Annual Review 2010

Annual Review 2010 Page 1 The Student Journey University of Chester University of Chester Contents Factfile

Established: 1839 Forewords 3 The Academic Environment Students: 15,595 (77% undergraduates, 23% postgraduates) Mission 4 Creative Approaches to Staff: 1,396 Learning 34 Vision 4 Chancellor: His Grace the Duke of Westminster KG CB OBE TD CD DL Distinguished Guests 39 Vice-Chancellor: Canon Professor Tim Wheeler DL Core Values 5 Conferences 43 Campuses: Three in Chester, one in Warrington, in addition to NHS sites on the Wirral and in Research 48 Crewe and Macclesfield University of Chester Presentations 54 Associate Colleges: Isle of Man College; Reaseheath College; Warrington Collegiate; West Publications 60 Student Journey Cheshire College Prospective Students The University in its Honorary Graduates include: HRH The Prince of Wales; Dame Joan Bakewell CBE; The Most Marketing, Recruitment and Wider Context Rev and Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York; Terry Waite CBE; Sir Admissions 7 International Perspectives 63 Ian Botham OBE; Loyd Grossman OBE; Sir Andrew Motion; Ken Dodd Development of Campus Educational Partnerships 69 Facilities 10 OBE and Tim Firth. Regional Importance 71 Economic Benefits 78 Life on Campus Five of the University’s most recent key achievements: Students 14 Graduation and Beyond ‘Outstanding’ – the outcome of the 2010 Ofsted inspection of Initial Teacher Training in the Faculty of Education and Children’s Services. Support for Students 21 Graduates 85 Staff 24 Honorary Graduates 87 Employability – with 78% of graduates securing professional or managerial positions to match Volunteering 28 Alumni 91 their qualification, this makes Chester the joint highest ranking institution in the Senior Staff 94 region – and significantly above the national average – in terms of successfully Financial Results 95 preparing its students for their careers, despite the challenging economy.

Pioneering – being appointed by the Government as one of the UK’s first academy sponsors to become an Accredited Schools Provider in recognition of the high quality of provision for its four academies.

‘Exemplary’ – the strength of the University’s partnership work as described by the Quality Assurance Agency audit team, among commendations for its attention to assuring standards and enhancing the quality of learning opportunities and the supportive relationships that underpin learning and working.

Selfless – the staff and students who contributed 17,360 hours of voluntary work during this year.. Page 2 Annual Review 2010 Forewords Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Lord Bishop of Chester, Canon Professor TJ Wheeler DL Lord President of the University Council and You will see from the wide variety of accomplishments described in this report, that the University continues to thrive and is fortunate to have Pro-Chancellor such an energetic body of staff and students engaged in such a vast array of activities at Chester, Warrington and our major hospital campuses. This Annual Review takes as its theme All of these achievements are only possible through the efforts of able, ‘The student journey’. On behalf of enthusiastic and committed employees, undergraduates and postgraduates. the Council of the University, I also The Academic Year 2009-2010 has seen exciting developments in the reflect upon the extraordinary journey life of the University, with major improvements in enhancing the student of this institution since it was founded experience through investment in the learning and social infrastructure. in 1839. Foremost has been the acquisition and refurbishment of “The Riverside In recent years the journey seems Campus”, the former County Hall, which now provides outstanding teaching to have speeded up, with the growth and learning facilities for the Faculties of Health and Social Care and of the College to a University, and Education and Children’s Services. To this can be added the extension of the Seaborne Library, the new gallery an overall increase in size by more than 300% over the past dozen at Kingsway, the transformation of the dining facilities at Whites, and at Warrington, the redevelopment of the years. It has been quite a ride, full of exhilaration and challenges. We student recreation centre and the completion of the joint training centre with Warrington Wolves. now face a period of consolidation and adaptation in the light of well- All of these enhancements have been approved by the members of the University Council who are keen to publicised funding changes, along with a strengthening of research ensure that they resonate with the University’s mission, vision and core values. The University puts particular and teaching foundations to ensure that Chester’s reputation as a emphasis on encouraging social responsibility for its students and, as always, this has been demonstrated in pioneering University is perpetuated. the University’s commitment to volunteering, where students and staff have put in more than 17,000 hours of We aim to help our students in major ways on their journey in community work. The University continues to maintain an annual surplus of around £5 million and this will be life, as we reflect with gratitude and appropriate pride on the overall reinvested in the coming years to enhance still further the quality of facilities that support students’ learning journey of the University in recent years. experiences. On behalf of the Council of the University, I would offer my The work of the University continues to receive external recognition and acclamation with an particular thanks to all the staff of the University for their hard and outstanding judgement from Ofsted on the quality of teacher training, plaudits from our Quality Assurance creative work over the past year. Agency quinquennial (five yearly) review, outstanding employability levels for our graduates, recognition of our wider social and professional engagement and unprecedented levels of applications for places at the University. The University looks forward to meeting a number of challenges in the new academic year, including exploiting the opportunities that fundamental changes in the funding of higher education will afford. To obtain this information in an alternative format – large print, on audio tape or in translation – please call 01244 511450Page or 3 email [email protected] University of Chester Mission The University was established by the Church of England in 1839 and, within an open and inclusive environment guided by Christian values, we seek to provide our students and staff with the education, training, skills and motivation to enable them to develop as individuals and serve and improve the communities within which they live and work. This mission, which has helped shape our development and diversification, continues to inform our future planning and strengthening as a University institution.

Vision At the heart of the University’s vision is our commitment to: ensuring a rewarding student learning experience; developing the expertise of our staff; teaching excellence; and our growing research and scholarly profile. Fundamental to these ideals and aspirations is the positive impact that the University has on the lives of our students, our staff, and our community, all of which underpin the institution’s significant and developing contribution to the region and beyond. In valuing and celebrating our long history and traditions, the University is modern, dynamic and enterprising in its approach to developing new opportunities. In particular, we are committed to engendering a sense of pride and shared ownership in all those associated with us and with what we do.

Page 4 Annual Review 2010

Page 5 University of Chester

University of Chester Student Journey This sequence of sections which make up the Annual Review, explores how the University’s core values influence life within its community from a student perspective and celebrates a snapshot of the activitiesPage 6 that underpin its significant contribution to its immediate surroundings and the wider region. Annual Review 2010 Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions

At the start of their higher education experience, potential students have a number of opportunities to establish a connection with the institution and these involve large numbers of staff and current students throughout the whole recruitment process.

UK students Most prospective students’ first contact with the University is through Aimhigher initiatives, accessing the website and associated social media, meeting staff at recruitment fairs or attending Open and Applicant Days.

The University is committed to widening participation and provides a wide range of activities to inform possible applicants from as early as primary school age, through to secondary school and further education about student life and their options for higher education. These were organised Prospective in 2010 in collaboration with Aimhigher partnerships in Cheshire & Warrington, Halton, Salford, Rochdale and Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and included taster days, subject days, curriculum enhancement masterclasses and revision classes, attracting more than 1,700 attendees.

Aimhigher students from Salford Students Page 7 Prospective Students

As well as contributing to the University’s Summer Schools designers). The feature commended Chester’s navigation, programme, our students also mentored 98 target students in homepage layout and interactivity. Wider usage of social eight secondary schools and, through the national Aimhigher media allows prospective students to join Facebook groups Associates scheme, helped raise and support the aspirations and become followers on Twitter to encourage a sense of of a further 127 school and further education college students. inclusivity, while YouTube videos give informative and personal insights into student life. The University is constantly striving to find new ways of interacting with future students and the popular re-launch Future students and their families receive professional advice of the corporate website responded to the changing needs from the Marketing and Recruitment team at Universities and of users and stakeholders. The site was one of only 10 from Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) higher education fairs UK universities praised in across the UK, and can see the University for themselves a recent article on when thousands are welcomed to the bi-annual Open Days. academic and higher Electronic registration in advance allows the flexibility to education websites tailor the day to specific needs. Campus tours by student by Smashing ambassadors in Chester and Warrington give visitors the Magazine (an chance to gain an insider’s view of campus life. Students also online resource play their part in organising a range of sporting and social for web activities for these events and some have even offered visitors developers a car washing service to raise money for charity. There is a and central information centre, and staff give advisory talks, taster lectures and demonstrations to whet the appetite for the wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

The ratio of nine students to every place means that competition for an offer from Chester is fierce. Applicant days in the Spring Term cater for those wanting to find out more about the University, the campuses and their courses before making their final selection from the five choices on their application form. They are structured around the academic sessions, together with advice on all aspects of student life. Acceptance of a place at Chester, together with the necessary exam grades, marks the end of the recruitment process and the transition into student life for home students. Aimhigher Widening Participation Day in Forensic Science

Page 8 Sport and Exercise Sciences students Annual Review 2010

International Students Enquiries and applications from prospective international students more than doubled in 2009/10, compared to the previous year. This means that students from a broader range of backgrounds have had the opportunity to join the University community and bring their unique blend of experience and academic expertise to the institution. An improved website, Facebook presence, new Vimeo and DVD, updated promotional literature and more effective web- advertising and campaigns have all contributed to this success.

Overseas promotional visits, including attendance at British Council and Agents’ Radio coverage of an Open Day Exhibitions in India, Malaysia, China, the Middle East, Turkey and Commonwealth of Independent States countries (such as Georgia and Kazakhstan), have also been integral in enhancing the University’s global profile and its attractiveness as a place to live and study.

The University is classified as a Highly Trusted Sponsor with an ‘A’ rating under the new immigration system introduced in February 2010 by the UK Border Agency. This means that after accepting the offer of a University place and paying their deposit, students can apply for a student study visa. This new procedure has streamlined the application, issue and admissions process, generating a significant increase in the number of places accepted. Aimhigher Widening Participation Day in Forensic Science International students

Page 9 ProspectiveUniversity of StudentsChester Development of Campus Facilities

Visitors to the University will appreciate the unprecedented improvements in teaching and learning facilities that have taken place in the last academic year which emphasise the institution’s continuing investment in cutting-edge infrastructure for students and staff.

Main lecture theatre at Riverside

Page 10 Annual Review 2010

Teaching Facilities Developments have continued at Kingsway Campus, where The new Riverside Building (formerly Cheshire’s County £2.4 million has been invested in a new three-storey building Hall) has been sensitively remodelled at a cost of £12.5 comprising a ground floor gallery and exhibition space and million and now provides over 100,000 square feet of office two floors of staff office accommodation. The courtyard in the accommodation and teaching facilities. The imposing city centre of the complex now provides two performance spaces centre building was transformed in a matter of months for the Faculty of Arts and Media. The project was designed to and opened to students and staff for the 2010 Autumn complement existing buildings on the site and allows previous Term. Riverside is now home for the Faculties of Health staff accommodation to be utilised as further seminar space and Social Care, and Education and Children’s Services, and an additional photography laboratory. On-site changing with extensive, refurbished general teaching space and rooms benefit those using the playing fields. specialist accommodation such as clinical skills, science and technology laboratories and art and design studio spaces. All In association with the local authority conservation officer, library holdings for these two Faculties have been relocated the University has been establishing a modern teaching in extensively reworked space, and investment in the latest environment for the Department of Theology and Religious IT equipment supports the teaching and learning process Studies at Hollybank. The £600,000 works include installation at Riverside. The focal point is the former Council Chamber of a lift, new windows, a rear extension, three seminar rooms which has been converted into a 200-seat lecture theatre with and office accommodation for 16 staff. Rockmount houses raked seating. Within the institution’s latest acquisition are the new Department of Clinical Sciences and the latest reminders of the past, as health memorabilia and artefacts refurbishment work on the building includes a new roof and from the University’s history are being catalogued for display windows, full rewiring and internal redecoration. in two museums on site. A significant number of other redevelopments and The Seaborne Library and Allen Building on the main Chester refurbishments have taken place across the Chester campus have seen a 25% increase in space for learning campuses, to encompass both the addition of Riverside and resources facilities. The extension to the 24/7 zone has the relinquishing of the lease on the Blue Coat School. meant an additional 40 computer workstations with printing facilities, 20 group study spaces, 16 comfortable seats The hub of life at Warrington is now the Martin Building, bringing and a larger refreshment area to accommodate 20 people. together all student-facing support and service departments. More improvements have been made at The Vicarage (a Campus provision is focused on Creative Industries and Public listed building) creating wheelchair access to the side of the Services, which has led to the appointment of Knowledge property. Consequently, Department of English administrative Exchange Project Management staff for each area and ‘zoning’ staff have relocated to the ground floor, with further staff in terms of locating the various academic disciplines. For offices being allocated on the first floor. example, the Faculties of Health and Social Care, and Education and Children’s Services have moved closer together, reflecting

Riverside entrance Page 11 Prospective Students

their emphasis on inter-disciplinary learning. Recreational Facilities Improvements to Chester’s sports facilities Policing and allied areas now have dedicated Whites Dining Rooms is the new name for include a replacement fully sprung timber access to the Blatchford Building, where new the new-look main Chester dining halls, which floor in Chester’s main Campus gym, developments such as the HYDRA software have been refurbished throughout to a high appropriate for all indoor sports taught at simulation suites can be housed. Transferring standard and now offer a modern, stylish the University. The walkway around the the Media Department administrative office to environment with both a relaxation area and swimming pool has also been resurfaced the North West Media Centre, alongside the traditional seating for students and staff. with non-slip quartz. Head and Deputy Heads of Department has provided additional space for the phased move New student social spaces in Chritchley and The University has increased its commitment of single honours Journalism from Kingsway to Riverside, in association with the Chester to help Chester to become a cycling city Warrington, and staff for Sports Journalism and Students’ Union (CSU), feature pool tables, by providing more cycle spaces, showers Warrington accommodation Digital Photography. Wi-Fi access, and vending machines. The and changing rooms at its city campuses, areas have a variety of low-level social seating enabling staff and students to help minimise Student Accommodation and desk areas to allow students’ group work the institution’s carbon footprint. De Bunsen Hall (once the Chester Youth and discussion space. Hostel) has been undergoing a £750,000 refurbishment programme into three self- At Warrington the management of the former catered flats and 28 self-catered rooms (11 CSU Bar (now Twenty/10) has transferred en-suite). Further student accommodation to the University’s Department of Catering has been developed with 10 standard self- Services, which has transformed the catered rooms in Bache Hall and 21 en-suite interior into a leisure venue for the use of full board rooms in the Rigg Building. both students and staff. The CSU offices have moved to new premises in Aiken Hall, Library at Riverside At Warrington, a £260,000 development which also houses a number of external and project has enhanced Manchester Hall, to charitable partners from the fields of youth create three seven-bedroom, self-catered work, sport and theology. flats, including two rooms for a variety of special needs, and in White Hall, two flats Audio-visual equipment within the former have been fully adapted for students with council chamber at Riverside has been mobility impairments. upgraded to show widescreen, Blu-ray, and HD films and is of such a high specification The main Chester Campus has also seen that the CSU is hoping it will host a cinema improvements in lighting, to enhance CCTV club for students, alongside an art house coverage and security. cinema for the wider community. Whites Dining Rooms, Chester Chester Campus cycle facilities

Page 12 New tutor block and courtyard amphitheatreAnnual at Kingsway Review 2010

Dr Malcolm Rhodes, Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Resources) Senior Management.

This latest refurbishment programme has been the largest and most complex ever undertaken within the University and required a series of logistically complex and time-critical relocations during ‘the summer of 2010, involving some 450 academic and support staff across nearly 20 departments and locations. ’ Page 13 Life on Campus Students

The opportunity to join the University community allows students to participate in activities on and off campus that result in lasting friendships and a strong loyalty to the institution, while other achievements of all kinds contribute towards the rich variety of student life.

A final year Diploma in Counselling student was awarded an MBE for Services to Health Care in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List. Annette Rushton came to the University after spending nearly 40 years in management. Having been Nursing Director at Severn Hospice, Shropshire, she now aims to return to working with patients face-to-face again.

An innovative campaign promoting ways to prevent and combat pandemic flu saw students adopting the persona of ‘Viral Man’ to spread the word around the campuses. The University commissioned four recent students, Neil Martin, Hannah Bradshaw, Will Bollen and Jerry Clark, to raise awareness of the importance of hand and respiratory hygiene and their odious green character proved a hit with students and staff. In addition to a series of posters, echoing the national ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it’ Department of Health messages and the helpline details, Life on ‘Viral Man’ appeared as ‘wallpaper’ on open access computers. The successful campaign was revived during the latest outbreak of the disease.

Campus ‘Viral Man’ Swine Flu awareness campaign Annual Review 2010

clearing a mountain of weeds and rubbish to The CSU was responsible for co-ordinating cultivate the patch. Since then, hundreds of a large-scale survey on student issues hours have been spent tending numerous for the Quality Assurance Agency. A high vegetables, herbs and edible flowers for response rate yielded valuable feedback for Society members to eat and the project is a the University’s senior management and practical lesson in sustainability, seasonality academic staff, which has prompted a range and how easy it is to grow produce. of improvements.

Men’s Basketball team Now the eyes and ears of dietetic students The Men’s Basketball team won the nationally, Kathryn Logan, in the second year prestigious North West trophy for the British of the postgraduate Nutrition and Dietetics Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS). programme, seized the day by responding Continuing the institution’s long history of to a call for applications to its council from Jessica Fletcher victory in the sport, the team beat Leeds the British Dietetic Association (BDA), and With a host of gold medals around her neck, Metropolitan Carnegie 82-78 after extra time undertook the role of Student Observer. Jessica Fletcher is now coaching the next in the final at the Chester Campus Sports She represents fellow students and voices generation of synchronised swimmers. Hall, cheered on by a 200-strong crowd. the views and opinions of all dietetic Jessica, a Sport Development student at student members throughout the UK, while the Warrington Campus, represented Great communicating feedback and updates for Britain at junior level at the European and the profession. Sandy Costall World Championships and fitted in her As one of only five entrants to be selected punishing training schedule and competitions Parts of the campuses were transformed into to attend the National Network for around her studies, until injury forced a switch ‘check-in desks’ as part of a travel-themed Learning Disability (LD) Nurses’ Annual to coaching future stars of the sport. initiative to encourage final year students to Conference at the University of York, Sandy complete the 2010 National Student Survey. Costall submitted her reflections on her Final year Law students Mike Guina and Lizzie Chester Students’ Union (CSU) joined forces LD nurse training in the competition. This Naylor (who subsequently achieved first class with the Learning and Teaching Institute (LTI) followed on from the LD Positive Choices honours) made it to the final of the national People and Planet Society to promote the Survey, which definitively conference where she had spoken Oxford University Press and BPP Law School Neglected wasteland off Walpole Street, measures the quality of the teaching about her inspirational decision to leave National Mooting Competition, together Chester has been transformed by The People experience at each UK institution. Ben a successful career in pharmaceuticals with teams from the Universities of Oxford, and Planet Society into a highly productive Massey, Vice-President (Chester), and Olly to return to education and she has Birmingham and Sheffield. Although the team allotment with the help of a Santander Howard, Vice-President (Warrington) devised subsequently been approached to present lost to Birmingham in the semi-final, this was Communities grant. Student Jennifer Moss the airport-style campaign and achieved the at the 2011 event. a remarkable achievement. led a team of up to eight volunteers in highest response rate to date.

Page 15 UniversityLife on Campus of Chester

After working with HIV/AIDS patients in A Senior Policy Adviser to key political was awarded a £1,000 grant through the Africa, Heather Pratt continued to support figures was the first to graduate with a BA Sport and Exercise Sciences Department’s this cause through her dissertation research (Hons) in Public Sector Management from Sports Scholarship Scheme. This aims to into the effects of omega-3 fatty acids in HIV- the University. David Stokes, who works cater for elite level sports people who wish related lipodystrophy (a medical condition within the Ministry of Justice in London, to study at Chester while maintaining and that results in abnormal or degenerative gained the prestigious qualification, having improving their sporting excellence. conditions of body fat). Her systematic completed a Foundation Degree (FD) in review offers sound recommendations for Government at the University in 2007. Three Media students beat off stiff future management of this condition, and He works on civil legal aid in the Ministry competition from around the country to earned a distinction. She is of Justice, advising Ministers, dealing win sought-after work-based learning currently completing the with parliamentary correspondence and placements with the BBC. Alistair practice placements in questions, and carrying out consultations Phipps, Robert Pickles and Franc Subias, the final year of her BSc and changes to legislation. undertook a three week placement, in Nutrition and Dietetics. primarily working with the team A student cyclist, who responsible for producing A Question landed a place on a of Sport. To earn this opportunity, the national racing team, students had to impress a BBC panel Ryan Arndale has thanked the by editing down 30 minutes of sporting This was part of the UniJob scheme which University for a video footage into a one minute clip, with is a recruitment service exclusively for scholarship that has music and a theme of their choice running University students looking for paid work given his riding throughout. In addition to their success, on campus. Her friendly manner and hard career an extra fellow student Ryan Arndale also secured work impressed her employers so much that push. Stuart Henry work with the team that produces the she was nominated for a NASES (National is studying for BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards. Association of Student Employment Services) a French degree Student Employee of the Year award. and pedalled Fine Art student Helen Smith reached across Britain to the national finals in a prestigious event The University’s Valedictory Service and take part in the 10- recognising the outstanding contributions and Prize-Giving celebrated academic prowess race Halford’s Tour achievements of students who combine part- alongside other qualities. The Kellogg Award Series. Originally time work with their studies. She won the for postgraduate academic achievement from Bangor in North West Student on Campus Employee was shared between two students. In Northern Ireland, of the Year competition for working as part Public Health Nutrition it was awarded to he represents of a team carrying out telephone research Mostafa Albanna, who came to Chester Team Ireland and recording the progress of recent graduates. from Bangladesh for his postgraduate

Page 16 Stuart Henry Annual Review 2010

work for a health improvement task was The Rev Canon Christopher Burkett received Commercial Music Production students at deemed excellent by her peers. Vicky acted his PhD (passing without corrections) on the the Warrington Campus had a real taste in a professional and consultative manner idea of collective memory and how people of the music industry when they released and managed a good work/life balance relate to and maintain a lively Christian faith a single as part of their third year project. with her additional sports commitments tradition. He is now the Diocesan Director of Under the Aspiration brand students have for a University club. She was proactive, Ministry at Chester (formerly Chaplain to the recruited, recorded, produced, mixed and well motivated and highly regarded by Bishop of Chester, and a Canon of Chester mastered music. Part of this work is to all who come into contact with her. Cathedral). Dr Burkett trained originally as organise a music showcase of talent at a Cassandra Ricchiuti (Nutrition and Dietetics) a sociologist and was one of the earliest top venue, attracting a large audience and consistently achieved and maintained an UK practitioners of the sociological study of marketing performers to the music industry. excellent academic profile while meeting the Christian congregations. He is a member of Acts such as Asher Don, Laugh Stretch demands of raising a toddler and commuting the British Sociological Association and part Delay, and Stormcorporation performed from Shropshire. Her dissertation on ‘An of the national training team of the College at the Manchester Club Academy and the Exploratory Review of How Body Mass of Preachers. event acted as the launch for the new single. Helen Smith with Professor Dorothy Marriss Index (BMI) Affects Eating Behaviour.’ studies and contributed greatly to the earned a distinction and serves ethos and community spirit on the to demonstrate her programme. Annette Weaver, Nutrition and determination and Dietetics, was also awarded the prize for professionalism. her professional conduct and approach to laboratory work during her MSc research project. Throughout the academic and practice placement elements of the programme, she consistently demonstrated the attitude and aptitudes of a health care professional.

