May 2011 - University of Worcester
May 2011 - University of Worcester
May 2011 - University of Worcester
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news<br />
& views<br />
THE UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER MAGAZINE<br />
<strong>May</strong> <strong>2011</strong><br />
A royal<br />
opening<br />
HRH The Duke <strong>of</strong> Gloucester to<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficially open City Campus p.4-5<br />
In this issue:<br />
Award Winning<br />
City Campus artwork wins National Art Award p.10<br />
Bribery & Corruption<br />
Workshop will explore bribery in UK Business p.14<br />
Business Pitch to<br />
Hockey Pitch<br />
Staff feature: Mark Richardson p.15
feature<br />
Vice Chancellor Calls on<br />
Government to Halt Reduction<br />
in Student Nurses<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor David Green has<br />
written to the Secretary<br />
<strong>of</strong> State for Health and<br />
the Chief Executive <strong>of</strong> NHS<br />
West Midlands in a bid to<br />
overturn a cut in student<br />
nursing numbers across the<br />
region.<br />
NHS West Midlands, the Strategic Health<br />
Authority, has made a 17.5% cut to<br />
commissions for <strong>2011</strong>/12, which makes up<br />
two thirds <strong>of</strong> the national cut <strong>of</strong> 3.5%.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Green said in his letter to Ian<br />
Cumming OBE, Chief Executive <strong>of</strong> NHS<br />
West Midlands: “This cut, applying across<br />
all universities, and all branches <strong>of</strong> nursing,<br />
is most serious and is likely to have a<br />
significant impact on the future security <strong>of</strong><br />
the nursing workforce and hence the quality<br />
<strong>of</strong> patient care.<br />
“This cut will lead to significant and entirely<br />
predictable shortages in the years ahead.<br />
It will make it more difficult for nursing<br />
to respond to the pressures created by an<br />
ageing population.”<br />
The cuts come in the wake <strong>of</strong> the Stafford<br />
Hospital enquiry.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Green said: “At a time when it is<br />
essential to improve and, in some cases, to<br />
re-establish public confidence in the quality<br />
<strong>of</strong> nursing in the West Midlands, such cuts<br />
will make the situation significantly more<br />
difficult.”<br />
The total reduction in commissioned<br />
places in the West Midlands is 457, with<br />
an 18% cut in Adult Nursing, 15% in Child<br />
Nursing, 17% in Mental Health, and 15% in<br />
Learning Disabilities.<br />
The cut is being made despite the major<br />
review, commissioned by the Department<br />
for Health, in March <strong>of</strong> nursing numbers.<br />
In a statement to the Nursing Times, NHS<br />
West Midlands said it was commissioning<br />
training places based on long term<br />
workforce plans using detailed projections<br />
made by NHS organisations around the<br />
level <strong>of</strong> staffing required to meet future<br />
demand <strong>of</strong> local health services.<br />
However, Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Green called this<br />
“deeply unconvincing” as there is no<br />
publicly available information showing<br />
that there is a need for a drop in the<br />
nursing workforce. On the contrary, it<br />
is widely accepted that there will be<br />
a greater need for nursing in future.<br />
Currently, there are shortages in many<br />
areas including dementia nursing, theatre<br />
nursing, school nursing and specialist child<br />
nursing. This year’s consultation with<br />
the Strategic Health Authority revolved<br />
around their desire to cut 14% from the<br />
Multi-Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Education and Training<br />
Budget which covers nursing.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Green said: “<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Worcester</strong> nursing graduates have 100%<br />
employment rate. They are being snapped<br />
up by employers in the NHS, private health<br />
care providers and the armed forces. If we<br />
cut the number <strong>of</strong> nurses being trained<br />
today then the NHS will be forced to go<br />
back to recruiting trained nurses from<br />
abroad tomorrow.”<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Green said: “Earlier this year<br />
West Midlands Strategic Health Authority<br />
reversed a decision to cut 16% <strong>of</strong> all<br />
midwifery training places, on the personal<br />
order <strong>of</strong> the Secretary <strong>of</strong> State Andrew<br />
Lansley, following pressure from the Royal<br />
College <strong>of</strong> Midwives and Universities. We<br />
hope that the Secretary <strong>of</strong> State will again<br />
intervene to save the education <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Country’s future nurses whom an NHS<br />
spokeswoman described this month as “the<br />
backbone <strong>of</strong> the NHS”.”<br />
Applications to study nursing at the<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Worcester</strong> have more than<br />
doubled over the past two years and, for<br />
some branches, there are now well over<br />
10 applicants per place. The most recent<br />
annual Nursing and Midwifery Council<br />
inspection <strong>of</strong> nursing at <strong>Worcester</strong> gave<br />
the <strong>University</strong> and its NHS partners in<br />
Herefordshire and <strong>Worcester</strong>shire the<br />
highest rating possible and commended<br />
the <strong>University</strong> for its “close and effective<br />
partnership working” with local hospitals,<br />
practices and health care providers.<br />
2 / MAY <strong>2011</strong> / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
COVER wELCOME STORY<br />
contents<br />
FEATURE<br />
UW Vice Chancellor Calls on<br />
Government to Halt Reduction in<br />
Student Nurses 2<br />
COVER STORY<br />
welcome<br />
Welcome to the <strong>May</strong> issue <strong>of</strong><br />
News & Views, featuring a<br />
roundup <strong>of</strong> news, launches<br />
and milestones from the past<br />
month at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Worcester</strong>.<br />
240 years ago a plot <strong>of</strong> land was purchased on<br />
Castle Street for the <strong>Worcester</strong> Royal Infirmary to<br />
solve the increasing problem <strong>of</strong> limited beds at the<br />
earlier Silver Street Infirmary. Later this month the<br />
<strong>University</strong>’s Chancellor, The Duke <strong>of</strong> Gloucester<br />
will <strong>of</strong>ficially open City Campus, marking its<br />
revival to <strong>Worcester</strong>shire’s city landscape.<br />
HOOK-A-DUCK FOR WORCESTER SNOEZELEN<br />
A spring fete is being held at the<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Worcester</strong> in <strong>May</strong> to raise<br />
money for a local charity.<br />
The <strong>University</strong>’s Community Development<br />
Workers are hosting the event in aid <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>University</strong>’s Charity <strong>of</strong> the Year, <strong>Worcester</strong><br />
Snoezelen. The event will be held on Friday, <strong>May</strong><br />
13 from midday onwards, in the area outside the<br />
Chandler Halls <strong>of</strong> Residence, at St John’s Campus.<br />
There will be various activities such as a cake<br />
decorating competition, a guess how many<br />
sweets are in the jar contest, guess the name <strong>of</strong><br />
the teddy, hook a duck and a raffle/ tombola.<br />
