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the bulletin 27 June 2008 - Issue 77 Egg shaped baby incubator launched at UWE Technology Show

Transcript of thebulletin - University of the West of England, Bristol · The many innovative designs included a...

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thebulletin27 June 2008 - Issue 77

Egg shaped baby incubator launched at UWE Technology Show

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In this month’s issue2 Egg shaped baby

incubator launched at UWE Technology Show

3 Professor Ursula Lucas awarded Senior Fellow status

3 QAA Audit of UWE

4 Vulnerable workers need more effective voice at work

4 RSA award for Graphic Design Student

5 Architecture students design stand for Graduate Fashion Week

8 Community Volunteer Programme links up with Junction49

The Bulletin is published by the Marketing and Communications Office who reserve the right to select items for inclusion and to edit copy. For further information contact Jane Kelly or Mary Price on ext 82208, e-mail [email protected] and [email protected].

Editor: Jane Kelly

Editor: Mary Price

Contributor: Lesley Drake

Production: Jayne Andrews

Designed by Graphic Design

Printing and Distribution by Printing and Stationery

The next issue will be circulated at the end of July copy date for this is Tuesday 1 July. Please do keep sending contributions in. The Bulletin regrets that it cannot be held responsible for any claims that arise out of advertisements carried.

Front cover: Tod Burton pictured left with Doug Campbell and the egg shaped baby incubator

Students at the Bristol Institute of Technology exhibited final year project work at two venues this year to coincide with the Bristol Design Festival under the brand name ‘Expression’.

The many innovative designs included a revolutionary egg shaped baby incubator designed by Product Design student Doug Campbell. Doug’s incubator is designed in such a way that it helps nurture the essential bonding between parents and new born children that can be marred by current box shaped incubators. Doug said, “I was inspired to design my incubator in such a way that would allow parents to get close to their new born babies even when they are hooked up to monitoring and life saving equipment in incubators.

"My incubator is shaped like an egg - emulating an aesthetic that appealed to me – I was very influenced by Aeron Chair designed by Bill Stumpf in the 1990s. The egg shape is by its very nature a protective shape but in terms of hygiene and practicality the hemisphere shaped lid is easy to clean and provides a full view of the baby.”

Tod Burton, Deputy Head of Bristol Institute for Technology, said, “Doug has successfully identified a serious problem with an existing design and come up with a project that not only addresses the practical issues of supporting a new born but looks at the people side of the problem. His incubator encapsulates what we try to achieve with our students, instilling and nurturing their ability to produce technologically innovative projects that are of real value to society.”

Sam Leaworthy, also a Product Design student, has designed a toy that contains Bluetooth technology to store a single digital photograph. Sam explains, “The toy that I have developed contains a single poignant image from a child’s life with a wind up mechanism that also makes a noise. When a child waves the toy at any receiver such as a computer screen, TV or mobile phone the image contained in the toy appears on the screen. I have included a noise so that the child will grow up associating the noise with the image. The idea is that in the future the toys will become heirlooms that can be shared with children and grandchildren.”

Chris Deverson graduates in Mechanical Engineering and has already secured employment with Prodrive working on design and development of endurance racing cars at Aston Martin Racing. He has recently returned from the 24 hour event at Le Mans in France.

Chris describes his final year project, “My project stemmed from a placement year in the automotive industry, where I was testing car engines on a daily basis. The University required a new facility to test the performance of engines, and I fancied developing a performance engine for personal use. As a result it was decided to construct a facility from scratch, including designs and a large amount of project management.”

Richard Walters (left) and Simon Bradshaw (right) both graduates from the Creative Product Design programme. The projects shown are promotional travel alarm clocks for airlines (Qantas and Virgin respectively)

Egg shaped baby incubator launched at UWE Technology Show

Professor Steve West and Doug Campbell (right)

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Professor Ursula Lucas awarded Senior Fellow statusNational Teaching Fellow, professional accountant and educational researcher, Professor Ursula Lucas (BBS) (left) has been awarded Senior Fellow status of the Higher Education Academy.

Acknowledged internationally and recognised for her outstanding achievement and contribution to teaching of and research into

accounting education, Professor Lucas’s work is driven by her belief that the development of learning and teaching expertise should be championed within both higher education and professional training.

Professor Paul Ramsden, Chief Executive, Higher Education Academy commented, “The Senior Fellowship scheme recognises the enormous contribution made to the students' experiences of higher education by leading academics. Their expertise in teaching and learning is of great benefit to both students and staff, and it is particularly pleasing to see international colleagues on the list of successful applicants for the first time.”

Ursula, who joined BBS in 1990, is Senior Associate Editor of the international journal Accounting Education and has published extensively on the subject of accounting education. Further information on her publications and research can be found in her staff profile on the BBS website www.uwe.ac.uk/bbs/about.

QAA Audit of UWEWhat does it mean? In March 2009 a team of QAA assessors will visit UWE to make judgements about our current and likely future management of academic standards and of learning opportunities, leading to a report which is published a few months later. There are three possible judgements: confidence, limited confidence and no confidence; recommendations – essential, advisable and desirable; and examples of good practice. It follows that the outcome could have a major bearing on the national and international reputation of UWE: any judgement less than ‘confidence’ would inflict serious damage on the University’s reputation. However we have every reason to welcome the process and to be optimistic about the outcome.

Is there a theme for the 2009 Audit? The assessors will be looking for evidence of a dynamic, reflective institution in operation. They will be looking for a University-led strategy and oversight of quality assurance and enhancement where indicators of continuous improvement can be found. This Audit is distinguished from earlier ones – our last was in 2004 – by a pervading emphasis on enhancement – that is on systematic, institution-level planning to bring steady, reliable and demonstrable improvements in learning opportunities. Gone are the ‘audit trails’ of specific disciplines of last time.

The auditors will also be looking specifically at arrangements for maintaining the standards and quality of postgraduate research programmes; the accuracy and completeness of public information; and the working of our collaborative arrangements, in the UK and abroad. They will not be impressed by over-elaborate bureaucratic procedures designed to get a good Audit outcome but which are empty and wasteful in addressing the ‘big’ quality assurance questions and are not fully embedded in the University’s ways of doing things. It is much better to show that we deal with opportunities, threats and weaknesses in an open, reflective, self-critical and purposeful way, using our collective intuition, judgement, analytical powers and above all creativity to assure and enhance quality. We should be able to show that quality is embedded in everything that we do rather than an add-on.

What do we see in the looking glass? The audit offers us an opportunity to hold up a mirror to ourselves and to ask six basic questions about what we do to manage academic standards and learning opportunities:

What are we trying to do? Purposes Why are we doing it? Reason How are we doing it? Method Why is that the best way? Optimisation How do we know it works? Effectiveness

How can we improve it? Enhancement

Colleagues will no doubt be aware of excellent examples of what we do that tick all these boxes and they may also be aware of practices that could be improved. The Audit offers us all an opportunity to do both – to recognise excellence and to think through how we can improve where we need to.

To give this some shape, it will be important to relate what we are doing or planning to do to the relatively recent changes in the University’s ‘big’ strategies and changes in its organisation, locating these in a wider national context. So, for example, employer engagement, the student voice, the way we use management information, and student progression and retention will be important themes to keep in mind.

What’s to be done? At one level we carry on doing what we are doing, but with a sharper eye than usual on the quality mantra described above. At another level, the University will be preparing a briefing paper for the Audit team - as will the UWESU separately - and making sure that the team has ready access to information and documentation.

A small Executive Team has been set up to prepare for the Audit, consisting of the following individuals, each of whom has wide experience of quality assurance: Professor Geoffrey Channon (Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Chair)), Tessa Harrison (Academic Registrar), Jane Harrington (Associate Dean, BBS), Alison Hoddell (Associate Dean, ET), Stephen Ryrie (Associate Dean ET), Pauline Hume (Deputy Academic Registrar), and Maureen McLaughlin (Deputy Academic Registrar).

The Executive Team reports to a much larger Steering Group which consists of individuals who have University or Faculty responsibilities for standards and learning opportunities. There will also be an even larger ‘outer ring’ of individuals whose advice will be sought on areas in which they have a particular expertise.

