Issue 128 | December 2018 | ISSN 1756-0225 | £3.99 where sold
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The Business of Higher Education
Review of the year Four industry experts share their views on a turbulent 2018 for HE 45,000 students at the heart of our business partnerships that create communities
Strong, sustainable partnerships help to create student communities that work: that’s what Campus Living Villages believe in. These relationships allow us to support our partners’ recruitment and retention goals by delivering quality email: [email protected] accommodation and memorable residential experiences. phone: 0161 667 9800 With 45,000 beds around the world, we are one of the largest website: campuslivingvillages.com providers of student accommodation globally. As specialists in our field we aspire to set the global standard in student accommodation. We design our villages around our students, both current and future. Our strength is our ability to tailor unique solutions that allow institutions to provide accommodation that’s right for residents. A place where residents can live, learn and grow. contentsxxxxx
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FEATURES 19 REVIEW OF THE YEAR ROUNDTABLE Our panel of experts reflects on a turbulent 2018 and discusses Brexit, mental health and remaining competitive in the international market 26 LGBT: ACCEPTANCE WITHOUT EXCEPTION Public perception is that universities lead the way in terms of LGBT+ policies and politics. How accurate is this? 71 AV TECHNOLOGY: TRANSFORMING EDUCATION How AV technology in the higher education sector is an aid to teaching and learning
HE NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS 05 DIARY: Dan Worman, CEO of Refero, says collaboration is key to tackling the student mental health crisis
Cover image © depositphotos.com 07 INDUSTRY NEWS 26 08 HILARY CLINTON receives an honorary degree 10 APPOINTMENTS 11 SCIENCE OF HAPPINESS COURSE LAUNCHES 12 LEGAL ADVICE: safeguarding students 16 THE LSBU: delivering a transformational strategy
71 86 LAST WORD Getting engineers ready for the technological age
ESTATES AND FACILITIES 31 NEWS ON CAMPUS 32 HIGHER EDUCATION AND GEN Z MENTAL HEALTH A new study shows that Gen Z is being let down by universities and employers 34 ALASTAIR STEWART OPENS WINCHESTER NEWSROOM
49 36 CASE STUDY: The University of Leicester’s Passivhaus building, the George Davies Centre, continues to impress 40 THE ANNUAL AUDE REPORT FINDINGS 42 NEW FACILITIES UNVEILED AT LIVERPOOL AND LEEDS 46 LEEDS BECKETT £45M SPORTS RESEARCH FACILITY 49 STUDENT LIVING TRENDS Find out what students expect from their accommodation 56 OPINION: The construction industry and HE 59 CUBO: sharing ambitious plans for 2019 75 62 ASRA UPDATE 64 CATERING ROUND UP Professor David Russell explores the relationship between nutrition and anxiety
EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY 67 NEWS WIRE 75 THE BYOD REVOLUTION The pros and cons of bring your own devices 81 CAMPUS SECURITY We examine the latest campus security developments
@UB_UK | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 03 welcome
A year in review Publisher Dougal Templeton [email protected]
Interim Editor Cathy Parnham [email protected]
Editorial Assistant Alex Diggins [email protected]
Sub-Editor Peter Stillman
Contributors Dan Worman, Kris Robbetts, Steve Wright, Willmott Dixon, Kim Renfrew, Alison Snee, Karen
Burke, Carl Sheen, David Russell, Image © depositphotos.com Nicola Yeeles, Keri Beckingham, Julian Owen, Dr David Langley elcome to our special review issue, where we take a look back at some of the highs and lows of the HE sector in 2018. Four Senior Designer Jenny Sims industry experts share their experiences and insights from [email protected] W mental health initiatives to staying competitive in the international market. Designer Brexit, of course, features heavily and we debate its impact in 2019. Kirsty Dearman A Stonewall report into the LGBT+ university experience reveals some [email protected] disturbing insights where we learn that “1 in 7 LGBT+ students had been Commercial Director subject to negative comments and abuse by sta !” Discover more on page 26. Craig Daykin We take a look at some amazing new facilities being opened on campus [email protected] from a newsroom in Winchester (p34) to the ‘access for all’ sensory Marketing Manager garden at Leeds (p44). Plus, see our case study on Leicester University’s Sophie Postma [email protected] Passivhaus, the multi-million pound George Davies Centre (p36). This year’s AUDE (Association of University Directors of To subscribe Estates) report reveals that “the overall performance level of Tel: 0117 300 5526 university estates is better than ever”. See in detail on page 40. Email: [email protected] Kim Renfrew keeps us up to date with student WILDFIRE COMMS LIMITED accommodation expectations, from ensuite facilities and a need Unit 2.4 Paintworks for community and belonging, to security systems (p49). Arnos Vale Bristol BS4 3EH Plus, stay on top of all the edtech developments (p67) and Nicola Tel: 0117 300 5526 Yeeles looks at the positives and negatives of BYOD (bring your own Fax: 0117 300 5526 www.wildfirecomms.co.uk device) and highlights potential concerns of a digital divide (p75). We eagerly await Bett 2019 – turn to page 79 for Wildfire Comms is an independent publisher, specialising in the education information on the show and how to get a free pass. sector. Some of our other titles include: For up to date HE news, views and event information, Education Technology remember to visit universitybusiness.co.uk. Independent Education Today Independent School Sports Please continue to keep me up to date on what’s going on at your Academy Today & Building for Education university. Just drop me a line at cathy.parnham@wild recomms.co.uk
Note: copyright – all articles and features including illustrations and photos may not be reproduced, reprinted or posted on the internet, in part or whole without the express permission of Wildfire Comms Ltd. Cathy Parnham Disclaimer: The legal responsibilities for all images Interim editor or copy supplied to University Business by third parties remain those of the third-party supplier. The magazine cannot be held responsible for copyright – or similar – infringements that may arise IN THE as a result of images or copy sent in by contributors outside of Wildfire Comms Ltd. The obligation to NEXT ISSUE... check for such issues is the duty of the party who •The latest supplied the images or copy. Content supplied for print may also be used online, and vice versa, campus tech unless otherwise requested. Connect with us… •Marketing masterclass Printed in the UK on paper from •2019: the a sustainable source. Have you seen www.universitybusiness.co.uk challenges ahead ISSN 1751-9209 © 2018 www.facebook.com/ubmag @UB_UK •Bett show preview
04 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @UB_UK diary
Collaboration key to tackling student mental health crisis As students prepare to start or return to university, Dan Worman, CEO of Refero, argues that lack of collaboration and integration, rather than lack of support services, is giving rise to a mental health crisis among university students
report published by the Institute of Why universities should lead the charge Public Policy Research in 2016 showed Universities are relaxing their entry criteria; admissions A the numbers of university students service, UCAS, highlighted a huge rise in the disclosing mental health problems had increased number of unconditional o ers for university places. vefold in a decade. Furthermore, ONS gures Unfortunately, the noble goal to make higher education show 95 recorded student suicides for the 12 more widely accessible to all socio-economic groups months to July 2017 in England and Wales. o en exposes some of the most vulnerable people in Understandably, increasing pressure is being put society to factors that could exacerbate mental health on higher education providers to tackle this crisis. issues, e.g. nancial stress due to rising tuition fees. Nicola Dandridge, chief executive of the O ce for As participation has expanded, national trends Students (OfS), the higher education sector’s rst in mental ill-health have materialised in student watchdog, called for universities to improve student populations, causing an increase in demand for support mental health services as a ‘top priority’. And higher services. Universities have reported a huge surge in education minister Sam Gyimah said that universities must deliver emotional support for students alongside academic courses in order to “ful l (their) purpose”. We believe that attention should be dedicated to At Refero, we believe the responsibility for addressing the worrying trend in student mental improving collaboration and integration across the health shouldn’t fall squarely on the shoulders of wider eco-system of stakeholders higher education providers. Indeed, Dandridge herself acknowledged that the issue is not the sole responsibility of universities but a wider social problem. demand for counselling services in recent years, with as With this in mind, we believe that attention should be many as one in four students either being seen or waiting dedicated to improving collaboration and integration to be seen by counselling services in some institutions. across the wider eco-system of stakeholders. Yet, simultaneously, many establishments are cutting The real issue here is not a lack of support services back on counselling in favour of ‘wellbeing’ services that per se, but more a question of ensuring that students encompass a much wider range of services. This approach have easy access to them via an interconnected has seen universities garner criticism for pushing back on network of internal and external organisations – the NHS. Again, the key here is not to ‘push back’ but e ectively a ‘safety net’ – and that these ‘touch points’ to collaborate to o er ‘wrap-around’ care for students. or engagements are fully governed and auditable to While holistic care of students requires input ensure that students do not fall through the gaps. from multiple stakeholders, we believe universities are uniquely placed to lead the charge.
The business case for support services So, what role do higher education providers play in facilitating wider engagement with multi-organisations? Clearly, universities have a duty of care to safeguard students – many of whom are away from their family in an unfamiliar environment for the rst time – but there’s also a very real business case for tackling mental health. Students are a source revenue for universities and there is an obvious need to protect that income. We know that student wellbeing and satisfaction is tied to retention rates, engagement and academic performance, thereby boosting universities’ results and reputation to help drive advantage in an increasingly competitive sector. By reducing the numbers of
Image © depositphotos.com students that ‘drop out’, universities are able to
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Higher education providers must be encouraged to work in partnership... to tackle mental health and improve student wellbeing Image © depositphotos.com protect and maintain revenues. A US study revealed Technology providing that of the 100% of students that state a desire to the fabric of the ‘safety net’ leave, universities are only able to prevent 9% from Technology enables new ways of engaging people going on to do so. It’s clear that prevention or early and connecting them with support services; there is intervention is best; all too o en we hear “if only we’d a need to harness technology to improve and build have known sooner, we could have intervened”. upon more traditional ways of working – disrupting Higher education providers must therefore be rather than destabilising existing models – to encouraged to work in close partnership with health eliminate the possibility of students falling through and care organisations, local communities, parents the cracks at the point where services cross over. and even employers to tackle mental health to Students should be able to sign up to an online platform improve student wellbeing, as well as protecting their and send requests to their university ranging from own reputation and revenue. But aren’t universities “Where’s the nearest bus to campus?” to “How can I get an already collaborating with other service providers? appointment to see my GP?”. Simple questions regarding campus, logistics and course details can be picked up and Supporting existing ways of working responded to easily by a receptionist or administrator. Today, there are many student services, from within But the real value comes from the potential to connect the university and externally, already in existence but students with GPs and/or other valuable resources digitally, more o en than not they operate in silos – with various providing a clear audit trail of those engagements. people and platforms for engagement, lacking any But how do universities facilitate this engagement one single overlay service delivering real integration without incurring additional costs? The ideal solution and, crucially, tracking those student journeys. is one platform that enables universities to pick and Enrolment services tend to serve as the entry point choose from a catalogue of services that they might into university life and the ideal opportunity to connect wish to trial or introduce, from messaging and self- students to services such as the Student Union or bodies help to arti cial intelligence (AI) and analytics. The such as the National Union of Students (NUS), as well key thing is bringing the many services that fall under as valuable student support services from guidance the umbrella of student support services together into counsellors, disability services or nancial aid. However, a single consolidated platform, combined with the this engagement tends to be quite fragmented today. ability to switch elements on or o according to need. One of the most frequently asked questions by Universities of the future are increasingly embracing students is regarding the availability of local GP digital… but the real value comes from integrating services. While many universities will provide links with wider student and public services, including to primary care providers via their student enrolment health and social care organisations, especially GPs. facilities, there is o en no further follow-up or Indeed, students have come to expect this. Only audit trail ensuring that those students have indeed by embracing technology to improve existing ways enrolled or have ready access to the services they of working will we see real improvements in how may well require throughout their student life. student mental health is managed in the future.
06 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @UB_UK news & current affairs
New economic models post-Brexit Imperial College London announces a post-Brexit arrangement with the Technical University of Munich to recruit academics jointly. The new employees will be shared by the UK and German universities, giving the staff a form of dual academic nationality so that UK academics can access EU funding after Brexit.
The agreement between ensure that Imperial College Imperial College London and London can stay part of the the Technical University of latest research developments. Munich will focus on science, A quarter of Imperial’s technology, engineering and academic sta are from other maths (STEM) industries, EU countries, as are about reports Ashmita Das, co- 20% of its students. It is no founder and CEO of online surprise, then, that universities platform for freelance scientists are concerned about access to Kolabtree. The two universities skills. However, thinking have worked together on 21 creatively about employment European-funded research models for scienti c projects projects in the past and are well could o er a low-cost solution placed to collaborate long-term that transcends international on projects in these elds. barriers. For example, The partnership has been hiring freelance PhD-level established to address the scientists provides low-cost concerns of UK academics and access to specialist skills. institutions losing access to EU research networks when To hire the perfect freelance Britain leaves the European scientist or researcher for Union. Working collaboratively your project, visit https:// on EU projects will also www.kolabtree.com/
Signing of pledge to reduce carbon emissions
Vice-Chancellors from ve Julian Critchlow, and O ce This event was organised and published IPCC report serves UK universities and Students’ for Students CEO Nicola facilitated by EAUC and the to highlight that timeliness Union representatives met with Dandridge to o cially sign National Union of Students on this topic is crucial. the Department for Business, the Government’s Emissions (NUS) for Green GB Week, a Nicola Dandridge, Chief Energy, and Industrial Strategy Reduction Pledge on landmark celebration of Clean Executive at O ce for (BEIS) Director General Thursday, 18 October 2018. Growth. The Pledges made by Students (OfS), said: these universities are re ective “Universities are in uential BELOW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Professor Andy Long (Deputy Vice- of the dedication and aspiration voices in local, regional and Chancellor, University of Nottingham), Nicola Dandridge (Chief Executive, Oce for Students), Professor Julie Sanders (Deputy in the higher and further national society, so have an Vice-Chancellor, Newcastle University), Iain Patton (Chief Executive, education sectors when it comes important role to play in EAUC), Julian Critchlow (Director General, Department for Business, to reducing carbon emissions. showing leadership in our Energy and Industrial Strategy), Professor Joy Carter (Vice-Chancellor, University of Winchester), Ali Milani, (VP at NUS), Professor Robert Those that have signed are collective e orts to tackle Van de Noort (Acting Vice-Chancellor, University of Reading) and committing to reducing climate change. Students expect Jason Dabydoyal (President of Reading University Students’ Union). their institutions’ carbon their universities to be taking emissions by 30% by 2020/21 action on this issue, including against a 2009/10 baseline. by highlighting the impact of Setting this example will unchecked climate change and reduce carbon emissions making sure they are leading on campuses, in uence the by example in reducing their behaviour and awareness of own carbon footprint. These local communities on carbon universities are taking important emissions and highlight steps to address a problem the role of universities and which will a ect us all, and I colleges in leading the UK hope many more universities to net zero emissions in a will consider signing up to the timely manner. The recently emissions reduction pledge.”
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Hillary Clinton receives honorary degree from Queen’s University Belfast The Former US Secretary of State was awarded the degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD) for her exceptional public service in the USA and globally, and for her outstanding contribution to peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland
t the honorary Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s, graduation ceremony Professor Ian Greer, said: A Secretary Clinton “We are delighted to award addressed the audience of an honorary degree to Hillary sta and students from the Rodham Clinton. The former University, talking about the US Secretary of State is an political situation in Northern internationally recognised Ireland; the peace process public servant, who has and Good Friday Agreement; developed strong links with Brexit and democracy. Queen’s and Northern Ireland. “The world is watching, “She made a considerable Northern Ireland has been contribution to the Northern a symbol to people...of Ireland peace process and, as democracy,” she said. “We Secretary of State, focused need that, that symbol, on economic development that reality, more than ever to underpin the emergence because democracies across of a strong and competitive the world are facing a toxic Northern Ireland. With her backlash,” she said. long-standing commitment to
“We are at a point in our history, not just in Northern Ireland, but in the UK and Europe and across the world where we are facing real difficulties in how we want to move forward”
“We are at a point in our peace, stability and economic history, not just in Northern regeneration, she is a strong Ireland, but in the UK and advocate for Northern Ireland Europe and across the world and an inspirational role model where we are facing real for the Queen’s community.” di culties in how we want to During the honorary move forward. It poses very graduation ceremony, Professor real questions, not just for Adrienne Scullion, Pro-Vice- politicians but also for citizens.” Chancellor for the Faculty Secretary Clinton spoke of Arts, Humanities and about her rst visit to Northern Social Sciences at Queen’s Ireland in 1995 as the then First announced a new scholarship Lady with President Bill Clinton and fellowship in Secretary and how di erent a place it was Clinton’s name, honouring her back then, and how much it has long-standing commitment to pursue study in a eld related to researcher to work in the elds progressed: “It was such a great peace, stability and education. politics, con ict transformation of con ict transformation; pleasure for me to return to The scholarship, entitled or human rights the opportunity global security and borders; Belfast. It is such a special place ‘The Hillary Rodham to study at the University. human rights including women’s for me and my family and we Clinton Award for Peace and The fellowship, entitled ‘The rights and children’s rights; are delighted to be back here.” Reconciliation’, will allow two Hillary Rodham Clinton Early international law; international Speaking ahead of the exceptional female students Career Fellowship’, will allow politics; international relations; ceremony, the President and from the USA who wish to an outstanding early career and women in politics.