The <strong>of</strong>ficial opening is just one <strong>of</strong> many events<br />
taking place this month. Various conferences,<br />
lectures and exhibitions are taking place from<br />
St John’s, to the Garage to City Campus.<br />
Along the way the <strong>University</strong> will be working<br />
closely with some <strong>of</strong> our local partners<br />
including <strong>Worcester</strong> Cathedral to many <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Worcester</strong>shire’s finest sporting clubs and groups<br />
at the fourth Learning Through Sports event.<br />
If you have an event you would like featured,<br />
please let us know. Please keep in touch by sending<br />
your news to newsandviews@worc.ac.uk<br />
There will also be ice cream and hot food as well<br />
as Trade Nepal and Zaytoun selling Fair Trade<br />
goods and Smartwater kits sold by a member<br />
<strong>of</strong> the St John’s Neighbourhood Watch.<br />
The <strong>Worcester</strong> Snoezelen is an independent<br />
charity which provides a multi-sensory<br />
environment to <strong>of</strong>fer leisure and therapy<br />
facilities. People <strong>of</strong> any age who have physical,<br />
sensory or learning disabilities can benefit <strong>of</strong><br />
the Snoezelen Centre. More than 450 people<br />
regularly use their facilities, including multisensory<br />
rooms, hydrotherapy, accessible<br />
music making, s<strong>of</strong>t play areas, creative art<br />
opportunities and a sensory garden.<br />
Royal Opening for City Campus 4<br />
news<br />
Hook-a-duck for <strong>Worcester</strong><br />
Snoezelen 3<br />
Shakespearean Scholar to Deliver<br />
Lecture 6<br />
Former England Rugby Coach to<br />
Headline Coaching Summit 6<br />
Fee Level for 2012 Announcement7<br />
Students’ Surprise Meeting with<br />
Exiled Journalist 8<br />
<strong>Worcester</strong> Sports Psychologist<br />
Helps RAF Team 8<br />
Trainee Teachers Keep Children Safe<br />
Online 9<br />
New Online Journal for Student-led<br />
Research in Sport 9<br />
Children’s Work Wins National Art<br />
Award 10<br />
Kenya-bound 10<br />
PhD Student Establishes Crystal<br />
Healing Business 11<br />
Awards for Commitment to Design<br />
and Technology 11<br />
Student Development Activities 11<br />
Art Students Host Final Year Degree<br />
Show 12<br />
ABS Meeting 12<br />
<strong>Worcester</strong> Lecturers Nominated for<br />
National Award 13<br />
The <strong>Worcester</strong> Lecture 13<br />
GB Visually Impaired Football Team<br />
13<br />
Launch <strong>of</strong> Security Certification<br />
Scheme 14<br />
Childhood Legends Brought to Life<br />
14<br />
Bribery and Corruption Workshop<br />
14<br />
sTAFF FEATURE<br />
From the boardroom to the hockey<br />
pitch:<br />
Mark Richardson 15<br />
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / MAY <strong>2011</strong> / 3
4 / MAY <strong>2011</strong> / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
COVER STORY<br />
Royal Opening<br />
for <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Worcester</strong>’s<br />
HRH the Duke <strong>of</strong> Gloucester will <strong>of</strong>ficially open the<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Worcester</strong>’s City Campus later this month.<br />
The former <strong>Worcester</strong> Royal Infirmary has<br />
been carefully and thoughtfully restored and<br />
converted to modern educational use.<br />
The main infirmary building has been named after Sir<br />
Charles Hastings, who founded the British Medical<br />
Association in 1832 in the boardroom. It houses<br />
bright new teaching spaces, computer labs, and<br />
conference facilities. From later this year the building<br />
will host a permanent exhibition and educational<br />
centre celebrating <strong>Worcester</strong>’s medical past.<br />
Mulberry House, which once served as a doctors’ residence<br />
has been painstakingly restored and converted into <strong>of</strong>fice<br />
space for <strong>Worcester</strong> Business School, business and regional<br />
development and widening participation staff. The first<br />
phase <strong>of</strong> the City Campus also includes two high quality<br />
student halls <strong>of</strong> residence and a cafeteria open to all.<br />
The historic Jenny Lind Chapel has been fully restored and<br />
will soon be graced by a new stained glass window funded<br />
by the Nurses’ League, which will commemorate the work<br />
<strong>of</strong> the nurses at the Royal Infirmary over so many years.<br />
A new feature in the restored buildings is the McClelland<br />
Health and Wellbeing Centre, which is named after Miss<br />
Mary Jane McClelland, the matron who established the<br />
nurses’ library at the <strong>Worcester</strong> Royal Infirmary. The<br />
Centre is already providing a variety <strong>of</strong> classes and<br />
therapies to improve physical and mental wellbeing.<br />
The <strong>University</strong>’s Chancellor HRH The Duke <strong>of</strong> Gloucester,<br />
will perform the <strong>of</strong>ficial opening ceremony at 3.30pm<br />
on Thursday, <strong>May</strong> 12 before he attends the annual<br />
<strong>Worcester</strong> Lecture at the Cathedral later that evening.<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Worcester</strong> Vice Chancellor, Pr<strong>of</strong>essor David<br />
Green, said: “These buildings are an important part <strong>of</strong><br />
the history <strong>of</strong> <strong>Worcester</strong> and the very place where the<br />
British Medical Association was founded. They have<br />
been sympathetically restored so that they can once<br />
again play a part in the lives <strong>of</strong> the City residents.”<br />
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / MAY <strong>2011</strong> / 5
NEWS<br />
Shakespearean Scholar to Deliver Second<br />
<strong>Worcester</strong> Lecture<br />
A distinguished Shakespearean<br />
scholar is to deliver the second<br />
annual <strong>Worcester</strong> Lecture.<br />
The <strong>Worcester</strong> Lectures are a<br />
partnership between <strong>Worcester</strong><br />
Cathedral and the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Worcester</strong>, which serve to heighten<br />
<strong>Worcester</strong>’s cultural heritage.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Michael Dobson’s lecture,<br />
titled ‘The public good and the<br />
voluntary sector: Shakespeare and<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Michael Dobson<br />
the ethics <strong>of</strong> civic life’, will take<br />
place in <strong>Worcester</strong> Cathedral on<br />
Thursday, <strong>May</strong> 12 at 6pm. The <strong>University</strong>’s Chancellor, HRH<br />
The Duke <strong>of</strong> Gloucester, will be in attendance at the lecture.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Dobson is a distinguished Shakespearean scholar and<br />
acclaimed lecturer. Presently, he is Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> Shakespeare<br />
Studies at Birkbeck College in the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> London. He<br />
has recently been appointed Director-elect <strong>of</strong> the Shakespeare<br />
Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon and Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> Shakespeare<br />
Studies at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Birmingham from September 1.<br />
The Very Reverend Peter Atkinson, Dean <strong>of</strong> <strong>Worcester</strong>,<br />
said: “The <strong>Worcester</strong> Cathedral Chapter is delighted to be<br />
hosting the second <strong>of</strong> the joint <strong>University</strong>-Cathedral lectures,<br />