The Yakult Prize for Nutrition in Undergraduate Programmes at Valedictory was also shared by two students: Vicky Veevers (Human Nutrition) made an excellent contribution to the student experience in her role as a student representative and her approach to leading her team in group

Prizewinners at the Valedictory Service Page 17 Life on Campus

ignite under the bonnet of the car and took the award by David Pickering, Director of Meadow brave decision to reach into the vehicle to free Foods Ltd and Deputy Lieutenant of Cheshire, the woman and pull her clear. She was also at a ceremony on the main Chester Campus. awarded the University of Chester Citizenship Award, sponsored by Egerton House Wirral The 2010 World Cup was an occasion Ltd, for demonstrating exceptional courage to remember for talented TV Production and exemplary social responsibility through her students Joanna Jaworska and James actions. Moorhead whose short films about the beautiful game impressed judges at a Karina Pritchard with Assistant Chief Constable A Warrington Wolves rugby legend had special workshop and won them a prized Phil Thompson and Dr Lesley Cooke his testimonial year captured on film by BBC Sport work placement during the a group of TV production students. Prop international tournament. The pair were Forward, Paul Wood, who played for Great among 11 North West candidates – five Britain, and took the titles of England’s from the University – short-listed to take International Player of the Season in 2005 part in the BBC Student Challenge: World and Warrington Wolves’ Player of the Year Cup Memories. in 2006, celebrated 10 years at the Super League club. The film has been screened Journalism student Jamie Rowell assisted at official dinners and other social events Chester firm Everyday Maternity to win throughout the year and for fans at the the Best Independent Retailer award at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. Paul was pleased Prima Baby Fashion Awards 2010 through Alison Rostron with David Pickering with the professionalism and standard of the use of social media such as Facebook, A trainee police officer from Cheshire was the finished product and felt it was a unique Twitter and blogging to generate more web honoured with a commendation for bravery by way of marking his celebratory programme. traffic and help promote the business. Jamie her peers during the ‘passing out’ ceremony undertook the challenge as the work-based at the end of her course. Karina Pritchard had A talented MBA student earned an award learning project for his degree and the award been off duty and just two weeks into her for her outstanding work in strategic was decided through an online poll. police training at the Warrington Campus, when management. Alison Rostron, a Revenue she came across a road traffic accident and and Benefits Client Officer at Liverpool City When BBC Radio 5 Live was broadcast from took decisive action. She found an overturned Council, beat off competition from over 100 the main Chester Campus the day after the car with a passenger still inside, trapped entrants to win the Meadow Foods Prize for General Election, one of the team behind around the steering column. After calling for Strategic Management, introduced by the it, Kelly-Jo Coney was a familiar face at the emergency services, Karina, along with a lorry Faculty of Business, Enterprise and Lifelong University. A final year Radio Production driver who had also stopped, noticed a fire Learning (BELL). She was presented with her student from the Warrington Campus, Joanna Jaworska and James Moorhead

Page 18 Annual Review 2010

she was busy behind the scenes on the Encouraging school leavers to join the programme, presented by Stephen Nolan. funeral industry is a campaign that would Kelly-Jo has spent the past 12 months test the limits of the most creative ad working with Derek Ivens, Senior Broadcast designers. But a series of promotional Journalist with 5 Live as part of the posters designed to do just that have University’s BBC North Developing Talent proven to be an award winning formula for partnership. During the show, she was one student from the Warrington Campus. joined by fellow Radio Production students Advertising with Media student Richard Pay Yvette Kirtley and Saira Kewley, who have won the Best Advertising Award 2010 at also been involved with the same initiative. the inaugural Designers Northern Alliance Professor Tim Wheeler, Dechlan Jarrett, CSU (DNA) event held in Manchester, and his President and Andy Spencer and Ian West, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service with the latest Three Television Production students from work captured the imagination of judges campaign message the Warrington Campus were honoured and leading industry professionals. by the Royal Television Society (RTS) and Health Practitioner Institution of Occupational BBC. Hayley Evans and Denise Clarke A provocative transatlantic fire safety drive, led Safety and Health Awards which recognise found themselves in the top three of the by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service with the outstanding contributions in the world of health RTS North West Student Television Award support of the University, won a prestigious and safety. Councillor David Topping, Chair of (Factual category) for their 24-minute national award at a glittering London ceremony. Cheshire Fire Authority thanked the students documentary The Bridge. This gave The pioneering work, which included an online for their part in the collaboration which had personal perspectives on the history of the viral marketing presentation with a James contributed to the campaign’s success. Runcorn Bridge. Judges found it innovative Bond theme and a dramatic reconstruction and enjoyable to watch and particularly of a fire in a student flat, won the Partnership liked the artistic shots and good use of Initiative of the Year Prize at the Safety and archive footage. BBC North West Tonight newsreader Ranvir Singh presented certificates to the pair in Manchester. Hayley also won the BBC Partnership Award for Production for The Bridge and received her award at the Connect & Create Conference 2010 from Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer, while fellow student Lianne McKeown was another shortlisted finalist in the Factual category, for her Joanna Jaworska and James Moorhead film Woman’s Best Friend.

Hayley Evans with Bob Mortimer and Vic Reeves Page 19 UniversityLife on Campus of Chester Case Study Tom Riley

The Rowing Club topped off a year of major achievement by winning the University’s Sports Club of the Year and Tom, as Captain, can feel justifiably proud of their efforts. This up-and-coming club Receiving a trophy from the Lord Mayor at the Northwich Regatta saw record numbers of members, success at regattas and the purchase of a new boat to lay the applications resulted in the remaining £2,000 for the four-man boat being secured from foundation for a promising future. Tom had no prior experience of rowing before studying at Chester British Rowing. The vessel has been named after the long term Chester Students’ (although his mother rowed for York City) but after joining the club at Freshers’ Fair, it soon became Union staff member, Jane Hodson and is now a real asset for the Club. his passion. Training up to 10 times a week would be enough for most people, but the members also had a massive fundraising effort to buy a new boat. They did a triathlon, completed the Tom and other Club members have benefited from a coach assigned to develop five daunting Tough Guy assault course, opened up their circuit training to others for a fee and packed of the smaller clubs in the North West by British Rowing. This has been invaluable and bags at supermarkets. They also generated significant income for a range of charities, such as Claire the resulting successes included the men’s eight climbing 105 places at the London House and the Haiti Appeal, at the same time. A total of £2,600 was raised and numerous grant Head of the River race, while the women’s four competed at the Henley Regatta for the first time and gained silver at the British Universities Championship, losing only to Cambridge. The Club has novice and senior levels for men and women and they row in pairs, fours and eights. The Club’s efforts also attracted the North West University Indoor Rowing Championships to the University in 2010. A Santander grant enabled three Club members to undergo a Level 2 Coaching Skills course to help promote health and fitness activity for students and to ensure that competitive rowing opportunities are available for future students.

Tom, now in the final year of his Natural Hazard Management and International Development course, feels that his involvement in rowing has enhanced his time at Chester saying: “All my closest friends are from Rowing. I’ve loved meeting so many new people and competing in a strenuous sporting environment. As Club Captain I’ve learnt so many skills such as time management, leadership and communications, and the tremendous progress made this year has been so rewarding for everyone involved.”

Competing at the Universities Championships (Tom Riley far right)

Page 20 Annual Review 2010 Support for Students

For all those entering higher education, embarking upon life as a student is a time of great change. Award-winning Student Support and Guidance, combined with financial information and budgeting help, are a key part of the Chester experience and ensure that everyone has access to the support structure they need throughout their university life.

Students joining the University community have access to a wide range of support services to make a smooth transition into higher education and to experience a fulfilling time at the institution. Student Support and Guidance offers information, advice and guidance on all aspects of student life including student welfare, specific support for international and mature students, disability support, counselling services and occupational health. The quality of the service was recognised again in 2009 by being shortlisted for the Outstanding Support for Students category at The Times Higher Education Awards, emphasising the quality of the service and the integral part that it plays in University life.

Page 21 Life on Campus

Chester Students’ elected body of students, supported by a belonging as entrants begin to form their The University is dedicated to supporting Union (CSU) caters team of permanent staff, and represents identity as a university student. excellence in interdisciplinary study for all students the views of Chester students internally and and provides Sports Scholarships for and is affiliated externally. Its Student Advice Centre offers The University plays an active part in easing undergraduate students who compete at to the National free, impartial and confidential advice on any the financial burden for students through elite level. This is in the form of funding and Union of issues and works with external partners, such advice on the sources of external funding sports science support from scientific staff, Students. as Citizens Advice, Western Cheshire PCT and the provision of its own bursaries and together with use of the extensive testing It is run and a firm of solicitors, to provide free weekly grants. First-year students who qualify for a and research facilities. The University also by an drop-in sessions for students. It organises full maintenance grant receive a University provides Music Scholarships for students successful campaigns on personal safety, Bursary of £1,000, with half to be paid in playing a leading part in the cultrual activities sexual health and cancer awareness. cash and half to be redeemed at John Smith’s of the institution. Choral and instrumental Bookshop. The Aspire scheme is run between awards up to a total value of £800 are A study using Web 2.0 technologies to help the University and John Smith’s and entitles available to eligible candidates. prospective students integrate into the all new full-time students to £25 of credit University community before they arrive for books, stationery, laptops or netbooks, For postgraduates, the Gladstone has been introduced over the past two computer accessories and other learning Fellowships are offered jointly between the years by Dr Chris Ribchester, Deputy materials from the Chester campus bookshop University and an external sponsor and cover Head of the Department of Geography or online. A wide range of charitable bodies the cost of tuition fees for PhD students. and Development Studies, involving offers grants to students, and Student Support Santander Masters Scholarships of up to 411 students across six departments and Guidance provides advice on applying for £5,000 support full-time taught postgraduate and four faculties. The results show these funds. For any student who does go on study. These two scholarships are awarded that pre-induction social networking to experience financial hardship, the Access on the basis of academic merit to students creates a positive initial impression to Learning Fund (ALF) provides another from the UK, Spain, Portugal or Latin of a department and its staff, and can possible reserve. America who would not otherwise be able help to allay the anxieties of students to take up a place at Chester. as they prepare for life at University. Santander Universities has recently increased Subject-specific social networks its financial support for students to include All these examples illustrate the different encourage a familiarity with new two undergraduate scholarships worth £3,000 sources of funding that can enable students people and places; an awareness of each. In addition, the recent introduction to pursue their chosen course, together with the requirements of induction week; of the Formula Santander international the support structure the University provides the challenges of academic study; and scholarship and mobility programme for its student population, which combine to the learning culture of programmes. means that €5,000 is available for a student ensure that students can make the most of All of these measures have positive (undergraduate or postgraduate) to spend one their time at Chester. implications for the sense of semester at a university overseas.

Page 22 Annual Review 2010 Case Study Rebecca Queren

A prime example of a student who has made the most of the opportunities on offer, Rebecca has returned to Chester for the fourth year of her German and Psychology course having spent a revelatory year overseas as part of the Erasmus exchange programme.

A British Council grant enabled her to work as a language assistant in Siegen, near Cologne and to leave Germany debt free. Studying abroad enabled her to hone her language skills to fluency while living with a family and to experience German culture at first hand. She also gained invaluable experience in teaching English, which she found “such a rewarding feeling.” She now wants to pursue a career in an educational setting and would like to teach English as a foreign language in countries ranging from Asia to South America. Reflecting on her experience she said: “I wouldn’t have changed it for the world and was really grateful for the opportunity.”

In order to complete her degree, Rebecca successfully applied for a full University Bursary and wished she had applied earlier, to have reduced the amount of paid work she had undertaken and to have felt the financial benefits sooner.

Since coming to Chester from Fleetwood, aged 21, Rebecca has been heavily involved in most aspects of campus life. Throughout her course she has been a student volunteer, assisting with a range of activities and events, such as the Spring School for Year 9 pupils from deprived areas. She is also putting her experience of studying abroad to good use as a mentor for international students at the University.

The financial help Rebecca has received during her time in higher education has allowed her to flourish and achieve a range of personal goals, in addition to giving back her time and skills to the community. Rebecca Queren at the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin

Page 23 Life on Campus Staff

Academic and support staff bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the institution, enriching the student experience, while accomplishments of all kinds highlight their integral role within the University and beyond.

The title of Queen’s Nurse was awarded to Irene Cooke, a Senior Lecturer in Nursing, by the Queen’s Nursing Institute, London. This honour is presented to community nurses who have demonstrated their high level of commitment to patient-centred values and their keenness for continuous improvement in practice. She was awarded the prestigious accolade after a career spanning more than 30 years of nursing in Wirral and Liverpool. The Queen’s Nurse encourages innovation and best practice in primary care and facilitates collaboration and leadership across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Irene is now helping to develop the next generation of qualified nurses as part of the Community and Child Health Team. She is also continuing her interest in community care by starting research for a PhD on comparing health outcomes for the elderly, nursed in their own homes and in care.

Page 24 Irene Cooke with Dr David Colin-Thome, OBE Annual Review 2010

Dr John Buckley, Senior Lecturer in Snowdonia Marathon at the end of October. Exercise, Health and Rehabilitation, played Andrew, an Assistant Subject Librarian, was a part in producing the NHS Guidelines motivated by raising £800 for the National for Commissioning Cardiac Rehabilitation Autistic Society and Peterhouse School in Services as a member of the Department of Southport. Health Expert Working Party in 2010. He is the President of the British Association for Cardiac Another dual marathon runner, Nathalie Rees, Rehabilitation and a Fellow of the British Senior Careers Information Officer, celebrated Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences a landmark birthday by running the Tokyo (BASES). In addition to leading the MSc in Jay Rayner with Dr Basma Ellahi Marathon in 2010 to add to her Leiemarathon Cardiovascular Rehabilitation at Chester and farming experts from the University’s Associate in Belgium in 2009. She used the the PGCert in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation College at Reaseheath, near Nantwich, to be opportunities to raise a total of £1,000 for at the Asian Heart Institute in Mumbai, he interviewed by TV presenter and Observer food Cancer Research and cited the support of the currently works with the Cardiac Rehabilitation critic Jay Rayner. She carried out a scientific spectators and the atmosphere at team at the Countess of Chester Hospital analysis in the Nantwich laboratories of the both events as critical to NHS Trust, combining patient advisory work content of different types of reformed meat, her success. Lesley Halliwell with tutoring his postgraduate students. orange juice and milk drinks. Felt-tip and ball-point pens, blotting and graph paper were just some of the stationery As a member of the Department of Energy ingredients for an exhibition by Lesley and Climate Change’s Low Carbon Community Halliwell, a Visiting Lecturer in Fine Art. In ‘All Challenge (LCCC) Working Group, Professor the Small Things: Recent Work’ at Chester’s Roy Alexander from the Department of Grosvenor Museum, household items were Geography and Development Studies was transformed into bright and exuberant works instrumental in obtaining £400,000 for the exploring pattern, colour, repetition and Cheshire village of Ashton Hayes in its bid to geometry. A series of workshops hosted become the first carbon neutral community. by the Museum, in partnership with the University, encouraged others to see objects In a series of three features investigating the Andrew Milton through Lesley’s eyes. Best known for her manufacturing processes carried out on food If running any race sounds daunting, Andrew enormous, colourful drawings, she has been and drink before it reaches the supermarket Milton’s feat of completing two of the seen demonstrating the perfect Spirograph shelf, nutrition specialist Dr Basma Ellahi, now most gruelling marathons in five weeks technique on the BBC. Lesley was a finalist in Head of Clinical Sciences, appeared on the was particularly challenging. He ran in the Pizza Express Prospects (2004), Bloomberg BBC’s popular topical magazine programme, Lake District’s Great Langdale Marathon New Contemporaries (2002), and was The One Show. Dr Ellahi joined food and in September 2009 and then finished the Nathalie Rees nominated for Beck’s Futures in 2003.

Page 25 Life on Campus

Valerie Ebrahimi (Senior Lecturer, Department Elite level hurdler from Sport and Exercise of Professional Development and Allied Sciences, Grace Smith, has raced against Health Care) was appointed to the Associate the likes of Olympic gold medallist Denise Member Committee at the College of Lewis, Olympic bronze medallist Natasha Occupational Therapy. This role involves Danvers, and Jessica Ennis, the World making recommendations and responding to Champion heptathlete. She has been hurdling consultation documents at a national level, on competitively for 15 years and competes for the educational needs of associates, as well Sale Harriers in Manchester. As a student at as their practice development. Tim Mann, Bath, she was in the UK top 10 at under-23 Head of Social Work, has been appointed as a level and came third in the GB University Magistrate at the Chester, Ellesmere Port and Championships. Now that Grace is teaching Neston Magistrates’ Court. at Chester and studying for a PhD, athletics is less of a priority. However, she is still ranked 22nd in the UK and appeared in BBC coverage of the UK Championships and the Super 8 athletics on Sky Sports.

Clothing discarded by some might Grace Smith (left) be ideal for someone else – a The issue of the attendance of fathers at Nick Clegg in the chair, on family centred concept that a Researcher Joy birth was covered by BBC Radio 5 Live and maternity care, and the pair also met with Spencer, from the Faculty of BBC London, and featured Professor Mary Ann Milton, Conservative MP. Health and Social Care, exploits for Steen, from the Department of Midwifery charity. She organised the event and Reproductive Health. This topic was PA Elisabeth Lelu-Deyme, who works in Frock Exchange 2 which was an also the focus of a debate between Duncan Registry Services, realised her lifelong dream opportunity for women to bring Fisher OBE (Faculty of Health and Social when she jumped 13,000 ft from a plane. seldom worn garments and pick Care Visiting Research Fellow) and the She joined two friends to raise money for up a new item from someone French obstetrician Michele Odent, at the orphaned children in Cambodia. Elisabeth, else’s wardrobe. Joy, who works Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Student who originally hails from France, and her on the Adolescent Diabetes Needs Midwives’ conference in Manchester with friends chose Enfants du Mékong because it Assessment Tool (ADNAT) study, some associated media coverage. Professor specialises in helping to fund the education raised £200 for the Hospice of the Steen gave 11 radio interviews for the RCM/ of under-privileged Asian children through Good Shepherd from 70 attendees Pampers Guide for early pregnancy. She individual sponsorship. The trio raised over and donated the surplus clothing to and Duncan Fisher attended a round table £2,000 which has been used to support 64 the Hospice shop. discussion with the Liberal Democrats’ teenagers in Sisophon.

Page 26 Joy Spencer Annual Review 2010

A Research Officer also found her wings remodelled Staff Development and Training after taking part in a tandem skydive to raise Programme. A team of accredited mediators funds for charity. Kathryn Melling, a Lecturer can now assist those in conflict situations by in Statistics, jumped 15,000ft from a plane to working through disagreements to develop a raise cash for St Gemma’s Hospice in Leeds sustainable agreement that allows the parties in memory of her father. Kathryn wanted to work together in a positive environment. The to do something significant to mark his training programme has changed from the two memory and to say ‘thank you’ for the care intensive Staff Development Weeks with ad hoc and support he received at the Hospice. She training to a more structured, comprehensive raised £515 from the jump and is grateful programme throughout the academic year. for the financial and emotional back-up she It supports the development of staff to meet received from her friends and colleagues. University, faculty and departmental goals and objectives as well as provide opportunities for New additions to the portfolio of staff services professional and personal development. Both from Human Resource Management Services innovations are now being utilised by staff Long Service Awards recipients with Dr Malcolm Rhodes, Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor have included a Mediation Service and a across the institution. The commitment of staff over a period Dot Gosling, Senior Lecturer in Christian amounting to more than five centuries was Youth Work, was ordained a Deacon in recognised with a celebration of long service, July 2010. She is a professionally qualified to coincide with the annual commemoration youth worker and most of her time is of the University’s foundation in 1839. spent facilitating students’ learning. Staff and students, past and present, and However, she also manages to fit members of the governing body, attended in her role as the Curate at the Founders’ Day Service to hear David Chester Cathedral, having Ford, Regius Professor of Divinity at the previously acted as Assistant University of Cambridge and to reflect on Diocesan Youth Officer for the University’s mission and values. Three the Diocese of Chester. Dot is staff, who had worked for the University for part of the Chaplaincy Team at 25 or more years, Phil Hirst, Wendy Pohl and the University and has been Linda Barnacle, received a gift from the Vice- involved in two working parties Chancellor while certificates and letters of for the Church of England congratulation were presented to other long National Youth Strategy and one serving staff. for the Church of England on Kathryn Melling working with young people.

Page 27 Life on Campus Volunteering

The tradition of public service lies at the heart of University life and the voluntary contribution of 17,360 hours from students and staff members this year makes a real difference to the areas in which they live and work.

Students did their bit to help victims of the Haiti Earthquake by starting a fundraising drive within days of the tragedy. University clubs and societies, along with the Chester Students’ Union (CSU), organised a range of events and collected £2,200 for the Disasters Emergency Committee Haiti Earthquake appeal. Activities included Hugs for Haiti from the People and Planet Society, a sponsored row from the Rowing Club, Penny for a Pound from Geography students and a sponsored head shave by the CSU President and Vice-President.

Making a difference to the health and wellbeing of 300 older citizens, 15 third-year pre-registration nursing students from the Warrington campus had the opportunity to try out their skills when they spent a day with Warrington Primary Care Trust supporting the ‘Winter Warm’ campaign. Alongside regular activities such as body mass indexing and blood pressure checks, the students had the opportunity to assist practitioners with the winter flu injections, and to learn some of the skills involved in aromatherapy, reiki and other alternative therapies.