08 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @UB_UK myday is the student engagement platform and mobile app enabling academic institutions to provide a rich mobile experience to both their staff and students.
myday focuses on increasing student engagement by enabling targeted content and providing access to systems, applications and resources all within a single place. myday improves and innovates communication between both staff and students by enabling the institution to deliver a personalised experience.
www.myday.co.uk newsxxxxx & current affairs Appointments, Awards & Acknowledgements Dragons’ Den star appointed Chancellor at Solent University
Theo Paphitis was o cially “Solent plays a key role in inaugurated as Solent supporting local and regional University’s new Chancellor economies, sharing knowledge,
on Thursday 11 October. skills and resources with the Image © Amos Miller Theo Paphitis said: “I am local community. With his New Vice-Principal looking forward to getting my knowledge and experience at Royal Birmingham teeth into my new university from industry, Theo will Conservatoire role. Solent University is also help us to strengthen in a fantastic position and, partnerships and further Dr Shirley Thompson is with its stellar teaching sta enhance our commitment appointed Vice Principal and ambitious students, has to real-world learning.” (Music) at Birmingham City so much potential to keep Theo takes over the position University’s Royal Birmingham rising up the rankings in challenging time for higher from Admiral The Right Conservatoire. Shirley has all areas. In an increasingly education. No stranger to Solent Honourable Lord West achieved an international competitive world, we have to or the broader sector, with two of Spithead, who served for reputation as a musicologist, be the best at what we do and of his daughters graduating from 12 years, and will be Solent’s specialising in French I can’t wait to get started.” the University, I am con dent second Chancellor. With him, baroque music. Dr Thompson Vice-Chancellor, Professor Theo’s appointment will help Theo brings his entrepreneurial joined Royal Birmingham Graham Baldwin, said: “Theo to strengthen our position as a and business experience to the Conservatoire in 2001 and joins us at an exciting and local and global institution. University and its students. was appointed to the role of Director of Postgraduate Studies in 2009. Dr Thompson said: “I Plymouth College of Art makes am delighted to have been appointed to the role of two new appointments Vice-Principal (Music). I’m excited about working in this David Noyce is appointed Chair major expansions of medical and new capacity in an institution and Dr Sue Brownlow Deputy dental education; was integral I love, alongside wonderful Chair of Plymouth College of to the Combined Universities colleagues and students.” Art’s Board of Governors. in Cornwall partnership, a Since gaining her PhD David represented HEFCE transformative project in one of from the University of Hull within universities for over the most deprived areas of the in 1998, Dr Thompson has 20 years and was a regional country; and initiated numerous edited a book on Charpentier consultant within the South regional projects addressing and published many articles West for 10 years. He had a brief widening participation, research HE institutions including and reviews. She has also looking at higher education collaboration and outreach to Dartington College of Arts. prepared numerous editions institutions experiencing business and communities. Sue said: “I believe strongly of Charpentier’s music di culties, learning a lot about David holds a degree in in Plymouth College of Art’s for such well-respected what the threats can be in higher Philosophy, Politics and vision for the importance performers as Emma Kirkby, education and how to prepare Economics from the University of social justice and creative Ex Cathedra and the St James’ for and avoid dangers. Towards of Oxford and is a quali ed education, making a di erence Baroque Players, including the end of his tenure, he took a teacher and community worker. to the young people in music for two BBC Proms. role within the top management He is also an Honorary Fellow of Plymouth and increasingly Professor Julian Lloyd group, representing specialist St George’s University of London on a much wider canvas. Webber, Principal of Royal institutions, including and was formerly a Governor of “Some of the changes I’ve Birmingham Conservatoire, specialist art schools. the University of East London. observed in the compulsory said: “Shirley’s expertise David said: “I hope my range Dr Sue Brownlow, Deputy education sector have been will prove vital to Royal of experience has taught me a lot Chair of Governors, moved worrying, with a focus on Birmingham Conservatoire about how to safeguard specialist to Cornwall in 2002 where exams and performance and I look forward to working art schools and about the unique she headed up the Regional measures for schools that risk alongside her as we continue challenges and opportunities Development Agency’s work in limiting exposure to the arts to expand our oering to they face within the sector. Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, for young people. It’s vital students worldwide.” I believe strongly in the vision for leading large-scale development that Plymouth College of Art Shirley Thompson the future of Plymouth College projects and grant-funding continues to give young people succeeds Paul Bambrough – of Art and want to see sta , agreements and working with such fantastic opportunities now Principal of The Purcell students and graduates prosper.” the Universities of Plymouth to pursue a career in the arts School for Young Musicians. David Noyce has directed and Exeter and other local and broaden their horizons.”
10 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @UB_UK news & current affairs
Bristol launches ‘Science Expert Legal Advice of Happiness’ course for Universities he University of as the course plays out. Bristol has become the It’s being led by eminent VWV provides practical and innovative rst UK university psychologist Professor Bruce T legal support to higher education to launch a ‘Science of Hood, who has carried out Happiness’ course, designed world-leading research into institutions and is equipped to respond to teach students a set of how the brain works and how to sector challenges and opportunities. science-based strategies for humans think. Professor Hood living a more ful lling life. previously gave the prestigious Find out how VWV can help you The course draws on the Royal Institution Christmas latest results in psychology and Lectures ‘Meet Your Brain’, at vwv.co.uk neuroscience to get to the root and promises to deliver an of what happiness is and how engaging and interactive course For a free no obligation review of your to achieve it, as well as teaching He said: “We’re living in legal issues, please contact tangible practices which students a climate where there are can apply in their everyday lives. challenges to mental wellbeing, Bettina Rigg at [email protected] It comes amid growing especially among younger or on 020 7665 0906 concerns around the mental generations. Most people think health and wellbeing of students, that the path to happiness is with 94% of universities success in jobs, salaries, material Offices in London, Watford, Bristol & Birmingham experiencing a sharp increase in possessions and relationships. the number of people trying to While these goals are associated access support services (IPPR with happiness, they do not Follow on Twitter @VWVHigherEd Report – Sept 2017). The necessarily guarantee happiness course is one part of Bristol’s and, indeed, the relentless wider approach to improving pursuit of these may actually wellbeing and pastoral care contribute to unhappiness. Top Ranked for across the University. “The course is aimed at all Bristol’s new course was students and not just those Education by inspired by Yale University’s who might identify as having legal directories highly successful ‘Psychology challenges with their wellbeing. Chambers & Partners and Good Life’ course – the Ultimately, the aim of this and Legal 500 most popular in its history, with course is to give students a one in four students enrolling. greater understanding of what Science of Happiness is a happiness is and how the 10-week optional course that human mind o en sabotages starts by asking students to happiness. Greater awareness measure their own happiness among the student body will levels and discover personal equip students to pre-empt strengths which will then be and improve the mental health developed and re ected upon of themselves and others.”
@UB_UK | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 11 legal advice
Safeguarding students: understanding what works
afeguarding risks to students Taskforce published its now well- total of 108 one-year projects designed to in higher education take many known report Changing the Culture. Its keep students safe. This has been divided forms, from bullying and recommendations, which stressed the between sexual violence and harassment harassment to sexual violence need for institutions to be more systematic (round one) and hate crime and online and compromised mental in their approach to harassment, sexual harassment (round two). The intended Shealth. Responding to these risks is a violence and hate crime, were followed outcomes of these projects encompass sector-wide challenge, towards which both by guidance on handling alleged student institution (i.e. leadership and sta ) and the O ce for Students (OfS) and UUK misconduct and, earlier this year, were student-focused objectives including have taken a leading role. In September supplemented further by a progress report management, involvement, training, 2018, independent evaluators appointed (Changing the Culture: One Year On). reporting, collaboration and monitoring. by the OfS from AdvanceHE published A third round of funding (£1.5m) was a report on the research undertaken to The Catalyst Fund allocated by the OfS in March 2018 for date to share ‘what works’ and inform At around the same time, the OfS assumed 17 two-year projects aimed at developing sector and institutional practice. responsibility from HEFCE for Catalyst knowledge and practice to address hate funding aimed at promoting safeguarding crime relating to religion or belief. Background: students in higher education. In all, the In addition, the OfS is working with How did we get here? Catalyst Fund allocated £4.4m in one-to- Research England to support mental Back in 2016, the UUK Harassment one match funding to help HEIs with a health and wellbeing for postgraduate
12 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @UB_UK legal advice
research students. The overall strategy with those on courses with content eight facilitated one-hour sessions is to stimulate cultural change through linked to safeguarding was e ective. originally created by academics at UWE a diverse range of interventions. in 2014, is perhaps the most developed ● P artnership & Collaboration – UK resource and is freely available. So, what works? projects involving participants engaging Arguably the most valuable insight to AdvanceHE’s analysis of the 45 completed with external agencies were found to emerge so far is con rmation that, for Round One projects focuses on several key have mutual bene ts. For universities, it there to be tangible cultural change around themes: delivery and e ective management; provided access to specialist knowledge gender-based violence, intervention is leadership and governance; student and sta that could inform project design and needed before students enter further involvement; partnership and collaboration; delivery. For agencies such as the or higher education. This suggests that and the embeddedness and sustainability police, it was a way to break down initiatives should be aimed at children of change. In the main, these projects barriers and debunk myths believed to well before they complete school and concentrated on tackling issues of student- inhibit, for example, the willingness emphasises the importance of how student sexual misconduct with a smaller of complainants to report crimes. HE providers interact with and share number addressing domestic abuse, hate information with schools and colleges. crime and other forms of harassment. ● Embeddedness & Sustainability – Another clear message is the positive a key reported feature of established e ect that Catalyst funding has had ● D elivery & Management – particular safeguarding work in HE is that it is on institutions’ willingness to address success has been noted in relation to usually based solely in Student Services, these di cult issues by alleviating senior the creation of new posts and roles, new which limits the development of an management concerns about reputational policies, processes and reporting systems institution-wide approach. Catalyst damage. With scores of institutions working and the implementation of training and funding has helped to overcome this simultaneously to address what is a sensitive prevention strategies. This is despite in some institutions by facilitating but sector-wide issue, no one provider signi cant challenges and barriers co-operation between student unions is being associated with and potentially including the short one-year timeframe, and a range of academic departments. tarnished by student vulnerability. delays in recruitment, the need to narrow As might be expected, this has been project scope and reformulate priorities more di cult in larger providers and What next? and recruiting students for training. those with a collegiate structure, but led Addressing multi-faceted student safeguarding issues in HE e ectively is a massive and ongoing task. While many of the round one projects are still developing, Targeted training and modification of the governance of it is clear that Catalyst funding has already safeguarding are reported as having a significant impact and helped a number of institutions to achieve promising signs of improvement. Equally the potential to be the basis of sustainable long-term change clear is that true cultural change can only realistically be a long-term aspiration and one likely to require intervention by schools ● L eadership & Governance – it was to more creative responses, such as, in and colleges as well as by HE providers. always anticipated that the success of one case, collaboration with the local The evaluation of round two projects will projects would depend heavily on the authority and other external partners. begin shortly and the results will feed into a extent of senior leadership buy-in. nal evaluation report due in March 2019. Without this, the sort of provider-wide While it is accepted that 12 months What will happen once the approach needed to make genuine cultural is not long enough both to build and evaluation process is complete is yet to change would likely remain elusive. implement meaningful safeguarding be determined. Many would welcome Targeted training and modi cation initiatives, learning points and positive safeguarding guidance from the OfS of the governance of safeguarding are e ects have already been identi ed. and/or UUK so that best practice can both reported as having a signi cant Of the outcomes cited in the be shared and help the sector maintain impact and the potential to be the basis evaluation report, the top two related the momentum of progress to date. of sustainable long-term change. to improved collaboration – better cross-sector sharing of practice and To be kept up to date on legal, ● S ta & Student Engagement – more partnership working. Enhanced regulatory and governance e ective sta engagement occurred when student awareness and engagement as issues, please register for VWV’s projects drew on a variety of academic well as improvements to the handling of dedicated HE portal OnStream at interest areas, thereby utilising a range disclosures and reporting methods and vwv.co.uk/he-onstream of in-house expertise (e.g. criminology, increased reporting also stand out. sociology, psychology) to inform design Bystander training aimed at and delivery. Unsurprisingly, it also particular groups (e.g. those working helped to have sta who were personally in accommodation) or group leaders Kris Robbetts is a partner at interested in safeguarding and, therefore (such as club captains) is a popular leading education law firm more likely to engage and invest their approach, the intention being to VWV. He can be contacted own time in pushing projects forward. empower students (and others) to act as on 0117 314 5427 or at On the student side, collaboration ‘pro-social citizens’. The Intervention [email protected]
Image © depositphotos.com with student unions and engagement Initiative, which is a programme of
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ST HUGH’S COLLEGE HOW WE TRANSFORMED THE WAY WE MANAGE OUR FOOD PROCUREMENT
ounded in 1886, St Hugh’s College comes potential budget implications, based is now one of the largest colleges of on the uctuating nature of food prices. F the University of Oxford, with “I started to look at food procurement around 800 students. Quality is at the heart and how we could do this better. I have of everything the college does – whether it’s limited resources and need my chefs to be in the teaching from rst-class academics, to hands-on, in the kitchens cooking, not the food served to students, fellows and spending the majority of their time on guests, including those visiting conferences managing administration, price negotiations and events. or handling other administrative queries. We spoke with the Domestic Bursar for “Pelican Procurement approached me at St Hugh’s, Rahele Mirnateghi, to the right time, although at the time I wasn’t understand how she balances the convinced that working with a third-party procurement process, taking into would be right for us. I get a lot of calls from account her desire for continual companies saying the same thing, ‘we can improvement while closely managing save you money’; however, I was impressed budgets in an unpredictable climate. by Pelican’s team and its cautious approach, “As the domestic bursar, it is my role to and professional, understanding attitude. oversee the domestic side of the college. “It struck me that they know the Catering is, of course, a large part of what market very well indeed – and understood we do, every day. St Hugh’s College is our needs. I arranged for them to visit able to host conferences and functions and review our purchasing process and both during term time and out of term. suggest what changes could happen to “Out of the academic term, we help us from a budget and invoicing
We have identified financial savings of 14%. This is impressive when you consider we’d already been involved with a purchasing framework, plus the uncertainty of Brexit is impacting prices convert all bedrooms into hotel-style perspective, stock control, supplier “The great thing was that the tender accommodation. We welcome people management and reporting point of view. wasn’t just a review of prices; it also gave from all over the world and it really is a “A big area for me is being able to track us an opportunity to look at the quality beautiful college, with fantastic grounds. purchasing habits; I wanted to make of suppliers. Pelican were able to present With 500 bedrooms on site, it is a large signi cant savings without compromising di erent options to us and be impartial, operation that takes a lot of organising. quality or delivery service, and also reduce o ering guidance only and letting us make “For me, I started working at St Hugh’s administration for my chefs as well as the decisions. They also negotiate directly with College in 2012 and my background has nance team. I had hundreds of invoices suppliers, which saves me a lot of time. always been in hospitality, mainly in the on my desk that needed verifying and “During the tender process, we chose hotel sector. What I really wanted to do I would rely on input from the chefs to some suppliers who weren’t the cheapest here was put my stamp on the quality con rm what had been delivered. either; for example, we wanted to be able aspect – within the remit of the college “Working with Pelican over the last to support the local community as much – respecting its focus and priorities. year has ticked all these boxes. Following as possible, so we decided to continue “I want the students, fellows, college a bespoke tender with key lines, including purchasing some of our items from local members – well, everyone who comes here wholesale, fruit and vegetables, butchery, suppliers, but Pelican has been able to – to enjoy the experience and the focus I dairy and sh, we have identi ed nancial manage these relationship for us, too. place on wellbeing. My aim is to create an savings of 14%. This is impressive when We are able to continue supporting local atmosphere where everyone can eat well, you consider we’d already been involved suppliers, which is important for St Hugh’s sleep comfortably and enjoy the experience. with a purchasing framework, plus the to give back to our local economy. “From a food perspective, the team and I uncertainty of Brexit is impacting prices. “Pelican even ensures suppliers are have worked very hard to look at the quality To realise savings without impacting meeting the delivery criteria, and so we of the food o ering – constantly looking quality was something I wished for, can be con dent that we will receive to better ourselves. However, with that and that’s what was delivered. what we need, when we need it. At the promotion
start, we even had Pelican come here has certainly had a positive impact on our the visibility of what is being spent, and be visible, inspecting the quality of balance sheet, with signi cant savings. where, means I was able to do this. deliveries. That was very reassuring to “On top of this, the stock management “Ultimately, I’m here to do the best know we had extra hands supporting us. aspect of Pi is really good; the chefs for the college and I am very grateful for “In fact, the key here is that whenever are able to work in a more structured the expert support I have received this we’ve faced any issues, the team from Pelican way and this has been noted. year. The savings achieved haven’t meant has been extremely responsive – Michelle Parnham and Sarah Garnade act promptly as if they are members of our internal I value regular updates on performance, team. Pelican has created e ciencies with reports on savings and purchasing behaviours. reduced administration and the nance I now have a far more strategic view on our team now has everything centralised onto an online procurement portal called Pi. food procurement than ever before Reports can be accessed whenever needed, which is great for when I need to plan for “The things I really value are regular compromising on quality, and that is my the next year’s budget, for example. updates on performance, reports on fundamental goal. This will continue to be “Now, instead of hundreds of invoices, savings and purchasing behaviours. I now my objective for the coming year, and I look I receive one centralised statement from have a far more strategic view on our forward to working with Pelican to see how Pelican and we use the e-invoicing food procurement than ever before. the relationship is going to develop further.” service, which the nance team are really “Using the Pi system means I can impressed with. My chefs are able to buy be far more precise at determining For more information, please visit from agreed lists and it makes it far easier costs for commercial activities as www.pelicanprocurement.co.uk to manage budgets. Working with Pelican well as our internal charges. Having https://www.st-hughs.ox.ac.uk estates & facilities | news
Driving a new leadership culture at London South Bank University How a proactive approach to embedding strong staff leadership training is helping LSBU steadily climb the league tables