There will be many opportunities over the coming months (via a dedicated website and other means) for colleagues to contribute. To start with, we are inviting you to suggest one topic or theme

which is a good example of quality enhancement – one which matches the quality mantra. We would also like to learn about those things that could be improved, perhaps by better ‘joining up’ or by ‘completing the loop’ more effectively. So if you have any ideas on either – or perhaps both - please do get in touch as soon as possible via the QAA Institutional Audit blog which can be found at http://uweqaa.blogspot.com/.

Professor Geoffrey Channon, Assistant Vice-Chancellor

[email protected] Geoffrey Channon

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Vulnerable workers need more effective voice at work Vulnerable, low paid workers accounting for two in every five of the UK workforce are at risk of suffering ongoing unfair treatment by employers with little chance to resolve serious problems according to a research report from Bristol Business School.

In an innovative study by Professor Anna Pollert (BBS) and Dr Andy Charlwood of York Management School, University of York, it has emerged that better access to unions is desperately needed to ensure that vulnerable low-paid workers do not fall victim to exploitation because they do not have the clout to fight grievances and unfair treatment.

‘The Unorganised Worker, Routes to Support, Views on Representation’, supported by the Economic and Social Research Council is a survey of 500 non-unionised, low- paid workers from across the UK who were asked how they dealt with problems at work. The report findings show that being without union support and working for low-pay provides a clear definition of vulnerability.

The study estimates that about half British workers suffer problems at work. The survey of the low-paid, non-unionised among them found that over a third suffered from problems with their pay, work relations (primarily stress and management bullying), and workload, with over a quarter also having problems over job security and working hours. The authors say “these problems indicate a working environment for between a fifth and a quarter of vulnerable, non-unionised workers of work intensification and management bullying. Just over half of respondents also felt that one or more of their problems were an infringement of their rights.”

The survey findings have added urgency in view of the government’s publication in 2006 of its employment strategy paper, Success at Work, in which it stated its commitment to protecting ‘vulnerable workers’ and its setting up of a Vulnerable Worker Enforcement Forum in June 2007.

For full story view UWE news pages.

RSA award for Graphic Design studentAlex Ostrowski, a third year Graphic Design student has won a prestigious national competition for the 2007/8 RSA Design Directions award entitled ‘Engage!’, which encourages social responsibility in young designers.

Alex developed a holistic re-orientation system for patients suffering from post traumatic amnesia and he designed a book to document the project. The work was carried out with psychologists at the Frenchay Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre in Bristol. Alex won the NESTA award worth £2,000 from the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce).

Alex explains, “The whole point of the competition was to engage with a community and find a way for design to bring about a positive change within it. The emphasis throughout was on the process of collaboration and co-design to ensure that the suggestions responded to the needs of the people involved. I’m delighted to win this prize as it’s really satisfying to succeed in an area of design which feels like it has done some good. I have also just been notified that I have been nominated for a D&AD Student Award that will be announced in June.”

For full story view UWE News pages.

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Alex Ostrovski with his award winning design

Sexual health clinics in schools could reduce pregnancy and infection rates Young people are more likely to use sexual health services if they can access them at schools, according to UWE research. A pilot scheme offering drop-in sexual health clinics in Bristol schools has successfully accessed ‘hard to reach’ groups including boys and vulnerable young people who would not otherwise have received advice.

The outreach scheme was run by Brook in partnership with Bristol City Council and Bristol Primary Care Trust in 16 schools in Neighbourhood Renewal areas of Bristol. It was set up in response to a 143 per cent rise nationally in sexually transmitted diseases between 1991 and 2001, and the Department of Health’s UK Sexual Health Strategy aimed at reducing the rates of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases in the under 18 age-group.

Young people using the service reacted very positively to it, and said that the approachability and accessibility of staff was key to its success. The report’s author Debra Salmon (HLS) said, “61 per cent of the young people we surveyed said they attended because it was at school and easy to access and that they would not have attended alternative provision”.

Melanie Iddon of Brook said, “Brook’s approach is to take services to young people, because we believe that’s the most effective way of engaging and supporting them. We know that outreach work like this also provides an effective bridge to clinic-based services. We’re delighted that the research has endorsed this approach and shown how effective it can be simply to provide services where they’re most needed.”

Nurses or youth workers provided advice and treatment including contraception, emergency contraception, pregnancy testing and advice, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and other health-related issues. The multi-disciplinary nature of the team was another reason the success – youth workers were key in preventive work and talking to young men.

Hugh Annett, Director of Public Health, Bristol Primary Care Trust, said: "The Brook 4YP Service is an outstanding example of partnership working delivering to young people. This was a pilot project supported by the City Council using Neighbourhood Renewal funding. It was rigorously evaluated, shown to be successful and then continued and expanded using PCT funds. It is and will make a significant contribution to improving the sexual health of young people in Bristol."

The report, entitled ‘Evaluation of Brook sexual health outreach drop-in clinics in schools’ can be accessed at http://hsc.uwe.ac.uk/net/research/brooksexualhealth outreach.aspx

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A team of architecture students designed and built an exhibition stand for the University’s Fashion department to display their work during Graduate Fashion Week at Earl’s Court earlier this month. The competition has presented a great opportunity for the students to work to brief on a real project and enter their design for a national competition.

The UWE exhibition stand design is based on a series of three illuminated white boxes and designed by the student team comprising Peter Spall, Giuditta Martello and Melissa Patterson who are all in their second year.

Giuditta Martello describes the design, “We wanted to keep the design as simple and minimalist as possible so that the stand

enhanced rather than dominated the fashion designs on display. We included three boxes and played with light effects and looked at architects who have done this successfully like Peter Zumthor. We wanted the forms to have an organic appearance and the exterior faces have different designs of perforation, allowing light patterns to be created on the otherwise smooth white surface.

“It’s very exciting that we have the opportunity to see our design in place at Earl’s Court. We will build the display stand at UWE and then dismantle, transport and rebuild at Earl’s Court.”

For full story view UWE news pages.

The UWE exhibition stand

Architecture students design stand for Graduate Fashion Week

Speakers at the forthcoming Appearance Matters Conference, organised by the Centre for Appearance Research and supported by the Healing Foundation, say that we need to wave goodbye to size 0 models and consider the impact of mirrors in fitness centres on body image and resulting fitness monitoring.

Philippa Diedrichs and Christina Lee from the University of Queensland will present a paper entitled ‘Waif Goodbye! Average size models in the media’ that explores the effectiveness of using average sized models in advertising. They will share the findings of a recent research project conducted in Australia that showed a selection of men and women aged 17 to 25 a series of adverts using no models, thin models and average sized models. Their findings suggest that average sized models are effective and healthy advertising alternatives to ultra-thin models providing a powerful call for change in the media.

Ivanka Prichard and Marika Tiggemann will discuss a study that investigated the relationship between women’s choice of standing position in a mirrored aerobics room in relation to BMI and body image. 500 aerobics participants aged 18 to 50 years were

recruited from six fitness centres in South Australia. Choice of standing position (back, middle, front of room near or away from mirrors) showed that irrespective of BMI those who preferred to stand further away from mirrors and towards the back of the room had significantly greater disordered eating symptomatology. The findings point to a need to monitor women at the back of aerobics rooms to ensure that they still enjoy exercise and to safeguard against greater body image concerns.

These and many other ground breaking research findings in the field of appearance psychology are being presented at Appearance Matters 3, held at Explore At-Bristol on 1 and 2 July. Key note speeches will delivered by internationally renowned appearance research experts Professor Nicola Rumsey Co-Director of the Centre for Appearance Research at UWE and Professor Marika Tiggeman from Flinders University in Adelaide, South Australia. Further information about the conference, including the programme and details on how you can register to attend, can be found at www.science.uwe.ac.uk/appearancematters.

Mirrors and models in adverts impact on body satisfaction

What are the key issues and what are the impacts of developing tidal power in the Severn Estuary? What are your views on the options or the idea of harnessing energy from the estuary? Is this an appropriate way to reduce carbon emissions? What about the ecological impacts? Is this appropriate regional development?