which is one <strong>of</strong> the many ways in which together we help<br />
<strong>Worcester</strong> to be a ‘first-rank <strong>University</strong> and Cathedral City’.”<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Dobson was formerly Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> Renaissance<br />
Drama at Roehampton <strong>University</strong>. He has also taught at<br />
Oxford, Harvard, Northwestern and Illinois Universities and<br />
has held visiting fellowships at UCLA and Peking <strong>University</strong>.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor David Green, Vice Chancellor <strong>of</strong> the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Worcester</strong>, said: “Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Dobson is a very distinguished<br />
scholar. This promises to be a most interesting and enlightening<br />
lecture. We are delighted that the annual <strong>Worcester</strong> Lecture<br />
series is attracting such high-pr<strong>of</strong>ile cultural talent.”<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Dobson’s most recent publication, is “Shakespeare<br />
and Amateur Performance: A Cultural History”. His lecture<br />
will draw on the research he undertook for this work.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Dobson comments regularly on Shakespearean<br />
performance for the BBC and writes programme notes for<br />
the RSC, the Old Vic, and Shakepeare’s Globe in London.<br />
Former England Rugby Coach<br />
Headlines at Coaching Summit<br />
Mr Ashton, who took his team to the<br />
2007 Rugby World Cup Final in South<br />
Africa, gave a presention on the coach’s<br />
role in developing players and athletes.<br />
The event, jointly co-ordinated by the<br />
Sports Partnership Herefordshire and<br />
<strong>Worcester</strong>shire and the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Worcester</strong>, took place on Sunday 8th<br />
<strong>May</strong> at the <strong>University</strong>’s St John’s Campus.<br />
Both coaches and aspiring coaches<br />
were invited to attend the Summit and<br />
get expert advice from ex-pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
footballers, qualified physiotherapists<br />
and senior sports lecturers.<br />
The Summit covered a range <strong>of</strong><br />
subjects including Injury Prevention,<br />
Coaching in Education and the<br />
Development <strong>of</strong> Players.<br />
Steve Brewster, Partnership Director<br />
for Sports Partnership Herefordshire<br />
and <strong>Worcester</strong>shire, said: “There are<br />
many coaches in the region at all<br />
different levels that are extremely<br />
enthusiastic about developing their team<br />
as well as their own personal skills.<br />
“As a region we have produced some<br />
outstanding athletes and our sporting<br />
achievements have progressed<br />
significantly in recent years. This can be<br />
attributed to good grass root coaching.<br />
The Summit’s aim was to help our local<br />
coaches with the most up to date and<br />
contemporary coaching knowledge in<br />
order to create the best environment<br />
for participants to be involved in sport.”<br />
The Coaching Summit also supported<br />
the <strong>University</strong>’s <strong>Worcester</strong> Arena<br />
Fundraising Campaign. Set to open its<br />
doors in 2012, the 2,000 seated arena<br />
will be an ambitious new venue for<br />
sports enthusiasts <strong>of</strong> all ages and abilities<br />
bringing sporting opportunities to the<br />
community, local clubs and students.<br />
Brian Ashton<br />
6 / MAY <strong>2011</strong> / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Worcester</strong> Announces Proposed<br />
Fee Level for 2012<br />
Britain’s fastest growing<br />
university has announced its<br />
top fee in 2012 will be £8,100.<br />
Applications to the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Worcester</strong> have more than tripled<br />
in the last seven years, seven times<br />
faster than the national average<br />
increase over the same period.<br />
The <strong>University</strong> currently tops the<br />
West Midlands’ universities league<br />
table for graduate employment<br />
and is sixth nationally.<br />
The decision to increase fees comes<br />
as a result <strong>of</strong> significant cuts in<br />
university funding from the government,<br />
which the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Worcester</strong><br />
campaigned vigorously against.<br />
Vice Chancellor, Pr<strong>of</strong>essor David Green,<br />
said: “The <strong>University</strong> has chosen to<br />
charge the lowest possible fee in the new<br />
situation where government support<br />
for university teaching has been almost<br />
entirely withdrawn. There has been<br />
much consultation to ensure that we<br />
are as fair as we can be to students,<br />
while enabling the <strong>University</strong> to balance<br />
the books and continue its carefully<br />
managed programme <strong>of</strong> improvement<br />
to educational facilities for students.”<br />
Fees for most foundation degrees,<br />
run in partnership with further<br />
education colleges, will be set at<br />
£6,000. This will take the average<br />
fee at the <strong>University</strong> to £7,643.<br />
The <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Worcester</strong> has<br />
a first class record <strong>of</strong> inclusion<br />
and widening participation and<br />
has pledged to continue this. The<br />
<strong>University</strong> will also continue to develop<br />
its unique earn as you learn scheme<br />
giving students the chance to gain vital<br />
work experience relevant to their studies.<br />
Students starting at the <strong>University</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Worcester</strong> in 2012 will be the only<br />
students in the Country to benefit from<br />
Britain’s first public and university library,<br />
which is currently under construction.<br />
This £60m development is situated<br />
adjacent to the <strong>University</strong>’s new<br />
City Campus, which houses business<br />
and computing, in the buildings <strong>of</strong><br />
the historic former <strong>Worcester</strong> Royal<br />
Infirmary, where the British Medical<br />
Association was founded in 1832.<br />
Students also have access to outstanding<br />
new fine art and digital media facilities,<br />
new science laboratories and from<br />
September <strong>2011</strong> new sports and<br />
performance facilities. The <strong>University</strong><br />
is also campaigning to create a<br />
new sports arena for the City, with<br />
special focus on disability sport,<br />
for which the <strong>University</strong> excels.<br />
FEATURE<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Green said: “The<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Worcester</strong> has an<br />
excellent reputation for high<br />
quality education overall. Our<br />
teaching, nursing and midwifery<br />
are among the best in Britain<br />
with outstanding reports<br />
from Ofsted and the Nursing<br />
and Midwifery Council.<br />
“Our staff are high achieving and<br />
focussed on providing excellent<br />
education. We were one <strong>of</strong> only<br />
three universities to make it into<br />
the Sunday Times’ 75 Best Places<br />
to Work in the Public Sector.”<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Green added: “Higher<br />
education remains one <strong>of</strong> the best<br />
investments that can be made. On<br />
average graduates earn more, and<br />