ince 2014, London South competitive HE marketplace. The University took a leaders the skills they needed to Bank University (LSBU) To help LSBU meet this proactive approach to ex their approach depending Shas been steadily climbing challenge, a new vice-chancellor embedding strong sta on circumstance and to the league tables and winning was recruited in 2014 to deliver leadership training across develop awareness of how their awards. The University has a transformation strategy and LSBU’s executive and other sta individual leadership style worked incredibly hard to boost ambitious ve-year plan, raise teams. Professor David Phoenix, could a ect other people. The its reputation, not only within the University’s reputation LSBU’s Vice-Chancellor, said: University recognised that London but also nationally. and achieve business success. “We expect a lot from our Emotional Intelligence (EI) was At the same time, LSBU Plus, a new executive team leaders at LSBU, particularly vital in achieving this. LSBU has, like the rest of the sector, was brought on board, to given the journey we are on partnered with international faced considerable challenges e ect positive change and help and the level of change we are people development and business in terms of recruiting, support the leadership team in currently experiencing in the psychology consultancy JCA converting and retaining quality their bid to deliver an e ective HE sector. The University Global, to support the cultural graduates within an intensely organisational strategy. needs leaders right now who can transformation. The aim was to show real vision and enterprise; engage, empower and inspire leaders who engage with sta leaders to create a culture of “A new vice-chancellor was recruited in 2014 to deliver and the wider organisation with accountability and openness a transformation strategy and ambitious five-year honesty, integrity and openness to change and innovation. plan, raise the University’s reputation and achieve when delivering that vision.” Jo Maddocks, Chief business success” LSBU wanted to give its Psychologist at JCA Global,
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explained: “Culture is shaped attitudes, and then channel by a leadership climate, created this to create a positive and through the behaviours of an productive leadership climate. organisation’s senior leaders. Dr Markos Koumaditis, “To use a metaphor, a Director of People and person’s behaviour is like the Organisational Development leaves on a tree, with di erent at LSBU, said: “The rst shapes, sizes and colours. The stage of the process was about branches of a tree are similar getting to know ourselves to the neural networks of the and understanding who we issues and build credibility “We have seen a 5% increase in brain where we think about are as a leadership team, and trust with the team con dence in leadership within what we feel. The trunk of particularly as there were a ●A three-stage leadership our executive team, which was the tree is where feelings are lot of new people in the team. intervention using JCA’s apparent in the results of our experienced, just as they are in We then looked at the kind of Leadership Climate Model, employee engagement survey. our bodies. These feelings are leadership style that we expected a Leadership Climate Survey We are also seeing signs that drawn from the roots, which our sta to demonstrate. and an exercise to identify we have managed to develop are our attitudes. In order to “The Leadership Climate desired behaviours for leaders leadership attributes and there is change leadership behaviour Model was something that ●L eadership Attributes now a much greater con dence and climate in an authentic and initially attracted us to JCA Framework articulating within the organisation in terms sustainable way, individuals and it proved to be extremely what good leadership looks of how our leaders operate.” must rst fully understand helpful, giving us an in-depth like, giving clear guidance www.jcaglobal.com their feelings and attitudes.” understanding of where we were around required behaviours Using the business and what we needed to do.” ●A bespoke 360-degree psychology principle of EI This bespoke project took feedback tool completed by Evidence of business for sustained behaviour a phased approach with: strategic and operational results from leadership change, JCA helped develop leaders and their teams, transformation the awareness and capability ●S tructured interviews resulting in a personalised at LSBU: of senior leaders at LSBU to with the executive and development plan identify and understand their operations team and key ●L eadership Academy o ering ● LSBU Engagement Survey own behaviours, feelings and stakeholders, to diagnose the development programmes has shown a 5% increase in based on the attributes, leadership and confidence core skills and knowledge in leadership. “We expect a lot from our leaders at LSBU, particularly identi ed for leaders. ● Engagement KPI (average given the journey we are on and the level of change we sta engagement score) are currently experiencing in the HE sector” Adnan Bajwa, Head of OD has risen from 58% in and Engagement at LSBU, has 2015/16 to 69% in 2018/19. a personalised development ● In 2018, of the 48 plan and has taken part in the questions that have a Leadership Academy. He said: comparison to 2016, 92% “EI has helped me to press of questions improved. pause and really think about ● Awarded University of where I am, what I need and the Year for Graduate what the people I lead and Employment by The work with need. The JCA tools Times and The Sunday gave me useful and actionable Times Good University feedback on my strengths as Guide 2018. well as potential blind spots, ● Achieved Silver Teaching and the Leadership Academy Excellence Framework provides the opportunity to (TEF) rating in 2017. help develop these areas.” ● Awarded Entrepreneurial There is already evidence of University of the Year at the positive results for the business Times Higher Education arising from the transformation (THES 2016) Awards. programme and culture change. ● In The Guardian’s top The positioning of LSBU in 100 league table for higher education league tables UK universities, LSBU’s has improved substantially, Business School achieved and the University is intent fourth place and the on progressing further as the School of Law and Social enhanced leadership culture Sciences leapt 45 places becomes more embedded. to 13th place. The JCA rating diagram Dr Markos Koumaditis added:
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“A BOLD, UNIQUE WEBSITE: UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE IN THE SECTOR” Nathan Monk, Solutions Architect from creative agency SMILE, shares a short insight into how they approached redesigning the multi-award winning University of Sunderland fl agship website
he project started with an HEIST award, but which also delivered working group. The prototypes were sent interesting insight: market research 67% more open day bookings, 36% out to the stakeholder groups for feedback, T undertaken by the University more prospectus downloads, and referred and the results were collected, assessed and found that people weren’t sure where over 7,000 people to apply via UCAS. re ned to meet the measure of success. Sunderland was located in the country. The How did we get there? By adopting a This approach became an important reality is that it’s a wonderful, vibrant North user-centric approach that understood part of the legacy that we le behind. East city by the sea, with many bene ts to the needs of the users, and which could The University team were great to work the student community. So we designed a also cra the journey that the University with: they had a clear vision of what they site that positions Sunderland as equal parts wanted users to take through the site. wanted to achieve and communicated destination and university. We took a component-led approach this through their brief. We explored Our approach to redesigning websites to design, simplifying the masthead, and further possibilities and solutions together is scienti c: we break the process down deployed an o -canvas menu, to give more as the website developed and that into chunks (or sprints for all you Agile screen real estate to content. There were iterative, collaborative approach is what fans out there), develop a hypothesis, some key conceptual underpinnings that we think gave this project the edge. and create a measure of success. subliminally act as nods to the location. The University of Sunderland Measuring success is an essential part of A key example was ‘the shoreline’, an agship website now has a bold and the process – too many design companies angular divide between sections, re ecting truly unique design, with a distinctive focus on aesthetics instead of business goals. the point at which the sea meets the sand and exible visual language. It’s a true Without understanding and measuring the at the local beach. The project owed representation of the University, and paths and actions users are taking on the beautifully, with content informing design has an integral role in the University website, you could end up with a website that and technology enhancing the solution. of Sunderland’s continuing success. is nice to look at, but ultimately a failure. Working well with university stakeholders The University of Sunderland was We pride ourselves on creating websites is a key part of a project’s success and, awarded Gold in the ‘Best Website of the that are as e ective as they are beautiful. to create a smooth delivery ow, we Year’ category at HEIST 2018 and ‘Digital With the University of Sunderland that created clickable high- delity prototypes, Campaign of the Year’ at the North East meant a website that not only won a gold constructed on-site with the website Marketing Awards. This was a rewarding con rmation that its bold and con dent approach puts it ahead of its competitors. Several agencies pitched websites that were in line with the best websites in the sector. Website success in numbers However, SMILE were selected for their vision ● 19% increase in undergraduate to deliver a website that was ahead of the recruitment ● 7,000 people referred to UCAS curve, where video, intuitive search and simple ● 67% increase in open day bookings navigation were central to success. In short, we ● 36% increase in prospectus downloads decided that our new website would be bold and unique, unlike anything else in the sector To fi nd out more about this and other Emma Cottle, Digital Content Manager, University of Sunderland projects, visit https://wearesmile.com roundtable
Brexit, student mental health, good and bad headlines… Steve Wright asks four experts for their thoughts on a turbulent year in HE – and what’s over the horizon Year in, year out
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In your opinion, has 2018 been Q a successful year for UK HE? GW: Despite the immense turbulence generated by debates over Brexit and the challenges faced by minority governments across the UK, there is reason to be genuinely upbeat about UK higher education. I have no doubt that we have the strongest, most vibrant university sector, for a nation of our size, in the world. Our emphasis on delivering quality and our ability to innovate and work with students as partners are critical to this success. The continuing high level of applications from students from the EU and further a eld demonstrates this.
AC: While some universities, including Regent’s, may have had a successful year, it has been a di cult and negative year for the sector as a whole. There is every sign that domestic, European and international recruitment is in decline. The downward demographic of young students will continue until 2026. More young people are considering the value of a university degree very carefully and are opting for early, direct entry into the workplace. The removal of the numbers cap and excessive
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unconditional o ers have increased recruitment at How will developments with Brexit impact Contributors some ‘top’ universities – but only by substantially Q the sector next year? reducing recruitment at lower-ranked universities and GW: This is the $64,000 question. There is little threatening major problems for nancial sustainability. doubt that crashing out of the EU without proper Maintaining international student numbers in the preparation would be damaging to many sectors, net immigration gures and refusing post-graduation including HE. We know the Government is negotiating employment in the UK for the majority of such to avoid this, and we have published policy statements students presents a very negative image of the UK for recommending a position to take. In the more likely Dr Greg Walker potential students, who will seek places elsewhere. event of a negotiated exit, we should be looking to Chief Executive, The deepening confusion about Brexit secure a deal on a reciprocal fee arrangement for MillionPlus – the generates antagonism among potential EU students from European nations wishing to study Association for students, and is deterring top academics in the UK, to prevent a big drop in EU students. Modern Universities from coming here, for fear of exclusion from MillionPlus has recommended an arrangement collaborative research projects and funding. similar to that implemented in Scandinavia and The introduction of the O ce for Students (OfS) Australia-New Zealand, where students can cross has not been as e ective as might have been wished. the Tasman Sea to study for the same fee as local Almost a third of HE providers are yet to be placed students – and without needing a student visa. on the new register for 2019/20, despite the fact that recruitment for that year has commenced. AC: Currently, there is no certainty about any aspect It appears that many institutions may be in breach of Brexit. The possibility of another referendum Professor of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) appears to be growing – but with no de nition Aldwyn Cooper regulations by not warning potential students of what this would ask or the likely outcome. Vice-Chancellor, that all o ers would be subject to registration. The length of a transition period, if the UK does Regent’s University leave, is yet to be agreed. The UK Government is London under threat and future leadership is uncertain. EU students come to the UK both for the quality of There is every sign that domestic, the education provision and for access to the Student Loan Company (SLC). Recruitment from the EU is European and international marginally up in September 2018 as students seek to get recruitment is in decline in ‘under the wire’ to bene t from the current freedom of movement and loans. However, in a worst-case scenario, Andrew where continental EU nationals would require a Tier 4 Basu-McGowan visa, would have to pay international student fees and Policy Lead, ABM: NCUB can, of course, be expected to answer would have no rights to future employment in the UK, Innovation and Place ‘yes’ to this question. But we can’t pretend the recruitment could drop o a cli . Top universities would – National Centre picture isn’t a challenging one. Press coverage has be a ected but survive on reputation, at least for now for Universities and hardly been relentlessly positive; working with a – but lower-ranked institutions could be devastated. Business (NCUB) new support and governance landscape, however well-designed and intentioned, was always going ABM: Assuming that Brexit will unfold as predicted to require some careful thought; and the perceptual is a dangerous enough game in itself, without making impacts of Brexit have already taken a toll on predictions as to its e ect. So. I’ll pack away the tea how our institutions are regarded globally. leaves, horoscopes and crystal ball and think, instead, in However, there have been some remarkable success terms of how some negative impacts might be mitigated. stories, and universities seem ever more attuned It’s encouraging to hear [Higher Education Minister] to their economic, civic and knowledge-exchange Sam Gyimah speak of continued engagement with Phil Richards agendas, and ever more switched on to opportunities EU funding programmes, if only for the networking Chief Innovation to in uence policy direction. The sector is resilient. Ocer, Jisc
PR: In fundamental terms, yes, but I feel the sector has perhaps made it too easy for some sections of the media to peddle bad news. If the headlines are to be believed, universities are competing not on price and quality, but on unconditional o ers and in ated grades handed out to essay-mill-addicted students ill-equipped for the modern workplace. But UK HE would simply not continue to grow in popularity in the way it is if that were true. I hope that next year the sector will push back, and get the good news out there of how students’ The unwelcoming message lives are being transformed for the better, and how sent by Brexit will continue university research is improving and enriching the to deter many EU students
Illustrations © freepix.com | Image © depositphotos.com whole of society. from studying in the UK
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2019 will see student mental health continue to rise up the agenda
and collaboration they engender; the UK has accessed and higher education is a global endeavour, not just a 14% of the total Horizon 2020 budget to-date and European one, a genuine ‘whole-world’ approach can replacing it won’t be easy. And warm words don’t equal only give bene t. I hope a similarly open mindset applies progress. Government needs to work through any to recruitment of bona de students from around the issues with Horizon Europe fast, if we’re to maintain globe and, more importantly, that the tone of voice productive engagement, even on a 1-1 basis. of UK Visas & Immigration changes to re ect this. Likewise, rhetoric and policy emerging from the Home O ce needs to keep pace with our universities’ Major initiatives have been launched this needs for the best and brightest minds. We must Q year to improve student mental health. Will streamline and modernise our immigration system HE continue to improve on this in 2019? in pursuit of an advanced knowledge economy, GW: This is an absolutely critical area of work for and ensure that the messages we give the world universities. We’ve already seen a major shi to enhance are con dent, outward-looking and welcoming. wellbeing support and counselling services for those This also extends to the EU nationals already facing mental health challenges at university. Eorts doing such valuable work in our institutions. are being redoubled to deliver further improvements to students in this area. Universities can’t do this on PR: The closer we get to Brexit, the less clear things their own; they will have to work with local NHS seem to get. On the positive side, there seems to be services and the excellent mental health charities, such growing acceptance that we must be fully open for as Student Minds, who can oer their expertise. skilled labour from all over the world – and I assume this includes academics and researchers. As research AC: Statistics issued by the O ce for Students (OfS)
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show that the suicide rate for students at university is UK institutions performed well in world Contacts below that for the population as a whole. Figures show 95 university rankings this year. Are we Q MillionPlus www. recorded university student suicides for the 12 months to remaining competitive in an international market? millionplus.ac.uk July 2017 in England and Wales, with the rate for young AC: No. The top British universities are holding Regent’s men higher than that for women. Nonetheless, a report their own – but even this is under threat. Opening up University published last autumn by the Institute of Public Policy access to students who are less academically quali ed London www. Research showed that the number of students disclosing and o ering very low contact hours and challenge regents.ac.uk mental health problems has increased vefold in a decade. will eventually threaten recruitment at even the National Centre Many universities are still sleep-walking through top universities. The Government’s unwelcoming for Universities this problem and are not allocating su cient resources approach will lead to a reduction in the UK share of the and Business to student support and counselling. However, the international student market. The potential reduction www.ncub.co.uk problem cannot be solved by simply throwing money in research funding will eventually damage major Jisc www.jisc. at it. Universities should promote strong values that projects and will threaten the UK economy through ac.uk turn their institutions into caring communities where reduced collaboration and patent registration. students look a er each other and where it is recognised The solution? Ease immigration regulations, remain that admitting to problems is a sign of strength, not in the EU and provide incentives for bright graduates to weakness. I do not see many universities taking this stay and develop their entrepreneurial business here. approach, without which the problem will not be solved.
ABM: NCUB has been convening our members on an aspect of this very topic: student wellbeing The number of students disclosing and resilient transitions into the workplace. Judging by university appetite for this work, the desire is mental health problems has increased clearly there to continue to learn and develop. We fivefold in a decade can’t overlook businesses’ role in this, either – they have valuable learning to share and, in turn, they can glean much from engaging with university approaches to student mental health and wellbeing. ABM: Rankings and league tables are a useful metric up to a point, albeit aicted by reporting lag. Our research PR: Jisc was recently visited by James Murray, father is globally competitive in quality, and that seems unlikely of Bristol University student Ben, who tragically to change at short notice. So where can we compete took his own life earlier this year. James is clear better outside these measurements? Is it in enhancing, that data and analytics have a role to play in early rewarding, recognising and catalysing new forms of identi cation of students who are struggling. This is knowledge exchange? Is it in improving relationships with not about replacing the expert humans who provide business, driving investment in research and development, that support – it is about starting a conversation and equipping our graduates for the workplaces of the between human beings that otherwise might not future? Or is it in rooting universities’ activity in a sense occur because students in need, who have got into a of their own place, physical and human geography? dark place, are o en the least likely to ask for help. Each university will have its own strengths, Illustration © freepix.com
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Artificial intelligence, data and information will play an ever-more important role in helping to shape students’ university experience, and help prepare them for a changing job market
constraints and strategic priorities. I would only AC: Despite the wealth of possibilities and the rising humbly suggest that they remain outward- level of threat, I fear that very few lessons have been Further facing and eager to learn from others. learned. The environment is changing rapidly, and reading the Government and universities should examine Institute of What lessons learned in 2018 will help us their strategies deeply and urgently. The key to Public Policy Q prepare for the year ahead? future success is for all institutions to be distinctive Research report GW: To stay focused on delivery of high-quality, world- and relevant to their location. Institutions should on student class teaching and research, despite the turbulence around listen far more carefully to students about what they mental health you. Put simply, Keep Calm and Carry On Excelling. want from the university experience, and consider www.ippr. how to prepare them for a continually changing job org/research/ market where many traditional roles will be replaced publications/not- by arti cial intelligence – and where graduates may by-degrees have dozens of very di erent types of employment. NCUB advice They should look at di erent and more e ective on student ways to deliver programmes, and consider the wellbeing portfolio that they o er. In particular, they should www.ncub. encourage entrepreneurial activity. At Regent’s, co.uk/what- within a year of graduation, 62% of students start we-do/student- their own businesses or join family businesses. wellbeing The Government, meanwhile, should alter its Jisc guidelines focus on value for money (VfM) as measured by on using starting salaries and consider more carefully social learning value for money (SVfM), the movement being analytics www. taken up by more than 20 universities, which jisc.ac.uk/ measures the contribution of a university to its local learning-analytics and national economy, cultural and social life. Jisc blog on possibilities PR: I think we have learned the crucial importance oered by of data and information – whether at national level, ‘Education in terms of showing that UK higher education is in 4.0’ www.jisc. rude health despite the negative headlines, or at local ac.uk/blog/ level, using data and learning analytics to improve the-potential- the success of all students. As the fourth industrial of-education-4- revolution progresses, with ‘Higher Education 4.0’ as a is-huge-the-uk- key element of that, the importance of AI and the good must-take-the- data that underpins it will become ever more key. lead-now-12- sep-2018
ABM: Expect the unexpected… Illustration © freepix.com | Image © depositphotos.com
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VIDEO CONTENT MAKE IT WORK HARD FOR YOUR MONEY
for the past two years spending half of what it would have spent on printed direct mail pieces and increasing the percentages of o ers to rm accepts.