A Science Café has been organised at the University on Monday 30 June 2008, 18.00-19.30 to explore the issues surrounding the development of tidal power in the Severn Estuary. The event is open to anyone who is interested in learning more and taking part in a discussions about this issue that is of vital importance to the region. The outcomes from this event will help shape the agenda of a larger Public Forum planned for October 2008.

‘Not a Bore! Issues of tidal energy capture in the Severn Estuary’ is a collaboration between the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce), the British Association for the Advancement of Science, the Severn Estuary Partnership and the Centre for Research in Environmental Sciences at UWE.

Publication by the Sustainable Development Commission of its report on Tidal Power in the UK in October 2007 has been followed by the government’s recent announcement of a Feasibility Study on Tidal Power Developments in the Severn Estuary and a call for evidence on the environmental and other implications of tidal power generation there.

The event will comprise of four short scene-setting presentations exploring the engineering, legal and planning issues and the environmental implications of harnessing tidal power from the estuary. A general discussion will follow.

This event is free of charge and those interested need to register by e-mailing [email protected]

The Science Café is taking place at the One Zone, Room 2E27 at the Frenchay Campus (Campus map at www.uwe.ac.uk/maps/frenchay_map.shtml)

Further information about the feasibility study can be found at www.berr.gov.uk/energy/sources/renewables/explained/severntidalpower/page41473.html

Not a bore! Tidal energy in the Severn Estuary – what is the best way forward?

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UWE students give out free 'morsbags' in Bristol Students and staff joined a group of environmental campaigners who handed out free handmade recycled bags to Bristol shoppers on Saturday 17 May.

The group named Minx and based in Bedminster gave away the morsbags in an effort to reduce the number of plastic carriers on the streets and to raise awareness of the negative effects of plastic on the environment. Minx is part of a global network founded in 2007 by Claire Morsman who was outraged at the number of wild animals harmed by plastic bags. Worldwide, more than 18,000 morsbags have been given away.

Janet Mills, a member of Minx and Media Resources Co-ordinator at UWE, said: “Morsbags are even better than the cloth bags you can buy – obviously because they are free, but also because they are made from material which would otherwise have been thrown away. Making the bags is hard work but fun – and a really good excuse to get together over a pint or a cuppa.”

Anyone who is interested in making their own morsbags or joining a group should visit www.morsbags.com for more information.

Minx would be grateful for donations of fabric; if you have any old curtains, duvet covers or other material please contact: [email protected]

A morsbag

‘Show Me’ 2008The School of Creative Arts Degree Show was held from 14-19 June at the Bower Ashton Campus and Spike Island. The annual exhibition showcases the work of final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students from the School of Creative Arts and includes work from Illustration, Textiles, Fine Art, Media, Print, Fashion, Drawing and Applied Arts, Graphic Design and Animation programmes.

Amongst the many excellent students showing their work this year was Marianne Seabright, who studied Drawing and Applied Arts. Beginning with specially prepared (‘gessoed’) paper, Marianne worked in graphite and pencil on both sides of the paper. Marianne explains, “On one side of a sheet of paper (169 cm x 166 cm, my own height and width with arms outstretched) is a scale drawing of me as a four-year old and on the other side is a scale drawing of a toy ambulance, one of my childhood toys. On another sheet of paper, cut to the size of myself aged four, is a drawing of myself as an adult, crouching to fit into the space, with one hand trying to reach the toy ambulance on the other side of the paper. The paper works as a metaphor, whilst on the one hand it holds the childhood memory of the toy, it

also gets in the way of being able to reach it.”

Marianne’s drawings are hung on brackets away from the wall, so that the drawings on the back are slightly out of reach to the viewer in the same was as memories are – both hidden and found. Marianne is a member of the Bristol-based group of artists, ‘Paper, Scissors, Stone’ who met on the UWE Drawing and Applied Arts course, and who work and exhibit together in Bristol.

Work by Marianne Seabright

UWE student reaches semi-finals of global competition An Art, Media and Design student has been selected for the semi-finals of the Adobe Design Achievement Awards. The competition attracts entrants from across the globe giving students the creative licence to propel their careers in the future. Alice Coutin is currently studying for MA, Art, Media and Design by project for her entry Zoë and the blue bird. Alice Coutin’s work focuses on two different areas – toy product design and illustration in animation.

Her animation of Zoë and the blue bird is a celebration of two main characters that create their own lives around giants and big buildings. Zoë and the blue bird appear like lovers who support each other in their life. Humour, kindness and gifts are part of this story. The characters evolve in a decoration of textile and simple graphic language. The animation technique of cut-out is used and this gives the characters limited movements.

Alice said, “The style I have used for Zoë and the blue bird is a very personal and experimental approach. The reason behind choosing an experimental approach was purely an artistic aesthetic. I have included patterns and fabrics into my 2D and 3D to give the feeling of fabric into the design and the layout.”

The Adobe Design Achievement Awards showcase individual and group projects created using Adobe creative software and honours the most talented and promising student graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, animators, digital filmmakers, developers and computer artists from the world’s top institutions of Higher Education. For full story see UWE news pages.

Illustration from Zoë and the blue bird

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Academic workshop on migrationIThe Network for Global Ethics and Human Rights (HLSS) won sponsorship from the British International Studies Association for a workshop held at the Pierian Centre, Bristol from 12-14 May 2008 on Global Justice, Borders and Migration. The workshop attracted 15 international scholars who all submitted papers to be published in the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies’ special issue edited by Dr van den Anker (HLSS).

The workshop included a public discussion on the true extent of trafficking in human beings with Mike Kaye, Anti-Slavery International, Deirdre Coghlan and David Nix, Gangmasters Licensing Authority. The event brought a very useful link between academic research, campaigners and law enforcement in response to questions from a mixed audience. Several students from the MA Human Rights attended and provided information afterwards to potential applicants who were interested in learning more about the programme.

Participants at the Workshop are pictured with UWE academics Christien van den Anker (middle row third from right) Cezara Nanu (middle row second right) and Michal Nahman (front row first right)

UWE student third in national illustration competitionZanny Mellor, an Illustration student from the School of Creative Arts has won third prize in a national competition The Art of Nature organised by Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance. The Art of Nature competition gives students the chance to contribute to an advertising campaign that focuses on the Art of doing commercial finance deals with various types of businesses from start-ups to multi-nationals. The students were given a brief that allowed a choice of a range themes including ‘leading the way’, ‘working together’ and ‘international expertise’.

Zanny Mellor chose the theme, ‘Working Together’. She said, “Winning the prize reaffirms that my work is going in the right direction and has given me the confidence that goes with seeing that my work is valued. This is

the first competition that I have entered and I will now enter every competition going so that my work gets seen.”

Gary Embury, programme leader in Illustration at UWE, said, “We are really pleased that one of our Level 2 Illustration students, Zanny Mellor, has been placed in the first three of the finals of the Art of Nurture Competition. 10 students from the course were selected for the regional finals. Zanny faced stiff competition from Illustration students nationally, with over 50 colleges entering work. This follows on from last year’s first place win and demonstrates the continuing high level of achievement and ability of students on our course.”

Zanny Mellor with her trophy

Bristol Business School launches ‘Business Boffins’ programmeBristol Business School is launching a pioneering enterprise support scheme for start ups and small to medium sized businesses (SMEs) in the region.

From this summer the Business School will be offering the Business Boffins Sustainability Support for Small Business programme, which was created by Professor Russell Smith, a columnist on the Independent. It has been a nationwide and international success to date. BBS was awarded the licence to provide the programme, which is funded by the South West of England Regional Development Agency, and the South West will be only the third region in the country to have launched the Business Boffins initiative.

The 'Sustainability Support for Small Business' distance learning programme, or S3 for short, has been designed to provide expert information in an easy-to-understand format and in a logical sequence over a 40-month period that covers initial start-up and those very important first three years of business. Information is delivered as a structured series of 64 mini modules, via e-mail, and summarises key concepts and issues in business and management.

The programme is backed up by professional adviser networks who offer free support.

David Wornham (BBS) who will be heading up the programme delivery says: “The programme is designed for everyone in enterprise from the start up window cleaner to the small biotech company in its early stages of development. The programme aims to help fledgling businesses and SMEs start and sustain their businesses in the early phases of development, when the risks are at their highest. It equips them with the skills necessary to create business plans and cash flow forecasts.