live longer and healthier lives. The<br />
new scheme ensures that repayments<br />
will be affordable. Payments only<br />
begin after completion <strong>of</strong> the course<br />
and when earnings exceed £21,000<br />
a year. For example, a graduate<br />
earning £25,000 a year will repay<br />
approximately £30 a month.”<br />
The <strong>University</strong>’s fees level is subject to<br />
the approval <strong>of</strong> an access agreement<br />
by the Office for Fair Access (OFFA).<br />
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / MAY <strong>2011</strong> / 7
NEWS<br />
Students’<br />
Surprise<br />
Meeting<br />
with Exiled<br />
Journalist<br />
An exiled video journalist from Burma gave <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Worcester</strong> students a disturbing insight into undercover<br />
reporting from a military regime.<br />
The journalist, known by his first<br />
name, Joshua, to protect his<br />
identity, made a surprise visit to<br />
the showing <strong>of</strong> a cutting edge<br />
documentary about the work <strong>of</strong> the<br />
reporting team he founded.<br />
The film, Burma Video Journalists,<br />
shown at <strong>Worcester</strong>’s Odeon,<br />
documents how in 2007 secret<br />
video footage was recorded <strong>of</strong><br />
barbaric clampdowns by the<br />
Generals in charge <strong>of</strong> the country.<br />
Joshua, founder <strong>of</strong> the Burma VJ group<br />
The atrocities, reported on the BBC<br />
and CNN, included images <strong>of</strong> monks and ordinary civilians being arrested,<br />
attacked and killed.<br />
Joshua told the students, studying Journalism, Politics and Media, that<br />
he was driven to capture events on film at the age <strong>of</strong> eight after 30,000<br />
people had been massacred for protesting.<br />
“I thought this will not happen again if I take my camera onto the streets<br />
and record it,” he said.<br />
But he said his team had “paid the price” as many were jailed for up to 65<br />
years and he had his passport confiscated and can’t return to Burma.<br />
Journalism student James Jeffrey said: “For me the film alone reinforced<br />
how important journalism can be and how it can change lives. I have<br />
been a part <strong>of</strong> an Amnesty International group at my sixth form college,<br />
but I have never met anyone involved with or related to the people I was<br />
writing to help. It was incredible to see how much this man had gone<br />
through, what he was doing for his country, friends and family and to have<br />
the chance to ask him questions in person.”<br />
<strong>Worcester</strong> Sports<br />
Psychologist<br />
Helps RAF Team<br />
to Beat Army at<br />
Basketball<br />
sports psychologist from the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Worcester</strong><br />
A was drafted in to help the RAF’s ladies’ basketball team<br />
overcome their competitors and win a major competition.<br />
Three days before the team were due to play against their<br />
counterparts from the Army and Navy, Dr Paul Castle was<br />
called upon to <strong>of</strong>fer some specialist advice.<br />
“Historically, the squad had lost to the Army for the previous<br />
six years,” Paul said. “I designed a workshop and worked with<br />
the team for the morning where, collectively, we worked<br />
through some applied sport psychology techniques to instil<br />
and retain a sense <strong>of</strong> mental focus during the competition.”<br />
The team contacted the <strong>University</strong> in the hope that some<br />
psychology coaching could help them to over-come their<br />
block when it came to playing against the Army.<br />
Paul said: “I am pleased that they made full use <strong>of</strong> the<br />
expertise available to achieve the objective, emerging as<br />
winners <strong>of</strong> the competition, but more importantly for<br />
beating the Army.”<br />
The team is due to play in a competition in New Zealand in<br />
June, using the skills they learned with Paul.<br />
Team Manager Flying Officer Claire Birney said: “Having lost<br />
the Inter-Services Basketball competition to the Army for the<br />
last six years, as a team we were keen to get some guidance<br />
on methods to mentally prepare for the competition.<br />
“Dr Paul Castle came along to our training camp and held a<br />
two hour long workshop which allowed the girls to discuss<br />
mental preparation techniques and how to channel nerves<br />
and pressure before and during a game. The session was<br />
very well received and the players all found it extremely<br />
insightful. Their new found mental attitude, in addition to<br />
hard work and commitment, culminated in a richly deserved<br />
victory at the weekend.”<br />
Using satellite the material was send out <strong>of</strong> the country, edited and<br />
then broadcast around<br />
the world and back onto<br />
Burmese TV screens via a<br />
pro democratic channel.<br />
The free film viewing<br />
was organised by the<br />
Co-operative which is<br />
campaigning for the release<br />
<strong>of</strong> political prisoners,<br />
including the five people in<br />
the film.<br />
Joshua meeting Journalism, Politics<br />
and Media students<br />
RAF Ladies Basketball Team<br />
8 / MAY <strong>2011</strong> / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
NEWS<br />
Trainee Teachers Keep<br />
Children Safe Online<br />
Trainee teachers at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Worcester</strong> are being taught how<br />
to keep children safe online thanks to two new schemes.<br />
More than 200 Primary Initial Teacher Training (ITT) and Postgraduate<br />
Certificate in Education (PGCE) students have undergone special training<br />
to ensure they are prepared to educate children in how to minimise<br />
risks to their personal safety when using online technology.<br />
The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) training was<br />
delivered by staff at the <strong>University</strong> who are CEOP Ambassadors.<br />
Moira Savage, Senior Lecturer in Primary ITT and e-learning Coordinator in<br />
the Institute <strong>of</strong> Education, said: “We received funding from the Training and<br />
Development Agency (TDA) for members <strong>of</strong> staff in Education to train as<br />
CEOP Ambassadors. This meant that we could then pass this knowledge on to<br />
our students and ensure that they are fully equipped to start their careers.<br />
“Online safety is a big thing for teachers in today’s society and knowing how to<br />
spot the signs <strong>of</strong> children at risk and how to deal with it, is really important.”<br />
The <strong>University</strong> currently has seven trained CEOP Ambassadors, with a further five undergoing training this year.<br />
As well as funding for the CEOP training, the <strong>University</strong> also received funding from the TDA to participate in the European<br />
Pedagogical ICT (EPCIT) Licence. This saw 15 members <strong>of</strong> staff and 30 Primary trainee teachers undergo special e-safety training<br />
and become certified providers, with the <strong>University</strong> significantly being awarded EPICT’s Esafety Aware status as a result.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Chris Robertson, Head <strong>of</strong> the Institute <strong>of</strong> Education, said: “Ensuring that our trainees are fully equipped to deal with<br />
online safety for children and young people inside and outside school is increasingly very important and gives our <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Worcester</strong> trainee teachers an added advantage in the jobs market. We fully intend to continue this training in the future.”<br />