Page 28 Selling cakes for Claire House Annual Review 2010

Students from the CSU clubs and societies raised £550 for a homeless charity after combined their efforts to generate an joining other volunteers. CATH, which aims impressive £4,000 for local charities such as to provide care, shelter, advice and support Claire House and the Hospice of the Good to homeless people in the Chester area, Shepherd. The fundraising events included a has been supported by the University over sponsored sleepover in the Student’s Union, many years. Students also baked cakes and theme nights in the bar, multiple cake sales distributed them to people living in some of and fancy dress events. the city’s homeless hostels. These activities Volunteering at Talacre were organised as part of Community Service Tea Dance organisers A charity gig night to promote new local undertook pond construction, vegetation Volunteers Make a Difference Day, the UK’s At the end of Volunteers’ Week, students from artists was organised at Chester’s Telfords clearance, lichen surveys, bean pole making, biggest annual day of volunteering, which the University reaped the reward for going Warehouse by Events Management students, hedge-laying and bush craft. Student and aims to encourage random acts of kindness above and beyond the call of duty. With more through their company, X-perience Events. staff volunteers also continued to work across the country. than 500 hours of voluntary work between Sponsorship from a music comparison closely with the Flintshire Rangers with a them, Michelle Patton, Rebecca McAdam, website meant that 100% of the proceeds visit to Talacre Beach in September 2009 Student events company, DEAFinitely Katryna Hardcastle, Laura Hughes and Laura were donated to Macmillan Cancer Support. to help protect the sand dune system, Headfunk, had something to shout about Collinson were honoured for their service by inhabited by the endangered natterjack toad. after amassing over £395 for the Deafness the Lord Mayor of Chester, Cllr Neil Ritchie, In April 2010 a team of volunteers assisted Support Network. By hosting a Silent Disco at at Volunteer Centre Chester’s annual award the Rangers to build a charcoal fire and lay the CSU bar, attended by over 150 students, ceremony. Michelle and Rebecca clocked up new paths in the forest. the group was able to collect the money from more than 100 hours each for their contribution ticket sales and donations. The participants to Cheshire Youth Action Team, while the two The Lady Diana show boat was wore headphones and listened to a choice of Lauras and Katryna volunteered for more than commandeered by students from CAASS tracks, as mixed by the event DJs. This meant 100 hours each as school mentors. Events as they turned it into a pirate ship in that any observer witnessed a room of people aid of Hope House Hospice. The purpose of dancing to different beats in apparent silence. Participating in Volunteers’ Week the evening’s sail on the River Dee was to The amount raised exceeded expectations A group of six students participated in entertain students with a variety of activities and went towards supporting the Youth a large scale conservation activity day, and raise funds to make the tragedy of losing Service at the Chester Deaf Centre. organised as part of National Student a child as bearable as possible, through Volunteers’ Week. They formed part of emotional and practical support. Events Management students were a 60-strong team, including 20 other responsible for reviving the tea dance volunteers from other North West Braving the plummeting temperatures tradition within the City Walls at the Guildhall. universities, tackling a number of tasks at during the Chester Aid to the Homeless They brought the community together to Professor Dorothy Marriss with Volunteer Mere Sands Woods in Lancashire. They (CATH) annual sleep-out, staff and students raise money for Help for Heroes. Centre Chester’s prizewinners

Page 29 Life on Campus

Street party spirit was in full flow as kind- the Samaritans. The packages made their way Other winners of the Santander Community hearted students and staff were honoured at to Africa, Central Asia and Eastern Europe to Award included Biomedical Science student, the University’s annual volunteer celebration. put a smile on the faces of needy children who Laura Highy for her dedication to the Cheshire Colourful bunting and balloons decked Molloy may not otherwise have received a gift. Young Carers. Laura helps organise the Hall as volunteers and guests were entertained weekly group sessions and home visits, by dancing, magic, circus skills, game shows Dr Terry Waite CBE preached at the Valedictory while acting as a Student Ambassador and and speeches. The Volunteer Indoor Street Service and Prize-Giving that honoured the Senior Choral Scholar for the University Party event was held to recognise the voluntary work from across the institution. Choir. Third-year Law student, Lucy Thorpe thousands of hours of volunteering carried out Among the award winners was Kirsty Ashton Gunner won the Award for her volunteer by staff and students. Following speeches by who received both the Santander Community role as a Generalist Advisor for the Citizens Rob Bisset, from Chester Aid to the Homeless, Award and the Business Connection Award Advice Bureau. Third-year Sports and Exercise and student volunteer Steven Blakeman, the for her fundraising work and enterprising Science student Steven Dutton was also Deputy Lieutenant for Cheshire Mr David nature, in spite of health problems. Radio and recognised for his dedication to volunteering Pickering presented guests with certificates to Television Production student Kirsty has spent as a Football Coach and Classroom Assistant acknowledge their achievements. a huge amount of time fundraising £75,000 for at Poulton Lancelyn Primary School. All four the When You Wish Upon a Star charity which Santander winners made an outstanding raises money to grant the wishes of children contribution to the University or wider across the country with a life-threatening community through voluntary work, condition. Kirsty has liaised with many high completed hundreds of hours of volunteering profile celebrities and businesses, set up her and made a presentation to a panel of judges. own website and written a book. Andrew Bell volunteered for a nutrition project run by the University to improve the dietary habits of first-year students, often living away from home for the first time. He played a major part in the delivery of hands-on Women’s Football team cooking sessions and by his own admission The Women’s Football team did its bit for has come a long way in life. Andrew started charity after collecting scores of presents at a special school and couldn’t hear, see for under-privileged children as part of the or speak clearly and volunteering on this Christmas Shoebox appeal. Set up by team project has helped with his own personal member Beccy Dew, this saw the team rally Kirsty Ashton (centre) with Kirsty Craig development as well as allowing him to around to collect more than 70 boxfuls to send (Business Connection) and Maria Skinner demonstrate his sensitive and supportive (Mentor Co-ordinatior) to Operation Christmas Child, a project run by nature. The Ede & Ravenscroft Award was

Page 30 Annual Review 2010

shared by Andrew and Amy Greaves, who clothing, programmes and newsletters. established the Amnesty International These visual marketing tools have resulted student group on campus, chairing it with in an increase in membership with more energy and enthusiasm and it has now students contributing to the community gained a significant profile among students. through voluntary activities. The Team is part Speakers from Amnesty have visited Chester of v, the national volunteering charity, and to talk to the students and the group have promotes volunteering to its peers. organised fundraising activities in aid of the Haiti Earthquake. Amy is a great motivator A trip to Ecuador as part of an International and her good organisation has enabled this Student Volunteers programme was a Kayleigh Speake society to thrive. rewarding experience for James Davidson, Nutrition and Dietetics student, organised a Sports and Exercise Science student, and and participated in the 12-week programme, The Santander Foundation provides Michelle Patton (Religious Studies), who which focused on buying and cooking food funding for students and staff to participate received a Santander grant towards their on a small budget. It provided fun activities in community life, at both local and travel costs. They worked on a conservation to keep clients enthused and promoted international levels. The Cheshire vInvolved reserve promoting sustainable development cooking and eating as a social activity. Youth Action Team was able to highlight and grew coffee beans to sell, planted crops, the concept of volunteering to the student created a vegetable patch and taught English Volunteering is a family affair for Jody Bell, community thanks to such a Santander in the local school. an Early Childhood Studies student, who grant, which together with her father, runs the successful funded Cookery sessions were delivered to clients Ellesmere Port Gymnastics Club which of Chester Aid to the Homeless by The benefited from a Santander grant. The Good Grub Club, a Santander- Club offers the opportunity for children to funded project, run by participate in sport, which is particularly students from nutrition- important in an area with a high level of related courses. Kayleigh childhood obesity. A move to new premises Speake, a and the funding for new equiment resulted in a rise in membership from 50 to 109 within two weeks. Improved facilities have allowed Jody to offer Freestyle gymnastics for older teenagers (attracting over 90 participants) and adult classes, which were not feasible with previous constraints.

Ede and Ravenscroft winners Andrew Bell and Amy Greaves Page 31 Life on Campus

Whitchurch in North Shropshire enjoyed A conservation trip to Australia with the A Vegas-style party, complete with ‘Elvis’, and staff on the Warrington campus. This a Lantern Parade, courtesy of Sarah International Student Volunteers organisation show girls and circus acts, was held activity fundraised over £80 and the group Vaughan from the Department of Student was made possible for Khadija Todman, a to celebrate the hours of volunteering then decided to spend some of this money Development, as part of a Christmas Fair. Psychology with Forensic Biology student, undertaken by young people across to book a place at a car boot sale, to raise Funded by a Santander grant and created through Santander funding. The aim was to Cheshire. vInspired is the national youth further funds. with the Blackberry Fair community interest have a positive impact on the environment volunteering programme which recognises company, the project featured a “magical” and community in the Colo River area of New the contribution made by 16 to 25-year-olds grotto where Father Christmas gave a South Wales. The area benefited from the in their community. The Cheshire vInvolved traditional festive treat to local children from conservation of its native, endangered plants Team and Youth Action Team organised a this area of rural deprivation. The torchlit and a permanent path was created from a night to remember for 90 volunteers and their Parade involved creating over 80 lanterns for camp to the nearest river for the use of local guests at Mid Cheshire College. After a buffet children and their parents to carry for this people and visitors. of American style food the guests were colourful spectacle. treated to dancing, music, circus acts and student magician, Mathew Parrot.

Raising the curtain on a funfair/circus themed evening, students raised funds for Claire House Children’s Hospice. The Carnival Funk Event brought sparkle, magic and the fun of the fair, and the group secured a number of sponsors Holly Shaw (left) with Claire Britton, Volunteer from the business community. Amongst the Co-ordinator clowns, the popcorn and the music were The national vInspired Shout Award was nostalgic fairground games and activities. presented to Holly Shaw, who graduated from an Early Childhood Studies course Warrington student volunteers took up the in November 2009, in recognition of her Claire House Children’s Hospice Action 10 extensive volunteering work. She underwent Challenge. This invited members of the kidney transplant surgery after more than community, along with key businesses, to three years of dialysis and during her time on become involved over 10 months with a the transplant list, she set up the Gift of Life bid to help the Hospice raise £2.5 million to campaign to encourage people to sign the keep its doors open. Claire House gave each Organ Donor register. During a National Donor team £10 to grow in value and the students Day in April 2009, Holly appeared on GMTV decided to buy ingredients to bake cakes and Sky News and her endeavours prompted Baking cakes for Chester Aid to the Homeless which they then sold to members of students 3,200 people to become organ donors.

Page 32 Annual Review 2010 Case Study Costa Yiannakis

Costa is an inspirational Tourism Management provided a range of valuable skills for the student who has gathered support from Project, especially in building sustainability. across the University and beyond for Having graduated in November, he is now his efforts to improve life for a Southern working on a Master’s in International Malawian community. His six-month study Business and hopes to pursue a career break in 2006 turned into a two-year stay in social entrepreneurship, especially the in Masuku and the life-changing experience promotion of Fairtrade. However, it is Masuku has led Costa and his two brothers to set that remains closest to his heart and he is up the Masuku Tree of Life Project. This constantly fundraising and raising awareness aims to provide water and educational of the Project around his studies, his service facilities for the village as well as sustainable to the Territorial Army and his sporting Costa Yiannakis in Masuku farming, reforestation and other employment activities. and Costa now has two consultancy firms to Masuku in 2011 as part of his International opportunities. working to expand the network of supporters. Work-Based Learning Programme and Costa Costa has maintained links with St Mark’s Unilever staff in Rotterdam have now invited hopes to extend the opportunity to Nursing The family tradition of supporting Masuku is English Church in Florence (which paid for Costa and his brother to visit and dedicated students seeking experience of treating now on its third generation as his grandfather a new church in Masuku) and has also used the proceeds of their pre-Christmas charity people with AIDS, as there is a hospital built the church and school there and Costa the expertise within the University to develop week to the Project. Fundraising efforts nearby and the disease is a widespread hopes that this Project will bring real change his Project. Elissa Williams and Sue Webster, within the University have involved donations problem in Malawi. The Project is currently to people in this developing country. He was who co-ordinate international activities from across the community and included being registered as a charity and Costa is born in Malawi and schooled in Florence from the University’s Work Based Learning the Chester Half Marathon where Costa and determined that his contribution to Masuku before coming to the UK to study Tourism Unit, together with Business School tutors others raised over £3,600 from running and will be a lifelong passion and can make a Management in 2003. His first degree have been especially helpful for the Project selling T-shirts. One student will be travelling significant difference to its people.

It is an ambitious project but I have already had so much support both here in the UK and at home and I couldn’t have got this far without the support of my Page 33 ‘family, St Mark’s English Church, Florence, my friends and the University. ’ The Academic Environment

Creative Approaches to Learning

The range of courses and teaching methods continues to evolve to ensure that education Professor Derek France and Dr meets the changing demands of students and Martin Degg on a Norwegian field trip employers, while new approaches to learning enrich the learning experience.

Professor Derek France, a National Teaching Fellow, secured a grant of £198,489 from the Academy of Higher Education’s National Teaching Fellowship Scheme (NTFS) Project, which has brought significant benefits to the student learning experience in field science The Academic education. The money is being used to fund the Personal Learning Environments in Active field Science Education (PLEASE) initiative which is exploring the potential of a range of Web 2.0 technologies – from iPhone applications to cameras and netbooks fitted with Global Positioning System (GPS) capability – allowing the elements of field recording to be Environment extended to what might normally be restricted to laboratory examination. Annual Review 2010

A direct result of the NTFS Project is that final its second year, early indications demonstrate including the development of both logical/ It is the only UK higher education institution year Natural Hazard Management students an enhanced learning experience as students critical skills and spatial/visual design skills. with programmes at this level approved by had the opportunity to encounter hazard risk share knowledge and experience from This research has informed improvements the CWDC pilot. communication and emergency management different perspectives. in the content and delivery of the in a safe environment. Professor France and Communication module. The Department of Social Work secured Dr Servel Miller, from the Department of The first major art exhibition staged by five £350,000 to run a full-time Geography and Development Studies, have Fine Art students took on an international Migrants and Refugees are the subject of Dr MA called Step up pioneered Web 2.0 technologies such as dimension as part of a unique educational Ruth Healey’s new module on the Geography to Social Work, Facebook, YouTube and MySpace, together experiment linking a range of creative course and she has also instituted a more specifically for with Yammer (a micro-blogging tool), to facilitate disciplines. Second Life is a real time, formalised approach for students to improve people with interactivity between tutors and students. The online, social network where anyone can their writing skills through peer review of a minimum case study involved a real-time emergency create a character and interact with a global their essays. This measure attracted praise qualification of a response scenario for an eruption of Mount population. The Exhibition is the brainchild of from the Assessment Examiners. 2:1 degree to work Vesuvius and initial findings indicated that Chris Millward, who is leading the Second in children’s services. students rated the exercise highly and felt Life Experiential Learning project as part The Children’s Workforce Development This is part of a the simulation to be a useful representation of his MA dissertation. He created the Council (CWDC) approved three programmes national programme of the ‘real-world’ emergency situation. This Department within Second Life on a virtual developed jointly by the Faculty of Education to increase the number research has facilitated a greater understanding plot of land that consists of two public and Children’s Services and the Faculty of social workers of the impact of Web 2.0 technology and galleries, a large Department building with of Health and Social Care. These are: a for children and evaluated the usefulness of such technologies meeting rooms, general areas and a gallery, Foundation Degree on Integrated Working families as a in enhancing the student experience. and an outside section for larger sculptures. with Children, Young People and Families in result of the Professor France has also introduced the Students can attend tutorials, seminars and Children’s Services: Health and Social Care; ‘Baby P’ use of podcasting in providing feedback on exhibitions through Second Life from home, a BA in Integrated Working with Children, tragedy. assignments. Students have welcomed the while exhibitors can gain valuable skills in an Young People and Families; and an MA innovation and found it to be more personal and environment where they can overcome the in Leading Integrated Practice interactive than written communication. usual physical limitations. with Children, Young People and Three programmes from two Faculties are A research project into teaching and Families. united by Dr Jan Gidman’s Inter-professional learning strategies was carried out by Learning project through online, task- David Rutherford, Programme Leader for based discussion groups at each year level. Advertising Media. This aimed to identify Students studying Social Work, Dietetics the most effective methods to enhance the and Nursing are able to explore a health and ability of Level Four students to understand welfare issue using web-based media. Now in core material and fulfil learning objectives,

Josh Ballan Page 35 The Academic Environment

Art Therapy can now be studied at MA level, Business Administration (DBA) is an innovative in their schools with the support of an in- Certificate in Education (Singing in the with the validation of a new course being programme, designed by the Chester school coach and a visiting Higher Education Curriculum) is delivered by experts in singing run by the Department of Professional Business School as an alternative to the PhD, Institution tutor. The course is open to first- and pedagogy (the study of being a teacher Development and Allied Health Care. This for professional people with an MBA who year teachers in either primary or secondary or the process of teaching) and linked to the success marks the culmination of many prefer a mixture of taught sessions combined schools across the North West. five outcomes of the Every Child Matters months of hard work by the programme with a strategic research dissertation. The agenda. This programme has been developed planning team, in particular Senior Lecturers, Professional Development Unit at the Centre in association with Sing Up (an initiative led Sue Young and Jan Woodhouse. for Work Related Studies has successfully by Youth Music, the UK’s largest children’s launched its Doctor of Professional Studies music charity, to place singing at the heart of Results from a ground-breaking research (DProf) and interest in the programme is every school child’s life), Cheshire West and project, which could influence how social growing. The Professional Doctorate in Chester Council, and the Voices Foundation (a workers are educated, were presented at Practical Theology has seen the number of music education charity working closely with a special event at the Warrington Campus. postgraduate students in the Theology and the Government, local authorities and schools The project saw service users and carers Religious Studies Department rise significantly. to deliver sustainable solutions to teaching contributing to the way in which social work In addition, the Doctorate in Educational music at primary level). Teachers can gain an is taught at post-qualification level and was Development attracts professionals working understanding of how to energise children’s the outcome of a successful joint bid to Skills in any educational context, with internal and learning through song, encompassing brain for Care from the Forum of Carers and Users external students, including nurse educators, gym, multiple intelligences and songs for all of Services (FOCUS) and the Department headteachers and student support staff. One of the first Theology courses in the curricular areas and different times of the day. of Social Work, with the active support of world to be taught and assessed exclusively the former Cheshire County Council and of Having been successfully accredited by in British Sign Language (BSL) has seen its Aiming to meet the demand for highly skilled Warrington Borough Council. the Higher Education Academy (HEA), the initial successes at Chester. The programme biotech employees during the economic University can now offer the first programme of is delivered by a partnership between the recovery, the new Foundation Degree in The launch of three new Professional its kind in the UK in the Postgraduate Certificate University, the Archbishops’ Council of the Biomedical Process Technology is designed to Doctorate programmes has significantly in Work Based Learning Facilitation. This is Church of England, and Signs of God, an cover key elements of scientific knowledge in increased the University’s portfolio of aimed at those engaged in work based learning organisation which specialises in promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, opportunities for postgraduate study. facilitation in higher education and offers the use of BSL in Christian settings. A one-year known as STEM subjects. The programme, These programmes are an alternative to practising facilitators the opportunity to extend programme, the course is delivered through a which is jointly funded by the Northwest the traditional PhD route and combine their knowledge, reflect on their practice and combination of residential weekends, online Regional Development Agency and the taught modules with a substantial research gain the prestigious Fellowship of the HEA. learning and placement experience in a church North West Universities Association, looks to element. They are particularly suited to senior environment. improve productivity and maximise employee practitioners who are seeking to undertake The Master’s in Teaching and Learning potential in the biomedical industries and doctoral level study within a professional (MTL) got off to a flying start with 110 newly Leading the country in curriculum targets chemical, pharmaceutical and medical or organisational setting. The Doctor of qualified teachers working on the programme development, the new Postgraduate technology companies.

Page 36 Annual Review 2010

The Foundation Degree in Learning and Now that the original cohort has graduated and in the workplace, and e-learning. The full Programme Management (WBIS). Other Development Practice has set a new from the pioneering Foundation Degree degree will allow students to gain a higher departments which have benefited from standard for training practitioners, giving (FD) in Mortuary Science, the University level of expertise and provide an internationally developing these programmes using the WBIS them the opportunity to professionalise has progressed to become the country’s recognised qualification to open up work and framework are Geography and Development their role through University accreditation. first institution to offer this as a full degree study opportunities worldwide. Studies (through the MA in Regeneration), The UK’s most extensive survey of learning subject. The FD was the first higher education Chester Business School and the Professional and development practitioners, carried out qualification for the profession and covers a Higher education watchdog, the Quality Certificates offered to housing association in 2009 by the British Institute for Learning diverse range of subjects, including biological Assurance Agency (QAA), praised the Plus Dane, together with partnership work and Development (BILD) and the Training chemistry, cell and tissue science and academic standards and quality of the with both the Isle of Man College and Foundation, identified an overwhelming call anatomy and physiology. Primarily aimed at University’s educational provision following Warrington Collegiate Institute. for the industry to be professionalised, so the individuals working in the sector, students an inspection. The audit team commended qualification was developed to validate and complete their programme through ‘blended good practice in ensuring standards and Unique in higher education in the UK, the enhance the professional knowledge and skills learning’, which involves taught sessions at enhancing the quality of learning opportunities, Postgraduate Certificate in Work Based of training practitioners. the University, distance-learning at home the supportive relationships that underpin Learning Facilitation, which offers successful learning and working in the institution and students Fellowship of the Higher Education the strength of its partnership work which Academy, has seen its first successful was described as “exemplary”. Among other completions. areas of note identified by the auditors were: the strong personal engagement of all staff; A unique training programme delivered by partnerships between Faculties and central the police, for the police, has been developed quality assurance services; and collaborative at the Warrington campus. More than 100 work with key partners. Auditors praised the student officers have already completed effectiveness and flexibility of the University’s the Foundation Degree in Policing, with the Work Based and Integrative Studies (WBIS) intake gathering pace since the partnership programme – a degree tailored to provide with Cheshire Constabulary was formed. academic recognition of learning undertaken The programme, which is accredited by the primarily in the workplace which gives credit University, provides initial training to every new for prior learning. officer, incorporating and endorsing the Force’s Initial Learning and Development Programme. The continued growth of the WBIS framework On completing the Foundation Degree, serving as a ‘pan University’ programme offers other police officers have the chance to undertake departments the opportunity to develop a third year of study for an Honours Degree work-based programmes such as the new relevant to their career development and the First cohort of Mortuary Science FD graduates New Technology Initiative MSc in Project and needs of the Force.

Page 37 The Academic Environment

BBC Radio 5 Live post-election broadcast

Page 38 Annual Review 2010

Following the award of a prestigious Leverhulme Trust grant, Professor Eugene Tyrtyshnikov, from the Institute of Numerical Mathematics at the Russian Academy of Sciences, visited the Distinguished Department of Mathematics for 10 days. The funding covers the cost of his visits for two years and has facilitated an ongoing collaboration with the Chester Mathematics Research Group in the area of mathematical modelling. Professor Leonid Shaikhet, from the Donetsk State University of Management in Ukraine, also visited the department for 10 days to continue Guests collaborative work on stochastic equations (equations that model uncertainty).

The 2009 Autumn Festival, held in conjunction with the Shell Chester Literature Festival, attracted some key figures from the world of the arts to adventurers to the University. The University attracts a wealth of eminent Carol Ann Duffy, the first woman to hold the 400-year-old visitors and this exposure to their ideas and post of Poet Laureate, spoke on how poetry can be found in everyday life. Rapture, her collection of poems charting viewpoints gives students and staff a greater the intense progress of a love affair, won the prestigious T S Eliot Prize and her deceptively simple poems are depth of knowledge and awareness of studied at schools and universities. Alastair Humphreys, the adventurer acclaimed by Sir Ranulph Fiennes, cycled different perspectives. 46,000 miles across 60 countries and chronicled his epic global journey. Carol Ann Duffy

Professor David Nokes, a Chester’s pivotal role as a hotly contested marginal seat in the General Election, with leading biographer and expert a significant number of students as first time voters, prompted BBC Radio 5 Live to in 18th-century literature, broadcast from the main campus. Over 100 students and staff were invited to voice lectured on the life of Samuel their opinions on the results as they were still being called. Two live slots featured Johnson and his rise to become feedback from experts, such as former Daily Mirror Editor David Banks, together with the most admired and quoted reaction to the day’s key announcements from the three main political leaders about man of his time. Professor the options for the composition of the new Government. The late night panel of guests Nokes has won the prestigious included: Lembit Opik, former Liberal Democrat MP; Martin Bell ex-Independent MP James Tait Black Memorial Prize for Tatton; Ivan Lewis, latterly Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister; The Rt Rev for his biography of Jonathan Stephen Lowe, Bishop of Hulme; Elfyn Llwyd, Plaid Cymru’s UK Parliamentary Group Swift, and received a BAFTA Leader and Stephen O’Brien MP and the broadcasts attracted over a half a million nomination for his adaption of listeners. Dr Derek Alsop, Professor David Nokes and Professor Chris Walsh Clarissa for the BBC.