“In addition to recent start ups and SMEs, we believe that it will be particularly appealing to women who feel they have an entrepreneurial streak and are returning to a career after having children, as well as those individuals making the transition from the armed forces. The programme stands out as it introduces a discipline of sustainability, which the banks are obviously receptive to during the current credit crunch.”

For further information on the Business Boffins programme at Bristol Business School visit www.uwe.ac.uk/bbs.

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iConnect receives £2.3m from EPSRCUWE is one of a number of universities including Bristol, East Anglia, Loughborough, Oxford, Southampton, Strathclyde and the MRC Epidemiology Unit in Cambridge that has received £2.3 million Government funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. Researchers including Jane Powell (Reader Health Economics, School of Health and Social Care) will work together to evaluate the impact of the Connect2 project across the fields of transport, carbon emissions, public health and energy consumption.

The iConnect (Impact of Constructing Non-motorised Networks and Evaluating Changes in Travel) study aims to measure and evaluate the changes in travel, physical activity and carbon emissions related to Sustrans' Connect2 project, which won the Big Lottery Fund’s recent People’s £50 Million contest.

Connect2 is an ambitious UK-wide project that will transform local travel in 79 communities, including some in the South West, by creating new crossings and bridges to overcome barriers such as busy roads, rivers and railways, giving people easier and healthier access to their schools, shops, parks and countryside. The value of the Connect2 investment is around £150 million with matched funding and it is designed to revitalise walking and cycling across the UK.

Starting next month, the five-year iConnect study, led by Professor John Preston at the University of Southampton, involves a broad evaluation of the whole Connect2 programme coupled with detailed investigations at five specific sites, including one scheme from the nine in the South West region. All Connect2 projects are designed to increase walking and cycling by connecting previously unconnected places with walkways, cycleways or bridges. Researchers hope to determine if the new routes have encouraged more people to switch from using their cars to walking or cycling, helping them to get more physically active and reducing their carbon footprint.

Community Volunteer Programme links up with Junction49The Community Volunteer Programme has been working with Junction49.co.uk to develop youth-led volunteering activities across the country. UWE was selected as one of 15 universities across England to pilot a Junction49 project. 35 students have been involved in planning and leading community projects and applying for financial awards to make them happen.

Suburban Bristol Photography ProjectA group of pupils from Summerhill Infants’ school took part in a practical photography project (left), led by Education student Tracy Hobbs. They tried out their digital photography skills and visited an exhibition at the Arnolfini to compare their images to those of American photographer Bill Owen. Tracy had the idea during her

placement and organised an exhibition of the pupils’ photos at the school.

Healthy Lifestyle DayIn collaboration with the Centre for Sport, five students from the School of Education - Melanie Rickard, Rebecca Colman, Laura Darby, Leanne Tucker and Sarah Barker - organised an activity day with the Pyramid Trust and Portway Community School during half term. 40 children took part in healthy eating workshops.

Green TeamThe Green Team (right) is an existing volunteer led initiative which helps local trusts and charities to manage their green spaces. Abigail Macvean, a student from BBS has been co-ordinating the project for two years. With access to extra funding, she was able to help Kingswood Heritage Museum to buy shrubs to restore its historical gardens. Volunteers helped to plant copper beech and hawthorn hedging at this important site of archaeological interest.

St Jude’s Art ProjectEmma Crofton, a final year Psychology student, led an art workshop to bring local residents’ groups together at St Jude’s Community Rooms. They created ten canvases based on ‘a window on your world’ which will be included in the Bristol Arts Trail.

Silver Surfers' DayOn 23 May, the Community Volunteer Programme and Bristol Institute of Technology welcomed 16 older people onto campus for National Silver Surfers' Day. 15 student and staff volunteers gave up an afternoon to support over 50s to use computers. Many were complete beginners, while others were developing their basic skills. Silver Surfers' Day, which is co-ordinated by Digital Unite, has been running since 2002 and this is the first year that UWE has hosted an event.

Silver Surfers Day at UWE (above)

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Following several years as a Trustee and Chair of community-based lifelong learning organisation, Knowle West Media Centre (KWMC) Sam Thomson, Senior Lecturer (SCA) was invited to attend a reception at Buckingham Palace to celebrate KWMC winning the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Sam and Karron Chaplin, a fellow KWMC trustee and Knowle West resident, attended the reception in the state rooms at Buckingham Palace on 20 May, where they were presented to the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, and congratulated on the success of the work of KWMC. Sam says:

“It was a unique experience to be invited to attend this reception as the representative of an organisation which has achieved so much over the last few years. At the reception we met people representing charities and voluntary organisations who are doing incredible work across all sorts of different agendas throughout the country. It is fantastic for KWMC to be recognised for excellence in voluntary service and I am very proud as Chair of the organisation to have been asked to represent KWMC at this event.

“KWMC and UWE have developed really strong links which I hope will continue to build over the coming years. We already have an AHRC funded collaborative PhD studentship between KWMC and the School of Creative Arts which is exploring the ways in

which young people will use technology in the future and we are developing a range of opportunities for students interested in community-based arts and media practice to work with KWMC to develop their experience. The potential for the School of Creative Arts to develop our work with innovative and forward thinking community-based education organisations, alongside our work with schools, colleges and other education providers is a really exciting proposition.”

SCA Senior Lecturer Sam Thomson (right) with Karron Chaplin, fellow KWMC Trustee, outside Buckingham Palace Photo Credit: Cheryl Martin

This year’s national conference of the Police Association of Higher Education Liaison Officers (PAHELO) is hosted by Avon and Somerset Constabulary, the University of the West of England and the University of Bristol. Hosting the event will be Heather Thomas, (Community Liaison Manager), PC Mike Lynett (UWE’s Beat Manager) and PC Nick Boyce from the University of Bristol.

Student safety is at the top of the agenda for the three-day conference where around 40 police officers and associate colleagues from around the country will discuss their successes in reducing crime and fear of crime against students.

Heather Thomas says, “The PAHELO annual meeting will focus on the way the relationship between the police, universities and students has evolved since the Association was set up, resulting in safer environments for students in which to live and study. Over the past 10 years, UWE in partnership with Avon and Somerset

Constabulary, University of Bristol, City of Bristol College, and Safer Bristol and South Gloucestershire has introduced a number of initiatives, which have resulted in a significant drop in crime on campus as well as across the city and South Gloucestershire generally.”

These initiatives include: community liaison initiatives, crime prevention briefings to students and staff; secure storage scheme; Student Accommodation Accreditation Scheme; spiking drinks campaign and vulnerable rooms operation.

This year’s conference will include a live web chat set up by the Home Office at which associate members will be on hand to respond to questions.

The conference will take place at the Mercure Holland House Hotel and Spa Bristol from 30 June to 2 July. For further information contact Heather Thomas, on 0117 32 81366.

UWE academic receives Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

UWE hosts annual PAHELO conference

Final year students at SCA attended ‘Future Forward’, an event in the new gallery space at Bower Ashton where they had the opportunity to meet and talk to representatives of arts and cultural organisations in Bristol and the wider region. Professionals from a range of organisations came in to UWE to talk to undergraduates about their work in the creative sector and offered advice for success in developing a future career in the art, design and media fields.

‘Future Forward’ was the latest in a series of events at SCA which aim to offer students from across the School the opportunity to network with local professionals in the arts and creative sectors and to hear from professionals about the opportunities open to students in the Bristol area post-graduation.

‘Future Forward’ was organised by Sam Thomson (SCA), Adrienne Noonan (SCA) and Paul Cox (Careers Service). Sam says: “Following the success of this year’s event, planning has already begun for next year with all of the visitors and speakers keen to come back to SCA again. That’s a fantastic credit to our students.”

Visiting Creative Industries Professionals at the 'Future Forward' employability event at the Bower Ashton Campus Picture Credit: Sarah McGlathery, BA (Hons) Photography

UWE students impress Creative Industries Professionals

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They are both endangered species and they are both different forms of shared resource, or resources held ‘in-common’, which means that although there is no private ownership many people might have some form of rights to use or benefit from their existence.