New Online Journal for Student-led Research<br />
in Sport, Exercise and Physical Education<br />
A new online journal is being launched to give sport, exercise and physical<br />
education students around the world an outlet for their research.<br />
The Graduate Journal <strong>of</strong> Sport, Exercise & Physical Education<br />
Research (GJSEPER) was the idea <strong>of</strong> Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Derek Peters, Dr<br />
Gyozo Molnar and Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Ken Hardman at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Worcester</strong>, who will act as the Editorial Board for the resource.<br />
It will be the first online free-access research journal in the field to<br />
solely publish student-led research.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Peters said: “A lot <strong>of</strong> research that students produce is<br />
outstanding, but for one reason or another it doesn’t make it into<br />
the top ranked journals around the world, but that doesn’t mean<br />
that it’s not high quality research”.<br />
“There is some excellent research being carried out by undergraduate<br />
and postgraduate students around the world in the broadest areas<br />
associated with sport, exercise and physical education and we<br />
wanted to create an outlet for this.”<br />
It will be an expert-reviewed<br />
journal with submissions only<br />
eligible if the first named author<br />
is (or has recently been) a<br />
student. The first issue will be<br />
published in Autumn <strong>2011</strong>.<br />
For more information please<br />
visit www.worc.ac.uk/gjseper<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Derek Peters<br />
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / MAY <strong>2011</strong> / 9
NEWS<br />
Children’s Work Exploring Past, Present and<br />
Future <strong>of</strong> <strong>University</strong>’s City Campus<br />
Wins National Art Award<br />
More than 200 children from St<br />
Barnabas and St George’s CE primary<br />
schools took part in the project, called<br />
Making Your Mark on the Future, in<br />
which they worked with pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
artists.<br />
The project has now won a Drawing<br />
Inspiration Award from The Campaign for<br />
Drawing’s Big Draw campaign. Commissioned<br />
by the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Worcester</strong>, local artists<br />
Alison Ogle and Petr Horacek spent time in<br />
the schools helping the children to produce a<br />
series <strong>of</strong> work celebrating the re-birth <strong>of</strong> the<br />
former <strong>Worcester</strong> Royal Infirmary.<br />
The children explored the history <strong>of</strong><br />
the Castle Street buildings and their<br />
transformation into a second campus for the<br />
<strong>University</strong>.<br />
Steve B<strong>of</strong>fy, arts co-ordinator at the<br />
<strong>University</strong>, said: “We are delighted that the<br />
project has won a national award. It is a real<br />
testament to the hard work <strong>of</strong> the children,<br />
teachers and artists who all took part. They did<br />
a fantastic job.<br />
“We wanted to get the children thinking more<br />
widely about education and university and the<br />
life journeys they can make. They explored<br />
where they want their own lives to go in the<br />
future and different aspects <strong>of</strong> their families’<br />
pasts.”<br />
The children created pictures and stories,<br />
which were used to produce a series <strong>of</strong><br />
banners. The schools project was part <strong>of</strong><br />
a number <strong>of</strong> arts projects to celebrate the<br />
history <strong>of</strong> the former <strong>Worcester</strong> Royal<br />
Infirmary and its future as part <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>University</strong>.<br />
In November the dance development agency<br />
for Herefordshire and <strong>Worcester</strong>shire,<br />
performed a unique piece <strong>of</strong> live dance<br />
at the City Campus. The <strong>University</strong> also<br />
commissioned Vamos Theatre company to<br />
create a piece <strong>of</strong> drama last year, which drew<br />
on former nurses’ recollections <strong>of</strong> their time<br />
working there.<br />
The art project has been supported by The<br />
Elmley Foundation and <strong>Worcester</strong>shire<br />
County Council.<br />
STUDENT TO TEACH YOUNGSTERS IN KENYA<br />
Twenty-four year-old Ian Widdows, from Chipping Norton in<br />
Oxfordshire, will join 30 volunteers to teach children in Nakuru.<br />
The trip, which departs on June 5, has been organised by Oxford<br />
United Football Club.<br />
Ian said: “I saw the opportunity and thought it was brilliant. It was<br />
something I’d always wanted to do and I don’t think I’ll ever get a chance<br />
like this again.”<br />
Ian aims to raise over £2,000 for the project which will support<br />
Oxford United Youth Community Sports Trust and Kenyan<br />
Adventure’s <strong>2011</strong> community development pledge.<br />
He added: “I always wanted to help others with fewer opportunities<br />
than I had, it’s one <strong>of</strong> the reasons that I chose to do coaching.”<br />
As part <strong>of</strong> the fundraising efforts Ian has already organised a local pub<br />
quiz and is planning a sixty miles sponsored walk with other members<br />
<strong>of</strong> the team.<br />
The <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Worcester</strong>’s<br />
Scholarship Panel awarded Ian<br />
£800 to contribute towards the<br />
expedition which will be help build<br />
houses, buy school equipment and<br />
provide clean drinking water to<br />
communities in Kenya.<br />
Ian will be required to create his<br />
own lesson plans for the children<br />
aged four to 12 years old. He will<br />
be teaching maths, English, art and<br />
music.<br />
He said: “It’s quite scary seeing that<br />
I have to plan my own lessons but I see<br />
it as a challenge.”<br />
Ian Widdows<br />
The <strong>University</strong>’s Scholarship Panel awards grants <strong>of</strong> up to £1,000<br />
towards volunteering, sports and course related activities.<br />
10 / MAY <strong>2011</strong> / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
NEWS<br />
PhD Student Establishes<br />
Crystal Healing Business<br />
As well as academic degrees in English<br />
Literature, Psychology and an MSc in Work<br />
Psychology and Business, Marie Dunnion, from<br />
Kings Heath, Birmingham, has a Diploma in<br />
Crystal Therapy and a qualification in Anatomy<br />
and Physiology. She is also qualified in both<br />
Reiki I and II.<br />
Marie, who is currently researching unethical<br />
behaviour in the workplace for her PhD, set<br />
up Emerald City Healing through the SPEED<br />
(Student Placements for Entrepreneurs in<br />
Education) programme.<br />
Marie Dunnion<br />
“After doing the Diploma in Crystal Healing I<br />
started practising just as a hobby,” said the 31-year-old. “I was doing it every<br />
weekend and got to thinking that maybe I could turn it into a business. With the<br />
help <strong>of</strong> SPEED I have managed to get my website up and running and establish<br />
myself at a therapy centre, called Serene Mind & Body, in Coventry every<br />
Saturday.”<br />
Marie added: “As a crystal therapist and Reiki practitioner, I help people to<br />
progress on their unique healing journeys by listening to their story and tapping<br />
into what they really feel to help them move forward. Reiki is very popular but a<br />