Page 39 The Academic Environment

Former soldier-turned-defence expert and The Head of Research at Oxfam gave an future direction of the OIA for staff and bestselling novelist, Brigadier Allan Mallinson impassioned and stimulating lecture to students, and by the OIA in appreciating the analysed how the British Army’s dramatic International Development Studies students University’s concerns and issues in these past has helped it to become one of the and the Chester World Development Forum often complex areas. world’s most effective fighting forces. The on whether it is possible to prevent climate defence commentator of the Daily Telegraph change and make poverty history. Duncan The Diversity Festival has gone from strength talked about his latest book The Making of Green is the author of From Poverty to to strength and the 2010 programme the British Army, which gives the definitive Power and made a powerful case for a attracted high profile speakers and a rich story of its history. David Peace, described radical redistribution of power, resources and variety of activities, including: Jane Nokes, opportunities so that the cycle of poverty in Programme Director at the National School Professor Sarah Andrew with Steve Leonard the developing world can be broken. Matthew of Government; Julie Amory, Equality and by The Independent as ‘Britain’s hottest Carter, Humanitarian Director of Catholic Inclusion Manager for the Olympic Delivery author,’ lectured on the second novel in his Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) Authority, who highlighted the vision and Tokyo trilogy, Occupied City. His other work lectured on food security and food justice aims of the London 2012 Olympic and includes the powerful Red Riding quartet, and gave a clear account of the worsening Paralympic Games; and the Royal Association which has been adapted for Channel 4, and global situation. One billion people live in his controversial novel, The Damned United, constant hunger or are undernourished, released as a film. a veterinary surgeon and their circumstances will worsen as a Steve Leonard, has spent the last 11 years result of climate change, water scarcity, and travelling the globe, filming wildlife on behalf rising food prices. This means that Non- of the BBC for programmes such as Vets in Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have Dr Keith McLay with Brigadier Allan Mallinson Practice, Journey of Life, Polar Bear Special to balance the pressure to meet emergency and Incredible Animal Journeys. He provided humanitarian needs with supporting longer an intriguing behind-the-scenes look at the term development in poor countries. making of Orangutan Diary and used the opportunity to raise awareness and money for Rob Behrens, the Independent Adjudicator the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation. and Chief Executive of the Office of the University lecturers also participated in the Independent Adjudicator (OIA), visited to Autumn Festival with Professor Elizabeth participate in a series of events related Mason-Whitehead delivering her inaugural to academic malpractice and academic lecture on the stigma of inter-generational appeals. Following meetings with the teenage pregnancy and Dr Francesca Haig CSU and staff, he gave a talk on the and Dr Graham Atkin giving lunchtime poetry work of the Office. This has resulted in Dr Graham Atkin with David Peace readings in the city. a greater understanding of the work and Celebrating the Diversity Festival at the THE Awards

Page 40 Annual Review 2010

on from the 2009 Diversity Festival, which by the Chester solicitors DTM Legal. The first Bauer Radio Manchester, spoke to second- was shortlisted for the Times Higher Professor of Family Law Annual Lecture was year students at the Warrington campus, Education Leadership and Management delivered by Guy Robson, an Immigration about the importance of legal compliance Awards as an Outstanding Human Resources Judge, on families and immigration. within radio production. The students, Initiative. who run their own programme called The Radio students were given a valuable steer Knowledge, were able to put his advice to The Law School hosted two popular annual on the legal aspects of radio production and good practice and welcomed the opportunity lectures that attracted large audiences. journalism, thanks to a guest lecture from to gain the benefit of his extensive Professor Ulrike Wanitzek, from the one of the industry’s most prominent names experience. University of Bayreuth, Germany, spoke on in this country. John Pickford, Head of News, formal and customary adoption in Tanzania and Lord Justice Maurice Kay presented on the changing role Dr Mark Bendall with Dr Max Farrar of the Court of Appeal for Disability Rights’ Deputy Chief Executive in hearing judicial and Mark Shrimpton, the disability network review appeals. RADAR’s Deputy Chief Executive, who spoke The latter event on the practicalities of developing a society was supported where difference is anticipated and positively celebrated. Dr Max Farrar, Emeritus Professor from Leeds Metropolitan University, led an interactive workshop debating community, diversity and communication for a Social and Communication Studies Undergraduate Module. A Sharing Best Practice Conference was attended by diversity and equality professionals from other universities which resulted in requests for advice from other universities keen to establish their own diversity festivals. The 2010 Festival was shortlisted for a Personnel Today Award for Workplace Diversity. This success followed

Professor Roger Kay, Lord Justice Maurice Kay and Jim Morris from DTM Legal Page 41 The Academic Environment

The University is proud to play a prominent role in the cultural life of Chester and Warrington and welcomes external visitors to its public lectures. Many of the events are free and open to everyone, and the programme is growing all the time. Visit the website (www.chester.ac.uk/ Dr Emma Rees, Tim Firth, William Fergusson and Amanda White (Bank of America) with the Cheshire Prize Winners public-lectures) to see details of Tim Firth, one of the country’s best-loved with Richard Wilkinson. The publication was At the height of the Swine Flu outbreak, screenwriters, was the guest speaker at The one of the New Statesman’s Top 10 Books the fourth annual Haygarth Lecture was the full public lecture programme. High Sheriff’s Cheshire Prize for Literature of the Decade and a Financial Times Book of given by Professor Lindsey Davies CBE, the Awards Evening. Tim Firth, whose work the Year, while Professor Pickett is the co- Department of Health’s National Director also includes screenplays for Calendar Girls founder and Director of the campaign group, of Pandemic Influenza Preparedness. As and the Flint Street Nativity, gave an insight The Equality Trust. Professor Mick Carpenter one of the UK’s foremost experts on this Public Lecture into his popular work during the Prize-Giving from the University of Warwick, a former subject, she addressed an audience of health Programme which honoured short story authors with a nurse now specialising in Social Policy, gave a professionals, students and staff on how to Cheshire connection. Supported by the Bank lecture on the community based approaches anticipate for, and manage the spread of, the of America, the competition attracted entries to health promotion in Coventry. Dr Wendy H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus most effectively. The from as far afield as Bristol, Glasgow, Canada Bottero, a lecturer from the University of prestigious event, which is a joint venture and New Zealand. Manchester who is an editorial board member between the University and NHS West of Sociology Compass and Joint Reviews Cheshire, evaluated the UK’s reaction to The Centre for Public Health Research seminar Editor for Sociology, spoke on theorising Swine Flu and the challenges presented by programme included a talk from leading inequality through mapping the network of the pandemic. Writing afterwards, Professor equality campaigner Professor Kate Pickett social interaction and patterns of friendship, Davies praised the University’s own from the University of York. She talked about partnership and cultural similarity that gives rise response to the pandemic. the ideas behind The Spirit Level: Why Equality to relations of social closeness and distance. is Better for Everyone, which she co-authored

Page 42 www.chester.ac.uk/public-lectures Annual Review 2010 Conferences

The University hosts a range of meetings and conferences that bring together significant numbers of external visitors, staff and students to share in the dissemination of academic expertise.

The Chester Symposium on Theology, Religion and Exclusion was held at Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden (St Deiniol’s) as part of a Knowledge Transfer project funded by the University. Dr Hannah Bacon and Dr Wayne Morris from the Department of Theology and Religious Studies organised the event which attracted delegates from across the UK. The symposium has informed the writing of a Departmental book entitled Transforming Exclusion: Engaging Faith Perspectives, edited by Dr Morris and Dr Bacon, which is due for publication in 2011.

Musician Robin Williamson, who experienced worldwide success with psychedelic folk group, The Incredible String Band, was among the prominent keynote speakers at the Department of Professional Development and Allied Health Care’s conference on Communicating through the Arts in Healthcare. Organised by Senior Lecturers Debbie Wyatt and Jan Woodhouse, it was aimed at health and social care professionals working in adult, mental health and learning disability settings and other professional groups such as academic staff and art, drama and music therapists. The Department also ran a seminar entitled Holistic care: Caring for Body and Soul which was intended to inspire and inform practitioners to care for both the physical and mental health of their client group.

Gladstone’s statue at St Deiniol’s Page 43 The Academic Environment

The first Intellectual Disabilities and Criminal Justice Conference was hosted by the Faculty of Health and Social Care. Keynote speakers included Lord Bradley (author of the Bradley report in 2009), Judge Robert Atherton (with 20 years experience of mental health review tribunals) and Jenny Talbot from the Prison Reform Trust. Conference organiser Dr Andy Lovell was also interviewed by the BBC about Preparing for Change conference the event. Health and Social Care event saw links made between clinicians, managers and The Faculty of Health and Social Care, in academics from both sides of the Atlantic. conjunction with the University of Salford, Topics of particular interest were the ran the second Stepping Up to the Mark developments in critical care in the US and Conference. The event was aimed at community health care in the UK where both health and social care practitioners and sides believe they have much to learn from educators and had integrated working as each other. GIS Day its central focus. The Higher Education world Geographical Information Systems World Wide Quiz when 18 teams of Year 10 Academy funded seminar organised by Dr The Social Work History Network, which (GIS) Day. There were lectures, seminar pupils from Cheshire schools battled it out for Jill McCarthy on e-learning and Professional usually meets in London, held its March and exhibits by the Ministry of Defence supremacy and held a half-day conference for Identity was attended by approximately 50 meeting in Chester with social work in and the Ordnance Survey (OS), the Royal Transition Chester. internal and external delegates. voluntary organisations as its theme. Speakers Geographical Society, a GIS software were Jim Richards, lately Director, and Alan provider, a teaching resource supplier, the The second Nutrition Summer School was In the week that Barack Obama’s healthcare Lewis, Chief Executive of the Liverpool Geographical Association and Rotherham held over four days, to raise awareness reform bill was passed in Congress, Council for Voluntary Service. The meeting Council, plus interactive workshops run of the importance of healthy eating and health systems in the UK and US went saw the launch of the Social Work History by the Association for Education and encourage 17-year-old students to discover under the microscope at the University. Network website, which the University is Guardianship of International Students. The more about the science of nutrition and The Preparing for Change: Delivering hosting, and for which development work OS exhibits, talks and seminars proved related career opportunities. Healthcare, Transatlantic and UK Perspective has been carried out by Mike Burt from the particularly popular and demonstrated the conference brought together practitioners, Department of Social Work. latest technology and innovation in geo-spatial Speakers were drawn from across the North administrators and policy makers from the mapping and analysis, including satellite/ West for a regional research seminar series two countries to highlight key practices More than 200 A-level Geography students radar remote sensing and 3D visualisation on the theme of Media and Identity, held in healthcare delivery and organisation from across Cheshire converged on the techniques. The University also hosted the by the Department of Media. They included of healthcare services. The Faculty of University to play their part in celebrating local round of the Geographical Association’s Ruxandra Trandafoiu from Edge Hill University,

Page 44 Annual Review 2010

Peter Anderson from the University of Central Global Compass: Ends and Means in Ethics Academy is the UK’s premier body for Lancashire and Iqbal Akhtar from Liverpool and Leadership’, the lecture outlined the management research and debate and its John Moores University. Florentine writer and humanist’s career, annual conferences attract pre-eminent philosophical thought and his impact on academics and practitioners. The keynote A one day symposium on Popular Music modern-day government and organisations. speaker was Mike Perls, the Chief Executive Fandom was organised by Dr Mark Duffett, Professor Harris also looked at the key of MC2, the leading independent marketing Senior Lecturer in Media Studies, and dates in Machiavelli’s life (1469-1527) and a agency in the North of England and guest attracted people from a wide range of calendar of the development of his thought speakers included Professor Richard Thorpe disciplines to discuss topics associated with and associated mythology. from the University of Leeds and Dr Vinh Sum this culture. The keynote speaker was Matt Chau from the University of East Anglia. Professors Tim Wheeler, Phil Harris and Danny Moss Hills from Cardiff University (author of Fan The Faculty of Health and Social Care Cultures). Dr Duffett also presented papers at hosted a meeting of the Violence Against In partnership with Bank of America, the the International Association for the Study of Women sub-group of the British Sociological Chester Business School ran the two-day Popular Music Conference in Glasgow and at Association. Organised by June Keeling, Chester Forum on Global Perspectives of Shifting Grounds in Oxford, together with a Professor Elizabeth Mason-Whitehead and Public Affairs, Lobbying, Innovation and seminar at the University of Salford. Barbara Holliday, the seminar was well Leadership in Government Business and attended by local and national delegates Service. This special symposium provided an representing practitioners and academics. opportunity to promote discourse and the sharing of ideas, and a quality platform for reflection and planning for the future. Eminent speakers included Professor John Mahon from the University of Maine. The Chester Business School also hosted a Research Symposium on Public Affairs Colloquium which featured a keynote address J Ball (Institute of Education, University of from Professor Carla Millar (Twente University London); Dr Stephen Caunce (University Violence Against Women sub-group in the Netherlands and a Fellow of Ashridge of Central Lancashire); Professor Christina How Machiavellian influences have Management School) on culture and strategy. Goulding (University of Wolverhampton); impacted on ethical leadership and increased Professor Caroline Rowland, Mike Perls and Sue Bownas (CAFOD). Delegates accountability in public affairs was the subject and Professor Richard Thorpe Consumerism & Commodification: Buying also participated in a range of workshops chosen for his inaugural lecture by Professor Performance related pay and bonuses In, Selling Out was the theme of the with David Stone, MBE (British Cycling), Phil Harris, Executive Dean of the Faculty of were the themes of the British Academy conference organised by the Department Dan Welsh (Ethical Consumer magazine), Business, Enterprise and Lifelong Learning of Management Conference hosted by the of Social and Communication Studies. Jane Makin (Chester Community Safety and Westminster Chair of Marketing and Chester Business School and organised Students and staff heard from a wide variety Partnership) and Rachael Kearney Public Affairs. Entitled ‘Machiavelli and the by Professor Caroline Rowland. The British of speakers including: Professor Stephen (Merseyside Youth Partnership).

Page 45 The Academic Environment

A one-day conference celebrated the Cave and the Bad Seeds. Organised by British Academy’s publication of the new MA student Luz Alegre, Close to the Edge Lancashire and Cheshire Corpus of Anglo- attempted to bridge what many academics Saxon Sculpture. This volume provides a perceive as a chasm between contemporary reliable and comprehensive catalogue of the art music and mainstream popular music. earliest sculpture in the region, dating from Originally from Madrid, Luz studied Creative the seventh to the 11th-centuries. The event and Cultural Management at the University, at the Grosvenor Museum was organised by focusing her work on different cultural the Corpus of Anglo-Saxon Stone Sculpture organisations and this conference formed the (CASSS), in conjunction with the Department final part of her degree. The lectures included a of History and Archaeology, the Victoria keynote speech by Dr Leigh Landy, Director of County History of England, and the Chester the Music, Technology and Innovation Research Archaeological Society. The opening address Centre at De Montfort University and ended was given by the British Academy’s Sir with a concert including pieces composed by David Wilson and papers were presented by Professor Darren Sproston, Head of Performing experts from across the country. Arts at the University, Dr Landy, Dr Dale Perkins and Dr Robert Wilsmore. The accomplishments of long-serving and recently retired Professor Graeme White were A series of four public lectures about marked through a lunchtime lecture series on military history was organised by the medieval Chester. As a committed Cestrian Department of History and Archaeology and medieval historian, he worked at the within the University’s annual visiting University for over 30 years and it was fitting lecture programme. In conjunction with The that these community lectures, hosted by Society of Thirteen and the Cheshire Military the Department of History and Archaeology, Museum, the University hosted the lectures should be based around his special interest. at the Grosvenor Museum, Chester. Military Since he established the community lecture Miscellany, covered a range of subjects series in 1997, it has become extremely concerning the history of different aspects popular and has made historical subjects, such of military practice, and involved some as medieval times in Chester, accessible to all. of the world’s top lecturers in the subject visiting Chester to share their knowledge, A music conference at the Kingsway Campus including Dr Philip de Souza from University explored the work of one of Australia’s edgiest College Dublin and Dr Steven A Walton from and most interesting musical exports – Nick Pennsylvania State University.

Page 46 Luz Alegre Annual Review 2010

Turton, former Head of English, Dean of Conference on Forensics: Wildife Crime. Arts and Humanities, and latterly Senior The aim was to introduce participants from Pro-Vice-Chancellor, launched this biannual a range of backgrounds to the application series of high-profile public lectures named of modern forensic methodologies in the in his honour with ‘Yorkssshhhire: Some investigation of wildlife crimes. Delegates Reflections on Common Speech and Literary included veterinary and forensic pathologists, Language in the Verse of One County.’ The scene of crime officers, naturalists, field revered academic, who retired from the biologists, wildlife inspectors and those University in 2005, looked at poetry written working in animal and habitat conservation. in and about Yorkshire, drawing on examples Among the guest speakers was Nevin which use both dialect and literary language. Hunter, Chief Inspector for Animal Health at the Department for the Environment, Wildlife crime is one of the fastest growing Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Forensic global offences, yet public awareness is Pathologist Professor Richard Shepherd, and remarkably limited. In a bid to bring this National Wildlife Crime Unit Investigator Andy issue to the fore, experts from the Faculty McWilliam. Inside Creative Industries of Applied Sciences hosted the first Chester The next generation of movers and shakers (Labour), Stephen Mosley (Conservative), in the music, film and media businesses Elizabeth Jewkes (Liberal Democrat) and were given a glimpse of life in the creative Tom Barker (Green) discuss the subject of industries at the North West Media Centre, International Development at an evening on the Warrington Campus. A conference hosted by Chester World Development entitled Inside the Creative Industries gave Forum and the Department of Geography past and present students an invaluable and Development Studies. Each candidate insight into this fast paced and rapidly outlined their party’s main policies regarding changing sector. Industry insiders took part sustainable development, trade, migration, in a panel session with the students to give the amount of national income to be them a real insight into their work. committed to aid and ways of making aid work more efficiently, before answering a Questions on debt, fair trade and aid were range of questions from the audience. put to four of the prospective parliamentary candidates for Chester at a pre-election The language and literature of the ‘Tykes’ hustings held at the University. Over 70 was explored in depth at the inaugural people listened to Christine Russell, then MP Professor Glyn Turton Lecture. Professor Chester Wildlife Crime Conference

Page 47 UniversityThe Academic of Chester Environment Research

Ground-breaking research is the pinnacle of University scholarship and the scope of the projects taking place across the University is testament to Chester’s reputation for excellence.

Research projects across all Faculties received support from the University’s internal research grants schemes. The range of funded projects included: examining the relationship between an individual’s occupation and their ability to detect threats; exploring patterns of weight, growth and obesity in infants and children; and researching the linguistic variation and changes in the English spoken on the Wales- England border.

Performance research work has taken Professor Allan Owens to all corners of Europe and beyond, including in the north: the University of Stockholm and Theatre Academy of Finland, Helsinki; centrally Pädagogische Hochschule Wien, Austria and the Cahrled University in Prague; in the south: Theatre Pa’tothom , Barcelona, and in the east: the Viljandi Culture Academy, University of Tartu in Estonia. Further afield Professor Owens continues long term projects with partners in universities and theatre companies in Tokyo, Japan and West Bank, Palestine, with regular two-way visits taking place with fellow practitioners and academics.

In partnership with regional Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) and other public sector and charitable organisations, the University awarded three Gladstone Fellowships. These fully funded PhD studentships are supporting projects exploring the factors relating to morbidity, life Professor Allan Owens expectancy and mortality in type-2 diabetes, performance analysis in sport, and risk behaviours of motorcyclists.