The management of these and other shared resources will be investigated, and alternative management approaches explored, at the 12th Biennial Conference of the International Association for the Study of Commons Conference, which is being held at the University of Gloucestershire on 14-18 July 2008.

Commons resource management experts from all over the world will be attending the conference, which is being organised by the Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI), a specialist rural research centre and a unique collaboration between the University of Gloucestershire, UWE and Hartpury College.

This major international conference will raise awareness of the damage caused to environmental goods such as the global atmosphere, the contribution to ecological poverty caused by the mis-management of shared resources such as marine fisheries, and the loss of native rights to traditional resources such as grazing lands for reindeer in the Arctic and medicinal plants in tropical forests. Such goods, shared by communities or groups of individuals, are also known as ‘commons’. The Conference will seek to address how commons should be managed at local, regional, national and global levels to promote a more sustainable world.

The term ‘commons’ includes all the things we own together and none of us owns individually. These include the air we breathe, water, forests, wildlife, energy, climate and landscapes, all of which are increasingly under threat.

Conference organiser Christopher Short (Senior Research Fellow, CCRI) says, “In many parts of the world shared resources remain under threat as a result of global economic forces, regional and national political developments, and inadequate legal recognition of common property rights. At the same time the global implications of poor resource management are increasingly recognised in terms of loss of biodiversity, destruction of valued resource systems, both natural and man-made, and global warming impacts. The conference will focus on the exchange of ideas between developing and developed world, between practitioners and researchers, and between old and new conceptions of commons.”

The conference, ’Governing shared resources: connecting local experience to global challenges’ will also look at the contribution of the ancient commons to the culture and society of England and Wales. Conference website: http://iasc2008.glos.ac.uk/iasc08.html

For more details contact Gill Parker, Conference Administrator, e-mail [email protected], Tel: +44 (0)1242 714123

The Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI), created by the University of Gloucestershire, UWE and Hartpury College is one of the leading specialist rural research centres in the country. See www.ccri.ac.uk for more information.

The village green is under threat

N E W S

What do the village green and the blue whale have in common?

10

CREATE launches exciting new print technology courses Two new specialist print courses on the latest developments and new applications in print technology have been organised by the CREATE group (Colour Research for European Advanced Technology Employment), based in the School of Creative Arts. See: www.create.uwe.ac.uk/about.htm

The short courses, aimed at researchers and postgraduate students interested in colour and technology relating to print on paper and the textile industry are expected to attract international interest.

The first course, ‘On Paper…’ will be held at UWE from Monday 13 – Friday 17 October 2008 and the second course ‘On Fabric…’ will be held at the University of Ulster, Belfast, Northern Ireland, from Sunday 19 – Wednesday 22 October 2008.

Carinna Parraman, of the Centre for Fine Print Research, said, “Print technology exists in a rapidly changing environment. There is so much we can learn from new techniques, and there are new technologies in one field (paper) which may have applications in another (textile) and vice versa. Our goal is to enable participants to embrace the knowledge of existing technology and practice as well as new knowledge and techniques to enhance and inspire their artistic research and practice. The CREATE courses and conferences, are leading the way internationally in research in this field, and these latest courses are expected to attract significant international interest.”

For more details see: www.create.uwe.ac.uk/news.htm

From the series Assimilation and Contrast (2007) by Carinna Parraman

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UWE and UBHT in joint conference symposium UWE researchers and UBHT clinical staff gave papers in a joint symposium at the RCN International Nursing Research conference held in Liverpool in April 2008.

The symposium, entitled 'Facilitated action research: is it an effective methodology for improving clinical practice? reported a year long action research project on care co-ordination in the Bristol Royal Children’s Hospital, facilitated by Dr Antonia Beringer. Antonia worked with a wide range of clinical areas using an action research approach to improve aspects of care co-ordination that staff themselves chose to focus on. The findings demonstrated the value of facilitation and recommend ways of supporting action research in an organisational context.

Dr Margaret Fletcher, who chaired the symposium, later commented that feedback from the audience reflected the quality of the research activity and the close working between research/practice development support (UWE and the Centre for Child and Adolescent Health) and the clinical teams.

Dr Peter Gold, Head of the Department of Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies and Director of the Regional Language Network South-West, received an award as a Business Language Champion at an event held at Bristol International airport on 8 May.

The event was to mark four years of RLN activity in the region, during which time specialist assistance on languages and cultural understanding has been offered to more than 385 companies through advisory visits, presentations have been made at over 300 events and over 4,000 companies which made direct contact with the RLN have been helped.

Peter Gold said: “The main recipients of these Business Language Champion awards were, quite rightly, companies that recognised the importance of using foreign languages and understanding cultural differences in their business and then putting this awareness into practice on the basis of advice received from the RLN.

“But it was very gratifying also for me to receive an award on behalf of UWE in recognition of the work that we have

done in contributing to the success of the project. Much of the work in the West of England hub over the past two years has been carried out by research associates Rosie Gilmour and Susan Roe, and they deserve much of the credit.”

Dr Peter Gold pictured top row second from right at the awards

UWE lecturer receives award as Business Language Champion

The symposium team

UWE advises Parliament on science in schoolsDr Karen Bultitude (left) of the Science Communication Unit gave a presentation to the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee recently on the subject of Hands-on Science in Schools. The audience was composed of members of the House of Commons and House of Lords and representatives of leading scientific and technical institutions, universities and major companies.

Karen said, “My talk was about how we can overcome the challenges facing us in halting

the decline in children taking science subjects at school and university. In particular I highlighted the impact of the hundreds of programmes on offer for enhancing and enriching learning within schools. These activities are provided by a wide range of organisations including universities, learned societies, museums,

charities and private companies. I discussed a range of successful examples including the RoboCup Junior competition, the Awesome Athletes programme and our own ‘Meet the Gene Machine’ project. All three projects show that one of the most effective ways to engage students is through hands-on learning.”

Chairman of the committee and member for Bristol North West, Douglas Naysmith MP, said the presentation was of great interest to the members, several of whom commented that they had learned much from the meeting.

The Parliamentary and Scientific Committee was established in 1939 with the aim of improving understanding within Parliament of the implications of the science underpinning many of the issues with which those in both Houses have to grapple. The committee meets roughly once per month and is specifically designed to encourage cross-party discussion and debate. The formal meeting is followed by an informal drinks reception and dinner, throughout which the debate continues. A précis of Karen’s talk will be published in the summer edition of the journal Science in Parliament.

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N E W S

UWE staff link with GhanaContinuing the development of a project between the Tropical Health Education Trust (THET), Bolgatanga, (capital of upper East Ghana) and UWE which started in 2006, three members of staff from the School of HSC had an opportunity to visit and work with staff from the Nurse Training College (NTC). Initially the project was set up to enhance the education of student nurses and the retention of qualified nursing staff.

Working collaboratively with staff from Bolga NTC an evolving action plan was created which identified areas for future work.

In March 2008 the School welcomed two teaching staff and a member from the regional hospital. They spent three weeks exploring, observing and learning about developing their skills. They also had opportunities to visit practice areas both within hospital and community settings. To ensure continuity of the project, a further two members of the School have just returned from Bolgatanga after a two week visit to improve the ICT infrastructure within the college.

For further information contact Mary Allen, Eric Broussine and Carol Clark.

Market day in Bolgatanga

Winning Product Design students visit Brabantia in HollandThird year students on the Product Design programme, Oliver Bowen, Darrell Meason and Sebastian Chung, recently visited Brabantia’s new product development centre and factory in Eindhoven, Holland. The visit was part of their prize for winning the Brabantia Design Award – a competition for student teams at UWE to design the ‘kitchen bin of the future’.

During the two day visit the winning student team had a packed programme which included presenting their winning design to Brabantia’s senior management team who were clearly impressed with the high level of innovation and design creativity embodied in the students 'UltraClean' bin, which harnesses UVC technology to create a sterile, germ and odour free kitchen bin.

Brabantia managers then gave the students presentations on the company brand, its design and innovation process, and its manufacturing technology and capability, followed by a full tour of the factory. To finish off, the students were given the

chance to demonstrate their professional talents working on blue sky design concepts and brainstorming sessions with Brabantia’s in-house design team.

