way organisations can either ‘turn on’ or ‘turn off’ their male and female customers. The challenge for management is to address these issues and ensure that products and services reflect the preferences of customers. With these lessons learned, the world may never quite look the same again.

Gender, Design and Marketing was published in hardback in May by Gower, price £60.

Promoting the Health of School Age Children of School Age Children of School Age ChildrenBy Val Thurtle (University of Reading) and Jane Wright (senior lecturer in Child Health, Bucks New University)

Children and young people are high on the political agenda in health, education and social care. This book considers factors that impact on children and young people and the strategies that are in place, or being developed, to meet their needs. It uses the themes of government policies such as Every Child Matters, Safeguarding Children, and Our Health, Our Care, Our Say. Contents include: a historical overview of health promotion; models for health promotion in action; parenting in the 21st century; and safeguarding the health of children and young people in public care. Chapters were written by Bucks employees, Penny Farrelly, Liz Numadi, Kate Potter, and Jane Wright.

This book is a resource for those studying and working at degree level, and those on NVQ and foundation degree programmes, as well as being a starting point for others studying at postgraduate level. It is also a useful resource for those working with school-aged children.

Promoting the Health of School Age Children is published in paperback by Quay Books, price £29.99.

Researching & Writing Dissertations: A Dissertations: A Dissertations:complete guide for Business students Business students Business studentsBy Dr Roy Horn, head of room management

Students often struggle when faced with the task of researching and writing a dissertation. Researching and Writing Dissertations, is an easy-to-use and concise guide to the entire process, from basic research methods to writing. This book is designed for anyone completing a dissertation as part of a business degree, particularly postgraduates, but will also be useful for undergraduates and Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) students completing their management report.

Comprehensive and in-depth in its coverage, this is more than just a study skills book. It is a fully interactive learning textbook that is academically grounded, but focuses on the practical bare essentials critical for the successful completion of a dissertation. It is packed with real examples of dissertation work by students, with helpful comments from tutors. The book also includes a support website for both students and tutors.

Researching and Writing Dissertationswas published in paperback in February by the CIPD, price £27.99.

of a dissertation. It is packed with real examples of dissertation work

paperback in February

Books

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Obituary: Patrick Jordan Honorary graduate and managing director of Mojo Barriers, Patrick Jordan, died in April at the age of 44. A market leader in the manufacture and provision of a range of high-quality, safe, crowd control barriers and related products, Mojo Barriers is credited with continually raising levels of audience and artist safety at live events. Both the company and Patrick, as its managing director, have had a long-standing relationship with the University and its International Centre for Crowd Management & Security Studies in particular.

Prof Chris Kemp, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Enterprise & Innovation, and Education Director of the Centre, said: “Patrick was an inspiration to those of us working on research into crowd pressure, health and safety, and making concerts safer, because he believed in what we were all doing and knew that he was right in his calculations and thoughts about the ways in which concerts could be made safer.

“His generosity knew no bounds. He presented the University with a barrier and a pressure system to continue to work on our research, and he took time to visit High Wycombe to open our Mojo Barriers Education and Training Centre. I will always remember his kindness, fairness, sharp wit and eye for detail.”

Bucks New University’s recent media coverage has included regular mentions on Mix 107 and in the Bucks Free Press; coverage of the work of Open 4 Business included the lead story in the Bucks Free’s Business Monthly supplement, and a review of the service one year on.

The launch of the Stoke Mandeville Institute for Sport and Education was featured on BBC South Today. News of a new golf ambassadors programme appeared in Essex, Folkestone, and Liverpool newspapers, the Thames Valley Business Magazine and trade magazine, Today’s Golfer.

Jewellery student, Nicola Dessent’s design competition win was reported in a range of trade media, including Commodity Online, the World Gold Council’s website, and Licensing.biz.

Interviews with employees Chris Green, Alison Lee, and Dr Campbell Norman-Smith, appeared on jobs site, jobs.ac.uk, and Campbell Norman-Smith’s work was featured in House and Garden magazine.

A pilot mobile sexual health clinic held at Bucks was featured in Nursing Times and student research into public punishment appeared in Times Higher Education and Police Review. Investment Now featured the University’s new student Investment Now featured the University’s new student Investment Nowaccommodation and green car club in its focus on sustainability.

National coverage included news of the University’s increase in applicants, which appeared in The Times and on BBC Newsonline, whilst music management courses were highlighted in The Guardian’s University Guide.

Bucks in the news

Patrick Jordan (right) at the launch of the Mojo Barriers Education and Training Centre

Prof Chris Kemp, Patrick Jordan, and Prof Ruth Farwell

Issue 9 S

ummer 2009

Page 27

What’s on?