lot <strong>of</strong> people don’t know much about crystal healing. Once people understand it<br />
they love the concept.”<br />
Marie is currently also training as an animal healer with the Healing Animals<br />
Organisation, combining her love for animals with her passion for healing.<br />
She said: “The long-term vision is to be able to practice crystal healing and animal<br />
healing on an international level and to bring these practices to the public and<br />
even into the workplace.<br />
“It’s great to have been given the opportunity to get my business <strong>of</strong>f the ground<br />
and I’m feeling very positive about the future.”<br />
As part <strong>of</strong> the SPEED WM programme students are given access to business<br />
start-up training, Chamber <strong>of</strong> Commerce membership for 12 months, £3,000-<br />
£8,000 to spend on setting up their own business, promotional package<br />
including logo design, access to business mentors, and much more.<br />
Howard Skerry, Head <strong>of</strong> Business Development at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Worcester</strong>,<br />
said: “The SPEED programme has been helpful to all kind <strong>of</strong> students from<br />
different countries, different disciplines and different experiences to help them<br />
understand what’s involved in setting up a business in the knowledge that help is<br />
always at hand.”<br />
To find out more about Marie and her business visit<br />
www.emeraldcityhealing.co.uk or email maried23@hotmail.com Alternatively<br />
you can find Marie on Facebook at facebook.com/emeraldcityhealing<br />
Awards for<br />
Commitment<br />
to Design and<br />
Technology<br />
Jane Proctor, a technician within the Institute <strong>of</strong><br />
Education, has received an award for Exceptional<br />
Support for Design and Technology, and Lisa<br />
Wishart a 2008/09 PGCE Secondary student<br />
picked up an Outstanding Newcomer Award.<br />
DATA is the recognised pr<strong>of</strong>essional association<br />
which represents all those involved in design and<br />
technology education and associated subject areas.<br />
In nominating Jane colleagues acknowledged that<br />
she “consistently provides exceptional support<br />
to the whole design and technology community<br />
at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Worcester</strong>. This extends to<br />
teaching staff, undergraduate and post graduate<br />
students within the Institute <strong>of</strong> Education”.<br />
Jane said: “It came as a complete surprise and I am<br />
grateful to DATA for recognising my contribution.”<br />
After graduating from <strong>Worcester</strong>, Lisa taught at<br />
Haybridge High School in Stourbridge until last<br />
Christmas. She has now returned to her native Scotland<br />
and secured a teaching post north <strong>of</strong> the border.<br />
“I feel extremely proud and fortunate to have<br />
achieved such an award so early in my career,” said<br />
Lisa. “The Design and Technology Association does<br />
fantastic things for Food Technology and I was<br />
thrilled to attend the event with other pr<strong>of</strong>essionals<br />
who have a similar passion for the subject.”<br />
In nominating Lisa her tutor, Susan Wood-Griffiths,<br />
acknowledged that: “Lisa was an exceptional trainee<br />
teacher. She came to <strong>Worcester</strong> from Scotland to<br />
do the course with a school background in Home<br />
Economics and a degree in Food, Nutrition and Health.<br />
“She applied to do the subject knowledge booster course<br />
to familiarise herself with the differences and similarities<br />
between Food Technology and Home Economics. This<br />
gave us our first glimpse <strong>of</strong> her enthusiasm for and<br />
commitment to the teacher training course she was due<br />
to embark upon. These characteristics were demonstrated<br />
throughout her training, and her bubbling enthusiasm<br />
motivated and inspired the pupils she taught.”<br />
FOR YOUR STUDENTS: Student Development Activities<br />
From Monday 23 <strong>May</strong> to Friday 3 June Student Development activities will be held in room EE 1102. The sessions are<br />
designed to help students move on to the next stage <strong>of</strong> their academic or working careers. Subjects to be covered<br />
include improving academic skills, getting the right disability support, moving into private rented accommodation from<br />
halls <strong>of</strong> residence, preparing for job hunting and next steps for international students finishing their course.<br />
The full programme <strong>of</strong> activities can be found at https://secure.worc.ac.uk/cgi-bin/workshops/workshop.pl where students can also book<br />
their place on the sessions <strong>of</strong> their choice. Please encourage your students to make the most <strong>of</strong> this opportunity to enhance their skills.<br />
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / MAY <strong>2011</strong> / 11
NEWS<br />
Art Students Host Final Year Degree Show<br />
Final year students at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Worcester</strong> are presenting progressive and<br />
inspiring works in a double exhibition later this<br />
month.<br />
Elliot Robinson, a Fine Art student, said:<br />
“There will be everything from paintings and<br />
prints, to ceramics, film and photography.<br />
It’s going to be a really fantastic show, with<br />
something for everyone.”<br />
25th <strong>May</strong> <strong>2011</strong>, 5:15pm to 8pm<br />
Grand opening speeches at 6pm<br />
The Digital Arts Centre, St John’s Campus, Henwick Grove, <strong>Worcester</strong>, WR2 6AJ<br />
Fine Art, Art & Design and Creative Digital<br />
You are invited to attend the Private View <strong>of</strong> COGITO ERGO SUM,<br />
Media students will showcase their work<br />
the degree show <strong>of</strong> work by graduating students in:<br />
to the public from Thursday, <strong>May</strong> 26 until<br />
Creative Digital Media, Graphic Design, Illustration,<br />
Sunday, <strong>May</strong> 29 from 10am to 4pm.<br />
Digital Film Production & Animation<br />
The Fine Art and Art & Design show,<br />
SHIFT.<strong>2011</strong>, will take place in the Garage Please RSVP by 18th <strong>of</strong> <strong>May</strong> <strong>2011</strong> to rsvp@worc.ac.uk<br />
complex on Hylton Road, while the Creative<br />
Digital Media show, COGITO ERGO SUM,<br />
will be held in the Digital Arts Centre and<br />
Cotswold Suite.<br />
by Rachel Blackwell<br />
The work <strong>of</strong> final year students presenting<br />
their show at the St John’s campus will<br />
encompass animation, illustration,<br />
photography, film and graphic design.<br />
Students have worked on projects in<br />
partnership with various clients such as<br />
<strong>Worcester</strong> City Council, English Heritage, The<br />
National Trust and Westons Cider.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Antonia Payne, Head <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>University</strong>’s Institute <strong>of</strong> Humanities & Creative<br />
Arts, said: “This year’s shows celebrate the<br />
work <strong>of</strong> our first graduates from a number <strong>of</strong><br />
new <strong>Worcester</strong> courses, including Animation,<br />
Digital Film Production, Illustration, and Fine<br />
Art Practice, as well as the latest graduates<br />
from existing courses. They are testament<br />
to the growing ambition and achievements<br />
<strong>of</strong> art and design students and staff at the<br />
<strong>University</strong>.”<br />
For more information about the COGITO<br />