And here are the things universities should focus on to make their money work harder:
●c onduct consistently, and far enough in advance, content planning and align this with insight of multiple audiences and their increasing expectations, behaviours and needs at various stages of the recruitment cycle ●u se insight to build the case for investment and show the impact it has across other recruitment tools – for example, Revolution Viewing knows that almost 90% of prospective students* are more likely to attend an open day or apply to a university if they have previously seen content that the agency has produced ●i mplement end-to-end CRM systems e are experiencing times of ● i nterrogating campaign results and (or at least an approach to CRM if there unprecedented student recruitment asking more from advertising and content is no system) – this enables more targeted W challenges in UK Higher distribution agencies who are using more recruitment and measurement of return Education. The need to reach a wider base of sophisticated programmatic marketing ●f actor in audience targeting and audiences in the UK and overseas has seen ●r ecruiting more in-house content distribution platforms when budgeting many universities start to take video, and producers, especially for social media, and ensure consistency of investment other rich media content such as virtual where there has been some great success from one year to the next tours, much more seriously. But how can with low budget, high-impact targeted ●s hare campaigns and objectives universities make sure their rich media spend recruitment campaigns – Loughborough across marketing agency partners is working as hard as it could and is resulting University and the University of Glasgow ●k eep content records and share these in increased student enrolments? have done particularly well here internally so that teams are aware of ●s etting metrics to measure the success what content could be used across the To further understand this, University of rich media content, measuring and institution and where there are gaps Business caught up with Vicky Hayhurst, reporting on these – the University ●d on’t allow subjectivity, institutional Commercial Director at Revolution of Bradford has excelled at this history or bias to cloud decisions – work Viewing – the sector’s leading video and ●h arnessing the power of emerging with credible agencies whose experience and rich media supplier. Vicky has visited technologies such as chatbots to knowledge can help to reduce the risk here. 106 UK universities in the last four years. provide speedy responses to enquiries Her visits range from project brie ngs at key points in the recruitment cycle *Statistic taken from RV’s primary research programme and debrie ngs, to delivering research – well done to Leeds Beckett for their with prospective students, in collaboration with Hotcourses Group. presentations about what prospective award-winning clearing campaign students need and want from rich media, ●u nderstanding that high-quality content, to strategic consultancy with senior which makes enquirers feel reassured about marketeers to help universities plan their applying to a university and applicants feel rich media requirements alongside their proud to accept an o er, must be supported overarching student recruitment strategy. by student-led, authentic content and both must stay true to the university’s Revolution Viewing’s work and client base brand – Lancaster University and London mean that the agency has a unique insight Metropolitan have had some real wins into how the sector is using rich media ●r ealising that personalisation (if done content in the pursuit of student recruitment. well…) is key to increasing the impact of messaging, especially during conversion So let’s start with the things that – the University of Salford has run a universities have been doing well: personalised conversion video campaign feature
Acceptance without exception Universities are typically seen as leading the way in LGBT+ policies and politics. But in light of a report by Stonewall on the LGBT+ experience in UK universities, Alex Diggins asks how accurate is this perception and can institutions do more?
he recently released LGBT+ provision; and consider that, as case. [They are] faced with harm and Freddie Mercury biopic Mhairi notes, “the reality on the ground discrimination for simply being themselves Bohemian Rhapsody is for sta and students can be quite di erent” – this is completely unacceptable.” a triumphant piece of from the apparently accepting status quo. The report’s data can, of course, be cinema. Swaggeringly cool contested due to its relatively small sample Twith a foot-tapping jukebox soundtrack, PRESENT PREJUDICES size: it asked 5,000 LGBT+ students across it shows how Mercury strutted, sashayed Stonewall’s report makes grim reading. the UK about their experiences, and and skyrocketed Queen to phenomenal It found that one in seven LGBT+ students investigated the speci c cases of the 522 success. But it also demonstrates how much had been subject to negative comments who responded to the questionnaire. And has changed for the LGBT+ community. and abuse by sta , and one in ve by fellow those who had experienced prejudice, and Mercury endures open abuse on the street; pupils. In addition, more than a third of wished to report it, may have been more tearfully comes out to his wife (only for trans students had experienced abuse, and an likely to respond. In addition, as it relied her to say she’s known “for years”); and appalling 7% had su ered physical violence on students self-identifying as LGBT+, conceals evidence of the AIDS which on account of their identity. Prejudice was it’s potentially vulnerable to manipulation would eventually contribute to his death. particularly acute for those with multiple or from people unscrupulously identifying to Much, fortunately, has changed. And overlapping identities. One in four BAME distort the statistics. Nonetheless, its ndings universities have o en been seen as being (Black, Asian and ethnic minority) students make sobering reading and deserve to be at the forefront of that change; they are who identi ed as LGBT+ had experienced taken seriously. In fact, the relative scarcity perceived, as Mhairi Taylor, Equality and abuse in the past year, and gures were also of good data is a problem which is shared Diversity Manager at Glasgow University, proportionally higher for disabled students. across the sector. There is no compulsion argues, as “bastions of liberal ideals”. But “For many pupils, universities are arty, for institutions to collect data on sexual a recent report by Stonewall, LGBT in liberal spaces where people can explore orientation or gender identity. This is down Britain – University Report 2018, has thrown a their identities,” said Pete Mercer, Head of to fears over data protection and institutional bucket of cold water over this complacency. Public Sector Membership Programmes prejudice. But, unfortunately, this means Its ndings should galvanise university at Stonewall. “But, as our report indicates, that, as Pete argued: “Institutions don’t leaders to take a hard look at their own for many others, that certainly isn’t the know if LGBT students are dropping out
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their courses en masse. The lack of data an LGBT+ working group that meets three and administrative sta on unconscious bias means that when universities say they don’t times a year and incorporates representatives and bystander intervention, in addition to have a problem with prejudice, it simply from the sta , pupils and leadership. This initiatives such as giving sta and students the means their assumptions are unfounded.” forum provides a space “to discuss what option to disclose their identity as non-binary is working, what needs to improve and and use the title Mx. As Karen Bush, Head PRESENT SOLUTIONS What can be done? Institutions can tackle LGBT+ prejudice through their policies and cultures. The approaches are One in seven LGBT+ students had been subject entangled and mutually supportive – but to negative comments and abuse by staff both must be championed to root out the abuse and discrimination that still apparently tarnishes UK universities. Start with policies. One of the most how we can e ect change together”. of Equality Diversity and Inclusion at Essex, important is having clear avenues through The idea of a LGBT+ working group said: “People are not just one thing – we all which LGBT+ sta and pupils can raise – composed of a cross-section of sta and have multiple identities and the intersection of complaints, propose policy and facilitate students – is one that is repeated at Essex these identities impact on our experiences.” dialogue with senior leadership. “One of and Glasgow, which also both scored 10 out This intersectionality can prove a challenge the most important elements of our work of 10 in Stonewall’s benchmarking criteria to universities’ creaking administrative is the importance of listening,” said Karen of LGBT+ friendliness, Gay by Degree. systems, though. “There can be indirect Cooke, Chair of the LGBT+ sta network at Other policies adopted across all three challenges with policy implementation, Cardi University. To this end, Cardi has institutions include training for academic particularly when they interact with
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technical systems,” admitted Karen Cooke. through funding for student and sta signi cant step institutions can take is realising “Many systems are built or based on the networks. These support networks are they aren’t rare ed, complacently liberal idea of binary genders, and a number of especially important for smaller, more rural spaces; instead, they are “microcosms of wider our sta and student community have institutions where LGBT+ people may not society”, as Mhairi noted. They should be very di erent attitudes to gender and it can have a wider community for support. leaders in setting policies and encouraging take a while for systems to catch up.” Movements to diversify the curriculum, cultures that support LGBT+ communities. so that they more accurately re ect the But they are, nonetheless, caught up in the CULTURAL CHANGE LGBT+ experience, are also critical. wider currents of society. And from the As those systems catch up, however, “Understanding the value of the student election of Donald Trump to the poisoning universities must ensure they foster a voice is very important,” explained Pete. of the body politic with hateful discourse supportive culture for LGBT+ people. “[It’s about] ensuring the LGBT experience directed at ‘others’ of all sorts, the need for Depending on their location, this can isn’t erased.” In some subjects – the social universities to take a stand for inclusivity and be easier for some than others. For large, sciences, for example – academia has been tolerance has grown all the more acute. As metropolitan universities like Glasgow, ahead of the curve in this respect. But in Pete states: “I would urge any institutions which already have a vibrant LGBT+ scene, others, like psychology, there is still an reading this to think carefully about what it is mostly a matter of facilitating and implicit assumption that heterosexual they think, versus what they know.” encouraging existing LGBT+ communities. relationships are the norm, and gender Bohemian Rhapsody shows how far This can involve gestures like ying the identities are binary. Unsettling these we have come – but also serves as a rainbow ag, when appropriate, or selling assumptions is an important part of reminder of how far we have to go. rainbow pins so people can identify as making universities a more comfortable, Except in direct quotation, this article uses LGBT+ as it is LGBT+ or as an LGBT+ ally. But institutions welcoming space for LGBT+ people. the most widely accepted term for lesbian, gay, bisexual,
Images © freepix.com can also tangibly support LGBT+ people Ultimately, though, perhaps the most trans and non-binary people.
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NEW “DOORJAMMER LOCKDOWN” FAST EXTRA DOOR SECURITY FOR THREATENING SITUATIONS IN UNIVERSITY BUILDINGS The makers of DoorJammer, the award-winning portable door security device, have introduced their new “Lockdown” product to deal with threatening situations in public buildings.
nder pressurised conditions where Terrorism’s (NaCTSO) advice, to “RUN, a large number of people may be at HIDE, TELL” – and when hiding, create U risk, “DoorJammer Lockdown” a safe place by barricading yourself in. can be quickly deployed to secure doors, “DoorJammer Lockdown” is UK-police therefore barricading access to an intruder accredited via their “Secured by Design” or an attacker. initiative, successfully passing the rigorous Light in weight (822gms), but very PAS24 impact resistance standards on strong and made of steel, “DoorJammer complete door frames. This included a Lockdown” provides extra robust security direct impact test of up to 50kg of force at for inward opening doors. It can be quickly the device’s fullest possible extension. tted in seconds and valuable time isn’t When urgent evacuation of the wasted hunting for keys or padlocks. The secured room or area is required, device’s ange goes under the gap of the door “DoorJammer Lockdown” can be (minimum gap 3mm) and the bolt is twisted swi ly removed by the occupants. to secure. “DoorJammer Lockdown’s” “DoorJammer Lockdown” is cost clever mechanism means that the more e ective, as expenditure on replacement “DoorJammer Lockdown” is great value for the intruder attempts to push or kick the of doors and locks is avoided. money – but for peace of mind, it’s priceless! door, the more the device stays in place – An overall winner at last month’s British keeping the occupants safe on the other side. Invention of the Year Awards, “DoorJammer www.door-jammer.com “DoorJammer Lockdown” helps universities Lockdown” is priced at £39.99 (ex-VAT), 01424 429 641 follow current police and National Counter with free postage on orders over £50. [email protected]
» Scrap paper sign-in sheets, become GDPR Compliant » Count staff, students and visitors IN and OUT - Linked to MIS » Improve safeguarding by SCHOOL VISITOR knowing who is on site at any MANAGEMENT given time » Access instant “emergency roll TAP INTO SAFER PREMISES call” and Time and Attendance reports - to hard copy, tablet or a Welcome visitors to smart phone » Student Late button... and your school using Student Leaving Early button a VisiTapp Sign-In » Links to MIS, Outlook and Access touch screen Control Systems
OUR WITH A WIDE EDUCATION RANGE OF PACKAGE TOUCH CONTACTLESS WEB 2D BARCODE LABEL UPGRADE INCLUDES SCREEN READER CAMERA SCANNER PRINTER OPTIONS 0800 083 6053 [email protected] www.idxtra.com ESTATES & FACILITIES THE LATEST CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, REFURBISHMENTS, FACILITIES MANAGEMENT AND CATERING NEWS Elite centre launches to boost manufacturing revival The new £12.5m Black Country Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills (ECMS) has officially been launched by journalist and television presenter, Steph McGovern
ased on a hub and spoke model, dedicated Btraining centres are now fully operational across the Black Country – in collaboration with training providers and professional industry bodies – to upskill employees and train new apprentices in metal-forming skills. The ECMS hub, based at the University of Wolverhampton’s £100m regeneration project at the former Spring eld Brewery, is an employer-led training facility for the Black Country. It has been designed GROUP PARTNERS LEFT TO RIGHT: Ninder Johal (Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership), Ian to build on the region’s Fitzpatrick (Chief Executive, Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills), Gareth Jones (Managing Director, industrial heritage by providing In-Comm Training), Steph McGovern (Journalist and Television Presenter), Martin Dudley (Chairman and CEO of Thomas Dudley Ltd), Professor Ian Oakes (Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of specialist training, short Wolverhampton), Pam Murrell (Chief Executive Ocer, Cast Metals Federation and Institute of Cast courses and apprenticeships, Metals Engineers), Neil Thomas (Principal, Dudley College) and Geraldine Bolton (Chief Executive, helping to close skills gaps Confederation of British Metalforming) identi ed by employers. The ECMS spokes British Metalforming, Institute technical experts in the business. facilities. All apprenticeships comprise: a new National of Cast Metals Engineers “Our aim at the ECMS is to meet the New Apprenticeship Press and Tooling Centre and In-Comm Training. give our learners a clear line of Standards, with a variety of in Aldridge, focusing on Ian Fitzpatrick, Chief sight and a career pathway from delivery models available. the delivery of toolmaking Executive at the ECMS, Levels 2, 3 and 4, through to With employer input, apprenticeships and technical said: “It’s well known that Higher National Certi cate courses have been developed courses; a spoke at Dudley the manufacturing industry and Diploma and then Degree in casting, toolmaking, pattern College, focusing on advance has an ageing workforce and Apprenticeships, o ering a making, metalforming and welding training; and another that bespoke training courses complete or bespoke training foundry training, as well as based in Tipton, boasting matching industry requirements package for the manufacturing mechatronics, product design advanced moulding and can be di cult to source. sector through both practical and development and advanced melting facilities to deliver “We have listened carefully and theoretical learning.” computer numerical control. foundry training at all levels. to what industry needs and, Apprentices learn on the job at The Black Country Local ECMS is a collaboration together with our partners, we the ECMS training hub or one Enterprise Partnership approved between the Black Country have designed manufacturing of the spokes – equipped with £8.5m for the project, while the Local Enterprise Partnership, facilities equipped with new training rooms, metallurgy partners have invested £4m. University of Wolverhampton, world-class equipment; where and metrology labs – with access Dudley College, Cast Metals world-class training will be to partner training centres and For more information, visit Federation, Confederation of delivered by some of the nest state-of-the-art engineering http://www.theecms.co.uk
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Is HE doing enough for Gen Z mental health? Generation Z let down by employers and universities over mental health support, new study shows
oung people are wellbeing of employees, and cited the results as compelling they, in turn, support others. being let down 89% of students and graduates evidence that more needed to be ● E ncourage open Yby employers and feel a university has this done to meet the expectations communication and make universities when it comes to responsibility to its students. of ‘Generation Z’ (young people sure support services their mental health, a study ● 8 4% expect employers to aged 24 and under) and to ensure and academic sta share by Business Disability Forum be able to spot the signs appropriate support is on o er. information about students’ and Youthsight has found. of poor mental health. In particular, Business mental wellbeing. The study of one thousand ● 6 5% of young people would Disability Forum called ● W ork to end any stigma 16–24-year-olds revealed that consider leaving a job if their on universities to: associated with talking while the vast majority had both employer didn’t support ● O er training to all sta on about mental health. a strong understanding of mental their mental health. how to recognise the signs of Business Disability Forum health and a desire to see it talked poor mental health among also called on all employers to about more prominently, very Young people let students and how to signpost take measures around mental few felt able to address the issue down by higher students to support available. health awareness and support, at their workplace or university. education institutions ● P rovide line-manager pointing to its ‘10-point As many as a third of However, many young people training to ensure sta have strategy’ to reduce workplace university students and found that their desire for access to support for their stress, released earlier this year. young graduates (under the more openness and support own mental wellbeing, as Diane Lightfoot, Chief age of 24) said that they had was unful lled once they either considered dropping reached the worlds of higher “Generation Z recognises the importance of good out themselves due to a lack education and work. mental wellbeing and expects universities and
of mental health support, or For example: employers to ensure their needs are met” Images © depositphotos.com knew someone else who had ● O nly 55% of students or considered leaving, meaning graduates feel their university many thousands of students supports their good mental could be considered at risk. health and wellbeing. In addition, most felt the ● 6 3% of students or graduates support available for their would not be comfortable mental health did not re ect talking about their mental the issues they faced in reality. health at university or work with someone they don’t High expectations know well. This raises The study found that the vast particular concerns around majority of 16–24-year-olds, new students failing to seek regardless of their work or the support they need. educational status, saw mental ● 3 4% have either considered health both as a topic that leaving university, or knew needed to be talked about someone who has, due to a more and as something that lack of mental health support. university and employers These gures are particularly needed to take more seriously. striking in the context that Furthermore, 16–24-year- almost six in ten (57%) olds were found to take an young people in general empowered stance when it came agreed that the way people to employers, with a majority talk about mental health and saying they would consider wellbeing does not re ect the leaving if not supported at work. issues they face in reality. ● 9 1% of 16–24-year-olds feel we should all be talking Business Disability more about mental health. Forum’s advice ● 9 1% feel it is the responsibility to employers of an employer to support and universities good mental health and Business Disability Forum
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Executive O cer at potentially devastating impact than previous generations 91% of Business Disability Forum, on our future workforce. and letting a strong sense of 16-24-year-olds said: “The message from this “But all is by no means lost. social justice inform their feel we should all survey is clear. Generation Other studies have suggested spending and career choices. be talking more Z recognises the importance that Generation Z feel great “To make the most of about mental of good mental wellbeing loyalty to institutions who this optimistic and highly- health and expects universities and re ect their values and attitudes, connected new generation of employers to ensure their needs so there are big rewards for young people, employers and are met. But they are being let employers and universities who universities must demonstrate down by a culture in which get it right on mental health. that they re ect this generation’s Only 55% of talking about mental health Josephine Hansom, values. An enlightened approach students or is still seen as a taboo, and Head of Youth Research to safeguarding and managing graduates feel sta feel ill-equipped to spot and Insight at YouthSight, mental health is one of the their university the signs and o er support. added that the ndings foremost of these values, as the supports their “Add concerns over mental clearly show that Generation results show, which should be a health support to the high debts Z have strong views about clear incentive for organisations good mental health incurred from university and a the role of employers and to evolve and change.” and wellbeing uid job market, and you have universities in society. Business Disability Forum an entire cohort of people who Josephine said: “Young is conducting further research will readily walk away from people are clear that mental into the experiences and 34% have organisations that do not actively health is a priority, both in and expectations of young people either considered support their mental health. outside of the workplace. The and the role that employers and Our ndings suggest that challenge for employers and universities play in supporting leaving university, thousands of young people are institutions alike is to meet mental wellbeing. A full or knew someone already considering leaving their these new expectations. Many report on all ndings will who has, due universities or workplaces over Millennials (aged 25–30) and be available early in 2019. to a lack of mental a lack of mental health support; Generation Z (16–24) have health support many more could follow if already demonstrated that For further information organisations do not approach they will not settle for less, email samuelb@business mental health di erently with a moving jobs far more quickly disabilityforum.org.uk
@UB_UK | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 33 estates & facilities | news
Alastair Stewart with University of Winchester journalism students and lecturers Winchester newsroom opened by ITN’s Alastair Stewart Journalist and broadcaster Alastair Stewart formally opens newsroom at University of Winchester
eteran ITN journalist opportunity to gain practical freedoms and social justice. it’s important that student and broadcaster Alastair experience working as a reporter The University of Winchester journalists get the best chance VStewart OBE has in a simulated newsroom believes that it is essential to of employment. Anyone who formally opened the University environment. It also serves as our mission and our values to wants to work in television of Winchester’s purpose-built, the hub for the University’s invest in the future of high- journalism, output or input, industry-standard newsroom. Winchester News Online quality journalism education." has got to feel the space and the Alastair toured the website, which showcases At the forefront of British facilities I have opened today newsroom – part of the 24-hour independent journalism journalism for more than four will help Winchester students Multimedia Centre which also by Winchester students. decades, Alastair presents one feel the space of the newsroom.” includes a TV and radio studio, Speaking at the opening, computerised radio station Professor Joy Carter CBE, “In this era of fake news, the sustainability of and facilities for multi-track Vice-Chancellor of the intelligent, reliable journalism is more crucial audio recording – and met BA University of Winchester, than ever in underpinning democratic freedoms (Hons) Journalism students said: “In this era of fake and social justice” and teaching sta before a news, the sustainability of ribbon-cutting ceremony. intelligent, reliable journalism of the country’s most iconic The University’s BA (Hons) The fully-equipped is more crucial than ever in news programmes, News at Journalism programme has newsroom o ers students the underpinning democratic Ten. He is a good friend of had accreditation from the the University and has hosted Broadcast Journalism Training Winchester students at ITN Council (BJTC) for almost HQ in London. He currently 10 years. The University has works at ITN with a number also boosted its teaching team of Winchester graduates who with the appointment of Joe have successfully transferred Michalczuk from Good Morning their skills from the University Britain, who has previously newsroom to his, on a national reported for Sky News. Joe joins and international level. former BBC journalist Brian Alastair Stewart said: “I think Thornton’s team, alongside Professor these facilities are absolutely beIN SPORTS’ Angus Scott, Joy Carter brilliant, because they look award-winning documentary and Alastair and feel like the real thing. As lm-maker Shira Pinczuk and Stewart well as academic excellence, media technologist Tom Tlalim.