The project has certainly been a great success, with Brabantia gaining valuable and imaginative ideas for future waste management solutions from the next generation of designers and consumers, whilst for UWE’s product design students it’s been a great opportunity to experience working with professionals in a commercial environment on a very challenging live project.

Pictured from left to right are Oliver Bowen, Sebastien Chung and Darrell Meason

Finance is no barrier to higher education at UWE Bristol. Owen Beckett (pictured right receiving his cheque from Steve West) is the 10,000th student to receive financial support from UWE Bristol since the introduction of top-up fees in 2006. UWE offers the fifth largest amount of additional fee income spent on financial support for lower income students*. Over half of UWE's students have received some financial assistance from the University to help offset their concerns about getting into debt. Bursaries have ranged from £1,250 to £750 per annum according to a student's family income. *Source: Office for Fair Access, Access Agreement Monitoring 2008

New international journal announcedApril 2008 sees the launch by Taylor and Francis publishers of a pioneering new journal, Arts and Health: an International Journal of Research, Policy and Practice. The aim of the journal is to develop an international forum for the dissemination of research, policy and best practice within the interdisciplinary field of arts and health.

UWE colleagues have played a key role in the development of the journal, which has three executive editors, Professor Norma Daykin (HLS), Dr Paul Camic and Professor Stephen Clift (Canterbury Christ Church University). HLS colleagues Dr Jane Coad, Professor Leslie Bunt and Judy Orme, all of whom have led key initiatives in arts and health research and practice, are members of the international editorial review board.

The journal is to be published in association with the Society for Arts in Healthcare www.thesah.org. The launch will take place at the SAH 19th annual conference, 16-19 April at Temple University, Philadelphia, USA. Further details at www.tandf.co.uk/journals/rahe, first issue will be published in March 2009.

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Sixth South West Universities GradSchool

Trainee tycoons celebrate success at theBizIdea final

UWE’s pioneering annual GradSchool, a residential training programme for research students, was held recently for the sixth time. A highly regarded part of the skills development landscape in the region, it is still the only GradSchool in the South West recognised by the Research Councils, via UKGRAD, as equivalent to their national GradSchool programme. Such is the reputation of the programme that UWE will be leading the region’s first South West Universities GradSchool in 2009 on behalf of all the HEIs in the region.

“It is a tribute to the reputation of the UWE programme that the other universities in the region have committed to joining in with us next year,” said course manager Dr Paul Spencer (RBI). “The course has always attracted students from other universities, including this year from Bristol, Bath, Cranfield and as far away as Edinburgh. In anticipation of the involvement of other regional HEIs, the programme was co-managed this year by Dr Tracey Stead of Bath University.”

The focus of the course is on the development of personal and career skills and aimed at research students typically mid-way through their research programme. Held at Buckland Hall in the Brecon Beacons, the four day programme was directed by Janet Wilkinson (ThreeTimesThree consultancy) and organised by RBI with support from the Career Development Unit and tutors from both RBI and faculties, as well as specialist trainers.

According to student Sarah Rigden (BNE), “It was such an insightful experience. I now feel inspired to move forward with my research.” Recognising the value of stepping back from the

day-to-day demands of research study, David Primrose (HSC) said, “I hesitated before committing four days but it was has been well worth the time.” Ana Renteria, a Bristol University student from Mexico, thought that “It was great. Great fun, great tutors and very useful.”

For more information on the UWE GradSchool contact Dr Paul Spencer (RBI) on [email protected].

Research students on the UWE GradSchool at Buckland Hall grappling with a tricky problem

Course managers for the 2008 GradSchool, Dr Tracey Stead (Bath University) and Dr Paul Spencer (RBI, UWE)

In its seventh year, theBizIdea competition keeps on growing and attracting brilliant ideas from the tycoons of the future. This year, there was a new Creative Idea Prize to add to the top awards for Best Business Idea and Best Social Enterprise.

A full list of the winners is announced at www.uwe.ac.uk/rbi

The competition is run by UWE's Research, Business and Innovation group (RBI) and entrants had several chances to win. The three top prizes each offer cash awards and a prize package including a year's rent-free space in UWE's city centre business incubator. There was a special CIM award for the entry with the best marketing element, runners-up awards and merit awards for other shortlisted ideas.

Inspirational keynote speaker at the final event and prizegiving on 19 June was Adam Goodyer, co-founder of Concert Live. His company specialises in ‘instant’ live CDs, recording music concerts so waiting fans can take home high-quality CDs just ten minutes after the last note has been played. The growing business works with some of the world’s biggest artists and was effective in changing legislation that has governed UK charts for 50 years. Concert Live won the HSBC 2007 Start-Up Stars competition and Adam said, “Competitions like UWE’s theBizIdea are a great way to encourage creativity and a spirit of enterprise among students.”

Other successful entrepreneurs who spoke eloquently of their experiences in setting up a new business or social enterprise were Patrick Dasoberi, a previous theBizIdea winner, with Community Portal International Ltd; Claire Foster, winner

of a Prince’s Trust Award for her juice and smoothie bar Superjuice, and Sally Lincoln of Nomensa which produces award-winning websites and user experience consultancy.

This year theBizIdea competition’s sponsors, who are crucial to its success, are Business Link, Haseltine Lake, Lloyds TSB, Osborne Clarke, Chartered Institute of Marketing, Book Check, The Directors’ Centre, GlassesDirect, ISG Pearce, Jordans, Kinneir Dufort, Spark, Spike Design, SXS Events and the University of the West of England. Besides providing financial support they gave time and extremely valuable advice to support business, social enterprise and creative ideas.

Roger Wilkins, Business Link Start-Up Manager said, “Business Link is delighted to be working with UWE to share our knowledge and experience with entrepreneurs through the BizIdea Competition. We aim to provide the guidance that new business startups often need to give them the best chance of success."

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N E W S I N B R I E F

News in Brief

Staff in the mediaJo Earl (Project Assistant, Community Volunteer Programme) was interviewed

on the Breakfast Show on BBC Radio Bristol

on Friday 23 May, speaking about ‘National

Silver Surfers’ Day and motivating older

people to become more internet savvy.

Dr Gordon Downie's (BIT) BBC orchestral

commission, forms 6: event aggregates, was

given its broadcast premiere on BBC Radio

3's Pre-Hear on 5April by the BBC National

Orchestra of Wales, Grant Llewllyn conducting.

John Sellars (HLSS) recently spoke at the

Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in London

on the nature of collecting as part of the ICA's

'Philosophy of the Overlooked' series. The talk

was written up in the international art magazine

Apollo and on the Daily Telegraph blog.

Dr Chris Alford (LS) was interviewed by BBC

Inside Out on 2 May about an experiment of the

effects of drinking super strength lager.

Professor Ron Ritchie (EDU) was interviewed

by Star Radio on 23 May about the shake-up in

primary education and school closures in Bristol.

Benjamin Roe (HSC) was interviewed by BBC

Radio Bristol on 22 April about UWE students

being the first in the country to be trained using

Virtual Radio Therapy following the installation

at Glenside of the Vertual Linear Accelerator.

PublicationsErel Avineri (BNE) recently published

'Maximising Motorway Capacity through Hard

Shoulder Running: UK Perspective' in The

Open Transportation Journal. Co-authored by

Paul Chase, this paper describes Hard Shoulder

Running, an innovative way to increase the

capacity of motorways without the need for

substantial land-take and construction. The

paper outlines the strengths and limitations

of Hard Shoulder Running as viewed by UK

stakeholders.

Norma Daykin (2008) ‘Context, Culture and

Risk: Towards an Understanding of the Impact

of Music in Health Care Settings’. In Edwards,

J (ed) Music: Promoting Health and Creating

Community in Healthcare Contexts, Cambridge

Scholars Press.

AppointmentsMichèle Wheeler (Academic Registry) has been elected to represent the Regional

Co-ordinators on the Association of University

Administrators’ Council, which has recently

been introduced as the result of a Governance

Review of the AUA. The Council will comprise

representation from across the membership of the Association and key external stakeholders, to inform the Board’s strategic decisions. Michèle is the Regional Co-ordinator for the South West Region.