Graduations 2009 This year’s graduation graduation ceremonies will ceremonies will take place from take place from 7–11 September. 7–11 September. 7–11 September. Ceremonies for Ceremonies for Ceremonies for the Faculty of the Faculty of the Faculty of Creativity & Culture Creativity & Culture Creativity & Culture will be on Monday will be on Monday will be on Monday and Tuesday, and Tuesday, Society & Health Society & Health on Wednesday, and on Wednesday, and Enterprise & Innovation on Thursday and Friday.Enterprise & Innovation on Thursday and Friday.Enterprise & Innovation on Thursday and Friday.

For further information visit For further information visit For further information visit bucks.ac.uk/graduationbucks.ac.uk/graduation

Open DaysHigh Wycombe (University Open Days): Wednesday 17 June 2009, Saturday 3 October 2009, Wednesday 18 November 2009, Saturday 3 January 2010, Saturday 23 January 2010, Wednesday 24 February 2010, Saturday 24 April 2010, Wednesday 16 June 2010

Uxbridge (Pre-registration Nursing): Saturday 22 August 2009, Saturday 10 October 2009, Wednesday 14 October 2009, Saturday 5 December 2009, Wednesday 9 December 2009, Saturday 16 January 2010

An opportunity to sample the Bucks experience, talk to staff and students, fi nd out more about our courses, and look round our facilities.

For further information and to register, visit bucks.ac.uk/open_days

Faculty of Creativity & Culture Degree ShowHigh Wycombe Campus, Saturday 13 June, and Monday 15–Thursday 18 June, 10am–4pm.

A chance to see the work of fi nal year students, spanning the full range of the creative and cultural industries, from furniture and product design, to ceramics, glass, textiles, and graphics.

Work by Bucks Work by Bucks students will also be on show at New Designers, Business Design Centre, London, show at New Designers, Business Design Centre, London, from 9–12 July and 16–19 July, and D&AD New Blood, from 9–12 July and 16–19 July, and D&AD New Blood, National Hall, Olympia, from 29 June–1 July. National Hall, Olympia, from 29 June–1 July.

For further information email nadine.bar@bucks.ac.uknadine.bar@bucks.ac.uk or or nadine.bar@bucks.ac.uk or nadine.bar@bucks.ac.uknadine.bar@bucks.ac.uk or nadine.bar@bucks.ac.ukphone 01494 605 073.

When I am old I will wear purple! 16 June 2009, High Wycombe Campus

A one-day conference on third age and leisure hosted by A one-day conference on third age and leisure hosted by Bucks New University in partnership with the Leisure Bucks New University in partnership with the Leisure Studies Association

Keynote speakers: Prof Carol Riddick, Gallaudet University, Keynote speakers: Prof Carol Riddick, Gallaudet University, USA; and Prof Andrew Sparkes, Exeter University USA; and Prof Andrew Sparkes, Exeter University

Cost £35, £20 concessions and un-waged

For further information email sarah.jennings@bucks.ac.uksarah.jennings@bucks.ac.uk, or call 01494 522 141, ext 4075.

Students Matter! Learning & Teaching ConferenceWednesday 24 June, 9am–4pm, High Wycombe Campus

Bucks’s second Annual Learning and Teaching Conference will provide a platform for those who teach, or support will provide a platform for those who teach, or support teaching, to share their experiences, knowledge and teaching, to share their experiences, knowledge and expertise with colleagues, and showcase innovative ways expertise with colleagues, and showcase innovative ways in which students engage in the learning and teaching in which students engage in the learning and teaching process. Keynote presentation: Aaron Porter, Vice President process. Keynote presentation: Aaron Porter, Vice President (Higher Education) of the National Union of Students.(Higher Education) of the National Union of Students.

For further information, emailFor further information, emaillearningandteaching@bucks.ac.uklearningandteaching@bucks.ac.uk

Conferences from the Faculty of Society & Health: Maintaining mental health in children and Maintaining mental health in children and Maintaining mental health in children and young people Wednesday 8 July, High Wycombe Campus

Alcohol and young peopleAlcohol and young peopleAlcohol and young peopleWednesday 16 September, High Wycombe Campus

Service user involvement Service user involvement Service user involvement Wednesday 28 October, Adams Park, High Wycombe

Conferences on palliative care and safeguarding children Conferences on palliative care and safeguarding children are also being planned for the autumn.are also being planned for the autumn.

For further information please emailFor further information please email ask@bucks.ac.uk