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GRADUATING WITH DISTINCTION IN CLEANING STUDENT ACCOMMODATION GreenTeck Global o ers an innovative solution to keeping student accommodation in tip-top condition
ealing with the management and capability eld-trial focusing maintenance of student on this speci c problem. D accommodation is a problem as old Once again it proved to be as universities themselves. But an Oxford- a stunning success, so much based company has come up with an so that Oxford Brookes has innovative 21st-century solution that is now purchased trioxygen ‘green’, clean and cost-e ective. equipment from GreenTeck GreenTeck Global makes a range of Global and is using it, as and trioxygen equipment that uses ozone when necessary, across its to eliminate odours, attack mould and student accommodation estate other pathogens, disinfects and can even for both the eradication of play a signi cant role in eliminating mould and odour control. odour from smoke damage. Success followed success
Ozone (or O3) occurs naturally in the and GreenTeck Global has atmosphere – at high altitude, the Ozone just undertaken another Layer prevents ultra-violet radiation reaching similar installation at Leeds the Earth’s surface – and is produced by University, eld trials are lightning. GreenTeck Global’s range of currently underway at both products uses the same ultra-violet light Cardi and Manchester to arti cially produce this ozone. GreenTeck Global was able to bring Universities, detailed discussions are Ozone is the world’s most powerful its trioxygen equipment within 24 hours taking place with Imperial College natural disinfectant. One atom of of the re and a er an extensive clean- London and Warwick University, and oxygen detaches itself from each O3 or up operation – but which only lasted there are exploratory talks with a number trioxygen molecule and it is this that a further couple of days – the results of other universities and FE colleges. deodourises, attacks mould and attaches even surprised Harmohinder Bahl, the David Thurston explained: “We have a to smoke particles, neutralising them. Oxford Brookes Deputy Director of family of products and believe there is one No other aggressive and expensive Facilities and commercial services. for every location. They are very simple and chemicals are required and all that “I’ve been fascinated by the versatility safe to use and we can provide full training, is le at the end of the day is pure, and application of Ozone,” he said. operation and maintenance as required. natural, oxygen (as O2 molecules). “Equally, the creative and wide spectrum “The units themselves are very compact of solutions GreenTeck Global has and robust and really are a very e cient, CASE STUDY provided has been particularly welcome cost-e ective and environmentally friendly Some time ago, Oxford Brookes University as has the collaborative and ‘can-do’ way to tackle a wide range of problems.” had been talking to David Thurston, working approach from the team.” GreenTeck Global’s head, about the The college was so impressed with the For further information about the application of the company’s trioxygen results that when the mother of one of their product range, please contact equipment. It had just opened its new students complained her son was su ering David Thurston, GreenTeck Global, Engineering Block when, unfortunately, respiratory problems directly as a result of 42 St Mary Street, Wallingford, it su ered a re in the carpentry shop unacceptably high levels of moisture and Oxon OX10 0EU, Tel: 0208 150622. which, in turn, caused substantial smoke- mould in his accommodation, GreenTeck Email: [email protected] damage to the whole of the building. Global was invited back to undertake another Web: www.greenteckglobal.com
The GreenTeck Global product range includes:
● GreenTeck Global Gteck 5000P & Gteck the generators – and can be connected to and 99.5% of bacteria and viruses. 1664P Portable Trioxygen Generators: them using a connecting interlock, so the Wall-mounted and therefore designed powerful and ideal for ‘shock treatments’ destruct turns on automatically once the to be used in occupied areas. where urgent and e ective action is called generator’s programme has fi nished. for, such as the removal of odours and ● GreenTeck Global Plug In Trioxygen destroying mould spores. Particularly ● Aura Wall-Mounted Trioxygen Generator Generator A palm-sized generator that suitable for student accommodation. A highly compact unit used for tackling plugs directly into a standard electrical ambient smells and odour control in both socket and can be used constantly or on a ● GreenTeck Global Gteck Air Free residential and commercial settings where timer. Used to neutralise ambient smells in Destruct Designed to be used alongside it eliminates almost all stubborn odours communal/residential areas or o ces. estates & facilities | case study
Balancing performance with user comfort – Passivhaus as a living case study From a green wall featuring 75,000 individual plants to CTB blinds that track the sun and automatically close to prevent solar gain, Willmo Dixon tell us more about the University of Leicester’s multi-million-pound George Davies Centre
he George Davies Centre (formerly Centre for Medicine) at University of Leicester – the largest non-residential Passivhaus Tbuilding in the UK – has continued to scoop awards for its size and complexity, being recognised across the higher education sector and the UK as a whole. Developed in Germany during the early 1990s, Passivhaus is the world’s leading fabric- rst approach to low- energy buildings. Its excellent thermal performance has reduced the University’s energy bill for its new teaching and medical research facility. However, “With great performance comes great responsibility,” claims Willmott Dixon’s James Elliment who worked on the project. He said: “This pioneering project for the higher education sector has attracted the attention of a number of institutions around the country as they are continually are actively monitoring and tracking energy usage, taking corrective action, such as It’s been a learning curve for the whole project for controls and equipment, carrying out team, as we are working with a living and breathing reviews with the customer ahead of full occupation, and conducting workshops with building, which supports and underpins the work of buildings’ users to further reduce energy and so many people close the performance gap of the building. It’s been a learning curve for the whole project team, as we are working with a living challenged to reduce their environmental solar gain, this highly intelligent building and breathing building, which supports and impact. Achieving Passivhaus standard presented very real challenges to the team underpins the work of so many people.” is not easy and it requires absolute buy- that delivered it. For example, the industry With state-of-the-art heating, cooling in from the customer, but the bene ts standard for air tightness is 5m3/hr/m2, but and ventilation systems, the building’s of adopting it are signi cant. Passivhaus requires ve times less than that. intelligent energy e ciencies include “At Willmott Dixon we have been a ground-to-air heat exchange system, working with University of Leicester to PASSIVHAUS AS A SOLUTION external blinds for active solar shading and deliver a three-year so landings programme TO THE PERFORMANCE GAP embedded so t cooling. With Passivhaus for George Davies Centre. A year a er the “Despite many buildings achieving high only being previously applied to domestic project’s completion we achieved an A-rated energy performance ratings the reality buildings, sourcing air-handling units DEC, showcasing just how e ective the can be quite unpredictable, as day-to-day (AHUs) that met the needs of a building building’s credentials have been in action.” usage is very di erent to that laid out in of this size and complexity, as well as From a green wall featuring 75,000 tests – sometimes as much as 200% to 500% Passivhaus requirements, was challenging. individual plants to CTB blinds that track according to CIBSE’s Zero Carbon Hub. Working jointly with the mechanical and the sun and automatically close to prevent “As part of the so landings process we electrical services contractor, Willmott
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Dixon created 10 fully bespoke AHUs, which were BSRIA-tested to ensure certi cation to the required standards. Speaking of the project’s success, James said: “Gaining the Passivhaus certi cation is so challenging that many buildings aim to achieve it but fall slightly short due its ner complexities. However, as George Davies Centre shows, the environmental bene ts are outstanding and worth perseverance and dedication. “In fact, George Davies Centre is over ve times more energy e cient when compared with other higher education buildings, as its total energy consumption per annum has been 61.2 kWh/m2 and has a DEC rating of 59, while the higher education sector average is at 320 kWh/m2 (according to DEC data*). “The e ciencies in George Davies Centre’s design have allowed the University to close old and ine cient buildings earlier Willmott Dixon has worked closely potentially have an impact on the building’s and extend the hours of usage at George with the University to ensure George performance, so we are working with the Davies Centre beyond its usual operating Davies Centre continues to bridge its University to ensure they are implemented hours. This has reduced carbon emissions performance gap, with phenomenal results in the best possible way, still allowing across the campus and means users get access and careful consideration of user needs. the building to deliver the criteria it was to a more comfortable environment.” “The building management system designed to meet. We learned that designing
continually monitors CO2 levels in each for low energy does not necessarily mean that STRIKING A BALANCE room and communicates with AHUs building users will use it that way. Training “Through the three-year so landings to increase or decrease the level of fresh during the handover has been key, alongside process, we have been able to really air supply to each room. The CO2 levels repeated messages on how the building is to understand how to use the building as have been kept under 500ppm for the be used throughout the so landings process. e ciently as possible. Part of this has majority of spaces and have very rarely “George Davies Centre is one of the involved working very closely with the exceeded 1,000ppm in both winter and lowest energy facilities of its kind in the building’s users to educate them about summer, and the same statement is true country and has illustrated beyond doubt how the building functions – explaining about internal temperatures, which have that it is possible to meet the challenges why the lights automatically dim, how remained comfortable throughout the year. of energy reduction while developing an the radiators know when it is too cold and “We have designed a summer thermal estate, and highlighted the importance when blinds close themselves, so that the comfort strategy to minimise the number of working with users throughout the building can perform to its optimum levels. of hours when the temperature exceeds process. This project is exemplar and a Without this education the performance 25°C. In fact, the strategy gives priority to benchmark for developments of this scale. gap and payback period grow, which is passive measures such as automatic external It continues to turn heads across both the something we have worked to avoid. shading blinds, openable insulated panels higher education and construction sectors.” “The real challenge for our team for natural ventilation, roof lights with Speaking of the project, Chrispal has been nding the balance between external shading and exposed thermal Anand, Carbon and Energy Manager at e ciencies and comfort for the building’s mass. Only when all these measures fail the University, said: “The George Davies users. For example, the ultra-intelligent does it bring in mechanically cooled Centre has provided our medical students lighting system, which monitors natural air from chillers,” said James. with a state-of-the-art environment in sunlight in the building and adjusts the which to study medicine in the UK. lighting accordingly, has presented a EVOLVING AND ADAPTING It has created a long-lasting legacy for con ict for some users. Many people want James went on to say: “Overall, working the University and will continue to act their lights on regardless of the sunlight with the University to monitor the building’s as an energy-e cient hub for studying; available, so we have had to work with usage and its performance has been providing comfort for sta, students and them to strike a balance in how much incredibly informative; showcasing how visitors from the local community. Willmott control they can have, and how this performance and user comfort can co-exist Dixon has been extremely supportive impacts the building’s performance. with the ongoing support of our team. To throughout the so landings programme, “Another similar issue is regarding heating date, the so landings process has enabled allowing our teams to ag concerns and throughout the building, as many users are us to provide bene ts to the customer ask questions when necessary.” used to hotter working temperatures or and the building’s users in understanding prefer cooler climates. This has required us how to use the building and why certain to constantly evaluate the usage and adapt the measures exist within Passivhaus. Contractor Willmott Dixon worked alongside building’s heating to ensure its performance “As George Davies Centre continues to Associated Architects, Bidwells, Gleeds, isn’t drastically aected and that it still oers be used and enjoyed by the University, it Ramboll and Couch Perry Wilkes, to deliver users a comfortable environment,” James said. will continually need to develop and alter its this eco-friendly building. Through the so landings process, usage. Changes, such as opening hours, will
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Anna Watts Building (Experimental Psychology) Outside Biochemistry teaching laboratory SPECIALIST MODULAR LABORATORIES DELIVERED BY MARKET LEADER PORTAKABIN Portakabin, the UK’s market leader in osite construction, is continuing to unlock the potential of modular architecture and design with the completion of three separate buildings for the University of Oxford
raditionally associated with from either an acoustic, building climate or and approvals processes were streamlined. temporary classrooms, Portakabin mechanical and electrical (M&E) perspective Therefore, throughout the project, T specialises not only in creating and all ran simultaneously beside each other. clarity and transparency were of utmost contemporary learning spaces but is also The rst building was completed in just importance. Arup’s wealth of experience in challenging the status quo of traditional under a year from the initial engagement laboratory and higher education facilities building. On average, a Portakabin building in March 2017, at which point even the expedited this, enabling the Portakabin takes 50% less time to build and install than location for the buildings was unknown. team to work collaboratively with the its counterpart ‘traditional’ builds. Anna Sutherland, who led the Arup University, ensuring their aspirations and Lee Connolly, Head of Project Design M&E team assisting Portakabin, explains, high-quality expectations were realised.” & Engineering for Portakabin, explains: “To ensure a successful project, it was Adrian Yap, Principal at mt studio, “Commonly held perceptions of modular essential to quickly understand the complex explains their involvement in the or temporary buildings are quickly being servicing requirements associated with the design: “As part of the decant for the eradicated by the approach to design we laboratory buildings. The fast turnaround Tinbergen Building, mt studio were are taking. A 4,200m2 specialist hospital, for the facilities demanded that the brie ng commissioned to design three modular an 8,700m2 award-winning UTC, the largest free school in the country to have been built o site, a 7,500m2 school in nine weeks – Portakabin is leaving traditional building in its dust with head-turning design and turnaround times on a knife edge.” With scope to deliver buildings for the Zoology, Experimental Psychology and Biochemistry departments at the University of Oxford, Portakabin designers and engineers approached the design pragmatically. The Tinbergen Building had been providing an academic learning environment for the University since the ’70s and supplied over 22,000m2 of viable space. It was important that the relocation of over 750 students and University employees could be delivered within an incredibly tight timeframe while upholding and maintaining the University’s ambition to lead the world in research and education. The design and construction of the Biochemistry teaching laboratories buildings involved elements of complexity promotion
EEG study booths laboratory buildings in collaboration with Portakabin. Although only intended to provide temporary accommodation for Biological science teaching laboratory a period of up to ve years, the modular laboratories still needed to provide state- of-the-art facilities for the world-leading Portakabin is leaving traditional building departments. These facilities ranged from Cat 2 wet laboratories and constant in its dust with head-turning design and temperature rooms to over 50 specialist turnaround times on a knife edge testing booths, some electromagnetically shielded to enable EEG studies.” psychology accommodation with Lee explains: “The most challenging M&E Over 200 individual modules specialist acoustic separation over two aspect was the temperature-controlled rooms, provide almost 7,000m2 of research and oors for research programmes. required to provide a range of conditions learning space across three buildings In the Radcli e Observatory Quarter, between 4 and 37 degrees Celsius. Working and include specialist zoological and Portakabin designed and engineered a two- closely with both the University and the biomedical laboratories, academic storey building, providing over 2,650m2 of supply chain, supported by Arup, our team o ces and teaching space. space speci cally for testing facilities and could rationalise and agree the brief for these The rst building to be handed over was o ce accommodation for the Departments specialist spaces. Additionally, we installed on the university’s sports eld and it has over of Experimental Psychology. It will specialist ventilation and gas detection systems, 1,550m2 of specialist teaching laboratories, accommodate over 100 university employees speci cally to enable the use of liquid nitrogen used by undergraduate students. The labs are and over 80 potential test participants. within the respective laboratories. The plethora modern, open-plan learning environments “The footprint for this building was of high-quality activity at the University, replicating the learning environments very speci c and had to be carefully including niche projects such as researching that had been provided in the Tinbergen controlled. Designers had to take into delicate spider webs, requires these specialist Building. Portakabin designers have well- account how people ow through the facilities and systems to complement the work. honed experience in producing the same building in order to maintain separation “As the pioneers of o -site construction, exacting standards for this build as it does between various groups of test subjects and Portakabin has the design, engineering for hospital wards and surgical theatres. researchers. Maintaining con dentiality and project management expertise to Throughout the project there was an for this sensitive work was key,” said Lee. construct buildings of any size. The additional requirement for a watching Scienti cally, the rooms had to be buildings we are currently engineering are brief for archaeological nds due to its able to uphold conditions for delicate challenging traditional builds’ exibility close proximity to previous nd sites. audiometric testing facilities, which and potential. It’s time to sit up and take Lee continues: “Due to the interim included temperature monitoring, notice. Portakabin o ers the exibility nature of the building, the client requested humidity control and isolated acoustics. to adapt high-speci cation internal space using minimal cladding details and nishes. The third and nal building has been to replicate traditionally built rooms We suggested a warm grey colour to the built over two storeys, plus a plant room without any compromise on quality. exterior as it is both complementary to the on the roof covering over 3,250m2. The “We have the capability to deliver existing material palette on the buildings building is rectangular, ensuring maximum accommodation ranging from a single around the site but will also recede into the e ciency of shared spaces and facilities, interim classroom through to award- background. This will ensure there are no thanks to consolidating requirements winning architectural schemes as well as negative e ects of glare or re ections to and reducing internal circulation. Simple hybrid buildings using advanced o -site users of the football pitch. When we make techniques such as positioning rooms technology for primary and secondary design proposals, we take a 360 view on that bene t from natural light around the schools, colleges and universities. It’s an the impact of our buildings and consider perimeter of the building, with spaces not exciting time to be part of Portakabin.” both their function and aesthetics.” requiring natural light located in the deep A further two buildings were added to plan part of the building, helped shape For further information about the portfolio and included experimental the building’s functional footprint. Portakabin, please visit portakabin.co.uk estates & facilities | news