Page 48 Annual Review 2010

latest work was inspired by the Dak’Art outcomes from a service innovation within Biennale in Senegal in 2008 which exhibited a Stockport Borough Council review a significant number of pieces explicitly team which is implementing an individual exploring the legacy of transatlantic slavery budgets scheme (IB) as part of increasing on contemporary culture. Subsequent personalisation within public sectors. exhibitions have revisited this theme and show that the legacy of this dark period in European and African history lives on Waterberg Biosphere Reserve in South Africa in the creative imaginings of artists of the Research into sustainable tourism project being undertaken by Professor Claire region and continues to influence the way development in the Waterberg Biosphere Griffiths, Head of Modern Languages, is in which they express an impoverished Reserve in South Africa is being conducted entitled: ‘Imaging Dissent: Art and Politics present and an uncertain future. This work by Andy Lyon, Lecturer in Tourism at the in the Postcolony.’ Previous research captures that legacy in a history of cultural Chester Business School. The UNESCO has been at the Wilberforce Institute for resistance in the region. Professor Griffiths Waterberg Biosphere Reserve in South Africa the study of Slavery and Emancipation at also interviewed Kevin Bales, Professor was created in 2001 as a way of reconciling the University of Hull, the African Studies Emeritus at Roehampton University, London, conservation of biodiversity with sustainable Center at Boston University and the West and President of Free the Slaves, about development. This research focuses African Research Centre in Dakar. Her researching contemporary slavery and Spider monkey on interviews with a variety of tourism exploring the relationship between slavery, Continuing research into the behaviour, stakeholders in the area about how they trafficking and prostitution. An edited version ecology and conservation of spider monkeys perceive sustainability and sustainable tourism of this was published in Equality, Diversity in their natural habitat was made possible development there. and Inclusion: An International Journal. for Professor Colleen Schaffner through a Santander grant. Projects in Costa Rica and It is anticipated that the knowledge gained will National attention has been drawn to a project Mexico are the two longest uninterrupted help to explain how sustainable development exploring personal budgets in mental health studies on this species in the world and can be implemented in biosphere reserves within Stockport Borough Council. David this visit allowed her to gain a better through a clearer understanding of the Coyle, Senior Lecturer in Mental Health, has understanding of how the Western group relationships between the roles of, and led the 18-month study and, as the Authority of spider monkeys are using the forest. interaction between, the public, private and is one of the few councils pioneering a full There is also a community benefit, as local not-for-profit sectors. individual budget approach, it has attracted research assistants involved with the project interest from across the country. Another are paid for their medical expenses and Combining her previous research into research grant was secured to evaluate receive monetary contributions to cover their slavery studies, Francophone Africa and a a 15-month personalisation pilot for the additional work for the census. lifelong interest in the visual arts, the current Professor Claire Griffiths same Council. This evaluation is measuring

Page 49 The Academic Environment

In-depth interviews with academics, activists, event was attended by academics from 10 UK of the Faculty of Business, Enterprise and discover whether a generic model of ‘best investigative journalists and documentary universities and led to a successful application Lifelong Learning. With support from practice’ in global public affairs could be makers on the practical, political and ethical to the Economic and Social Research Council colleagues at two other universities, this has identified and to explore how it could be dilemmas of researching punishment including (ESRC) Higher Education Innovation Fund to involved interviewing leading public affairs effectively managed. Professor Moss is also the death penalty, is the current research develop a series of events to disseminate executives around the world. It aims to investigating the area of communications project for Karen Corteen, Programme Leader its work on putting policy into practice with and public relations management through for Criminology in the Department of Social integrated working. The Unit has made Studies and Counselling. The aim is to produce successful bids to the Training and realistic, rather than sanitised accounts of how Development Agency for Schools, sensitive areas are explored. This work, in several for Research Assessment conjunction with Dr Alana Barton from Edge Exercise quality-related research Hill University, has been disseminated through (QR) funding, together with a paper at the American Society of Criminology a Santander grant, and this Annual Meeting. Karen’s other research income has allowed the further interests include: children; sexuality; and the development of the Unit’s work, right to an inclusive, democratic sexualities with the assistance of Visiting education. This has led to a conference paper Fellow, Professor Peter Clough. and a chapter in the forthcoming The Concise Professor Hulme also gave his Encylopedia of Sociology. inaugural lecture on ‘Making the Global Local: Policy into Practice An interest in fantasy literature prompted across National and Professional Emma Dollard’s PhD to delve into J R R Boundaries’ as part of his role Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. She spent with the Faculty of Education and four years of intensive study investigating the Children’s Services. iconic work in relation to appropriation – the notion of outside influences being an integral A major multinational consumer part of the creative process – and taught in a goods company is funding number of departments. research investigating best practice in global public affairs, The Research Unit for Trans-professionalism conducted by Danny Moss, in the Public Services, led by Professor Rob Professor of Corporate and Hulme, has consolidated its reputation as Public Affairs at the Chester a regional and national centre for education Business School and Professor and social policy related research. The launch Phil Harris, Executive Dean

Professor Neville Ford, Dean Anna Sutton Page 50 and Professors Rob Hulme and Tim Wheeler Annual Review 2010

collaborative research into the core dimensions Future public health nutrition policy could be of managerial practice with colleagues in shaped by research projects overseen by the USA, South Africa, Sweden, India and Eva Almiron-Roig, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Singapore. A further strand of research is an Sciences. One MSc dissertation project, international collaborative research programme exploring the role of estimating portion size funded by the International Association of on consumer choices, has shown that young Business Communicators (IABC) Foundation, men could not quantify large amounts of which focuses on examining the relationship attractive foods and beverages well, especially between organisational and departmental if hungry, which could provide some basis to structures and communications effectiveness. the popular belief of the hungry supermarket Professor Moss is working with research shopper spending more on groceries. The colleagues in Canada, The Netherlands, New results of this trial formed the body of an MSc Zealand, India and Brazil on the project and a dissertation in Nutrition and Dietetics, with presentation of the interim findings was made part of it published in the journal Appetite. to the IABC conference in Toronto. This study also provided a basis for further investigation, through a second MSc project The closure of UK airspace in 2010 because currently at the Department of Clinical of the Icelandic volcanic eruptions reached Sciences, into how other food properties can an extent not been seen since the Second influence portion size estimation in men and Dr Servel Miller on an Italian field trip World War. Dr Servel Miller, a natural hazard women. Another area of research focuses management expert from the Department on improving researchers’ ability to measure The appointment of a research student evaluated the effects of manipulating the of Geography and Development Studies, is energy changes in laboratory studies after funded by rugby league’s governing body, number of players involved and the playing researching the implications for individuals, volunteers consume liquid and solid snacks. Rugby Football League (RFL) has further area size on the physiological and technical businesses, airline companies and the This is a collaboration with the University enhanced the Department of Sport and demands imposed upon rugby league players economy. The full impact of this disaster of Washington (Seattle, USA), from which Exercise Sciences’ reputation for research in during various training scenarios. As well as needs to be clearly understood so that two undergraduate dissertations in Human this field. Following development of the UK generating peer-reviewed research, which to measures can be implemented to reduce the Nutrition have been completed and a third one Coaching Certificate (UKCC), all governing date has been presented at international and effects of a similar occurrence in the future. is underway. A final subject of investigation bodies have been required to restructure their national conferences, the data is contributing The research is mainly for academic purposes explores what characteristics make high coaching qualification framework, leading to to the development of coaching resources for but Dr Miller hopes to present his findings to protein/low carbohydrate diets, such as Atkins, an increased focus on the integration of sport the UKCC programme. In addition, several bodies responsible for contingency planning more successful than traditional ones. This science. Given the dearth of sport-specific members of the Department currently work and policy development, such as the will form the basis for three undergraduate literature, they approached the Department with the RFL as Coach Educators, delivering Cabinet Office, The Met Office, airlines dissertation projects in Human Nutrition. to provide research-informed material for coaching and scientific elements of the new and insurance companies. the new certificate. The current project has UKCC programme.

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Channel 4’s Time Team joined forces with a research provides a more reliable testing method, Senior Lecturer at the University to conduct and her work has already attracted interest from research which calls into question the a European pharmaceutical company. effectiveness and sustainability of community archaeology. The controversial work was carried Dr Andy Lovell, Reader in the Department out by Professor Howard Williams and the series’ of Mental Health and Learning Disability, is Faye Simpson (now a Visiting Research Associate overseeing research in two primary areas: at the University). It took place at the Museum of learning (or intellectual) disability and the criminal London-conducted urban excavations of Victorian justice system; and self-injury and violence, tenements destroyed by World War Two bombing again in the context of learning disability. The at Shoreditch, and a rural project, funded by the first engages with an area of care where there Heritage Lottery Fund, in Stokenham, Devon. is a pressing need for agencies and professional Their appraisal suggests that these schemes disciplines to cooperate more effectively and were only partially successful in creating use existing community expertise to develop sustained links with local people and enhancing pathways in the care of people with a learning their sense of the past. Furthermore, it indicates disability and a background of offending. The that a principal failure of this kind of archaeology second looks at how violence or self-injury is the difficulty for communities to gain their own can become entrenched in the lives of some sense of ownership and continue to explore the individuals with learning disabilities. Several past through archaeology once the professionals other projects have been initiated, including have left. a major study undertaken with Cheshire & Wirral Partnership NHS Trust into the core A pioneering way of checking for traces of competencies (skills, knowledge and attitudes) peanuts in food was developed by Nicole required by learning disability nurses in areas of Copping during her Biomedical Sciences degree. varying security (community, low, medium and She won the Institute of Biomedical Sciences high). The results have already been presented at President’s Prize after excelling throughout her a national conference and will yield three papers, studies, culminating in her receiving a First Class one of which has already been submitted to the Honours degree. With peanut allergies affecting Journal of Forensic Practice. 1.3% of adults, warning labels alerting sufferers to the presence of peanuts in food are vital, but it is believed that the current methods of detection allow traces in certain foods to go undiscovered. Professor Howard Williams However, evidence indicates that Nicole’s

Page 52 Annual Review 2010 Case Study Rebecca Mead and Katie Powell

Two research students from the Centre for Public observation and interviews with key stakeholders Health Research are gaining a unique insight into within the LSP. how health inequalities can be improved in the North West. Rebecca and Katie both received Gladstone Katie, from Mold, did her first degree in American Bursaries, jointly funded by the University and NHS Studies at the University of Birmingham, completing Western Cheshire, which have enabled them to a part-time Master’s in Sociology at the University undertake full-time research, utilise training and of Manchester, while working as a Welfare Officer development opportunities and contribute to teaching in Student Support and Guidance at Chester. She undergraduates. welcomed the opportunity to embark on a PhD investigating which schemes succeed in enhancing Rebecca, originally from Glossop, graduated with the lives of people living in deprived areas. She is both a BSc and MSc in Sport and Exercise Studies exploring the development of a current local area- at Chester. Having enjoyed the sociology aspect of based initiative, Target Wellbeing in Ellesmere Port, the courses and been employed in the partnership which seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of arena, the opportunity to undertake PhD research local residents. Katie is studying how people involved into the relatively new Local Strategic Partnerships in the delivery of services in Ellesmere Port work, and (LSP) was a natural progression. The research aims how they interact with local people. to understand how the local public health system – in this case the many organisations represented on Both students aim to use their Gladstone Bursary- the LSP – works in translating policy aims into local funded research to find ways for the Primary Care delivery plans and activities, to improve population Trust (NHS Western Cheshire) to improve the health health and reduce health inequalities. Using case of people living in areas of need and their preliminary studies, they study the detail of interactions within findings have already been shared with the PCT and Katie Powell and Rebecca Mead the local public health system through non-participant presented at external conferences.

Page 53 UniversityThe Academic of Chester Environment Presentations

Staff members and students represent the University at external conferences around the world and this, together with the transmission of their research through the media, means that their specialist skills and knowledge reach a global audience.

The work of cycling and sustainable transport advocates was examined at first hand by Dr Peter Cox, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Social Studies and Counselling, in Florianópolis, capital of Santa Catarina in Brazil, thanks to a Santander grant. He gave a number of presentations: at the University of Santa Catarina; the First Americas Forum of Cities for Mobility (CfM) in Florianópolis; and the CAN (Cycling Academic Network) at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. CAN is linked to the Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) at the University of Twente which is engaged in postgraduate research in the field of cycling and sustainable urban transport. Dr Cox also attended the UN-Habitat World Urban Forum (WUF) in Rio de Janeiro and was subsequently invited to present at the Global Meeting of Cities for Mobility in Stuttgart to an audience of mayors, city planners and political decision makers on the place of walking and cycling in making socially-inclusive and liveable cities. Professor Roy Alexander was invited to present to a plenary session of the Sustainable Development UK Conference in London, sharing the platform with

Page 54 Annual Review 2010

Rt Hon Hilary Benn, MP and Greg Barker, collaboration around Francophone African Staff from the Department of Theology and Institute in Turku, Finland and the Centre for MP (now Minister of State for Energy and studies at the University. Dr Evans also Religious Studies have given a significant the Humanities and Medicine at The University Climate Change). Ruth Healey presented presented at the Displacement Economies number of presentations: Dr Mohammad of Hong Kong; Professor Tom Greggs at the papers at the Royal Geographical Society with workshop at the Nordic Africa Institute in Seddon at the Bibliothèque Nationale du University of St Andrew’s, La Salle University the Institute of British Geographers Annual Uppsala and at the Canadian Association of Royaume du Maroc in Rabat and at the (Philadelphia), and the University of Virginia; International Conference in London, and the African Studies Annual Conference in Ottawa. University of Gloucestershire; Professor Elaine and Professor David Clough at the annual Earth and Environmental Sciences Learning Graham at the Global Network for Public conference of the Society for the Study of and Teaching 2000 to 2020: 10th Anniversary ‘Can Scenario-based Learning Provide a Theology, Canberra/Sydney; Dr Fabrizio Ferrari Christian Ethics in Cambridge and the annual Conference in Plymouth. Vehicle for Meeting the Educational needs at the Norwegian University of Science and meeting of the Society of Christian Ethics, San of Community Practitioners in Relation Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, the Donner Jose, California. Developing a European ‘Think Tank’ to to Long Term Conditions Management consider different ways of thinking within and Leadership?’ was a topic explored by healthcare was just one of the outcomes Pauline Alexander and Irene Cooke from from a series of exploratory workshops which the Department of Community and Child looked at the benefits of complexity science. Health. Together with Lorna Egerton and Professor Helen Cooper, from the Faculty Cindy Freeman from NHS Wirral, they of Health and Social Care, and Professor presented a poster at the Assessment Robert Geyer, from Lancaster University’s in Higher Education Department of Politics and International Conference at the Relations, hosted the events for global University of Cumbria. experts at Lancaster after securing funding This collaborative from the European Science Foundation. partnership between the A British Academy Small Research Grant University was awarded to Dr Martin Evans from the and NHS Department of Geography and Development stakeholders Studies for his project: ‘Reconstituting was well Space in a Post-conflict Society: Return and received by all Reconstruction in Casamance, Senegal’. This conference income was used to carry out fieldwork in delegates. Senegal and Guinea-Bissau on the complex dynamics of post-conflict recovery, shared at a Faculty of Social Science research seminar at Chester, as part of the cross-Faculty

Drs Mohammad Seddon and Steve Knowles Page 55 The Academic Environment

Nursing gave a paper at the 9th Global A keynote address for the Education, Conference - Violence: Probing the Boundaries, Health and Human Services Special Interest held in Salzburg. Di Phipps, Deputy Head of Group at the American Education Research Mental Health and Learning Disability and Julie Association Conference in Denver was Dulson spoke at the Authenticity into Action delivered by Professor Rob Hulme, from conference and Di Phipps also undertook a the Faculty of Education and Children’s workshop with Terry Williams from the Forum Services. He is international officer of the of Carers and Service Users (FOCUS) about Special Interest Group for Education-Human Getting the Basics Right. Julie Bywater, Senior Services Linkages at the American Education Lecturer in the Department of Social Work Research Association and participates in the was the keynote speaker at a conference International and Comparative Social Policy sponsored by Leicester City Council and Group at the Social Policy Association. presented on ‘Challenging Heterosexuality in Social Work Education’. Debbie Wyatt Learning that a Nobel Laureate shared his views and Pat Talbot, Senior Lecturers in the on the global financial downturn was the honour Departments of Professional Development enjoyed by Senior Lecturer Ian McDonald who and Allied Health Care and Mental Health and was invited to represent Chester Business Learning Disability, delivered a joint paper School at the inaugural conference organised Professors Tom Mason and Elizabeth Mason-Whitehead at the 16th International Conference on At the European Regional Conference of the Public Health Research all spoke at the 2009 Cancer Nursing in Atlanta. Dr Jan Gidman and International Society of Family Law at the Nurse Education Tomorrow Conference in Professor Tom Mason presented three papers University of Ulster, Professor Roger Kay, Cambridge, while Professor Elizabeth Mason- at the Nurse Education Today and Nurse Head of the Department of Law, gave the Whitehead was a conference convenor. Education in Practice Conference in Sydney, keynote speech, sharing the platform with the Representatives from the Department of while Professor Maureen Deacon from the President of the Irish Law Commission and a Mental Health and Learning Disability attended Department of Professional Development and Northern Irish Judge. the Network for Psychiatric Nursing Research Allied Health Care gave a paper at the Horatio in Oxford where Professor Tom Mason European Mental Health Nurses Conference Faculty of Health and Social Care staff have ran a concurrent session. Dr Andy Lovell, in Prague. Professor Helen Cooper from the presented a number of papers at conferences Reader, and Joanne Skellern, Senior Lecturer, Department of Community and Child Health, around the world. Julie Dulson, Senior Lecturer, Department of Mental Health and Learning along with Dr Joy Spencer, Researcher and Department of Mental Health and Learning Disability presented a paper on violence in Vicky Ridgway from the Department of Pre- Disability, Dr Annette McIntosh, Associate learning disability at an international conference Registration Nursing, all presented papers at Dean for Learning and Teaching, and Kathryn in Stockholm. June Keeling, Senior Lecturer the RCN International Research Conference in Melling, Lecturer in Statistics in the Centre for from the Department of Pre-Registration Newcastle. Ian McDonald with students

Page 56 Annual Review 2010

by the Institute for Economic Thinking (INET) Research Group at Chester and strengthened Bloomington, USA, along with Josh Tenenberg Experimental Psychological Society (SEPEX) at King’s College, Cambridge. During a debate the links between the two institutions. Aided by (University of Washington, Tacoma); John at the University of Granada. This paper on market theory’s role in the economic crisis a travel grant from Santander, she also worked Ishiyama (University of North Texas) and Liz focused on her research into how non-verbal which erupted in 2007 and 2008, his points with Dr Pedro Lima on research, and four joint Grauerholz (University of Central Florida) on channels of emotion, such as smiling, can were supported by world expert Professor papers have appeared in the past year with ‘SoTL in Disciplinary Education Journals’. successfully make connections with people George Akerlof, winner of the Nobel Prize for results to be announced at an international Professor France, from the Department of where language alone sometimes fails. Economics in 2001 and Koshland Professor conference. Postgraduate student, Abdul Geography and Development Studies, delivered of Economics at the University of California, Malique, presented a seminar paper at the keynote addresses on digital technologies in Berkeley. The landmark event saw more than same University on the ‘Analysis and Numerical teaching and assessment to the University 150 specially selected academic, business and Analysis of Functional Differential Equations’. of East London Staff Conference and at government policy leaders from around the His Santander grant also enabled him to the E-learning and Professional Identity for world meet, to explore why prevailing economic undertake collaborative work which will result Health Practitioners meeting in Chester. The theory failed to predict the current situation. in a further paper to be published in conjunction National Teaching Fellow also gave seminars with his Spanish colleagues. in digital technologies in field work to the A composer and musicologist, Professor Darren Department of Geography Seminar Series at Sproston had his work H2angO performed at As part of the annual service on the anniversary Massey University in New Zealand and to the Dr Jan Gidman Dr Pat Lumb The Venue in Leeds College of Music by the of two of Cromwell’s victories and of his ‘Experiential Learning Centre for Excellence in electroacoustic ensemble N.One as part of Fuse death in 1658, Professor Peter Gaunt from the Teaching and Learning Seminar Series’ at the Leeds 2009. This composition was inspired Department of History and Archaeology gave University of Plymouth. by the molecular structure of water. The Head the 2009 Cromwell Day address – on Cromwell of the Department of Performing Arts also Green, the lawned area in the precincts of Initiation practices in sport was the subject presented a paper at the First International the Palace of Westminster. Professor Gaunt of research conducted by Dr Moira Lafferty, Roberto Gerhard Conference at the University of focused on Richard Cromwell as part of a wider Senior Lecturer in the Department of Sport Huddersfield on ‘Serial Metamorphoses in the programme to mark the 350th anniversary of his and Exercise Sciences, and Dr Caroline Music of Roberto Gerhard’, since published in government. Richard Cromwell, the man, his Wright, from Liverpool Hope University, who Prof. Peter Gaunt Prof. Darren Sproston the conference proceedings. brief period in power and his legacy, was also presented a paper at the British Psychological the theme of a conference jointly organised by Society’s Annual Conference. Dr Pat Lumb, Senior Lecturer in Mathematics, Professor Gaunt in Huntingdon, at which his presented a conference paper at the Functional lecture compared and contrasted Richard and Dr Ljubica Damjanovic, Lecturer in Differential Equations and Related Problems: his younger brother Henry. Psychology, presented a conference paper on Analysis and Numerical Approaches meeting the top-down modulations of the happiness at Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisbon, along Professor Derek France presented a featured advantage in emotional visual search at with speakers from the Azores and Portugal. Dr session at the International Society for the the First Joint meeting of the Experimental Lumb was able to raise awareness of the Maths Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) in Psychology Society (EPS) and the Spanish Dr Moira Lafferty Dr Ljubica Damjanovic

Page 57 The Academic Environment Case Study Chris Platts and David Haycock

Two home-grown researchers from the Department of Sport Now writing up his findings, Chris credits much of his success education impacts upon young people’s sporting and leisure and Exercise Sciences (SES) are gaining a national reputation to his mentors in the SES Department, saying: “The final year activities. There is little empirical evidence on the impact of in the Sociology of Sport and Exercise thanks to major media of my degree and then the Master’s programme were really university life on the sporting biographies and leisure careers coverage of their research. the turning points for me. I owe a lot in particular to Dr Andy of students and David is focusing his research by conducting Smith who obviously saw potential in me and encouraged a cross-sectional, mixed-method study with around 200 Chris joined the SES programme as an undergraduate in me to push myself but also to Dr Daniel Bloyce and Professor students aged between 18 and 20 at two English universities. 2002 and is currently undertaking a PhD in the Sociology of Ken Green for their support.” Once his PhD is complete, Once his PhD is complete, David aims to pursue a career in Sport and Exercise, following an MSc in the same area in the Chris (who also teaches on the undergraduate programme) is public health, particularly promoting physical activity, and he is Chester Centre for Research into Sport and Society. hoping to find a lecturing post that will allow him to continue also interested in lecturing. his research. Having completed research for his PhD thesis exploring the He said: “The MSc has made a massive impression on education and welfare provisions for young footballers in David joined the University in 2005, gaining a BSc in Sport me and has given me a lot of skills. For me it was not just professional football clubs in England and Wales, he presented and Exercise Sciences and developing an interest in the about furthering my knowledge of the Sociology of Sport to the British Sociological Association (BSA) conference in Sociology of Sport and Exercise. Like Chris, he went straight and Exercise, it was the other skills I gained from it – self Glasgow. His paper discussed the educational programmes on to the Master’s programme and acted as a part-time confidence, critical thinking, and engaging with learning - that for apprentice footballers through his research with 302 Research Assistant to Dr Smith looking at the inclusion of were equally significant.” apprentice footballers in professional football clubs that young disabled people and those with special educational “raises questions about the adequacy of the educational needs in mainstream physical education. David’s dissertation Dr Smith said of the pair: “To see that their work is now programmes for apprentice footballers” and of over 1,000 focused on people’s involvement in sport and leisure at being positively recognised by colleagues in the field is very other presentations was one of only a few selected by different stages of their life and won him the annual Norbert gratifying. Their achievements thus far have been excellent the BSA for media coverage. This sparked the Premier Elias Prize. He was identified by the external examiner as a and they are a credit to both themselves, the Department of League’s interest, and Chris and Dr Andy Smith met with the ‘rising star’ in the field and has had work published in several SES and the University.” organisation’s Education Manager to discuss the research and internationally renowned peer-reviewed journals. For his PhD future collaboration. he is researching transitions in sport, looking at how higher

Page 58 David Haycock and Chris Platts Annual Review 2010

Page 59 The Academic Environment

The Department of Theology and Religious Studies The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Islam was co- has produced a wealth of publications that include: authored by Dr Mohammad Seddon with Raana Publications Secularization and Its Discontents by Professor Bokhari and Charles Phillips; Remoralizing Britain? Robert Warner; Words Made Flesh: Writings in Political, Ethical and Theological Perspectives on Practical and Pastoral Theology by Professor Elaine New Labour was written jointly by Christopher The abundance of publications Graham; Grace Jantzen: Redeeming the Present, R Baker and Professor Elaine Graham, with edited by Professor Graham; What’s Right with Peter Manley Scott. Creaturely Theology on produced in the last academic year the Trinity? Conversations in Feminist Theology God, Humans and Other Animals was edited highlights the calibre of the University’s by Dr Hannah Bacon; Professor Tom Greggs was by Professor David Clough and Professor Celia responsible for New Perspectives for Evangelical Deane-Drummond, the latter also writing Christ staff and provides clear evidence of Theology: Engaging with God, Scripture, and the and Evolution: Wonder and Wisdom. The Hybrid World and Barth, Origen, and Universal Salvation: Church in the City: Third Space Thinking was their contribution to literary circles. Restoring Particularity. written by Christopher Baker, who also edited Annual Review 2010

Entering the New Theological Space: Blurred Authors from the Faculty of Health and Social from the Chester Business School, co-authored edited Poverty: Malaise of Development; Encounters of Faith, Politics and Community, Care have produced three publications: Key Marketing Communications: A Brand Narrative and Dr Emma Rees from the Department with John Reader. Professor Elaine Graham Concepts in Learning Disabilities edited by Approach with Professor Micael Dahlén and of English edited the Cheshire Prize for with Stephen Lowe wrote What Makes A Pat Talbot, Geoff Astbury and Professor Tom Fredrik Lange. Literature anthology: Zoo: Short stories from Good City? Public Theology and the Urban Mason; Values-based Health and Social Care: The Cheshire Prize for Literature 2009. Church; Dr Steve Knowles wrote Beyond beyond evidence-based practice by Dr Jill Professor Allan Owens co-authored the first Evangelicalism: The Theological Methodology McCarthy and Pat Rose; and Essentials of Applied Drama book in Japan, Applied Drama: In emphasising its commitment to of Stanley J. Grenz; and Professor Tom Pharmacology for Nurses by Paul Barber and Communication through Pre-texts with Naomi scholarship, the University has re-launched its Greggs edited a special edition of the Dr Deborah Robertson. Shimizu-Green and Professor Yuri Kobayashi, in-house publishing operation. The University International Journal of Systematic Theology and co-edited Drama with Global Vision in of Chester Press (formerly Chester Academic arising from papers given at the Society for Professor Alan Wall from the Department of Local Knowledge: The IDEA Dialogues with Press) will capitalise on the institution’s the Study of Theology that considered what it English published a collection of poems entitled Naomi Shimizu-Green and Kobaiyashi Yuriko. continued growth and enhanced reputation means for Christians to say that God is trinity Doctor Placebo. Terry Smith, Senior Lecturer in Both texts were published in Japanese and for research and innovation and seeks to (there is one God in three persons). Marketing, Tourism and Events Management he is now an editorial board member of the ensure that the core value of excellence in Journal for Drama and Theatre in Asia. The learning and teaching is evident throughout second edition of Professor Owens’s book its list of publications. Draamakompassen was published in Finland. ‘International calibre’ research is instantly Dr Peter Cox from the Department of Social accessible via ChesterRep, the University’s Studies and Counselling (formerly the online research repository, which continues Department of Social and Communication to go from strength to strength and is Studies) has published two books: Moving now ranked number 552 in the world for People: sustainable transport development institutional repositories (from a total of over and Emancipation Re-enchanted. Gill Miller, 1,200). Established in 2008 it contains digital Senior Lecturer for the Department of copies of PhD and MPhil theses, together Geography and Development Studies co- with selected Master’s dissertations. authored Emerging Superpowers: India and ChesterRep feeds into the British Library’s China with Sue Warn which was published by ETHOS (Electronic Theses Online System) the Geographical Association. project to create a virtual ‘one-stop-shop’of UK research. Thanks to the ETHOS website, Three books were published by the UK PhD research is appreciated by a global University’s own Press: Dr David Charles audience, improving access to research Ford from the Department of Social Studies theses, promoting British research activity and Counselling edited Fragmenting Family?; to the world, and contributing to a universal Anne Boran, Head of the same Department, knowledge pool.