Professor Norma Daykin (HSC) was recently invited by the London Arts in Health Forum to chair a panel discussion on the role of arts therapies and arts for health. The meeting, which was held at the Arts Council England on 8 May, brought together artists, musicians and arts therapists from all over the country to discuss the role and contribution of arts to health care, focusing on the experiences of practitioners and the development of inter-professional working in this emergent health care sector.

Alice Hortop (HSC) has just been appointed as a Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy. Alice’s previous role was Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist in Mental Health Services for Older People in Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust. Alice also managed her own Training and Therapy company and taught Occupational Therapy as a visiting lecturer in Cardiff University. She frequently presents in Zagreb University in Croatia with the humanitarian aid charity ‘Convoy of Hope’, and sits on the board of trustees for this charity. Alice’s main media and publishing portfolio is in ‘third wave therapies’ such as Laughter Therapy, although she has

Obituary for Peter Taylor: 1949-2008, who died on 27/3/08Peter was born in Bristol and attended Kingswood Grammar School before completing an undergraduate degree in Business Studies at Lanchester Polytechnic, Coventry in 1971. It was at Lanchester Polytechnic that Peter met Mary, who later became his wife, and several other friends who, by chance, met Peter again and worked with him at UWE for many years.

Peter was a born academic. He loved the cut and thrust of intellectual debate and engaging in the academic equivalent of testing components (in his case concepts) to destruction through the application of rigorous logic.

He also enjoyed studying. After finishing his degree he successfully completed a postgraduate certificate in Quantitative Social Studies at the University of Kent in 1972, a Master’s in Economics at University College, Cardiff, in 1976, was awarded his DPhil from UWE in 1996 and then, purely to satisfy his intellectual curiosity, he completed the MA Marketing award at UWE in 2001.

Peter joined Bristol Polytechnic in 1973 and continued to work at UWE right up to his death. He started as a Lecturer in Economics and soon made his presence felt

not only in academic debates within the Department but also in the football team, the Dynamos. He moved

into Bristol Business School in 1993 first joining the Strategy School and later, as his academic

interests evolved, moving into the School of Accounting and Finance.

Peter was an inspirational teacher who encouraged students to achieve above and beyond their own expectations. His commitment and dedication, particularly to his large cohort of PhD students, gained him their fierce loyalty and respect and he is sadly missed.

Those that knew Peter will remember him as a man of strong values who was

always willing to argue his corner and to stand up for the things he held dear. His love

of family life, with Mary and his sons, Tom and Charlie, the English countryside and community

were evident in the hymns and readings he chose for his funeral service at his local church, St James’, Abson. He faced his final illness as he did life with dignity, patience and an unfailing sense of humour. Through his students and his published work he leaves an enduring legacy and a tangible memorial to his life well lived.

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published several articles in various practice and

research developments.

ConferencesProfessor Paul Gough, (Pro Vice-Chancellor

and Executive Dean CA), as one of the leading

academics in the field of art and design in

the UK, was the invited guest speaker at The

University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC)

Cardiff School of Art and Design dinner on

Friday 6 June. Professor Gough is recognised

as a leader in this field and has a distinguished

record as a painter and writer. At the dinner

Professor Gough argued for an ecological model

of structured growth of art and design provision

in universities.

Dr Penelope Harnett (EDU) presented a

paper, entitled, 'Cultural diversity and school

practice:teachers' and pupils' views on

diversity' at a seminar on how teaching about

cultural diversity through history can help in

strengthening social cohesion and co-operation

in present day society. The seminar, on 28-29

April, was organised by the Ministry of Education

and Science of the Russian Federation, Federal

Institute of Education Development Training and

Consulting Centre Practice and the Council of

Europe in Moscow.

Norma Daykin and Ellie Byrne (HSC)

presented ‘Building on the Evidence: Qualitative

Research on the Impact of a Visual Arts

Programme in Mental Healthcare’ at The

Society for the Arts in Healthcare's 19th Annual

Conference, Temple University 16 - 19 April

2008, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Tessa Sanderson, PhD student based at the

Academic Rheumatology Unit, presented three

posters and gave an invited talk on ‘Managing

Life with Rheumatological Conditions: Well-

being’ at the British Society for Rheumatology, in

Liverpool, on 25 April.

Professor Norma Daykin, Ellie Bryne

(HSC), Soteriou T, O’Connor S ‘Building on the

Evidence: Qualitative Research on the Impact of

Arts in Mental Healthcare’. Poster presentation,

UK Mental Health Research Network

Conference. 12 - 14 March 2008. Royal College

of Physicians, London, UK

Professor Norma Daykin (HSC) gave an invited

presentation, ‘Understanding Diverse Responses

to the Arts in Healthcare’, at the British

Psychological Association Seminar Series, ‘Arts

and Health: Psycho-Social Perspectives on Arts

for Well-being and Social Inclusion’ on 19 May

2008, Manchester Metropolitan University.

Human ResourcesImportant message for staffHave you gained additional academic qualifications?As you may be aware, the University is required to provide information about its staff to HESA (the Higher Education Statistical Agency) on an annual basis. The majority of the data required by HESA is already held by Human Resources either in our normal records or from survey questionnaires completed by staff in previous years.

One element of the return is information about the highest academic qualification held by staff and this of course might change between return years. To ease administration we will assume that this data is unchanged and it will be resubmitted in September 2008. If, however, you have gained a higher level of qualification in the last year please would you pass the details to me as soon as possible in order that your record may be updated, describing the level of qualification and the subject discipline – please e-mail [email protected]

Data Protection Act Collection NoticeThe information the University provides to HESA about its staff is submitted in coded and anonymised format and held on a database which is passed to central government departments and agencies and devolved administrations which require it to enable them to carry out their statutory functions under the Education Acts. It is also used for statistical analysis by HESA and the above bodies resulting in publication and release of data to other approved non-statutory users. These may include academic researchers and unions. You may wish to note that your name and contact details will not be made available to HESA and precautions are taken to minimise the risk that you will be able to be identified from the data. If you have concerns about, or objections to, the use of data for these purposes, please contact HESA at HYPERLINK http://www.hesa.ac.uk www.hesa.ac.uk or by writing to HESA, 95 Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1HZ

$$

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UWE Sportwww.uwe.ac.uk/sport

UWE HotshotsHoliday Camps 2008

Monday 28 July – Friday 1 August

Monday 4 – Friday 8 August

Monday 11 – Friday 15 August

Monday 18 – Friday 22 August

Contact the Centre for Sport reception on 0117 328 6200 or visit the website www.uwe.ac.uk/sport/sportscamp.shtml

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Reading Buddiesn Reading Buddies aims to - give children additional reading practice - help them develop their comprehension skills to encourage

an enjoyment of books, words and literature - raise children's self-esteem

n Various schools within travelling distance from UWE including Lockleaze Primary and Hillfields

n To begin Autumn term, September 2008

n Anyone who can spare 1- 1.5 hours once a week or once a fortnight including travel time to help a child to read

“Volunteering as a buddy is very rewarding, although challenging at times! It has helped me to decide that I would like to be a primary school teacher and I am starting a PGCE in September!”

Visit our website www.uwe.ac.uk/volunteer/staff volunteering/readingbuddies

Contact Jenny Wade jenny.wade @uwe.ac.uk

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www.uwe.ac.ukRegister online

UWE Open Day Saturday 11 October 10.00-16.00

hello welcome

+

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Adverts up to a maximum of 50 words can be placed in the Bulletin by staff for free by e-mailing [email protected].

Plumbing, tiling, decorating, kitchen and bathroom fitting. Reliable, experienced and reasonably-priced work carried out to your instructions. Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire and surrounding areas. All work to quotes unless otherwise requested. Call 01454 312535, 07825 816050 or e-mail on [email protected].

To let - French holiday home in Vendee town of Aizenay, West France. 15 mins from coast and golf courses, sleeps 10, fully equipped, from £300 per week. Further details contact Patrice Lloyd 01454 775282.

For sale - Bailey Scorpio Avalon 4 berth caravan 1992, fully fitted with awning £2,000. Contact Patrice Lloyd 01454 775282.

House for sale - three bedroom 1930s semi detached in quiet road in Brislington. Nice garden some need of attention hence price £180.000 ono, please call Tony 078036 18948 for further details.