University of Lincoln Library Universities invest £3bn in estates University estates invest over £3bn in new buildings as performance reaches a peak
he Association of to residential accommodation improving estates across the University Directors through student wellbeing country. The insights in the T of Estates (AUDE) provision; quality vs cost within report highlight how university has published its annual Estates a framework of compliance estate continues to improve in Management Report (EMR), – the daily juggling act for quality, and how investment is developed in collaboration with AUDE members at a time of broadly spread across UK cities.” global real estate advisor CBRE. continuing downward pressure Keith Lilley, AUDE Chair A er gathering and analysing on costs; and the role of the and Director of Estates, data re ecting the key estate as a physical environment Facilities Management and IT activities and targets of estates – in sta attraction and at the University of She eld, management teams in more retention at a time of increasing added: “AUDE creates an than 160-member universities international competition. environment for its members across the UK, it is evident Jane White, AUDE’s in which estates professionals that the overall performance Manchester Metropolitan Executive Director, can ponder complexity and level of university estates is University, Brooks Building commented: “The EMR gives develop the right solutions, and better than ever. With almost the sector hard facts and accurate work such as our annual Estates 1.7 million students now the south-west to Inverness data at a time of real uncertainty. Management Report is part of dependent on the quality of in the north. The value of It provides the information that professional service. It is their learning environments, this investment to the local background to help the sector an essential tool within the full we should aim at nothing less. and national economy is truly make strategic decisions in range of support that AUDE AUDE’s established KPIs signi cant – and not just in the estates management. This oers to its members. The measure e ciency, quality, construction phase. Universities year’s report makes it clear AUDE Annual Conference value and sustainability to give are increasingly signi cant that the performance of the and Big Conversation events member institutions a rounded generators of economic university estate is as strong as are unmissable parts of the HE view, and the picture is of strong activity above and beyond the it has ever been, and we should estates management calendar, and responsible management. teaching and research that recognise and acknowledge while AUDE’s Sustainability And that’s important – not just they undertake. To this end the immense eorts of AUDE Leadership Scorecard helps to the universities themselves this level of investment is a member teams across the senior leadership teams but to the entire economy. hugely important aspect of the country in delivering that.” understand the multi-faceted As the report highlights, country’s economic prosperity. George Gri th, Head of challenge of delivering universities now spend more The Estates Management University Consulting at against the sustainability than £3bn a year on capital Report benchmarks universities CBRE, who co-authored agenda in their university.” projects as well as a similar against each other and enables the report with AUDE, said: gure on repairs, maintenance, comparisons to be drawn with “The university sector is a energy, cleaning and security. similar institutions – whether largely hidden gem within Such a large spend can come as by size or research/teaching the UK property industry. a surprise to those not familiar focus. It throws a spotlight Across the sector, over £3bn with the sector, but this kind across many of the big themes has been invested in the last of ongoing investment in the that universities and estates year in new buildings, with a higher education estate creates teams are considering in similar amount spent annually a positive ripple eect around 2018. These include: student on running the estate. This localities from Falmouth in experience, from learning spaces looks set to continue, providing
40 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @UB_UK estates & facilities
The AUDE report in numbers…
Large research institutions have seen their capital expenditure grow from Teaching institutions and research-intensive institutions have all £1.25BN TO seen their levels of £1.35BN capital expenditure
SIX INSTITUTIONS REDUCE spent more than £100M last year, with 12 spending between £50m and £100m. The median expenditure is a more modest £10M
Large research institutions spend ...contrasting to small more on their estate, at teaching institutions at
£103/M ... £76/M
Of the 20 institutions which generate In terms of the the highest income per m, age of the estate, 16 OF THESE ARE IN LONDON
of32% the HE estate was built Institutions are during the great expansion investing between experienced during the 4% & 1960S & 1970S 5.5% of the insurance 28%of the estate has replacement value of their estate each year been built since 2000 Illustrations © freepix.com
@UB_UK | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 41 estates & facilities | news
Liverpool opens £81m Materials Innovation Factory A collaboration between the University and Unilever, the Materials Innovation Factory brings together materials chemistry expertise with the latest computational and robotic equipment
he University of Liverpool’s Materials T Innovation Factory, an £81m facility dedicated to the research and development of advanced materials, has been o cially opened by the President of the Royal Society and Nobel Laureate, Sir Venki Ramakrishnan. A collaboration between the University and Unilever, the Materials Innovation Factory brings together materials L-R: Professor Dame Janet Beer; David Blanchard, Chief Research & Development chemistry expertise with the Ocer at Unilever; Sam Gyimah MP, Science and Universities; Sir Venki Ramakrishnan, latest computational and robotic President of the Royal Society; Professor Andy Cooper, University of Liverpool equipment to accelerate research and reduce the time it takes to collaborations, innovation “The applications for our Research England (formerly develop new products which and knowledge exchange. research in this area are truly HEFCE), which helped have the potential to address a Sir Venki Ramakrishnan, exciting, with the potential secure signi cant private co- range of societal challenges. President of the Royal Society to answer some of the investment towards the project. The 11,600m2 state-of-the- and Nobel Laureate, said: “The greatest challenges facing the It also houses the Liverpool art facility represents a 21st- strength of material science world today in elds such as contribution to the Henry century research environment, in the North West is, to a great sustainable energy, healthcare Royce Institute, a national providing laboratory and o ce extent, built on the collaboration and manufacturing.” institute for materials science space for University researchers between academia and industry, Sam Gyimah MP, Science research and innovation. and Unilever scientists from which is so well embodied in the and Universities minister, said: Research activity in the the global Research and Materials Innovation Factory. “This inspiring facility brings Materials Innovation Factory Development (R&D) Centre “Whether it is human together some of the UK’s most spans the elds of organic for Home Care and Personal health, sustainability or a talented scientists and academics, materials, inorganic materials, Care products in Port Sunlight. range of other areas, advanced with cutting-edge robots and nanomedicines, sustainability, In addition, the facility, materials o er tools by which computers, to meet the future genomic sequencing and high which boasts one of the we can tackle some of the challenges our society will face. throughput formulation. highest-concentrations of big challenges we face on the “I want to see the UK In particular, two world- materials science automation global stage. The range of continue to grow its reputation leading research groups, led robotics in the world, can expertise here in Liverpool as an innovation superpower by Professors Andy Cooper accommodate other academic can make a big contribution to and, with Government and FRS and Matt Rosseinsky FRS, or industrial users on a meeting those challenges and private sector investment in new are creating innovative new exible, open-access basis to to driving economic growth.” research facilities like this one materials with a range of uses: facilitate cross-disciplinary Professor Dame Janet in Liverpool, we are striving from porous molecular organic Beer, Vice-Chancellor of towards our ambition for 2.4% solids and liquids which can The Materials Innovation Factory the University of Liverpool, of GDP to be spent on research capture harmful pollutants to said: “The opening of the and innovation by 2027.” new materials for the harvesting, Materials Innovation Factory Located in the heart of the storage and conversion is an important milestone for city’s Knowledge Quarter, of low-carbon energy. the University of Liverpool. the Materials Innovation The Leverhulme Research The institution is known for its Factory was awarded £11m Centre for Functional Materials world-class research in advanced through the Government’s Design, created to drive a materials and these impressive UK Research Partnership design revolution for functional new facilities will serve to Investment Fund (UKRPIF), materials at the atomic scale, further accelerate progress. a programme administered by is also located in the facility.
42 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @UB_UK faulty or failing fittings
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Sensory garden opens at Leeds A two-year project to create a sensory garden on campus is now in full bloom
irector of Human impaired and blind visitors. inclusivity is really about. aimed to show through its Resources Francesca Plants were specially selected “This is an excellent event packed programme of events D Fowler performed to assist those registered on to start National Inclusion celebrating National Inclusion the ceremonial honours on the autism spectrum as well as Week. Those who have Week in September. Monday 24 September, with people who su er from a mental worked on the project should Sta and students the colourful horticultural health condition to enjoy an area be exceptionally proud of attended a wide range of creation basked in glorious of peace and tranquillity away what they have achieved, and I activities on o er, which autumnal sunshine. from the hubbub of University hope lots of people enjoy it.” highlighted the University’s Designed on the principle life elsewhere on campus. Making Leeds a beacon distinctively international of access for all, the two-year Francesca said: “It really of excellence for equality and diverse community. project – located outside is my pleasure to open this and inclusion in the higher Sabiha Patel, Head of Charles Morris Hall – has garden. I like the fact that while education sector is the vision Equality and Inclusion in the really begun to blossom. In a tremendous amount of e ort for the University, which it Equality Policy Unit (EPU), addition to an imaginative has gone into this garden to planting scheme, which o ers make sure it is inclusive and year-round interest, the garden accessible, it’s a garden that “Staff and students attended a wide range of features wheelchair access and anyone can come and see and activities on offer, which highlighted the University’s guides for both the visually enjoy, which is what I think distinctively international and diverse community”
Designed to give access to all
44 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @UB_UK estates & facilities | news
The garden can be enjoyed all year round
said: “We value your support rich campus environment. It’s event has received high praise few moments of serenity and in making this week a success. also a chance to re ect on your from its visitors. “The most a space to clear their minds “It’s your opportunity to own experiences and how your impressive aspect of my visit was and improve their mood step out from your familiar everyday work can enhance the provision of Braille on the during a busy programme. environment and team to meet equality and inclusion.” wooden information plaque. “The families from our other colleagues or students This year’s theme was It is also very accessible for sister organisation, 1Voice, with di erent experiences and ‘Renewing our commitment disabled students and visitors. enjoy the aromas and colours perspectives that add to our to everyday inclusion’. And the I found it very peaceful,” of plants and owers, which provide a stimulating interactive “It’s a garden that sensory experience and an opportunity to explore the anyone can come and environment and learn about see and enjoy, which is their senses and nature.” what I think inclusivity Bee-friendly plants also is really about” feature in the design. These were monitored by a PhD said Alem Tamirat, a mature student during the summer, who blind student from Ethiopia, has identi ed six species of bee who was resident at Charles and bumblebee in the garden. Morris Hall during 2017/18. The project received speci c Ruth McMorran and mention during the Yorkshire Enjoying the new sensory garden Toby Hewson, Co-Chairs of in Bloom visit to campus last Communication Matters, a year. It was also singled out charity for the verbally impaired, for further praise at the 2018 including those a ected by Awards ceremony in York either a stroke or cerebral palsy, on Tuesday 11 September, has also been impressed by the when the University campus project. They said: “We were received a Silver Gilt. delighted to see the outdoor The Awards report stated: space at Charles Morris Court “The newly installed Charles had been redesigned as a Morris Sensory Garden is beautiful new sensory garden. well planned and executed to “Many of our members provide plants for pollinators, and conference delegates are tactile plants and others that wheelchair users and they smell to ensure inclusivity really appreciate this accessible for the many groups who are Francesca Fowler performed the honours garden, which o ers them a able to access the area.”
@UB_UK | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 45 estates & facilities | news
Work starts on Leeds Becke ’s £45m sports research facility The state-of-the-art teaching and research building – at the University’s Headingley Campus – will be home to students and academics from the Carnegie School of Sport
ork has begun which will further increase the on Leeds Beckett positive contribution we make W University’s new to our city region and beyond.” £45m sports development, Pete Mackreth, Dean of which will give students access the Carnegie School of Sport, to a host of world-class facilities. added: “Many of our academics Undergraduate, postgraduate are international leaders in and research programmes their eld, from anti-doping will use the Carnegie policy and gender equality in Teaching and Research sport to obesity prevention building as a base, while elite and sports performance. This athletes will be able to use its outstanding sports science “This world-class facility and performance facilities. will underline our global The building’s most striking reputation for delivering features include an indoor sprint high-impact sports track – cantilevered over the teaching and research” can have on their performance. designed by architects Sheppard roof – and one of the country’s Mackreth continued: “We Robson, is being delivered largest climatic chambers, outstanding new facility have strong partnerships with all by Galiford Try and will be which can mimic di erent will help to ensure that our four of the major sports teams complete in November 2019. altitudes and environments. University continues to attract in Leeds, with many of our It follows the start of Professor Peter Slee, Vice the most talented students alumni employed in in uential work on a new creative arts Chancellor of Leeds Beckett and sta to further enhance positions. Our students bene t building at the University’s University, said: “This world- our reputation for world- from real-world experiences city campus earlier this year. class facility will underline our leading research in sport.” as part of their learning, and The £80m facility will be global reputation for delivering The new facility will further our research programmes are home to the school of lm, high-impact sports teaching strengthen the University’s designed with the clubs to music and performing arts, and research. It is part of a relationships with the city’s top improve their performances and fashion, and will feature wider £200m programme of sports clubs and enhance the both on and o the eld.” a 200-seat theatre and Dolby investment across our campuses, impact that the school’s research The building, which has been tmos movie cinema.
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UNDERSTANDING THE STUDENT Andrew Wilkinson, Sodexo CEO for Schools and Universities in UK and Ireland, talks about the importance of understanding the student
he higher education landscape is shi ing, driven by social, T economic, digital and cultural forces that are impacting students globally. In addition to this, the demographics, needs, expectations and behaviours of university students are continually evolving and, along with them, the university environment. Drawing on insight from a panel of leading higher education experts, as well as our own experience of providing services to 700 universities globally, we have identi ed ve interrelated topics, with a core focus on the changing role of universities, and what they must do to engage with a new generation of students. The rst trend we identi ed, ‘beyond academics’, was around the need to prepare students to thrive in a complex world. Rapidly changing economic, political, social, technological, cultural and environmental forces are reshaping young people’s daily lives and their futures, and in this context ‘preparing student mental health services. Clearly, social spaces is crucial for a student’s students’ takes on a hugely expanded there is a role for service providers like mental health and wellbeing. mandate beyond academic education. Sodexo, who have daily touch points with At Coventry University, we interviewed students, to be part of the solution. 300 students to nd out about their lives on MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVES campus, looking at how food plays a role The pressure to reach perfection in academia SAFE AND INCLUSIVE in more exible and collaborative working can negatively impact the psychological At Northumbria University, where and social spaces. This research helped us and emotional wellbeing of all students. we are responsible for looking a er the redesign the food o er for the University’s UK universities have seen a 53% rise in the 3,126 students who live in University 30,000 students and 5,000 sta . So, in number of students seeking help for their accommodation, the team is hugely focused addition to a food truck being introduced mental health and, in response, we are seeing on creating an environment that supports – giving students a great food-to-go option initiatives such as the O ce for Students’ students, provides a safe and inclusive – we are designing and building a new (OfS) Achieving a step change in mental health environment and where support services café in the University’s 24-hour library outcomes for all students, a competition inviting and pastoral care are clearly signposted. and a new courtyard café, all of which higher education providers to deliver new Our sta , usually the closest to students will help fuel collaboration on campus. and innovative approaches to improving outside of the academic environs, are o en More than ever the headwinds of mental health outcomes for students. the rst to see a student experiencing technological, economic and cultural In this context, universities must di culties or loneliness, which is why we change are impacting the way students increase e orts to ensure that adequate ensure that all our sta receive mental health learn and develop. With this rapid change resource and expertise is in place and rst-aid training to identify the signs of upon us, it is important for university accessible to meet the rising demand for mental health crisis and how best to escalate stakeholders – public authorities, parents, such issues with the student and partners and suppliers such as ourselves – to University support system. The work together to contribute to a successful team also delivers social activities on-campus experience, and transition designed to encourage students to from the comfort and security of home interact and make connections. to live as independent adults. The result: Students, today, are typically a safe and comfortable environment for reliant on digital, particularly preparing the next-generation workforce. social media, as a means of communicating, which is why For more information on Sodexo we believe that encouraging University Trends Report 2018 or to face-to-face interaction download the full report, please go to and providing creative https://uk.sodexo.com/unitrends PROVIDING A HOME \ PRESTON \ \ MANCHESTER \ FROM HOME \ SHEFFIELD \ \ LEICESTER \ StudentFM provides cost-effective facilities management and accommodation letting services \ CHESTER \ nationwide. We work with you to manage properties that offer your students a high quality, convenient and secure home for rent.