ERGO SUM show, please visit the website<br />
www.cogitoergosum.co.uk or contact Mark<br />
Salmon at Finalshowmarketing@gmail.com<br />
ABS Meeting<br />
A special meeting looking at Business Schools in Cathedral Cities - Strategies for the Future, was recently<br />
held at the <strong>University</strong>.<br />
The Association <strong>of</strong> Business Schools organised the event especially for university business schools which are<br />
located in non-metropolitan Cathedral cities.<br />
The one-day event, held at the City Campus, explored branding, student recruitment, the nature <strong>of</strong> the<br />
learning and teaching environment and campus, research and strategies for the future.<br />
Mark Richardson, Head <strong>of</strong> <strong>Worcester</strong> Business School, said: “It was a very useful meeting where we could<br />
share ideas and best practice with other business schools and build on the quality <strong>of</strong> our <strong>of</strong>fering here at<br />
<strong>Worcester</strong>.”<br />
Business School representatives<br />
12 / MAY <strong>2011</strong> / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
FEATURE<br />
<strong>Worcester</strong> Lecturers Nominated for<br />
National Award<br />
Guide to Understanding Primary English<br />
Teaching Written by <strong>Worcester</strong> Lecturers<br />
Nominated for National Award<br />
An important and engaging book on teaching English in primary<br />
schools, penned by staff at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Worcester</strong>, has been<br />
shortlisted for a prestigious literary award.<br />
The book, An Introduction to Primary English Teaching: Language,<br />
Literacy and Learning, was edited and co-authored by former lecturer<br />
Dr Robyn Cox, with chapters written by Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Chris Robertson,<br />
Head <strong>of</strong> the Institute <strong>of</strong> Education, Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Jean Webb, Director <strong>of</strong><br />
the International Research Centre: Children’s Literature, Literacy and<br />
Creativity, and Dr Bob Fox, a senior lecturer in ICT who has recently<br />
retired from the <strong>University</strong>.<br />
It has been shortlisted for the UK Literacy Association’s Author Award<br />
<strong>2011</strong>, which is presented to a member <strong>of</strong> the Association whose text<br />
most effectively supports the teaching <strong>of</strong> literacy.<br />
It must reflect current developments in literacy research and<br />
encourage teachers to be reflective, innovative, and creative.<br />
Dr Cox, now Associate Pr<strong>of</strong>essor in Literacy Education at the<br />
Australian Catholic <strong>University</strong>, who wrote the two opening chapters,<br />
said: “Initial teacher education students need the best possible<br />
introduction to the field <strong>of</strong> primary English teaching. In shaping up<br />
this book I was aiming to do that; I wanted to bring accessible but<br />
strongly theoretical chapters to those first entering the important<br />
area <strong>of</strong> primary English literacy teaching, and this nomination and<br />
shortlist suggests that I was able to do just that.”<br />
The winner will be announced at the UKLA International Conference<br />
in Chester in July.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Webb, whose chapter is titled ‘Learning and Teaching<br />
Literacy Using Children’s Literature’, said: “This is an innovative work<br />
edited by Dr Cox. It is not at all usual for a section on children’s<br />
literature to be included in a text for teaching literacy, although<br />
literature is at the heart <strong>of</strong> why we teach literacy skills.”<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Robertson added: “My chapter is called ‘Primary English<br />
Curriculum Perspectives’. It reflects on both the theory and changing<br />
practice in primary English teaching over the many years I have been<br />
both a practitioner and expert in the field <strong>of</strong> language and literacy.”<br />
In a review <strong>of</strong> the book, Clare Dowdall, Pr<strong>of</strong>essor at the <strong>University</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> Plymouth, described it as: “both comprehensive and accessible to<br />
trainee teachers”.<br />
She said: “This book will make a useful contribution to reading lists<br />
for both primary and early years students. The range <strong>of</strong> content is<br />
extensive and engaging, and will ensure that readers are equipped to<br />
develop their skills <strong>of</strong> reflection and analysis in relation to primary<br />
English, language and literacy issues, as well as to take on the practical<br />
challenges <strong>of</strong> literacy teaching and learning in educational settings.”<br />
The <strong>Worcester</strong><br />
Lecture<br />
Thursday 12 <strong>May</strong> <strong>2011</strong>, 6pm<br />
<strong>Worcester</strong> Cathedral<br />
“The public good and the voluntary sector:<br />
Shakespeare and the ethics <strong>of</strong> civic life”<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Michael Dobson<br />
Birkbeck College, <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> London<br />
This annual lecture, jointly sponsored by the<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Worcester</strong> and <strong>Worcester</strong> Cathedral,<br />
will explore the matter <strong>of</strong> ethics in public life.<br />
Admission free – by ticket only<br />
To reserve a place please call 01905 855141<br />
GB Visually Impaired Football Team<br />
Finish 4 th in World Games<br />
Report from David Mycock, Coach <strong>of</strong> Great<br />
Britain Blind Paralympic Team<br />
IBSA (International Blind Sport Association) 1-10 April<br />
4th World Games held Antalya, Turkey<br />
For this tournament we represented England and we had graduate<br />
Lewis Skyers in goal. We beat Thailand 4-0, Germany 4-1, drew<br />
0-0 with China, which meant we won our Group with 7 points.<br />
We were then drawn in the semi-final against the European<br />
champions, France. We lost in extra time with a deflected home<br />
goal. France progressed to the final and we had to play 3rd<br />
and 4th place play <strong>of</strong>fs – we lost to China 3-0 and came 4th.<br />
The next tournament is the IBSA European<br />
championships in Ankara in September.<br />
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / MAY <strong>2011</strong> / 13
NEWS<br />
Business Leaders Attend Launch <strong>of</strong> Security<br />
Certification Scheme<br />
Leaders <strong>of</strong> small and medium-sized businesses, IT pr<strong>of</strong>essionals<br />
and representatives <strong>of</strong> government organisations took<br />
part in a special conference looking at data security.<br />
following data breaches, where data controllers in the organisations<br />
in question are found to have been negligent in failing to implement<br />
guidance or codes <strong>of</strong> practice published by the ICO or others.<br />
The event, held at the City Campus, saw the launch <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Information Assurance for SMEs (IASME) certification scheme.<br />
IASME is the product <strong>of</strong> a collaboration between the National<br />
Computing Centre (NCC), <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Worcester</strong> and Independent<br />
Consultants, funded initially through a Technology Strategy<br />
Board grant, and now operating on a fully commercial basis.<br />
Further information about the IASME process is available at www.<br />