Page 61 The University in its Wider Context The University in its Wider Context

Page 62 Annual Review 2010

Technology) and Beijing (Renmin and Peking commemorate 20 years of the Group’s Universities). The main partnership agreements work there. MAG is an international involve students studying for the first two Non-Governmental Organisation which International years of their Business degrees in China and decommissions landmines, small arms and then transferring to Chester for a further two light weapons, and since the end of the 2006 years to complete a BA (Hons) degree. Key conflict, has cleared more than 13 million attractions for Chinese students coming to the square metres of land, helping thousands Perspectives University are the quality of the courses on of people to return to work, replant their offer at one of the UK’s oldest institutions of crops and rebuild their homes. Gill, Senior higher education, the five star rated student Lecturer in the Department of Geography and support service, its location in the historic city Development Studies, was on a fact-finding The University continues to forge close of Chester giving a sample of true ‘British’ life, mission to support the MAG de-mining team and the opportunity for work experience with in its work on the Israeli-Lebanese border. links with higher education institutions leading UK and multinational businesses in She represented the trustees at a gala Chester and the surrounding region. evening of supporters and diplomats to mark across the world and this, together with the anniversary and also lobbied to maintain the range of overseas activities undertaken As a Trustee of the Mines Advisory Group international funding to continue the removal (MAG), Gill Miller travelled to Lebanon to of land mines and unexploded ordnance. by staff and students, ensures that its influence and distinction extends well beyond its physical boundaries.

Seven prestigious Chinese Universities were visited by a University delegation, comprising Dr Chris Haslam (Pro-Vice Chancellor), Professor Kevin Sykes (Dean of International Development), Kay Kent (Director, Corporate Development, Chester Business School) and Dr Henry Sun (Visiting Professor), to secure collaborative partnerships for staff/student exchanges and dual degree programmes in Business and Management Studies. The party also visited the Shanghai Expo, where the Liverpool Pavilion (which featured the University of Chester) was attracting over 75,000 visitors per day. Chester representatives were invited for high-level meetings with Senior Management Teams and Presidents of Universities in Shanghai (Tongji University, Jianquaio College, and Shanghai University of Finance and Economics), Wuhan (Wuhan University World Trade Organisation and Wuhan University of University delegation in China

Gill Miller with members of the MAG de-mining team in Lebanon Page 63 The University in its Wider Context

Links were strengthened with Pontificia for the American Academy of Religion. Bethlehem, Palestine. Second year BEd travelled to attend the Church of Uganda Universidade Católica (PUC) in Brazil with The Department of Theology and Religious students spent between one and three (COU) Kisiizi Hospital’s 50th anniversary a visit from Elissa Williams from the Work Studies also secured an exchange agreement months at partner institutions in Sweden, celebrations on behalf of the Kisiizi-Chester Based Learning Unit, following an introduction with the Department of the History of Finland and Belgium, while Erasmus link staff project between the three organisations. in 2009. PUC provides a valuable partner Religion at the University of Padova in Italy. tutors also spent time teaching there and in for experiential learning and academic links Spain and Austria. and it is hoped that students will continue to Visiting academics from partner universities visit each year, particularly on the Santander in Austria, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Japan, In-depth knowledge of West Africa’s longest Ambassador scheme. The discussions Palestine, Spain, Sweden and the USA running conflict has led to Dr Martin Evans, included expanding the connections between were welcomed by the Faculty of Education Lecturer in Geography and Development the institutions through placements or via the and Children’s Services. Overseas activity Studies, being elected to the Council of International Student Exchange Programme the African Studies Association of the UK and making arrangements for Chester (ASAUK). He will serve for an initial three students to visit the Brazilian University. years, after being nominated by geographers from University College London, on the A return trip to Almería in South East Spain grounds that ASAUK increasingly needs to with a group of students enabled Professor recognise that many academics specialising Roy Alexander, from the Department of in African subjects are not just based at Geography and Development Studies, to larger universities with African Studies reinforce the existing association with Spanish centres. Dr Evans is a recognised expert colleagues. The group met with colleagues at on the Casamance region of Southern the Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas, Senegal, and has been asked by the Foreign Almería and the Universities of Almería and and Commonwealth Office to brief both Valencia, and undertook visits to experimental new ambassadors and Non-Governmental Professor Allan Owens and Steve Tones in Palestine field sites. The students, who were supported Organisations on the tensions in that area. Dr by Santander scholarships, were able to included: Professor David Cracknell forming Evans has also conducted advisory work for learn a range of field techniques and gained part of a Cheshire and Warrington Local the United Nations Africa II Division in New valuable knowledge for their final year studies. Authority delegation visit to Xian, China; York and provided commentaries for IRIN, the Steve Tones working with soccer colleagues UN humanitarian news and analysis service. During his research leave, Professor Tom at Wesley College, Delaware USA; Professor Greggs was appointed College of Arts and Rob Hulme chairing the Policy Special Interest Professor Dorothy Marriss, Deputy Vice- Sciences Distinguished International Visiting Group in Chicago; and Professor Allan Owens Chancellor, together with Sarah Hoyle, Scholar, and Visiting Professor in Religion leading a National Association Applied Drama Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Trust at the University of Virginia. He was also course in Tokyo, Japan, and a performance representative and recently retired Divisional appointed Co-Chair of Scriptural Reasoning research project at the University of Manager for Women and Children’s Services,

Page 64 Church of Uganda (COU) Kisiizi Hospital student nurses Annual Review 2010

humans vulnerable to hazard in such areas Geography conference held in Hamilton at the who are to deliver English law modules as and, perhaps most importantly of all, became University of Waikato. A subsequent research part of the joint Law degree programme. attuned to the complexities of managing visit is scheduled for August 2011 for further hazards in crowded city environments. exploration of the deep learning benefits to Dr Stephen Fallows, Research Co-ordinator students of these teaching techniques. for the Centre for Exercise and Nutrition As Dean of Research and Knowledge Transfer, Sceince, acted as Advisor to the University Professor Neville Ford travelled to Portugal Norway’s first ‘Going Carbon Neutral’ project of Basel in Switzerland in setting up to visit the University of Trás-os-Montes and was launched at Nøtterøy in the presence postgraduate studies in sports medicine Alto Douro (UTAD) in Vila Real. A seminar of Professor Roy Alexander from the and exercise science. He also advised the stimulated discussions with bioscientists and Department of Geography and Development National McArdle Disease Association during environmental scientists on mathematical Studies, and two fellow members of the the establishment of a national clinic in the modelling, and with a physicist on applications Ashton Hayes Carbon Neutral team. The rural UK for this glycogen storage disease. of fractional differential equation models. The Cheshire village of Ashton Hayes is aiming primary purpose of the visit, assisted by a to become England’s first carbon neutral Field trip to Mount Vesuvius Santander grant, was to work with a post- village and the experience gained with this Against a backdrop of what has been termed doctoral fellow on fractional boundary value project has prompted calls for Professor ‘the most dangerous volcano in the world,’ Dr problems. New contacts were also made with Alexander’s expertise, and that of the rest Servel Miller and Dr Martin Degg, from the potential collaborators from the University in of the team, to inform similar schemes in Department of Geography and Development Arreiro and the University of Acores for possible Canada, Australia and other UK settlements. Studies, led a field trip to the Bay of Naples joint PhD supervision. The Mathematics Professor Alexander is also a Member of for third year Natural Hazard Management Research Group at Chester also continues Carbon Leapfrog’s Project Steering Group and students. The location of an active volcano ongoing international research collaborations this charity channels free professional advice within this large and extensive urban area with Germany, Ukraine and Sweden. from leading service providers across a range poses a threat to more than two million of disciplines into UK and international carbon people and the Italian authorities have spent A visiting research fellowship, sponsored by reduction projects. years developing a National Emergency Plan the International Visitor Research Fund, enabled (NEP) for Naples. Chester students appraised Professor Derek France, from the Department Formal, European-funded links have been this as part of their Year 3 core module on of Geography and Development Studies, forged between The Law School and the Hazard Assessment and Mitigation. During to visit Massey University in New Zealand. Law Faculty at Bayreuth for staff and student a week-long visit to the area they developed Together with colleagues there, Professor exchanges and visits. Professor Roger Kay, an understanding of the science behind their France investigated incorporating new digital Head of Law, gave a lecture at Pforzheim assessment, and met with scientists at the technologies into fieldwork, to enhance Hochschule University in Germany, with oldest volcano observatory in the world on the student learning experience. He gave a whom a formal affiliation is being developed. the flanks of Vesuvius. They also explored seminar on podcasting and other technologies Within the Law Faculty at Caucasus Massey University fieldtrip to a New Zealand glacier the socio-economic pressures that make to the University and at the Positioning University, Tbilisi, Georgia, he trained lecturers (Professor Derek France)

Page 65 The University in its Wider Context

Hedmark University College in Norway has A long-standing partnership with health in the Faculty of Health and Social Care, welcomed Professor Miranda Thurston, professionals in St Petersburg, which has when they travelled to Tampere and Turku Director of the Centre for Public Health been established over the past 15 years, is in to explore opportunities for staff and Research, as Visiting Professor of Public going from strength to strength. Six nurse students within the Erasmus exchange Health. She first visited the University in 2008, tutors visited the Faculty of Health and programme. They found facilities at the two part-funded through the Erasmus Scheme, to Social Care for a Continuing Professional higher education institutions visited, to be establish a bilateral agreement between the Development programme to inform their new excellent and both are keen to develop links two institutions. Over the next year, she will be state nursing curriculum, following in the and collaborations in practice, education working with academics across the Norwegian footsteps of a number of their colleagues, and research. Ann was also successful in Faculty on a number of public health research who have successfully completed the gaining a £48,000 European bid with the projects as well as helping them to develop Chester MEd programme. European Centre for Disease Prevention and their MSc in Public Health and Active Control (ECDC) to develop a curriculum on Lifestyles. This work also involves working with Finland was the destination for Ann Bryan, Legionella, while Gay secured a bid from the the local municipality, as the city has declared Head of Department of Community and ECDC to work as a consultant in delivering itself a public health city. Child Health, and Gay Rabie, Senior Lecturer the International Human Seasonal Influenza Programme (developed by a team from the Faculty of Health and Social Care and led by Ann) in Lisbon.

Two former Cardiovascular Rehabilitation (CVR) Masters students were instrumental in ensuring that India’s Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, successfully recovered from heart bypass surgery. The six-month Postgraduate Certificate in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation was established by the Centre for Exercise and Nutrition Science at the highly prestigious Asian Heart Institute (AHI) in Mumbai, following the success of the Master’s course. This is taught by visiting specialist staff from the University in conjunction with Dr Aashish Contractor, Head of Cardiac Rehabilitation at AHI and supported by Local Tutor (University Ambassador and former CVR student) Dr Caucasus University Partnership

Page 66 India’s Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and his wife with former CVR student Dr Pradnya Girap Annual Review 2010

Kirti Nigalye. The aim is to train Indian doctors and physiotherapists to deliver this much-needed service in hospitals and community settings. Following the Prime Minister’s heart attack, the AHI surgeons were tasked with performing the operation, while Dr Contractor and his team (including two former Chester CVR students) were responsible for Dr Singh’s rehabilitation programme.

A successful collaborative partnership has been developed further with Caucasus University in Georgia for joint degree awards in Business and Law. This was initiated by Nelly Sologashvili-Purcell, Deputy Director International Office, with her high-level local contacts, followed up by delegation visits by both Universities. Maltese Business Breakfast hosted by Professor Sarah Andrew The four-year programme requires students to study for three years in Georgia and one Professional Development and academic from other Mediterranean countries, the year in Chester. This year, the first cohort courses. Professor Sarah Andrew, Dean Middle East and North Africa. of four Georgian students joined final year of Applied Sciences, Garfield Southall, students in Chester to complete their BA New Technology Initiative (NTI) Director, At all levels of Poland’s curriculum, safety (Hons) in Business Studies and some have Helen Southall, Business and Curriculum content ranging from first aid skills to also applied for postgraduate studies at Development Manager (NTI), and Phil Harmes self-defence, to issues of national security Chester. A similar programme in Law (LLB) Faculty/NTI Administrator, hosted a Business is well-established. Tony Pickford, Senior is due to commence in 2011, building upon Breakfast for representatives from Maltese Lecturer in the Faculty of Education the successful one-way student exchange businesses and public services, as well as and Children’s Services, presented at a programme with the Law School. meeting with people from fields ranging from conference on Education for Safety to Meet architecture to diabetes management. On the the Challenges of the Modern World at the Following previous successful training basis of the current interest expressed, the Pedagogical University of Krakow. The visit activities in Malta, a party from the University University is appointing a Malta-based agent, cemented relationships with the Faculty and returned to the island to promote a wider who will be a contact for Maltese students emphasised the importance of addressing range of the University’s Continuing and training clients, and channel enquiries safety within the University and beyond.

Page 67 The University in its Wider Context Church of Uganda Kisiizi Hospital Case Study Ann Bryan and the Kisiizi Chester Project

The Kisiizi Chester Project has had a significant development programmes by advancing training. Another benefit of the partnership is effect on this African community since it began leadership, management and teaching skills in the opportunity for research. One PhD research in 2009, thanks to the efforts of the partnership clinical and education settings, to improve clinical project is already underway, with two more between the Faculty of Health and Social Care, supervision and enable nursing staff to build on awaiting approval, and these evaluations should the Countess of Chester Hospital Foundation existing skills and utilise evidence-based practice. provide tangible evidence of the collaborative NHS Trust and the Church of Uganda (COU) benefits for all concerned. Kisiizi Hospital. Ann, Head of the Department of The partnership, led by the University, has been Community and Child Health, has led the Faculty successful in gaining a £61,300 British Council On a personal note, Ann feels that Kisiizi has input into the nurse education component of grant for the Hospital in order to improve the been “the biggest single event in my career,” the project since its inception and established radiology, pharmacy and nursing education giving a unique insight into how people manage strong links with the rural, 200-bed hospital in and development delivery. The remainder of with very few resources and this has made south west Uganda which was founded over the funds has been met by a wide range of her even more zealous about the cause. Ann 50 years ago. The Nursing School has been in charitable activities, such as the Morecambe Bay cites the opportunity for Faculty staff to meet existence for over 10 years and began to train Walk (which raised a grand total of £1,800) cake inspirational people, the collaboration with Enrolled Comprehensive Nurses in 2005 to meet baking, book sales and the establishment of a Ugandan and Chester nursing colleagues and the country’s need for qualified hospital and monthly donation system. This has meant that the chance to contribute to the development community professionals. There are currently Faculty of Health and Social Care staff have been of another healthcare system, as highlights of three nurse tutors, three clinical instructors, a able to travel to Uganda for two and three week the project, all of which have all proved to be midwifery tutor and a further tutor in training, placements to implement the programme of valuable experiences for everyone concerned. while 153 students have qualified to date and education for Ugandan nurse tutors. As a result, The ultimate aim is to achieve validation of the a further 100 are undergoing training. The six University and five Countess of Chester provision through a Ugandan university which Kisiizi Chester Project aims to prepare nursing Hospital staff members have experienced will strengthen further the links with Chester and tutors and clinical nurses to upgrade their working in a developing country and contributed ensure that COU Kisiizi continues to be one of pre-registration and continuing professional to the implementation of best practice in nurse the top hospitals in Uganda.

Tonny Tumwesigye (COU Kisiizi Medical Director) ‘PagePersonally 68 I must say that I’m thrilled with all that’s going on with our partnership.’ Annual Review 2010

The University is actively involved in the Schools and Learners, when he toured the Educational sponsorship of four academies (Ellesmere Port, showpiece University of Chester Church of Birkenhead, Halton and Winsford) with an aim England Academy, Ellesmere Port, of which to double this number in the near future. In the University is Lead Sponsor. This is the only recognition of its high quality of provision as an school of its kind in Cheshire West and Chester, Partnerships academy sponsor, the Department for Education for students aged 11 to 18 and it is also one has made the University an Accredited Schools of the country’s first Faith Academies. The Provider, one of the first organisations in the Minister, who held the Government portfolio for The University continues to develop its country to be recognised in such a way. academies, was shown plans for the multi-million engagement with associate colleges to pound new Academy buildings and toured both Innovative learning and teaching methods its campuses. In addition to hearing from the accredit their qualifications and encourage a were discussed with The Right Honourable Academy’s Senior Leadership team (including Vernon Coaker MP, then Minister of State for Principal Kevin McDermott), Governing Body broader range of students to continue into and representatives from the three higher education. sponsors, the University, the Diocese of Chester and Cheshire West and Chester Council, he met students York St John University, Canterbury Christ Church University and the University of and saw many of their activities. Chester signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2010, signalling future collaborative links between the institutions. The Directorate of Innovation and Development worked on the three-way partnership that forms the basis of a long term strategic relationship between the institutions, who all share common values as church universities. The MOU sets out to unite the three institutions on the basis of common foundations, resonance between institutional values and missions, and similarities of locations, while retaining their own identities. Through the alliance the three universities will make applications for funding, host networking events and co-deliver projects. It is anticipated that the MOU will encourage mutually beneficial relationships through the sharing of expertise and knowledge in the areas of widening participation, flexible learning and employer engagement, with further developed collaboration between the universities and business. The agreement will also provide opportunities for the sharing of resources in order to benefit institutional reputations and to facilitate the national and international delivery of new qualifications and programmes.

Students at the University of Chester Page 69 Church of England Academy, Ellesmere Port The University in its Wider Context

Six new partnerships with theological to its new Centre for Higher Education. This logistics and travel operations. A group of its colleges have joined the growing collaborative offers a range of qualifications including staff became students again by enrolling onto portfolio being developed by the Department Foundation Degrees, Higher Nationals, the first module of a Professional Certificate of Theology and Religious Studies. Offering professional qualifications and teacher training in Business Practice. a range of undergraduate and postgraduate across a broad curriculum area, including degrees, these institutions will significantly Engineering, Construction, Public Services, Paralympian Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson enhance the range of the Department’s Business and Management, Teaching, presented Jamie Rowland with the West work, while staff from partner colleges will Marketing, Leadership and Personnel. Cheshire College Student of the Year contribute to research. Warrington Collegiate students with Aimhigher Award, when he was singled out from Associate Ashlee Graham and Maria Skinner Warrington Collegiate also became an hundreds of higher education students for The Isle of Man College has become an approved centre for delivering Work-Based dedication and commitment to his studies, Associate College of the University which generation within their family to pursue higher and Integrative Studies (WBIS) modules which enabled him to secure an NHS post. means that local students will be able to education. University students mentored 19 through co-funded provision and the initial Jamie, a fitness instructor who completed study for a wider range of courses without Level 3 Health and Social Care students at module was delivered during the summer a University Foundation Degree in Fitness leaving the Island. The accreditation comes the Collegiate, both face-to-face and online, term. The Collegiate is committed to increase and Health at the Associate College, was after a successful 10-year partnership over a 15-week period. Mentees reported that its WBIS offer for 2010-11 to meet the higher honoured at the annual HE and Professional between the two learning centres that initially they felt more prepared for university life and level local skills needs in areas such as retail, Awards in Chester Cathedral. saw degree courses offered in Public Health believed that the initiative had a considerable and, over time, expanded into other areas. impact on their aspirations. The College now offers full undergraduate degrees in Computing, History, Manx Together with Warrington Collegiate, the Studies, Heritage and the Manx Qualified University provides initial teacher education, Teacher Status programme. Validation of the leading to qualified teacher status (QTS) and Work Based and Integrative Studies (WBIS) qualified teacher learning and skills status. framework has also allowed the development Warrington Collegiate delivers Initial Teacher of vocational foundation and full degree Education for further education teachers and the programmes resulting in a new Foundation recent University Ofsted report identified this Degree in Policing for the Isle of Man programme’s key strengths as good recruitment Constabulary. and selection procedures, high levels of academic support, a thorough safeguarding Another Associate College, Warrington policy and the efficient use of resources. Collegiate, works in partnership with the University on the Associate Mentoring Higher level learners at Warrington Collegiate Scheme to widen participation for prospective have been provided with a more professional university students who represent the first teaching and learning environment, thanks West Cheshire College Student of the Year, Jamie Rowland with Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson

Page 70 Annual Review 2010 Regional Importance

As the foremost higher education institution in the area, the University acts as a focal point for a range of strategic activities and has forged close relationships in the surrounding communities.

Sustainable Blacon Ltd worked closely with Professor Roy Alexander, from the Department of Geography and Development Studies, on its successful Smart Energy Community bid as part of the Low Carbon Communities Challenge. The project involved adapting two demonstration low carbon houses in this Chester community and a trial of energy monitoring and management devices aimed at establishing the most effective ways to encourage householders to change their behaviour to save energy.