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01422 825 026 | [email protected] WWW.STUDENTFM.CO.UK feature Image © depositphotos.com Luxury, security, identity student accommodation expectations Kim Renfrew looks at how demands are changing in residential choices, from en-suite facilities and onsite cinemas to a craving for community and belonging
@UB_UK | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 49 feature
very generation of student insight into what students cannot currently It has shared facilities which are maintained has sought a place to call live without. A er consulting nearly to a high standard with daily cleaning home away from home. Until 18,000 respondents, they reveal that, while services,” says Kevin Walmsley, Head recently, accommodation fell leisure-orientated factors such as social of Campus Services. He says there is into two camps of basic-but- experience and location are valued, more still signi cant demand for high-end, functionalE halls or multiple-occupation quotidian aspects, including management self-contained studios, so, in 2019, the houses of wildly di ering quality, but today and cleanliness also gure large in student University will open Claudia Parsons Hall: students demand choice and variety. This satisfaction. 2018’s overall winner is 617 mostly en-suite, self-catered rooms. desire is partly driven by cost: according to Loughborough, which collaborates with its Security is also vital to students’ the National Student Survey 2018, average Students’ Union and Executive and Hall experiences. At Loughborough, every UK student rent is £130.59 a week, peaking Committees to deliver what residents want. residence operates a Hall Warden system, at £222 in London. Financial commitment They believe success rests in provision of with Warden Teams working with Campus also comes with emotional investment, choice for every budget – notably, Falkner Services accommodation teams to give 24/7 with students usually living independently Eggington Hall, voted top residence in cover. This, in turn, contributes a welcoming for the rst time, needing home comforts, 2017’s survey, is a low-cost o ering. atmosphere: the teams are supported by Hall whether in rented houses or in university “It’s a good standard of build, o ering a Committees and returning students “who or private halls of residence. For this level good standard of budget accommodation. keep the hall spirit alive”, say Walmsley. of outlay, students also demand bangs for their bucks, so facilities like gym access, streaming-enabled TVs and cinemas that Facilities like gym access, streaming-enabled TVs and were once the preserve of luxury lets or en-suite rooms are now becoming standard. cinemas that were once the preserve of luxury lets or en-suite Review website the StudentCrowd’s rooms are now becoming standard 2018 survey of university-run halls provides
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“When coming to Loughborough, you quickly experience the unique community that is termed the ‘Loughborough Family’.” Another priority in students’ demands is dealing with repair problems swi ly, according to the National Student Survey, which notes, “One in three students are still le waiting up to a month for maintenance issues to be xed.” And behind-the-scenes automation is one growing development among property managers, who can now approach tasks the same way as their residents – using apps. Chapps and Arthur Online are two businesses leading this charge. Arthur provides cloud-based so ware for student property portfolios. Spokesperson Mona Badralishah notes that “as property managers become more tech-savvy, Loughborough’s Falkner-Eggington Hall is the University’s top-rated budget oering there’s a growing demand for the next new thing and a willingness to adopt new technology”. This allows managers paperwork, consolidating everything to keep pace with residents’ own tech- in one fully GDPR-compliant place. centred approach, with its concomitant Security is vital to students’ Dorm Inspector allows checklist-driven experiences. At Loughborough, property inspections that all parties sign on the spot, including condition reports, every residence operates a Hall resident lists and an editable photo app for Warden system, with Warden highlighting problems. Floor Inspector lets resident assistants record issues in Teams working with Campus shared areas, perform check-in/out and Services accommodation inspect rooms. Chapps also o ers a Dorm Maintenance App for assigning repairs teams to give 24/7 cover quickly, plus the top-level Dorm Manager. As student numbers increase, keeping track of comings and goings becomes more expectation that every problem can be complex, and the suite helps facilities teams, solved with a nger-swipe across a screen. managers and inspectors collaborate to The bene t to property teams of a allocate resources, keep on top of multiple centralised platform is clear: they can residences, see overviews of occupancy, and manage all aspects of multi-site portfolios execute necessary checks. “You can perform in a single place, tracking payments, periodical health, safety and security checks. moving dates, outstanding maintenance This is becoming an important aspect when issues and tenancy agreements, reducing managing your student housing, especially paperwork and permitting access to parties with increased legislation. But we also from contractors to accountants. Students, provide housing sta and property managers meanwhile, relax in the knowledge that with a tool [which lets them] quickly yet interaction with landlords is conducted e ciently perform detailed move-in/ on their own terms, through the medium out or even intermediate inspections,” of a screen. “Such technology encourages says Chapps’ Marie-Catherine Loeckx. them into communicating with owners For students themselves, the Residents’ better,” says Badralishah, as tenants perform Web App gives an overview of their own commitments including raising maintenance accommodation, enabling problems problems and storing contracts digitally. to be highlighted and communication The knock-on e ect for managers is with landlords to be carried out with staying on top of tenancies, despite chaotic minimal face-to-face interaction. As student lifestyles – noti cations can be Loeckx advises, “You need to modernise; pushed to tenants’ phones to say rent is it’s the only way to move forward.” owed or remind them to put out refuse. Lucinda Hannington from Sodexo, which Chapps, meanwhile, o ers four phone- provides accommodation through university and tablet-compatible tools to make partnerships and its own Student Living student rentals smoother, meaning property o ering, observes: “Generation Z are very managers can abandon spreadsheets, digitally minded and communicate primarily
Image © depositphotos.com hard-copy contracts and admin-related via social media.” While recognising this
@UB_UK | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 51 feature Image © depositphotos.com is now embedded behaviour, Sodexo says environments that encourage face-to-face interaction in halls are vital to students’ Despite chaotic student lifestyles – notifications can be wellbeing. This can be achieved through pushed to tenants’ phones to say rent is owed or remind them to creative living-cum-study spaces that use ‘living learning zones’ to facilitate academia’s put out refuse move from traditional classroom-based teaching to ipped learning environments. Accommodation can meet these needs facilities – even bedrooms – and social Committee, the accommodation attracted through study booths, recreational and spaces within cluster ats, promoting controversy when it was announced relaxation areas, and cinemas that can also a sense of community and belonging, this summer, with one criticism of the be used for educational purposes. Mixing thereby engendering good mental health. apartments being that they would segregate di erent environments and letting students An emphasis on belonging is one residents from the rest of university personalise their space encourages them development in student living that is life. However, She eld’s LGBT+ to take ownership and increase respect for certainly in the ascendant, as students accommodation is not standalone but accommodation. A recent refurbishment in demonstrate they don’t just demand material arranged in ats located across campus, partnership with Northumbria University pleasures but also less-tangible comforts, including Ranmoor Village and the city now sees previously underutilised areas including the freedom to be themselves. centre. Students who choose these ats are heavily in use by students. As identity politics becomes increasingly encouraged to integrate into the student Sodexo, itself, tracks trends in foregrounded among student populations, community through activities o ered by accommodation through its International LGBT+ accommodation – not uncommon the Residence Life Programme, Students’ University Lifestyle and Global University in the USA – is now making waves here. For Union and their academic departments. Trends surveys. One notable development accommodation providers, the challenge With campaigning group Stonewall’s 2018 that Hannington highlights is a shi from this poses comes less from the type of built University Report stating that 42% of students single-occupancy studios (which previously environment that needs to be supplied and “hid or disguised that they are LGBT at accounted for 40%–50% of accommodation more from a shi in attitude and perception. university in the last year because they but now stands at around 10%–20%) to Originally mooted by Birmingham were afraid of discrimination”, She eld’s shared accommodation with communal University in 2016 (although it never accommodation meets a recognised safety materialised through apparent lack of and security need. This is borne out by uptake), there were press reports that gures: demand has outstripped supply Artist’s impression of Loughborough’s Claudia Parsons same year of calls from students at the nearly threefold. The University’s Head building, due to open in 2019 Universities of York and Central Lancashire of Accommodation Services Ian Jones for designated LGBT+ undergraduate said: “We actively champion equality, accommodation – which again did not diversity and inclusion, which has helped come to fruition. Move forward two us to create an open, inclusive environment years and She eld University has just for everyone, including LGBT+ sta and unlocked the doors of its rst LGBT+ students. The pilot scheme was met with specic ats to residents, in a pilot a positive response from our students and scheme that will be trialled over three prospective students. We initially opened years, in response to student demand. 12 rooms but this quickly booked up and Developed in consultation with we increased this due to demand. We Students’ Union o cers and the LGBT+ have 34 rooms this academic year.”
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A BRIEF HISTORY OF STUDENTFM
hen StudentFM was founded in Not only does this approach make it which traditionally were considered 2004, the UK student signi cantly easier for students to predict a luxury for student accommodation, W accommodation market consisted and budget their expenses, when living such as fully equipped kitchens, en-suite almost entirely of low-budget dormitories. away from home for the rst time, but it bathrooms, three-quarter to full-size Students could choose either to rent a small also allows StudentFM, as facility managers, beds, 40" TVs, and much more. In other room or opt for a shared dorm, o ering little to negotiate the best prices with insurance words, student accommodation no longer space for privacy or quiet study. companies and utility and internet providers, just o ers a place to sleep; it comes fully StudentFM was among the rst developers to keep living costs low for their tenants. furnished with areas for studying and a to realise there was a need for higher living This way of o ering student comfortable private space for students standards for students – and among the accommodation was an instant in the midst of a hectic university life. rst to enter the PBSA market and o er success because students could a ord Today, the daily management of high-quality student accommodation accommodation, at a ordable prices, close StudentFM is led by associate director at a price accessible to most students. to their university —which traditionally are Rachel Withers, who oversees the Stephen Murphy and Martin Joyce, located in otherwise expensive city centres. commercial aspects of the business, founders of StudentFM, both have Plus, students no longer have to worry about including mobilisation and site acquisition. over 25 years of experience in the bills, yearly recalculations, and nding Under her capable management, construction and property development the ideal utility providers themselves. StudentFM has expanded its operation sector. In 1999, they were among the across the UK to include more than founding fathers of the PBSA industry in HIGH QUALITY AT A FAIR PRICE 1,500 beds. But regardless of the Liverpool, which eventually led to them Since 2004, StudentFM’s dedication to success and growth of the business, founding StudentFM a few years later. the provision of high-quality student StudentFM’s commitment to providing StudentFM’s all-inclusive business accommodation at a fair price, with easy- high-end student accommodation on model made it stand out right from the to-budget terms, has enabled StudentFM a budget has remained unchanged. start. This groundbreaking way of renting to expand to prime locations in key StudentFM is now on a mission to out luxury student accommodation UK university cities. Today, they o er expand quality student living at a ordable enabled students to rent a larger space, accommodation within walking distance prices to more university locations across despite being on a small budget. of major British universities, in Chester, the UK. So, future students might soon see When renting a room, studio or Leicester, Manchester, Preston and She eld. roof-top gardens, on-site gyms, cinemas apartment in one of StudentFM’s All their properties are newly built or and other luxuries as common rather than developments, students only have to pay have been restored to modern high-spec exceptional aspects of student living. rent: everything from utility bills, basic properties – speci cally with the student in content insurance, high-speed broadband mind. All rentals, from rooms and studios For more information, visit connection to TV is included in the rent. to apartments, o er features as standard www.studentfm.co.uk stats
Student accommodation trends
The cumulative value transactions in the student accommodation sector in 2017 was £4.07bn, a Knight Frank estimates the purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) £1bnIn 2018,RISE it is projected OVER to be £4.5bn. 2016. sector to be worth Source: https://united-kingdom.taylorwessing.com/en/news/ 2018-trends-in-the-purpose-built-student-accommodation-sector
£50bnby 2019 Guidance issued by the Source: https://united-kingdom.taylor wessing.com/en/news/2018-trends-in- Mayor of London holds the-purpose-built-student- developers to considering accommodation-sector aordability in their plans. The current price for ‘AFFORDABILITY’ MANY DEVELOPERS ARE TURNING holds at £159 per week for TO MODULAR CONSTRUCTION a 38-week contract; or – where elements are prefabricated o-site – £639 A MONTH to mitigate against rising costs. In 2017, the building Source: https://united-kingdom.taylorwessing.com/ cost index rose 4.2% and the mechanical cost by 4%. en/news/2018-trends-in-the-purpose-built-student- Source: https://united-kingdom.taylorwessing.com/en/news/ accommodation-sector 2018-trends-in-the-purpose-built-student-accommodation-sector
UK universities are going to international students: 45 have set up branch campuses in other countries, predominantly Asian ones. INTERNATIONAL BRANCH CAMPUSES HAVE GROWN BY 57% SINCE 2010 Source: https://www.savills.co.uk/research_articles/229130/220702-0
Headline rental growth for PBSA increased by There were 2.26% for the 2018/19 academic year, DOWN FROM 2.55% IN 2017/18 Source: Knight Frank, UK Student Housing: Rental Update 2018/19 602,000 purpose-built bed spaces available to students for the 2017/18 academic year Students want MORE RELAXED SEATING and social/study spaces at the 87%of the new bed spaces for EXPENSE 2017/18 were delivered by the are4' the newBEDS norm; and more OF COOKING PRIVATE SECTOR 4'6 beds are being requested SPACE Source: http://www.cushmanwakefield.co.uk/en-gb/research- Source: http://www.jtellis.co.uk/viewcontent/88/1506/student_accommodation_trends and-insight/2017/uk-student-accommodation-report-2017
54 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @UB_UK VISIT US AT THE Student Accommodation Conference & Awards
12 DECEMBER 2018
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3529 Hypnos University Business Ad 210x297 aw.indd 1 05/09/2018 16:36 estates & facilities | opinion
Millennium View, Coventry University
but give the educational institution an attractive edge. This can be where consultants are squeezed in terms Constructing HE of budget and expectations; because of this, a common Alison Snee discusses how growing competition challenge is to provide solutions which improve e ciency while delivering the same high level of service. between higher education institutions is impacting As an innovative sector, there are solutions being the construction industry explored and proposed. These ideas include modular construction and o site manufacturing which deliver igher education is one of the fastest- “Five million increased e ciencies and speed. It’s encouraging growing and rapidly evolving markets students are that these techniques are no longer being applied to H within construction. The need to currently solely forward-thinking projects, given that engineers o er the best possible experience to students studying have invested in developing expertise in designing and be innovative more o en than not results student housing for modular construction. outside their in the most interesting and exciting briefs. Curtins Modular can also assist with another For instance, at the 2018 Student Housing Conference, home country, crucial consideration; the ultimate use of internal pollution-reducing paint, running tracks on roo ops, with the space. Maximising space is crucial for the educational and evolving construction methods were just a few of the number set institution to get the most value out of their investment fascinating topics up for discussion. This is set against the to grow to in accommodation and keeping prices competitive. background of a thriving market; at the start of the year eight million For instance, the common model a few decades James Pullen, Head of Student Property at Knight Frank, by 2025” ago was a large, shared bathroom that would serve predicted that the number of UK students entering individual bedrooms with separate communal higher education would grow from 36% to 41% by 2025. areas. The norm is now en-suite rooms that provide Furthermore, ve million students are currently students with a more independence and privacy. studying outside their home country, with the The built environment must seriously consider how number set to grow to eight million by 2025. The accommodation naturally integrates into the surrounding UK is well positioned to attract these globally mobile infrastructure and the wider campus. To be considered a students, and indeed 19% of students currently success, accommodation must achieve a balance with the attending UK universities are international. educational and social facilities which a modern campus Whilst only time will tell how Brexit might must o er to encourage inclusivity and be attractive impact this upward trajectory of student numbers, to students as well as maximising the opportunity it’s predicted that even if interest from EU locations for them to stay on site and spend their money. declines, there will still be a wider international Planning and consulting in this sector is a delicate pull, as well as a continued preference from balance of many ever-moving parts. While meeting UK students to go into higher-education. the needs of the end-user and multiple stakeholders, This rise in international student numbers is incredibly education establishments are o en in challenging relevant to the built-environment industry as the positions. Balancing a ordability and quality within availability and quality of accommodation on campus student housing is the main challenge that the is integral to their acclimatisation to a new country. sector will continue to face. However, with this It o ers a guaranteed standard of living and safety that challenge comes the opportunity to collaborate are arguably even more important to those parents and introduce new, innovative and e ective design who aren’t in close proximity to solve any problems. solutions that meet the needs of the market. An ongoing topic for debate is a ordability; there is an ever-present challenge of striking a balance between Alison Snee is business development manager accommodations that is at the right price-point for the for the West Midlands oce of built-environment target market and providing high-quality living spaces consultants Curtins. that not only meet the growing expectations of students, W: www.curtins.com
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STUDENT LIVING TRENDS Ben Etherington, Managing Director at Rosehill FF&E Ltd, discusses what today’s students want from their accommodation
nderstanding that today's students spatial planning is imperative. With breakfast bar areas instead of traditional require a home away from home, a correct engagement, you can integrate space-sapping dining table solutions. U space to call their own, which services into furniture – for example, Social spaces available for free communal provides a comfortable and functional living you can incorporate lighting schemes, use or for private hire are becoming space is essential. Injecting colour into rooms wireless charging surfaces and USB power more common place to ensure student through simplistic design can add warmth to ports into space-saving furniture. satisfaction. The hire of the kitchen area the space while still allowing a blank canvas Creating bespoke solutions for each to host a dinner party or a communal for the student to make their own. You can space can o en add value to a room; full area for a gaming session perhaps o er customise student space by doing away with height, open storage units and shelving students unique experiences and a di erent traditional closed door storage and o ering created to ll voids within a build design dimension to ‘traditional dorm living’. oating shelving solutions and open boxed can create added bene ts to complicated Optimisation of this space through use of headboards, enabling students to utilise this room shapes and service voids. the most appropriate furniture, ttings and additional surface area for interior With studio living being on trend, a fully equipment is imperative to make these spaces furnishings and accessories. functioning studio kitchenette is a must. engaging to students and their guests. Students now want larger beds, bigger O en the speci cations now required are Engaging with specialists when creating wardrobes and more amenities in their similar to high-end residential developments a student accommodation experience is rooms so, with a premium on space, because students demand the utilities and crucial to develop best use of space and, at freedom to cater for themselves privately and Rosehill FF&E, we utilise our in-house for others. Tech and utilities are everything design team with years of interior and to the modern student: high speed WiFi, furniture design experience to ensure that excellent quality appliances and smart TVs both student experience and optimisation are all expected when looking to create of space are at the heart of our brief when the ‘home away from home’ appeal. engaged to design, manufacture and In communal kitchens catering for install a student accommodation project. numerous students, personal storage is important but creating a social space Ben Etherington is the Managing where students can study, socialise and Director at Rosehill FF&E Ltd, a leading treat as the heart of their home is vital provider of student accommodation fit- to adding to the student experience. out/project management solutions. This can be achieved through both the Please feel free to get in touch with the careful use of high quality social space team to discuss your next project at furniture and the kitchen design including [email protected] go figure
20 years of rising tuition fees: the impact on student choices Analytics firm Exasol has released new analysis into the number of graduates leaving university, taken from the last 20 years of HESA data from 1997–2017, since tuition fees were introduced. Exasol looked at the data to see what impact this has had on the subjects students are studying and into data around the STEM gender gap. Here are some of the key findings:
44.5% 1,597,825 of students graduated students graduated from their first degree with a science degree in 2017 compared to 255,620 in 1997, in 2017, compared to 34.7% in 1997 – A SIX FOLD INCREASE an increase of almost a third
Women now completely
OF50% WOMEN DOMINATEmedicine and related subjects, up from 64% took up a STEM degree female in 1997 to 75% female in 2017 in 2017 compared to 39% in 1997, an increase of 27% A staggering The biggest decrease proportionally is in education 86% INCREASE above the proportional expectations of students DOWN studying ‘subjects allied to medicine’ in 2017, closely 34.5% followed by biological on expected entries for sciences (85%) 2017, based on the six-fold increase of students