For sale - three piece suite, beige washable covers, buyer collects, make me an offer! Contact Pam on 0117 970 2740 or e-mail [email protected]

Pedicures and/or Manicures only £10 so get your feet ready for summer at Sparkles Beauty - (inside Diamond Cut Hairdressers) High Street, Staple Hill - Tel: 07878 168486

Staff Ads

Are you a budding walker, or even someone that likes to go for a bit of exercise occasionally? Would you like to join the Staff Association Walking Club?

We are looking for new members to boost our numbers and also anyone that is prepared to lead a walk now and again. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t done this before, we enjoy a laugh and occasionally getting a bit lost.

Upcoming Sunday walks: 20 July, 10 August, 31 August, 21 September, 12 October, 2 November, 23 November, 14 December

If you would like to know more - or would like to volunteer either to lead a short walk or a longer more strenuous one for the younger (and more energetic) members contact Amanda Cooke. 0117 32 82765, e-mail [email protected]

Staff Association Walking Club

Students were awarded prizes for their excellence and commitment in performing arts at a special award ceremony held at the Royal West of England Academy.

The students were involved in a wide variety of activities as part of the Centre for Performing Arts’ programme, including the orchestra, brass consort, clarinet, woodwind and saxophone group, drama, vocal studies, big band, music theatre and backstage crew.

The prizewinners were: Peter Larter - Theatek Prize for Technical Excellence; Laura McGowan UWESU Drama Prize; Stuart Provan - Luke Gale Memorial prize; Rebecca Smith - Allianz Cornhill Musical Insurance Prize; Lisa Winstone - The Bristol Academy of Performing Arts Prize; Stewart Bell - Centre for Performing Arts Prize; Adam Bishop - Allianz Cornhill Musical Insurance Prize; Sarah Greenish - Cremona House Prize; James Wills - Allianz Cornhill Musical Insurance Prize and Charlotte Stein - UWE Vice-Chancellor's Prize. Each prizewinner received a certificate and a cheque for £50.

The event was attended by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Bristol, Christopher and Sue Davies, Professor Steven West Vice-Chancellor of UWE, prize sponsors, distinguished guests from arts organisations, and the families and friends of the prizewinners. The guest speaker was David Fanshawe - Composer and Explorer, who gave an inspirational and entertaining speech entitled - 'Life Changing Experiences'

The evening had a distinct celebratory feel, focusing on the achievements and talents of the prizewinners as well as on the UWE Centre for Performing Arts programme of events over the past year and its continued commitment to community outreach.

The prize winners are: Back row (L-R): Laura McGowan, Stewart Bell, Adam Bishop, Peter Larter and Charlotte Stein. Middle (L-R): Sarah Greenish, Lisa Winstone. Front (L-R): James Wills, Rebecca Smith, Stuart Provan

UWE gives prizes to outstanding performers

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what'son www.uwe.ac.ukA Sense of Scale: SML XLDate: 1 May 2008 - 30 July 2008Venue: Spike Print Studio, Bordeaux Quay

Email: [email protected] Visit: www.spikeprintstudio.org

Bristol Shakespeare FestivalDate: 17 June 2008 - 31 August 2008Venue: Various, Bristol

Email: [email protected] Visit: www.bristolshakespeare.org.uk/

Linux Boot CampDate: 30 June 2008 - 2 July 2008Craig DuffyVenue: Frenchay Campus

Contact: Pat Cottrell Tel: 0117 32 84242 Email: [email protected] Visit: www.uwe.ac.uk/bit

ICT Conference and Exhibition 2008Date: 2 July 2008Venue: Frenchay Campus

Contact: Joanne Bailey Tel: 0117 32 82292 Email: [email protected]

Farmers MarketDate: 2 July 2008 (Time: 10.00-15.00)Venue: Courtyard outside Main Reception

Admission: Free Visit: www.uwe.ac.uk/environment/farmersmarket/

Philosophy and Film / Film and Philosophy: A multidisciplinary conferenceDate: 4 - 6 July 2008UWE in association with the Arnolfini ArtsCentre, Bristol and the British Society ofAestheticsVenue: Arnolfini, Harbourside, Bristol

Admission: £75 (waged), £45 (unwaged) Tel: 0117 32 84810 Visit: http://amd.uwe.ac.uk/index.asp?pageid=1644

St Paul's CarnivalDate: 5 July 2008Venue: Portland Square, St Paul's, Bristol

Telephone: 0117 944 4176 Email: [email protected] Visit: www.stpaulscarnival.co.uk

Drawing Quarters 2008: Practice-based SymposiumDate: 8 - 11 July 2008

Admission: Booking essential, see website Tel: 0117 32 84810 Visit: http://amd.uwe.ac.uk/index.asp?pageid=1656

Writing for their Lives: Guantanamo Bay and Death Row risonersDate: 8 July 2008 (Time: 19.00-22.00)Moazzam Begg/Marie Mulvey-RobertsVenue: Pierian Centre

Admission: Free Contact: Marie Mulvey-Roberts Tel: 0117 963 8722 Email: [email protected]

Centre for Child and Adolescent Health Research SeminarDate: 11 July 2008 (Time: 09.30-11.00)Jenny IngramVenue: Hampton House, Cotham Hill, Bristol

Telephone: 0117 33 10893 Email: [email protected]

Bristol Wine and Food FairDate: 11 - 13 July 2008Time: Fri & Sat-12.00-21.30, Sun- 12.00-18.00Venue: Harbourside, Bristol

Telephone: 0117 966 3002 Visit: www.bristolwineandfoodfair.co.uk

Vision 5KDate: 20 July 2008 (Time: 11.00)Venue: Eastville Park

Contact: Harriette Rothwell Tel: 0207 014 9362 Email: [email protected] Visit: www.vision5kuk.org

Graphic Design Team MC800 UWE, BRISTOL F.06.08 Printing & Stationery Services

To submit a UWE event to the Bulletin please use the form at www.uwe.ac.uk/events

Bulletin deadlines 2008Month/Issue Copy deadlineJuly/78 Tuesday 1 JulySept/79 Monday 1 SeptemberOct/80 Wednesday 1 OctoberNov/81 Monday 3 November

Members' Summer Buffet 08We are pleased to announce that the Members Summer Buffet 08 will take place on Thursday 10 July. Don't forget to order your tickets in advance from the Staff Association Office! Thank you for your support. We look forward to seeing you there! Staff Association, FC00, Felixstowe Court, Frenchay Campus Tel: 0117 328 2969 E-mail: [email protected] Web page: www.uwe.ac.uk/staff-assoc/

Coach ClubForthcoming trips Please note incorrect dates were printed in last month’s Bulletin for the Torquay and Murder Mystery trips. The correct dates are below.

'Summer Special' - Torquay - Saturday 12 July £9 members, £10 guests, £6 child. Payment in full when booking, please.

NEW – Severn Valley Railway - Saturday 13 September Cost: £17 members, £18 guests, £14 children (same as last year!) (Re-scheduled trip from July 07. Those who originally booked (plus those on the waiting list) will be given priority seats.

Murder Mystery Weekend - Fri 10 – Sun 12 October Cost: £110 members, £115 guests (based on 2 sharing -single supp £25) Staying at Britannia Bosworth Hall Hotel, Warwickshire. Leaving Friday evening, staying for 2 nights D,B&B. Deposit of £30 on booking please.

Due to demand, your request for seats will only be ‘provisional’ until payment/deposit is received and they will not be held indefinitely without it if we have a waiting list. Thank you. If you are interested in any of the above please contact us: [email protected], tel: 0117 328 3001

40th Anniversary Celebration EventAlton Towers - Saturday 27 September Special prices: £30 members, £35 guests, children (3-12yrs) and seniors - £25. Cost includes entry ticket, but if you have entry vouchers etc that you wish to use please contact us for a further reduction! Hopefully this event will appeal to the more energetic, ‘thrill seekers’ among our membership. This trip has been cut to basic cost for all and then subsidised again for members, children and seniors. Contact us: FC00, Felixstowe Court, Frenchay Campus, x82969 (voicemail), [email protected] NB: Due to the summer break full payment will need to be made before July to secure seats booked. Cheques payable to ‘Staff Association’ please.

Staff Association