iasme.co.uk and case studies relating to SMEs that have undertaken<br />
the IASME process will be published on the web site in the near future.<br />
Daniel Dresner, Head <strong>of</strong> Information Assurance Practice at the<br />
NCC, said: “The lack <strong>of</strong> information assurance in the commercial<br />
world is not just a problem for the SMEs themselves. The recent<br />
survey conducted by the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Worcester</strong> reinforced research<br />
conducted elsewhere, showing that a security vulnerability in one<br />
link can create vulnerability right across the supply chain. Focussed<br />
attacks on the nation’s information infrastructure may already<br />
be moving from larger companies with dedicated resources for<br />
protection to poorly defended SMEs who provide quicker wins.”<br />
The Conference heard from Alastair Barter, Senior Policy Officer at<br />
the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), who reminded the<br />
audience that “the protection <strong>of</strong> personal information is now rated<br />
ahead <strong>of</strong> the NHS, National Security and Environmental Issues<br />
amongst the key public social concerns”. Data protection is viewed as<br />
an essential part <strong>of</strong> business activity, and financial penalties are now<br />
Childhood Legends<br />
Brought to Life at the<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Worcester</strong><br />
A conference exploring the folklore <strong>of</strong><br />
childhood took place at the <strong>University</strong> in<br />
April.<br />
The theme <strong>of</strong> this year’s conference was ‘Childlore<br />
and the Folklore <strong>of</strong> Childhood’. It saw presentations<br />
from a range <strong>of</strong> experts from both inside and outside<br />
the academy on such diverse topics as folk song,<br />
legend, traditions and beliefs, and popular culture.<br />
The Folklore Society, who held the weekend long<br />
conference, is a learned society devoted to the study<br />
<strong>of</strong> traditional culture in all its forms. It was founded in<br />
London in 1878 and was one <strong>of</strong> the first organisations<br />
established in the world for the study <strong>of</strong> folklore. The<br />
Folklore Society’s interest and expertise covers such topics<br />
as traditional music, song, dance and drama, narrative, arts<br />
and crafts, customs and belief, as well as popular religion,<br />
traditional and regional food, folk medicine, children’s<br />
folklore, traditional sayings, proverbs, rhymes and jingles.<br />
The Conference hosted over 20 renowned<br />
delegates from a wide cultural spectrum including<br />
UK, the United States, Lithuania and Greece.<br />
Workshop will Explore Bribery<br />
and Corruption in UK Business<br />
Bribery and corruption will be the topic <strong>of</strong> a<br />
workshop to be run by the <strong>University</strong>’s Centre<br />
for Ethical Leadership later this month.<br />
The workshop, on <strong>May</strong> 27, is aimed at business leaders concerned<br />
with the ethical and legal implications <strong>of</strong> bribery and corruption.<br />
All UK organisations are covered by the Bribery Act 2010, which requires<br />
companies to demonstrate, not just that they haven’t been involved<br />
in bribery, but that they have procedures in place to prevent it.<br />
Rob Sykes, Director <strong>of</strong> the Centre for Ethical Leadership,<br />
said: “The workshop aims to investigate corporate social<br />
responsibility, with particular focus on bribery and corruption,<br />
and develop awareness <strong>of</strong> ethical, legal and cultural issues.”<br />
Workshop participants will analyse a case study on bribery and<br />
corruption and interact with actors in related scenarios.<br />
It will be delivered by Mr Sykes, Dr Mike Bagshaw, from the<br />
<strong>University</strong>, and Ashley Callaghan, <strong>of</strong> Ashley Callaghan Training.<br />
A presentation on the implications <strong>of</strong> the Bribery Act 2010<br />
will be followed by a question and answer session, with an<br />
opportunity to discuss the possible impact <strong>of</strong> the Act on<br />
organisations and consider appropriate responses.<br />
The <strong>University</strong>’s Centre for Ethical Leadership works with leaders to<br />
support them in making decisions that acknowledge and respect contested<br />
values in areas such as the environment, social justice and governance.<br />
If you would like to attend the Bribery and Corruption workshop please<br />
contact Cath McGourty on 01905 542234 or c.mcgourty@worc.ac.uk<br />
14 / MAY <strong>2011</strong> / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
COVER STAFF FEATURE STORY<br />
This month we chat to the Head <strong>of</strong> <strong>Worcester</strong><br />
Business School, Mark Richardson, who swaps the<br />
boardroom for the hockey pitch at weekends.<br />
Learning Sporting Passion<br />
for Business Head:<br />
“Are you studying a joint degree in geography and hockey?” - the words <strong>of</strong> a pr<strong>of</strong>essor<br />
to Mark during his student days, which sum up his passion for the sport.<br />
Since the age <strong>of</strong> 11 Mark has been a keen hockey player, religiously turning<br />
out every weekend to represent his school, college or town.<br />
“I was too little to play rugby and not quite good enough for football,”<br />
he recalls. “So I took up hockey and really enjoyed it.”<br />
After leaving school Mark went on to play for his home city <strong>of</strong> York and then<br />
while at Aberystwyth <strong>University</strong> played for the <strong>University</strong> team.<br />
“I remember one <strong>of</strong> my pr<strong>of</strong>essors asking if I was studying for a<br />
joint degree in geography and hockey, because I spent all my<br />
Mark Richardson, Head <strong>of</strong> WBS<br />
time playing,” he said. “I remember we reached the semi-final <strong>of</strong><br />
the UK universities outdoor competition and came first once and second once at indoor hockey.”<br />
Mark, who plays in right back, later played for Harbourne in Birmingham, York again, and has now been playing for<br />
<strong>Worcester</strong> Men’s Hockey Club, which plays at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Worcester</strong>, for almost 17 seasons. Over the years he has<br />
sustained a serious blow to the head and even had a tooth knocked out, but even this didn’t deter him from playing.<br />
“I’m getting a bit too old now so I play in the seconds and in the veterans teams,” he jokes. “We made it to the finals<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Hockey Association Plate, on April 17 and narrowly missed the title by losing 2:1 to Peterborough.<br />
Mark’s other passion in life is gardening. “I’ve<br />
only got a very small garden but I do enjoy<br />
pottering about in it. I particularly love Acers,<br />
Hostas and Primulas. Gardening and a good<br />
bottle <strong>of</strong> wine is what keeps me happy.”<br />
Before Mark’s academic career, he<br />
worked for Bass Brewery, during which<br />
time he became a qualified wine taster –<br />
despite his hatred for the red stuff!<br />
“I can tell the difference between<br />
Champagne and a sparkling wine just by<br />
looking at it,” he says with a wry smile.<br />
Mark (back row second from left)<br />
What do you get up to when you leave the Campus?<br />
Email Sally Jones with your interesting stories at s.jones@worc.ac.uk<br />
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / NOVEMBER / MAY 2009 <strong>2011</strong> / 15