Artistic students were able to demonstrate their creative skills with their exhibition 4° at CUBE, the Centre for the Urban Built Environment in Manchester. The work came from 10 different degree courses at institutions across the North West and included cutting edge designs, photography, illustration and object-based work.

Representatives from the Department of Pre-Registration Nursing attended the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement information in Birmingham, and joined Phase 4 of the work around service improvement in pre-registration education. In addition, following the publication of new Nursing and Midwifery Council standards for pre-registration nursing education, the Department is jointly working with three partner higher educational institutions on the development of a shared curricula, practice documentation and practice learning opportunities to meet local and national agendas.

4° at The Cube in Manchester Page 71 The University in its Wider Context

Page 72 Annual Review 2010

Placements have been secured for a number report The Ethics of Executive Remuneration: organised DNA’s first annual two-day event within the club’s Scholarship programme and of young people with learning disabilities A Guide for Christian Investors, which was at Manchester’s Triangle which secured the periodic physiological assessment with both as a result of an agreement with the Petty circulated to politicians and chief executives active involvement of the creative directors Academy and First Grade teams. The rugby Pool Trust, a Cheshire college. The students of all FTSE 100 companies. Dot Gosling, of over 40 advertising, branding and design league side can access up-to-date sport science thoroughly enjoyed their time in Caretaking Senior Lecturer, gave a presentation on agencies from across the region. The event facilities, underpinned by sound scientific Services, the Post Room, Gardens and `Christian Youth Work Today’ at the National was an opportunity for students to display practice. In addition to research, the project Grounds, the Learning and Enterprise Centre Network of Pastoral Musicians. their work in advertising, illustration, digital complements the Department’s traditional, and the Department of Human Resource media and graphic design and for agencies to high quality, undergraduate and postgraduate Management Services. This arrangement The widow of Liverpool’s most famous see the work of up-and-coming graduates. teaching, inspiring the next generation of sport enabled them to experience different working musical son, John Lennon thanked five scientists to experience hands-on work with environments and make decisions on future History students for their help in preserving Engage Super League players with twice- high performance athletes through their Sport career aspirations, while University staff his childhood home. They worked with the running Challenge Cup winner, Warrington Science degree. As part of their academic gained new skills and understood more National Trust to recreate the authenticity Wolves, are benefiting from support from the studies, students can apply for internships about learning disabilities. Petty Pool also of the garden at Mendips, in Liverpool Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences in Sports Physiology, Performance Analysis, participated in the 2010 Diversity Festival with and received a Tweet of appreciation from in terms of long-term monitoring and training Biomechanics and Strength and Conditioning. a day at the Warrington campus conducting Yoko Ono. Under the direction of Dr Donna focus groups with over 100 Health and Social Jackson, Senior Lecturer in Modern History, Care students and making their own TV show the five second-years carried out research with Media staff and students. to ensure the garden looked as close as possible to the one that John and his Aunt The Ebor Lecture at York Minster/York St Mimi would have used and enjoyed. John University, delivered by Professor Elaine Graham from the Department of The Designers Northern Alliance (DNA) Theology and Religious Studies, generated has been established in order to develop an appearance on BBC Radio York and an closer links between design programmes article in the Church Times. She also gave a and creative industries in the North. David lecture to Archbishop of Canterbury’s Sixth Rutherford, Programme Leader for Advertising Form Conference. Dr Mohammad Seddon at the Warrington Campus, was one of the appeared on the Mike Shaft Sunday Morning co-founders of this partnership to share Show on BBC Radio Manchester, and best practice between the course leaders participated in a televised discussion, hosted of design programmes at Chester, together by Tariq Ramadan, on the subject of `Has with: University of Salford; Manchester Britain Integrated its Muslim Population?’ Metropolitan University; University of Central Professor David Clough was commissioned Lancashire (UCLan); Liverpool John Moores Mendips History students Christina Asher; Richard Taylor; Thomas Davies; Matthews Jones; by the Church Investors Group to co-write the University; and Glynd r University. He Rebecca Lindley and Dr Donna Jackson

Students on placement from the Petty Pool Trust Page 73 Page 73 The University in its Wider Context

New life was breathed into stone cold Chester Amphitheatre Environs Research Performing Pathways is a new educational A screenwriter, who has received international statues in a second performance by Fine (CAER) Project aims to discover more about drama company which employs three acclaim at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, Art students in the sculpture gallery at the area surrounding the city’s Roman recent graduates, all of whom were won The High Sheriff’s Cheshire Prize for Liverpool’s Walker Art Gallery. Following on centrepiece through annual archaeological first generation University students. Literature for her short story: That Going to the from the success of their first contemporary investigations. The 2010 excavations took With a £30,000 Aimhigher grant, the Zoo Thing. Tessa Sheridan, who won the Short live installation, students Helen Smith and place in the Grosvenor Park and focused graduates established their group and Film Palme d’Or Award at the Cannes Film Caroline Backhouse were invited back to on an area near the boundary with St devised an interactive board game aimed Festival in 1997, for her film entitled Is it the showcase Dances With Statues, alongside John’s Church and the proposed site of at increasing educational and career Design on the Wrapper?, took the £2,000 first Senior Performing Arts Lecturer, Gillian Yates, Cholmondeley’s Mansion. Archaeology awareness among Year 7 to 12 pupils. prize for her short story. Runner-up was Simon and Dance Lecturer, Sarah Spies. students gained valuable skills and Over the academic year, the company Gotts, from St Asaph; and Highly Commended uncovered remains of buildings associated worked with 180 participants in 13 schools were Diane Booth, from Handbridge; Heather A new research initiative has been agreed with the grand mansion which was and other educational venues through 16 Freckleton, from Chester; and Kirsty Logan, between the Department of History and destroyed when the Park was laid out in the performances and workshops. A further from Glasgow. Now in its seventh year, The Archaeology and Cheshire West and 19th-century. development grant has been secured. Cheshire Prize for Literature has become Chester’s Historic Environment Team. The established as one of the North West’s leading Pupils from seven schools across Cheshire writing contests. Organised by the University pitted their technological wits against and funded by the Bank of America, the each other in an attempt to design a new competition is not only open to individuals mobile phone and bid for a behind-the- who live in Cheshire, but also those with a scenes view of Britain’s answer to Silicon connection to the county. Valley. To win a visit to Microsoft’s Reading base, they set out to impress a panel of Memories of conflict were evoked in public expert judges by designing an innovative during a trip back in time with experts new phone for a multinational company. from the Department of History and Hosted by the Department of Computer Archaeology, as they joined forces with Science and Information Systems at Burton Manor College, Wirral, to organise the Warrington Campus as part of an another successful History Day entitled Aimhigher initiative, the Year 9 pupils had War and Memory. The team of professional to research their competitors, come up historians explored the ways in which war with a name for the new device, compile has been remembered and the relevance a features list, and design a web page for today. Speakers were Dr Donna Jackson and marketing campaign. The winners on Vietnam, Professor Peter Gaunt on the were Whitby High School, Ellesmere English Civil War, Professor Howard Williams Port Catholic High School, and Cardinal on Exercise Tiger and Diana Dunn on the war Newman Catholic High School. dead of late medieval England. Dances with Statues

Page 74 The University in its Wider Context Annual Review 2010

All of the county’s schools were invited to experts and students from both institutions, participate in the event which was supported supported by Llangollen Museum and by Cheshire West and Chester Council, Welsh heritage organisation Cadw, carried St Helens Council, The British Science out excavations at this location. The aims Association/Knutsford SciBAr and Chester were to explore its archaeological context, Astronomical Society. investigating how it has been used over the centuries, conserve the mound and help to Fascinated by the secrets of the mysterious explain the site better to its visitors. Professor Pillar of Eliseg, hundreds of people attended Howard Williams from the Department of an archaeological open day, held at the close History and Archaeology revealed that the of a very special excavation. Project Eliseg is mound consisted of a stone cairn which an ongoing research collaboration between was consistent with a burial monument of the University and Bangor University, the Early Bronze Age. Around 200 people investigating the enigmatic early medieval were given tours of the site and also had monument in Llangollen, North East Wales. the opportunity to watch re-enactments by For two weeks, a team of archaeology Cwmwd Ial at Valle Crucis Abbey.

The Lord Mayor of Chester at the Pop Science Festival

As part of Chester Performs, Dr Emma The two-day Pop Science Festival occasionally Rees, Senior Lecturer in English discussed went with a ‘bang,’ as school children the film adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s explored the wonders of the world around best-selling novel The Girl with the Dragon them. From a mission to make a rocket or Tattoo, drawing out the relationship barometer, to testing lung capacity, primary between the two media and presenting and secondary pupils conducted weird her personal take on both. The talk at St and wonderful experiments – all with the Mary’s Centre in Chester followed by a aid of the humble plastic fizzy drink bottle. screening of the Swedish film, allowing Organised by the Faculty of Applied and visitors to see for themselves the issues Health Sciences, the Festival was attended by raised by Dr Rees. the Lord Mayor of Chester, Cllr Neil Ritchie. Re-enactment group Cwmnd Ial at the Pillar of Eliseg excavations

Page 75 The University in its Wider Context

Throughout the summer months, Chester was in the grip of ‘Rhino Mania’ with a colourful trail of customised sculptures dotted around the city and the University joined the stampede. Dr Paul O’Donoghue, Lecturer in Biological Sciences, the institution headed up the charge to support this conservation campaign. The Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences (now Applied Sciences) sponsored one of the three-feet-high fibreglass rhinoceros replicas, which was painted by Fine Art students Samantha Quigley, Georgina Thomas, Nathan Tomlinson and Julia Elpers, with support from Biology student and project manager, Helen Cooper. Dr O’Donoghue’s research is focusing on a unique group of Black Rhinos in Damaraland, North West Namibia, which is the only truly free-living population left in Africa and he felt that the project was an ideal opportunity to raise awareness of the work to help protect this species.

A Fine Art student had the perfect chance to showcase her creative talent after securing her own exhibition at Wirral gallery Staacks Art and Crafts. Rosa Citrano’s display illustrated the techniques she developed on her course, including etchings and different print processes.

Sports scientists were recruited by Liverpool Football Club to help with the development of some of the world’s brightest young prospects. A team of analysts from the University was signed up to provide performance analysis support for the team’s Academy squads, which involves capturing and analysing training and matches. The collaboration further highlights Liverpool FC’s philosophy of providing its Academy players with the best facilities, coaches and support staff and has given students the opportunity to gain some fantastic experience of working with a top football club.

Fine Art students with the Faculty of Applied Page 76 and Health Sciences’s rhino Annual Review 2010 Case Study Annabelle Buckley

A Fine Art student from Nantwich seized It was particularly fitting that a Cheshire artist the opportunity to join the historic Chester was chosen to work on the Amphitheatre Amphitheatre Mural Project after completing her Project and Annabelle was able to participate degree. Annabelle had been recommended by her on the team, that included Cheshire West and tutor, John Renshaw, to work with Gary Drostle, Chester Council, English Heritage and teams an award-winning London-based professional artist of archaeologists, together with Gary Drostle with 20 years of experience as a public artist. He and Chester Renaissance, all of whom worked had been commissioned by Chester Renaissance together to ensure that the mural was historically to create a mural at the back of the site to simulate accurate. As the specialist keim mineral paint how the complete structure would have looked used for the work is designed to last for a century, in Roman times. The partnership was sealed and this emphasises the longevity of the mural and Annabelle spent six weeks on the initiative. Annabelle hopes to bring her grandchildren to see it in years to come. She cited the interaction with Annabelle originally chose to study in Chester the public as a highlight, saying that visitors were because she was impressed with the students’ “overwhelmingly positive and uplifting.” However, work, the facilities and the lecturers on the it was the chance to work with an experienced University Open Day, not to mention her lifelong professional artist that Annabelle found most love of the city and its Roman history. Her Fine Art valuable and the knowledge gained has inspired course developed her confidence and cemented her to pursue her ultimate aim of becoming her resolution to become a professional artist. an internationally recognised artist. Annabelle This was helped by the chance to study a range summed up the opportunity at her recent of allied subjects, such as the history of art, graduation, confirming that “the experience as philosophy and psychology, all of which have a whole has made me even more hungry for influenced her practice. success as an artist,” and voiced her pride in her Annabelle Buckley at the Amphitheatre (picture by Kevin Hughes)

Page 77 The University in its Wider Context Economic Benefits

The University plays a major part in generating income and sharing and fostering business expertise that makes a significant contribution to the economy of the North West in the current challenging financial conditions.

The University’s commitment to providing excellent employability prospects has again been demonstrated by the outstanding success of its graduates. The Government’s annual employability survey shows that they are consistently outperforming at both regional and national levels, with the percentage of employed graduates securing professional or managerial jobs straight after graduation being an outstanding 78%. This makes Chester the joint highest ranked university in the North West and significantly above the national average. Students from the Nutrition and Dietetics undergraduate and postgraduate programmes continue to excel in this respect, with 100% of the 2009 graduates employed. The majority of these graduates are working for the NHS in the North West, and the close partnership of programme teams and colleagues in service, allows students to develop the necessary skills to develop the dietetics workforce. The expert team of careers consultants, working in partnership with subject tutors, has delivered over 300 subject-based employability sessions to undergraduate and postgraduate students from all disciplines.

In order to alleviate the challenge for recent graduates of finding a job, the University’s Graduate Head Start programme was launched to offer free, practical employment assistance for graduates who are either unemployed or underemployed in their current roles. Funding was awarded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England through the Economic Challenge Innovation Fund which allows the four-day programme to be delivered free of charge to recent graduates living in the North West. The course is delivered jointly by the Department of Careers and Employability and Chester Business School and consists of one day of career planning and a three-day Business

Page 78 UniJob celebrates its first birthday Annual Review 2010

Skills and Professional Development module, graduate employers, together with the will be able to use hot desk facilities. It with further options of taking up a five-week University’s Career Consultants and trainers will create an environment where new placement and free intensive training for the from the Department of Human Resource businesses can network, learn and thrive, European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL). Management Services. and where established ones can access Around 200 students participated in the first advice and academic support, as required. year, with a number finding employment Refurbishment is underway on the The Centre is due to open in summer 2011 during the course and some others being annex building, to develop the Riverside and is being developed with support from employed by their placement organisation. Innovation Centre (RIC) on the campus the European Regional Development Fund, of the same name. The Centre will be a via the Northwest Regional Development The enterprising UniJob service, which business-facing facility with conferencing Agency. The Directorate is in the process assists University departments in recruiting facilities and business incubation units. of assembling a steering group, which will students to temporary posts, has celebrated It will be the base for the Directorate of represent key business stakeholders from its first birthday. Over 12 months, it Innovation and Development, and the across the region and Centre Manager Lynn helped 71 students into employment on Chamber of Commerce, while other Dwyer is leading the project. campus and provided 363 students with external organisations, such as the Sector employability skills training delivered by Skills Councils (who supported the project), A report commissioned by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) emphasised how the Work Based and Andrew Donaldson of Big Storage Integrative Studies (WBIS) framework at the University is an exemplar of how institutions £2,000 from The Prince’s Trust and grew it into can work with the business community to a multi-million pound business. He addressed accredit learning and add value. The document, Chester Business School postgraduate students Facilitating Employer Engagement Through about his experience of developing new Negotiated Work Based Learning: A Case Study businesses and how to sustain a new brand. From the University of Chester and HEFCE, highlighted the strong external reputation which Wirral Council has invested in leadership the programme has gained. education by working with the University to provide a tailored MBA Programme. The first An acclaimed Cheshire-based entrepreneur cohort graduated in 2010, with over 31% spoke of the importance of self belief, gaining a distinction and this represents a determination and a positive attitude, in a talk major achievement for these full-time senior to Business students. Andrew Donaldson, personnel. The Wirral MBA programme, Founder and Partner of Big Storage, and delivered by the University, is set to former winner of The High Sheriff’s Award continue in 2011, with two further cohorts for Enterprise, started his first business with expected to graduate in 2012. Careers and Employability

Page 79 The University in its Wider Context

The University has designed a degree productivity and maximise employee potential specifically to address the demand for in the biomedical industries, which are so highly skilled biotech employees during the important to the North West. economic recovery. The Foundation Degree in Biomedical Process Technology is designed to The new vision and strategy for the Warrington cover key elements of scientific knowledge in Campus was outlined by its Provost, Professor Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, Peter Harrop, at the Warrington Business known as STEM subjects. Geared towards Conference, organised by Warrington Borough the chemical, pharmaceutical and medical Council and held at the Halliwell Jones technology companies the programme, Stadium. The event attracted over 200 which is jointly funded by the Northwest representatives from public and private Development Agency and the North West sectors, including Warrington Chamber of Universities Association, aims to improve Commerce, Cheshire and Warrington Enterprise Commission and senior members of the Borough Council. Plenary addresses included one from the University and one from Media City at Salford Quays. The High Sheriff’s Award for Enterprise prizewinners Some of the top business minds in the North West are contributing to the development of Estate; and Annette Moor, Chief Executive of community and students from the Faculty of future programmes delivered by Chester Chester Cathedral, are just some of the new Business, Enterprise and Lifelong Learning. Business School. The Business esteemed business experts on the Council Advisory Council (BAC) has been and their expertise will help to shape the A trio of leading businesses from across strengthened to provide portfolio of courses. Cheshire celebrated after winning prizes strategic advice on the at The High Sheriff’s Award for Enterprise. development, labour supply An entrepreneur, whose successful property The winners were announced at a special and training needs of the business fell victim to the economic ceremony at the University and John local economy, to ensure the downturn, lifted the lid on his business highs Timpson, CBE was the keynote speaker. School remains at the cutting- and lows during a networking event at the Founded in 2006 by former High Sheriff of edge of business education. Chester Business School, run in conjunction Cheshire, David Briggs, MBE, the Award Greg Reid, President of Bank with `thebestofchester’ business community. is judged on ambition, innovation, growth, of America UK Card Services; Neil Lewis, ex-Publisher and Founder of enterprise, and employee and management Graham Ramsbottom, Property Secrets, gave a valuable insight into development. Thanks to significant Managing Director (North his commercial experiences during a question sponsorship from Barclays Bank, Cheshire West) of the Grosvenor and answer session with the local business West and Chester Council, Cheshire East

Page 80 John Timpson, CBE: keynote speaker at The High Sheriff’s Award for Enterprise Annual Review 2010

Council, Halton Borough Council, Northwest Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) North Regional Development Agency, University of West and North Wales region. He used his Chester, Cheshire and Warrington Economic Presidential Address to point out that while Alliance, Business Link Northwest and the public services face significant, real cuts in Bank of America, it represents one of the funding, if they adopted a policy of doing more highest prize values of any competition with less they could take control over their of its kind in the county. In first place was fate. Professor Pyke took over the Presidency Sandbach-based flooring manufacturer from Michael Owen, Director of Finance at Flowcrete UK Ltd. The second prize was Bury Metropolitan Borough Council, at the awarded to Dandy’s Topsoil Ltd in Chester Annual General Meeting held at Chester Zoo, and third prize to Wilmslow based Citation during a landmark year for CIPFA. plc. The NeuroMuscular Centre in Winsford, was presented with a special award for Social In the midst of the economic slump, Enterprise, while Cheshire Farm Ice Cream, businesses throughout the North West Global Air Training Ltd and Grosvenor Garden could be taking advantage of a hidden Centre were all highly commended. resource, which a new network will help them to access. Involving the University Employees from a Manchester-based legal and supported by the Northwest accounting firm have become the first to Regional Development Agency, TIME and take advantage of a unique partnership EXPERIENCE strives to match up highly- between their employers and the University experienced senior retired or semi-retired by completing a Higher Education course. professionals with companies in need of The staff work as Legal Cashiers for Quill and their knowledge. It is estimated that at least are responsible for managing the accounts 100,000 such people exist from Cumbria to of solicitors and legal companies and were Cheshire and the TIME and EXPERIENCE presented with Professional Certificates in Regional Forum, chaired by Graham Simpson, Legal Accounting. Further staff will benefit the Economic Regeneration Officer for from this educational link in the future. South Ribble Council, has now established a Members’ Steering Group, to put their Survival techniques for public services amid abilities to good use. The project facilitates the challenges posed by spending reviews discussion across the widest possible range were considered by Professor Chris Pyke, of opportunities, encompassing employment, Associate Dean, for Business, Enterprise and project work, consultancy, self-employment Lifelong Learning in his inaugural speech as and business start-up, social enterprise and President of the Chartered Institute of Public voluntary work. Professor Chris Pyke, President of CIPFA North West and North Wales region

Page 81 The University in its Wider Context

Kate Sillitoe, Senior Lecturer in Visual Combining the expertise of selected Computer Stuart McLanaghan, MD, Deliciously Wild (Cumbria) Ltd, Communication and Digital Media has Science and Information Systems students, (2010 North West Food & Drink Awards – Dual Category winner) supervised four Knowledge Transfer Projects IT professionals and senior academic (KTPs) attracting nearly £15,000 in income and staff, the Software Development Team The University’s Department of Corporate involving staff and students. Paul McKie, Senior at the University of Chester Informatics Lecturer in Corporate Business and Enterprise Centre offers customised software Business and Enterprise teamed up with the (CBE), has similarly overseen three KTPs which and web development solutions to the Faculty of Arts and Media and ... helped the University secured in 2010, attracting business community. The Team covers a further £25,000 in income. For example, database development, website design us develop a fully cohesive commercial Deliciously Wild, a Cumbria-based ethical food and development, network design as well company, wanted a new marketing strategy as systems analysis, CRM implementation approach to this project. Their teams were a and re-brand for the company and the four- and mobile application development. It has ‘ pleasure to work with. ’ month project involved market research carried worked with over 50 North West companies out by the Faculty of Business, Enterprise and now has a core of four full-time staff and and Lifelong Learning, while research on the 11 student staff. One of the most prestigious packaging, logo and marketing materials was projects was the development of a new scheme, the University carries out a wide video and audio for minimal financial outlay. conducted by the Department of Media. Other website in consultation with the Faculty of range of projects for local and regional Small Using real-life placements as part of their KTPs handled by the Department of Media Education and Children’s Services and the and Medium-sized Enterprises, including academic study also provides students were to provide a marketing strategy and Training and Development Agency for Schools. the development of a series of handbooks with invaluable experience and increases re-brand for Jurassic Jewellery in Manchester; for a volunteer organisation and providing a employability. As the use of the internet produce David Rutherford’s Shadow of the Through the Northwest Development Agency’s bespoke customer relations management and related digital media technologies Photographer website for the new Digital Innovation Voucher (CRM) database. increases, demand for The Harlequin Photography programme; and to complete Project’s services has grown steadily with graphic panels for the Martin Building An important contribution is made towards four churches, two choirs, two community at the Warrington a thriving local cultural environment by organisations, four residents’ associations, campus. staff and students from the Department and two theatre groups benefiting from of Computer Science and Information the opportunity to disseminate information Systems, enabling musicians, performing and publicise their work to thousands of arts groups, churches and community potential customers. An experiential learning organisations to bring their work to the work in progress showcase was also held attention of a wider audience. Dr Jan for 35 representatives of local community Shaylor is Director of The Harlequin groups and small businesses including Prodo Project which uses the latest digital Digital, St John Ambulance Cheshire, and media technology to design websites Lache Primary School, where 20 Multimedia and capture community activities on Technology students presented their work.

Page 82 Chris Beck with a graphics panel designed by the Hot Room at Warrington Annual Review 2010 Case Study Daniel Tock

’ Daniel was the first recipient of a Graduate growth sectors. This demonstrates the partnership Plus bursary, awarded jointly by the Northwest between the business community and academia Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and working at its best to bring prosperity to the region. North West Universities Association (NWUA) which allowed him to undertake a Master’s in Daniel’s course provided him with “a good insight Mathematics and Statistics. Daniel, originally into the kind of pressure and self motivation needed from Scunthorpe, wanted to stay in Chester in full-time employment,” and convinced him to use after his first degree (in the same subjects) and his quantitative research skills in future employment. praised “the welcoming and friendly atmosphere,” University facilities and especially the: “fantastic He concluded that the bursary was “a massive Department and staff who made learning very incentive to pursue further scholarship, which of easy and interesting.” Having experienced lectures course benefits everyone, from the employee at larger institutions, Daniel opted for the smaller to the employer” and added: “Especially with class sizes and one-to-one interaction available competition being so fierce for graduate positions, at Chester for his postgraduate study, which the more qualifications the better.” coincided with the launch of Graduate Plus.

The aim of this initiative was to fund taught Master’s courses for recent graduates and thus retain talent in the North West. In the difficult job market, Graduate Plus bursaries offer graduates a competitive edge, providing the opportunity for graduates to gain valuable skills at North West universities and align them with the region’s

Daniel Tock, Stephen Broomhead (NWDA) and Dr Pat Lumb

Page 83 Graduation and Beyond

Page 84 Annual Review 2010 Graduates

The graduation ceremony, held in the spectacular surroundings of Chester Cathedral, is the culmination of the academic process and marks the transition for students into a new stage of life where they can capitalise on their complete University involvement. This is an opportunity for the Vice-Chancellor to emphasise that graduates will always be a part of Chester and Chester will always be a part of them.

For multi-lingual Catherine Marseille, finishing her degree represented the culmination of a journey that has taken her literally thousands of miles across the world. Catherine, who graduated with First Class Honours in English with German Studies, arrived at Chester as an international Erasmus exchange student, having spent a year in Japan working as a language teacher before returning to her native Germany to begin a Translation Studies degree. At Chester, Catherine made a big impression, helping the Student Welfare team to provide dedicated care to international students as a way of giving something back to the University community.

Catherine Marseille Page 85 Graduation and Beyond

A love of all things scientific landed high- For Clare McCool, from Didsbury, graduating A renowned diversity expert had another accolade to add to her flying mature student Laura Peyton a with a Master’s Degree in Computer Science long list of achievements with an MA in Equality, Diversity and teaching position. Laura, from Flintshire, and Information Systems (CSIS) with a Organisational Change through the Work Based and Integrative graduated with a PGCE in Science after distinction marked the end of her amazing Studies (WBIS) programme. Jane Nokes, from Sunningdale, works her first degree in Sports Science, but it journey. A Senior Service Delivery Analyst for as a Programme Director and Principal Development Consultant in was her passion for the more conventional British Airways (BA) in her home town, she diversity management and personal effectiveness at the National sciences that took her on a different career worked her way up through the company and School of Government. An invaluable and significant part of her path. Having studied Biology and Chemistry originally had no information technology (IT) Master’s programme involved work using her Diversity Excellence at A Level, she returned to those subjects, experience or qualifications. For Clare, the Model TM (DEM) which has received national acclaim and been completing one-week intensive courses other challenges during the course included Jane Nokes used by organisations in all sectors nationally and internationally. before enrolling on the PGCE. And after working full-time, discovering that she had Recently one of the high-profile guests at the University’s annual Diversity Festival, she achieving impressive marks in both Standards dyslexia and having a child. She has found received the Silver Award for innovation in diversity training at the British Diversity Awards in and Teaching Practice and receiving glowing the academic experience invaluable in her 1998 and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in 2008 in recognition of her work recommendations from the two schools at working life and felt that it represented a real in the field of equality and diversity. which she trained, Laura was quickly offered a team effort between herself, her employer, post, teaching science at St John Plessington the University and her family. Catholic College in Bebington, Wirral.

A serious motorcycle accident prompted Allan Ralston to make a life-changing decision to swap his career in the construction industry for one in nursing. Allan, from North Warrington, reassessed his options while recovering from his injuries in hospital in 2000. After graduating with a DipHE in Nursing in 2004, Allan decided to complete the BSc in Professional Practice, while working as a Staff Nurse in the Colorectal Surgical Ward at the Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Allan, who graduated with First Class Honours, praised the ‘family-friendly’ course’s flexibility and supportive tutors. Allan Ralston Work experience students from Whitby High School at Graduation

Page 86 AnnualAnnual Review Review 20102010 Honorary Graduates

The graduation ceremony also celebrates the achievements of leading individuals through the award of honorary degrees and brings their unique blend of experience and skills into closer contact with the University community.

David Briggs MBE

Master of Arts, honoris causa

As the High Sheriff of Cheshire in 2006-7, David Briggs was responsible for establishing two new High Sheriff Awards: the High Sheriff’s Award for Young Citizenship, and the High Sheriff’s Award for Enterprise, the latter organised in conjunction with the University. As well as diverse commercial interests, including serving as Managing Director of musical instrument retailers Dawsons Music Ltd, David Briggs has been involved in several charitable and community activities. He is a Director of Warrington Youth Club, became President of St John Ambulance Cheshire in 1982, is Chairman of the Council of St John of Jerusalem for Cheshire, was awarded an MBE in 2009 and is now Lord Lieutenant for Cheshire.

Page 87 Graduation and Beyond

John Caley Ken Dodd OBE

Master of Science, honoris causa Doctor of Letters, honoris causa

Douglas-born John Caley’s long career in nursing began in 1955 A household name as a stand-up comedian, when he entered Nobles Hospital in the Isle of Man as an Assistant singer-songwriter, actor and all-round entertainer, Nurse. He moved to Walton Hospital, Liverpool, in 1962 and Ken Dodd has a reputation unique in the annals entered Queen Elizabeth College, University of London in 1964 to of show-business. With roles ranging from study for a diploma in Theory and Practice of Nurse Education and Shakespeare to Dr Who, 19 songs in the UK top Training. Having returned to Walton to teach, he was appointed 40, 100 million records sold worldwide, record Principal Tutor in 1969, managing the General Nursing School in Chester, and in 1973 became Director of breaking seasons at the London Palladium, and a place in the Guinness Book of Nurse Education in Warrington. He has worked for the Joint Board of Clinical Nursing Studies, the National Records for the world’s longest ever joke-telling session, Ken Dodd is the variety act Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting and Mersey Regional Health Authority and regularly par excellence. Appointed OBE in 1982, he is also known for the time and energy he contributed to the Department of Health’s regional reviews. Having devoted much time to help move devotes to charity work. The Ken Dodd Charitable Trust supports numerous causes, nursing and midwifery training from the NHS into higher education, he has been a Visiting Fellow at the and he works tirelessly to raise funds for Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology NHS Trust. University for the past seven years. Now retired, he works closely with adults with learning disabilities, and has been Director, Trustee and, most recently, Chairman of the charity Chester Link. Tim Firth

The Earl of Derby Doctor of Letters, honoris causa

Doctor of Business Administration, Born in Chester and having lived in Cheshire honoris causa all his life, Tim Firth is a true home-grown talent. Schooled in Warrington, he attended With ancestors including the 14th Earl of Derby, the three times the University of Cambridge where he became Prime Minister and one of the founders of the University, the Earl involved in student drama, writing and touring of Derby spends most of his time overseeing the management with Cambridge Footlights. After graduation he of the Knowsley Estate, which includes Knowsley Safari Park was commissioned by Alan Ayckbourn to write Man of Letters, which led to his first and Knowsley Hall. He has become increasingly involved in West End play Neville’s Island. His stage, TV and film work, including Our House, around 100 voluntary, charitable and sporting organisations, including serving as Local Area Patron of The Flint Street Nativity, Money for Nothing, All Quiet on the Preston Front and The Prince’s Trust, President of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society, and Life President of the Rugby Confessions of a Shopaholic will be familiar to many. But he is probably best known Football League. He also energetically pursues his family’s traditional interest in racing with his Stanley for his award-winning film Calendar Girls starring Helen Mirren and Julie Walters, the House Stud in Newmarket, and the great mare Ouija Board, twice named Horse of the Year. stage version of which has raised nearly £200,000 for Leukaemia Research.

Page 88 Annual Review 2010

Shane Flynn The Rt Reverend Bishop Brian Noble, Bishop of Doctor of Business Administration, Shrewsbury honoris causa

A business graduate, Sligo-born Shane Flynn is a founder Doctor of Theology, honoris causa and Managing Director of USA-based equity firm Cordja. Prior to this, however, he spent 17 years working for The Rt Rev. Bishop Brian Noble spent six years MBNA – most notably as Senior Vice-Chairman of MBNA at Ushaw College in Durham, where he studied America, Chief Executive Officer of MBNA Europe and Philosophy and Theology. In 1960 he was ordained as a member of MBNA’s Executive Committee. In 2008 he was appointed Chairman of the Priest for the Diocese of Lancaster where he served as Curate before being appointed as economic development organisation Chester Renaissance, where for two years he chaired the Catholic Chaplain at Lancaster University in 1972. In 1980 he taught Theology and Liturgy at private and public sector partnership that oversees new developments in the city centre. A keen Beda Pontifical College in Rome, returning to the UK in 1987 when he was Parish Priest in fisherman and sailor, Shane Flynn sits on the Board of Trustees of St Anne’s Episcopal School Whitehaven and Rural Dean of West Cumbria. He was made Canon of Lancaster Cathedral in Middletown, Delaware, is a Trustee Emeritus of Maine Public Broadcasting Network and has in 1994 and a year later was consecrated Bishop of Shrewsbury. Among his considerable been named Leitrim Person of the Year and Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of his achievements, His Grace’s work contributed directly to the creation of inter-faith schools in community and charitable work. Macclesfield and Runcorn. Always a great supporter of the University, he has also actively encouraged the work of Catholic Chaplain, Father Paul Shaw of St Werburgh’s.

Professor Edward Gregson Peter Roberts Doctor of Music, honoris causa Doctor of Letters, honoris causa A composer of international standing, Professor Gregson’s music has been performed, broadcast and recorded Devotion to a number of educational establishments worldwide. As well as completing commissions for many has been the hallmark of Peter Roberts’s career, of the world’s major orchestras, his music for the theatre especially at Chester’s Queen’s School, where he was has been in demand from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Chairman of the Governing Body for six years, and One of the UK’s most highly regarded composers, he was at the University of Chester. His contribution to the nominated in 1988 for an Ivor Novello Award for his title music to BBC television’s Young Musician University as a governor and a member of Council has been immense. Earlier in life, Peter of the Year programmes, for which he has regularly officiated as a jury member and broadcaster. undertook National Service, when he was commissioned into the Royal Army Service In 1996, he became Principal of the Royal Northern College of Music, a post he held with Corps and posted as second Lieutenant to Khartoum and, after studying at Oxford, he distinction until his retirement last year. opted for a commercial career, working overseas for BP and later Alfred McAlpine.

Page 89 GrauationGraduation and and Beyond Beyond

Sandra Rudd Jeremy Taylor

Master of Arts, honoris causa Master of Business Administration, honoris As well as being a supportive and loyal member of the University Council, Sandra Rudd has been causa very active in local politics since the early 1990s. In 1997 she took up the post of Executive Secretary Over a 30-year period, Jeremy Taylor to Christine Russell, Chester’s first Labour MP, has made an enormous contribution to and managed Christine’s Parliamentary office Cheshire, initially as Personnel Director in the constituency. She was herself elected to and then as Director of Corporate Policy Chester City Council in 1994, sitting on numerous and Director of Community Development committees, and served as Sheriff of Chester at Cheshire County Council. Before in 2003-4, Deputy Lord Mayor in 2005-6, and becoming the authority’s Chief Executive Lord Mayor in 2006-7, being made an Honorary in 2002, he was the prime instigator in Alderman of the city in 2009. bringing the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Show to Tatton Park. He has also been active in the voluntary and charitable spheres, for example serving as Director Josephine Sykes of The Prince’s Trust for Cheshire. Master of Arts, honoris causa

After a 40-year career at the University, during which Jo Sykes devised, produced and directed graduation arrangements behind the scenes from 1993 to 2003, she took centre stage at her own ceremony. Alongside her professional life, Jo Sykes has made a valued contribution to the city’s culture. With a strong interest in amateur theatre, she is currently Chairman of the Chester Mystery Plays company, and oversaw a performance of the production in Liverpool Cathedral as part of the city’s Capital of Culture year. Jo has also been involved in many fund-raising activities for Chester Cathedral.

Page 90 Annual Review 2010

Alumni

Those who have completed their student journey continue to shape the world around them and use the knowledge gained at Chester to flourish in their chosen fields.

With a BAFTA under his belt and being courted by some of Hollywood’s biggest names, Matt Greenhalgh, a former Print Media student at Warrington, has seen his career rocket since he worked in a junior television role after graduating in 1995. A chance meeting in the University cricket team led to an invitation to Mersey Television and work as runner on Hollyoaks and Brookside, although he had never contemplated working in broadcasting. Matt worked his way up to First Assistant Director, enabling him to view scripts, and decided to try writing himself, gaining an agent. Freelance television work followed on programmes such as Clocking Off, Burn It, Cold Feet and Legless. The 2007 movie biopic Control, documenting the life of former Joy Division front man Ian Curtis, was a career highlight, earning Matt the Carl Foreman Award for Best Newcomer at the BAFTAs. His next project was Nowhere Boy, unusually focusing on the early life of former Beatle John Lennon. This won critical acclaim and BAFTA and British Independent Film Award nominations. Matt is now expanding his horizons to the United States where new film challenges await.

Matt Greenhalgh Page 91 Graduation and Beyond

Former nursing student Harminder Singh has dedicated 1560-1860.’ Sisters, Amrit and Rabindra, studied at her life to charitable work in India. Since moving to Chester between 1985 and 1987 and are now world- Altrincham with her GP husband, Dr Inder Pal Singh, famous artists. Working in a style they term ‘Past Modern,’ Harminder has developed parallel careers in England as opposed to ‘Post Modern,’ they are widely credited and the Punjab. Harminder gained a First Class honours with successfully reviving the Indian miniature tradition degree in Nursing at the within modern art practice and their award-winning Warrington campus paintings explore issues of social, political, religious and multicultural debate.

For many up-and-coming film writers and producers, having their work commissioned by major television channels is a distant fantasy. For Chester graduate Mercy Liao however, this is already a reality. Mercy, from Beijing, studied a BA in Religious Studies at the Chester campus between 2004 and 2007. At the same

Harminder Singh (right) in the Punjab and works as a hospital nurse. She returns to India five or six times a year to work for the ASR Charitable Trust, a health and education focused charity, of which she is the Treasurer and her husband the Chairman. She is now pursuing further part-time study in diabetes care which will be of direct value to her voluntary work, due to the high incidence of the disease in the Punjab.

Former Chester students The Singh Twins had 27 of their celebrated works of art displayed for three months at the National Portrait Gallery. The collection offered a contemporary response to the permanent exhibition at the Gallery, ‘The Indian Portrait: The Singh Twins

Page 92 Mercy Liao Annual Review 2010

time, she became involved with many volunteering Former Assisting Practice foundation degree student projects across the University. In addition to having Katherine Payne has broken new ground, being voted her documentary on the work of Chester Aid to the unanimously on to the committee of the prestigious Homeless screened to HRH The Prince of Wales during College of Occupational Therapists. This role is a first at his visit to the Chester campus, she was also invited to the College in terms of assistant practitioner involvement Her Majesty the Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham at strategic level and Katherine’s role will be helping Palace for her community work. Mercy felt that Chester support workers across the UK, and professional and being a relatively small and friendly University helped associate members at conferences. with any cultural differences. After her first degree, she graduated with distinction from her MA Filmmaking Former Chester Students’ Union President Rob Wotton course at Goldsmiths College. The move into the world has forged a career at Sky Sports over the past 12 years, of film inevitably followed, and Mercy began to work as appearing on such popular programmes as Revista de la a Production Manager on UK Film Council-commissioned Liga and Sky Sports News. Having worked for hospital short films. She has amassed a range of awards and radio at the Countess of nominations for her films and has had electronic music Chester Hospital during tracks commissioned by the BBC. Her latest project, Stuart Campbell his student days, he the BBC’s West is West (the sequel to East is East) saw Stuart Campbell has come a long way since he took his eventually moved on her working as Post-Production Co-ordinator.After West first tentative steps into football coaching while studying to Capital Radio where is West, Mercy worked as a researcher on feature film at Chester. Now with his own football academy and a he covered some of Life In A Day, produced by Ridley Scott and Google and career in teaching behind him, he is hoping to unearth the biggest football directed by Oscar winner Kevin Macdonald. Life In A a Premier League star of the future. During his days as events, including the Day premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January a student in the late 1980s he developed a passion for 1998 FIFA World Cup in and will be released worldwide later this year. She is coaching, achieving the Preliminary FA Coaching Badge – France. Wherever his now working full-time in the sales and acquisitions team now recognised widely as the FA’s ‘Level 1’ badge. After job takes him, he still for London-based international feature film financing graduating, he moved back to his native Midlands to fondly remembers being and sales company WestEnd Films (which features top teach. Throughout his teaching career Stuart maintained a a Chester student. directors and an A-list cast including Stephen Frears, keen interest in coaching, achieving his UEFA B Coaching Hideo Nakata, Rodrigo Garcia, Naomi Watts, Annette License in 2003, and is now studying towards the UEFA Bening, Glenn Close, Mia Wasikowska, Anthony Hopkins, A License, the highest possible level. Stuart established Dustin Hoffman and others). Mercy has also represented the Handsworth Football Academy, coaching young WestEnd Films at the Hongkong International Film & TV players in a fun and challenging way. Hopes are high and Market and the Asia Film Financing Forum in Hong Kong, he has already seen several players attend trials with and will be at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. professional clubs.

Rob Wotton Page 93 Senior Staff

Senior Management Deans of Faculties Deans of Support Members of the University Departments Council 2009/10 Vice-Chancellor and Principal: Applied and Health Sciences: Dean of Academic Quality and Standards: Canon Professor Timothy Wheeler Professor Sarah Andrew Professor Graeme White President: The Right Reverend Dr Peter Forster, DL, BA, PhD (Wales), FE Teachers’ Cert, CPsychol, BSc (London), PhD (Nottingham) MA, PhD (Cambridge), FRHistS, FSA the Lord Bishop of Chester CSci, AFPBsS, FSS, FRSA, MIPR, MIOSH, MIIRSM Arts and Media: Dean of Learning and Teaching: Deputy President: Mr Jeff Turnbull Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Mr Brendan O’Sullivan Professor Jethro Newton Dr Dorothy Marriss (now Professor) GDipMus (Huddersfield), PGCE (Manchester BSc (Bradford); MSc (Salford), PhD (Wales), Revd Dr Ruth Ackroyd – Staff (to 31-08-09) BEd (Huddersfield), MA (Lancaster), PhD (Salford), Metropolitan), MA (Liverpool) Grad Cert Ed; FHEA Mrs Christine Allen (from 23-04-10) FCMI, ONC, RN, RCNT, RNT, DN, Cert Ed The Rt Revd Alan Chesters Business, Enterprise and Lifelong Learning: Dean of Students Mr Howard Cooper University Secretary and Bursar: Professor Phil Harris Dr Lesley Cooke Mr Colin Daniels Mr David Stevens BA (York), Cert Ed, PhD (Manchester Metropolitan), Cert Ed, BEd (Cambridge), MA, PhD (Leeds), His Honour Judge Elgan Edwards BA (CNAA) (Liverpool John Moores), ACIS FCIM, FIPR, FRSA AFBPsS, FHEA Mr John Evans Professor John Fisher Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor Education and Children’s Services: Professor Neville Ford – Staff (from 01-09-10) (Resources and Quality): Ms Anna Sutton Miss Christine Gaskell (to 24-06-10) Dr M Rhodes Cert Ed, BEd, MEd (Wales) BA (CNAA), MA (Keele), EdD (Durham) Professor Michael Hoey Mr Dennis Holman – Staff Health and Social Care: The Very Reverend Professor Gordon McPhate Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Provost Professor Michael Thomas (Warrington): PhD (Nottingham), MA (Law) (Liverpool John Moores), Mrs Cathy Maddaford Dr Peter Harrop BNurs (Manchester) RMN, RNT, Cert Ed, ENB655 Dr Dorothy Marriss, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (to 31-8-10) BEd, PhD (Leeds), FHEA (Professional Qualification in Psychotherapy), FHEA, Mrs Marion Needham MBPsS Mr Jamie Northrop (from 01-08-09 to 31-07-10) Pro-Vice-Chancellor Mr David Pickering (Corporate Development and Enterprise): Humanities: Mr Stephen Povey – Staff Dr Chris Haslam Professor Chris Walsh Mr Graham Ramsbottom (from 01-01-10) BSc (Newcastle), PhD (Southampton) BA (Lancaster), DPhil (Oxford), FHEA Mr Peter Roberts (to 22-04-10) Councillor Sandra Rudd Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Academic Social Science: Mrs Margaret Steward Secretary/Director of Legal Services: Mr David Balsamo Mrs Hilary Tucker (to 22-04-10) Mr Adrian Lee BA (Middlesex), MSc (London), MSc (Oxford), CQSW Councillor Adrian Walmsley (from 23-04-10) MA (Oxford), LLM (Staffordshire) Canon Professor Tim Wheeler, DL, Vice-Chancellor

Secretary: Mr David Stevens Page 94 Credits

Financial Results Designers: Graphics, LIS 2009-2010 Cover: Diane Dennis (Graphics, LIS) Editorial Team: Sarah Griffiths, Jayne Dodgson and Lynda Baguley (Corporate 0.14% 2.69% 12.6% 3.92% Communications)

0.58% Photographs: Mark English, Angharad Armson, Louisa Scarre (Media Services, LIS), staff and students 41.4% © University of Chester 2011 32.16% The University’s 2009 Annual Review was a regional finalist in the ‘Best Publication’ category for the Chartered Institute for Public Relations PRide Awards. 61.23%

45.54%

Income 2009/2010 Expenditure

Funding Council grants 32,844,235 Staff costs 46,152,462 Tuition fees and support grants 36,367,644 Other operating expenses 24,239,090 Research grants and contracts 463,941 Depreciation 2,958,679 Other operating income 10,072,490 Interest payable 2,028,340 Interest receivable 111,097

Total income 79,859,407 Total expenditure 75,378,571

Retained surplus for the period 4,480,836

Page 95 Catherine Marseille, Erasmus student You get so much help ... it’s a really friendly campus. It’s very close knit, and I’ve really enjoyed living here. The support I received personally was fantastic, so I was very keen to give something back. I volunteered to be an international mentor, supporting other ‘ students from around the world, and then I was lucky enough to get a job in the same area, which I love. ’

University of Chester Parkgate Road, Chester CH1 4BJ Tel: 01244 511000 Fax: 01244 511300 Email:[email protected] Website: www.chester.ac.uk/annual-review