Agriculture is up Engineering & technology Mathematical sciences from 54% female to degrees remain and informatics (computer 70% FEMALE, MALE science) remains while architecture is up 78% MALE from 21% female to DOMINATED with 84% male in 2017, DOMINATED 36% FEMALE compared to 86% in 1997 in 2017 as per 1997 Illustrations © freepix.com
58 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @UB_UK CUBO
Ambitious plans for CUBO in 2019 At a time of growth and strategic development, CUBO has embarked upon an ambitious plan to deliver greater value for members and raise its profile in the sector
UBO is a small but aspirational association, representing an extensively skilled C group of professionals within higher education. O ering networking, knowledge exchange and skills development, CUBO makes a di erence for its members and the sector. Building on the 2016 strategic review, CUBO is working hard to support its members, build sector pro le and improve value for money. 2018 was a busy year: CUBO increased the number of partnerships with trusted suppliers fourfold; increased the number of training events, alongside running its two annual conferences and the CUBO Awards, which gained record entries; and launched the Residence Assistants Awards to complement a growing programme of work on residence life. Most signi cantly in 2018, CUBO launched a new digital platform – a public and members’ website with integrated social media, special interest groups, resource libraries and administrative management. The new site facilitates member-networking and association management and gives better visibility to partners, enabling members to link up with suppliers. “Members’ responsibilities are really diverse – beyond accommodation, catering, conferencing and retail. Some run nurseries, tourist attractions and arts venues, or have responsibility for sport, security, cleaning, print and design and other aspects of the estate. Connecting with colleagues who manage similar services is a key – Acuho-I Residence Life Masterclass become a full bene t, and our new platform will make that much conference re ecting the growth in interest in this eld. easier,” says Jan Capper, CUBO Chief Executive. Stewart Ross, Chair of CUBO, commented: With the new platform and a permanent sta base “We are delighted with the progress we are making in place, the foundations are established to deliver in transforming CUBO and li ing our game for our the next set of key activities for members. Over the members. There has never been a more important time next two years, CUBO will invest signi cantly in than now for CUBO to support members in driving research to bene t members and the sector as a whole. value and eciency from their activities evidencing A study into the impact of campus services on the their impact and celebrating their contribution.” student experience aims to quantify the added value For CUBO members, connecting with trusted of campus services, identify gaps and share learning suppliers helps clarify needs and improve service for improvement. CUBO will also relaunch its delivery. With the new corporate partners annual benchmarking exercise to provide better data scheme in its second year, CUBO will continue for members, and will scope out a piece of research to bring members and partners together to investigating accommodation supply and demand. build relationships and share knowledge. The established CUBO sub-groups for marketing 2019 also sees CUBO embark on a proactive and nance sta continue to grow, with each holding programme of PR to widen awareness of the two meetings per year. Through the new platform, importance of commercial and campus services CUBO will develop new online special interest groups within universities. Combined with greater insight according to member interest. In the area of housing, from research, members and partners, CUBO’s CUBO continues to carry out vital work administering ambitious aim is to bring the value of commercial and the UUK Accommodation Code of Practice which campus services to the top of the HE agenda. maintains standards for student accommodation. On the training front, CUBO’s partnership with CUBO (College and University Business Ocers) UHS is now in its third year. Courses are developed is the professional association for senior using member feedback and o ered to members and managers of commercial and campus services in partners at a 25% discount. 2019 will see the CUBO higher education. Visit www.cubo.org.uk
@UB_UK | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 59 event
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Strong student presence at UK Construction Week or three days a year the competition. This involved students Breakfast, and Barbara Res, the female construction industry comes taking photos of themselves in front of engineer behind Trump Tower. together at UK Construction their favourite building or something Judged by Nottingham Academy for Week (UKCW), held at they built themselves. The winners were Girls, the students awarded Arleta for Birmingham’s NEC. This year Hollie Baynes for her House of Horrors, her determination to strive within the Fthe theme was the ‘Future of Construction’ Naomi Hamilton for An Arch and construction industry and were entertained and to support that future, a comprehensive Jamie Hubbard for The Ivy House. by her own inspiration – wanting to student programme was put in place. build her own house a er watching her The programme was a success with a OTHER CONCEPTS dad and grandad build an extension. large in ux of students from across the The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) set Arleta said: “When Steph started country attending and learning about what up a challenge to Save Civil City. This was talking and I realised I had won, I got construction has to o er as a career. to show students exactly what sort of projects quite emotional. It means so much that civil engineers are involved in by describing the students chose me and could identify WHAT WAS ON OFFER? them as invisible superheroes. The three with my story. I’m not from a construction Architect and TV presenter George challenges were balancing bridges, ght the background, but I moved into the industry Clarke presented the Ministry of Building ood, and propping up Pisa, all of which with transferrable skills, studied while on Innovation and Education (MOBIE). posed real-life civil engineering situations. the job and here I am now. It’s a privilege The aim of MOBIE is to inspire younger Their stand attracted a large number of to be able to become a role model for generations to de ne how they want to live students from Newcastle to Yeovil. other talented young people who can nd now and in the future. At UKCW, groups Student accommodation was also part wonderful careers in construction.” of students were challenged to design their of the o ering in the o site construction Nathan Garnett, UKCW event director, home of the future. This process started area. Modular building specialist said: “Our role models initiative aims to by making structures out of paper, pencil Vision Built installed a two-storey encourage new talent into the industry, and sketching, then transferring to an iPad and house and student apartment for all to this campaign gave us a fantastic opportunity nally modelling it in CAD. As well as experience. The structure is now on its to work with Nottingham Academy for being creative with their designs, students way to its nal location in Su olk. Girls. We have loved hearing directly from were also to consider the materials they the students about what inspires them. would use, building methods they might MENTORS OF THE FUTURE “There can, of course, only be one employ, and any other factors they felt would To increase diversity, equality and winner, but all those shortlisted can be important to homes of the future. inclusion in construction and to encourage be proud of the hard work, dedication Make:it_Brum was another initiative young people to consider it as a career and, ultimately, the change that they are aimed at Year 9 and 10 students. This opportunity, UKCW launched the Role bringing to the construction industry.” was a collaboration between Intervention Models initiative in March 2018. Arleta and all of the shortlisted role Architecture and Arup who held a workshop A er tough consideration, the judges models will continue to take part in to design a pavilion, which would then be shortlisted 36 professionals from more activities with schools and colleges to built and displayed at UKCW. The students than 130 high-quality entries. This break down barriers and stereotypes presented their concepts and the winning year’s winner, Arleta Andreasik-Paton, a associated with construction. design, which was named the ‘Screw’ a er construction project manager at Aecom, Birmingham’s manufacturing heritage, was recognised for her passion for inspiring Next year’s UKCW will run from appeared as a bright red structure at UKCW. the next generation into construction. 8–10 October 2019 at Birmingham’s The Finishes and Interiors sector also Arleta was presented with her award NEC. To book tickets, visit ran the #iBuiltThis2018 photography by Steph McGovern, journalist at BBC www.ukconstructionweek.com
@UB_UK | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 61 ASRA Image © depositphotos.com ASRA Accommodation Review Karen Burke, ASRA Chair, looks back at the current year intake and questions how effectively it has been delivered and measured
uring the run-up to Christmas, there are allocation systems, and discussions about the most many things going through our minds e ective incentives to encourage greater retention rates. Das student accommodation professionals. And, of course, a er an exhausting summer Firstly, how e ectively have we reviewed student period, we go into the Open Day season and turn on intake and have we considered measures to improve the charm for all our prospective students for 2019. our service o er next academic year? Are we listening Did I really say 2019 intake? On a personal level, we to our students? Really listening? What is their might be asking ourselves the following questions: feedback telling us about their experiences? Very o en the end of intake is met with feelings ● Where did 2018 go? of relief and slaps on the back for e ort, but how ●I s it me getting older or the students getting younger? would our students (and their parents) rate their By the way, the answer is, of course, both! welcome experience? It’s important that we established ●Can I keep doing this for the next x years? e ective feedback mechanisms to monitor this. ● Are there any other jobs going? Are we reviewing our retention gures and considering trends? Health and wellbeing continues I hear from many colleagues across the sector to be an area of concern, but are we spotting new who feel like this a er such an intense period. and emerging issues and responding appropriately? Then we settle down, have a cuppa and think… How can we strive to ensure that we’re o ering we love, love, love the buzz and busyness; we thrive continued support to students, which meets their on it! Working alongside students is such a unique individual needs within an accommodation setting? experience that constantly presents us as ocers with the I’m probably not the only person who feels that students opportunities to meet such a wide range of interesting have had just minutes to settle in before the onslaught of people from diverse backgrounds. Sometimes I meet private providers and private sector landlords bombard one or two who remind me of my own daughter and I them with lea ets, o ers, sign-early campaigns and think I’m lucky enough to be playing a part in helping cries of “if you don’t sign today, the best properties shape this person for the rest of their life. Our roles will will have gone”. All this, and it’s only October! help be the making of them. I haven’t been invited to Housing fairs have been and gone. ‘Don’t Let Yet’ a wedding yet but I bet that one of you out there has! campaigns have not had the e ect that was expected. Many universities are also going through major Students signing up early to tenancies can o en lead to a reviews and periods of change and I feel for you all as host of issues, such as friendship groups breaking down, the day job continues and we get right back on it. dri ing apart, and so on. We hear many such stories and So, with reviews still churning in our minds and these give our colleagues on the frontline and students’ the next semester approaching fast, we head back unions plenty of problems to help try and resolve. to checking bed availability, allocations, answering Now what are the other areas that we are reviewing queries and awaiting the arrival of our next cohort of and planning for? students. With all this in mind, we work tirelessly to The ASRA mail base is a forum routinely used to ensure this welcome is as warm as the September one. exchange knowledge, share ideas and ask for advice. Some So onwards and upwards and a new set of challenges – of the key queries relate to empty bed spaces, e ective roll on 2019!
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Nutrition and Anxiety
Professor David Russell explores the relationship between nutrition and anxiety
ccording to Young suggests a nutrient-dense plate adrenaline which contributes lean meats, root vegetables, Minds, a UK-based could support those with mental to neuropsychiatric symptoms wholegrains, low-sugar fruits A charity supporting health issues, especially anxiety – including anxiety. The (berries, apples, pears), full- young people with mental and depression. We’ll explore Harvard Medical School blog fat dairy, pulses, legumes, health challenges, one in ten just one parameter of this idea agree that low blood sugar can nuts and seeds. We’d also children has a diagnosable today: blood sugar levels. precipitate or mimic symptoms recommend opting for three mental health disorder – that’s main meals which contain roughly three children in every Observational evidence suggests that a relationship protein, bre and fat, as opposed classroom. This gure rises in to regular snacking. We’ll may exist between high glycemic index (GI) diets and adolescence, where one in ve explore this another time… young adults has a diagnosable the development of anxiety and depression symptoms To nish, we want to highlight mental health disorder. the importance of professional What's fuelling this rise? Observational evidence of anxiety, and therefore it is therapies, social support and stress Theories range from increased suggests that a relationship may important that enduring blood management when dealing with reporting and diagnostic exist between high glycemic sugar levels are kept stable. mental health. Nutrition is by no improvements to social media, index (GI) diets and the There are many other means a catch-all solution but is vaccinations, increased life development of anxiety and studies suggesting nutritional a supportive aide in managing pressures and nancial struggles. depression symptoms, according interventions to support anxiety. mental health challenges. Whatever the reason, it’s clear to a study within the Case Reports Our recommendations are: that mental health challenges are in Psychiatry Journal. High GI green vegetables, oily sh, eggs, www.russellpartnership.com omnipresent in today’s society foods are commonly known as and particularly prevalent in our re ned carbohydrates, or food classrooms and lecture theatres. that spikes blood sugar rapidly. Further reading: The article discusses how high So, what can GI foods result in an increase https://youngminds.org.uk/ we do to help? in blood glucose levels and a https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4963565/ Nutrition may not be the natural corresponding drop in blood https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/eating-well-to-help-manage- rst step that comes to mind, sugar. This drop is associated anxiety-your-questions-answered-2018031413460
but research is emerging that with an acute increase in Main image © freepiks.com
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Craft Guild of Chefs delivers Universal Cookery & Food Festival
The Cra Guild of Chefs versus taste and the futuristic brought Universal Cookery kitchen. The day’s programme & Food Festival 2018 to o ered numerous in uential Westlands, in the heart of the speakers, hosted on the main Worcestershire countryside. stage by Nigel Barden, food Previously held at River and drink broadcaster and food Cottage, Vallum Farm, correspondent for BBC London. Laverstoke Park and Padstow, Nigel Barden commented: this year the Guild carefully “The Cra Guild of Chefs are selected a venue that is a the ones that put the meals on seasoned producer with a tables quietly in many ways and 60-year lineage of British they’re the real ambassadors produce including traditional, for the chef trail in Britain. It’s plant propagation and specialty a long-established institution to give visitors an authentic but it’s one to be nurtured, festival experience within one cherished and looked a er.” of their exclusive glasshouses. The rst presentation of think the way they are engaging day included Eddie Shepherd, Established in 2012, Maycock the day was given by chef with the younger generation; Andrew Dargue, Chris started the festival with Ian Gerry Ludwig, who gave the way they are adding value Greenacre, Will Matier, Jen Nottage and John Feeney, all delegates an insight into his to us and recognising the Elford, Chris Chinn, Lee Guild committee members methods of creating trends- industry makes a di erence.” DeSanges, Richard Cook, at the time, making it a Cra based menu solutions. During the day, Tom Brad Carter, Steve Scu ell, Guild of Chefs event. Later that morning, Robert Beeston, a livestock farmer Gareth Ward and Alyn In the past six years, the Ortiz, head chef at Michelin- by trade, who has an HND in Williams. These all gave either festival has included an eclectic starred restaurant Lima, delivered agriculture and an MSc in food a presentation, were involved in mix of demonstrations, his presentation with Chef Alan policy, was involved in sharing a live debate, or demonstrated workshops, in-land and coastal Murchison. Together they spoke his knowledge with delegates some excellent cooking ideas. foraging, farm tours and live about how you can be creative during a debate about the rise of debates that have tackled with menus by using plants from vegetarian and vegan dining in For more information about current issues, trends and root to ower. Ortiz praised the the UK and what this means for the Craft Guild of Chefs or forecasts for the future such Cra Guild of Chefs by saying: chefs, butchers and shmongers. to become a member, visit as farming for chefs, health “It’s an amazing organisation; I Additional speakers of the www.craftguildofchefs.org
A real achievement for TUCO
By Matthew In 2018, we saw the launch Academy will oer access School can provide a meal every White, Chair of several new procurement to resources, such as its school day to its children until of The services, including our further commissioned research and 2020. Going forward, we pledge University competition service and TUCO mentoring to members, as well to set higher donation targets for Caterers local. We also saw the launch as financial support for fees for coming years and extend Organisation (TUCO) and of TUCO’s Master’s degree TUCO members. the partnership. Director of Campus Commerce in hospitality leadership in This year, there was one Looking ahead, our next major at University of Reading universities and the public lifetime experience I will never event is TUCO Competitions at sector, which is due to start in forget. Mike Haslin and I travelled the University of Warwick, on Now in my third year as TUCO the New Year. to Malawi to see first-hand Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 Chair, I’m extremely proud to The degree is the result of a how our members’ generous March. This is our annual skills see the TUCO team continue to two-year collaboration between donations have positively competitions, which sees more grow from strength to strength TUCO and London South Bank aected school children. The than 50 of our members and and what a year it’s been! Back University. The course consists of trip was taken in conjunction with 150 delegates compete against in April our Academy won the six modules, namely: leadership; Mary’s Meals, a charity providing each other in a wide range of Cost Sector Catering training strategy; marketing; product life-changing meals to children activities. Entry is open now so and development award and, in development; sustainable every school day. We have get your applications in. October, the procurement team operations; and a bespoke proudly donated enough funds won a Foodservice Catey for comparative study field trip. to ensure Mlambe Primary For more information, visit procurement team of the year. While on the course, our School and Milare Primary www.tuco.ac.uk
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The Business of Higher Education
Check out our NEW and improved website
Delivering the latest news, appointments and expert opinion in HE.
www.universitybusiness.co.uk EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY COVERING ALL THE TOPICS IN THE TECHNOLOGY SECTOR THIS MONTH Award win for Learning Labs’ e-learning portal The company’s online tutorials, helping students with learning difficulties, headed the ‘Tech for Good’ category at Dynamites 18
n e-learning portal developed by Learning A Labs has been named ‘Tech for Good’ winner at Dynamites 18, the North East’s IT and technology awards. Ten hopefuls entered the category – ‘recognising an organisation that uses digital technology to improve the lives of others and make the world a better place’ – with only four applicants shortlisted. Learning Labs’ work is reported to have helped improve educational experiences for students with learning BT’s Simon Yellowley with the Learning Labs team including systems architect Lewis di culties across the country Jackson, marketing manager Bryony Steventon, general manager Andy Gough, multimedia and reduce dropout rates. resource developer Liam Robinson and internal sales consultant Emma Sheakey. Based in Tyne and Wear and with remote workers across as having dyslexia until the 2013, he began Learning “From understanding how the UK, the company supplies age of 21, while studying at Labs. Leading neuroscientists, sentence structure and short- online tutorials to help those Northumbria University. including Dr Chris Wood term memory can aect people’s supported with access to assistive “Had I been identi ed at Newcastle University and ability to read, to understanding so ware via Disabled Students’ and received appropriate Dr John Welch of Newcastle how the brain uses visual Allowance (DSA). Programmes support earlier, my experience Hospitals, were instrumental in references when recalling video can include anything from of education would have Learning Labs’ development. tutorials, our team is at the grammar corrections and been much more positive Content design was led forefront of digital technology read-aloud tools – for students and my achievements could by neurodiversity expert, for neurodiverse learning. with learning di culties, have been far greater. chartered psychologist and “My aim has always been such as dyslexia – to mind- “I became passionate about head of e-assessment at the to build services and digital mapping and organisational improving processes and International Baccalaureate, solutions that help make the so ware, for those with anxiety services for DSA students. Dr Sue Wilkinson. world more inclusive. Learning or memory di culties. I wanted to create a good “Every tutorial or ‘Lab’ is Labs is a source of continuous The CEO of Learning Labs, company that does good.” created with the option to support for disabled students that Chris Quickfall, said: “I was Chris started with his rst read text, watch video and helps reduce dropout rates and last in my class to spell my company, an assistive technology do an interactive version, in improves chances at education, name, learn the alphabet and supplier known as Invate, both Mac and Windows,” said and in life. Creating ‘tech for tell the time. I was the best at straight out of university in Chris. “This neuroscience- good’ is at the heart of our maths, but the system’s incorrect 2006. This was followed by in uenced, digital learning group mission and I am very assumptions discouraged me launching e-Quality Learning design was created to proud of our team for delivering from performing where I was in 2010, an assistive technology support visual, auditory and a solution that is recognised strongest. I wasn’t identi ed training provider. Then, in kinaesthetic learning styles. for the good that it does.”
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UEA students create Let Jisc take wellbeing app the hassle out of single sign on
A fully managed cloud solution for secure, cost-effective access to: > UK Access Management Federation > eduroam > IP authenticated resources > Jisc Assent Fast to setup and simple to deploy. James Mason, part of the app development team jisc.ac.uk/liberate
Students from The University some students are less likely to of East Anglia have launched a seek face-to-face support in this rst-of-its-kind wellbeing app digital age and more likely to use to help their peers understand online tools. Digital services should their emotions, develop coping be expanded and made available strategies and access support. alongside current systems, reaching The app, OpenUpUEA, out to as many students as possible.” features a mood tracker to The app has been funded by help students understand their UEA’s Research and Innovation uctuating emotions by noting app development competition, them through nine emojis, with enabling students to develop their relevant services highlighted own or their academic’s app ideas. according to their responses. The app has undergone rigorous Also included is an A-Z of support testing by students, who were services o ered by UEA and the asked to download and use it Students’ Union, as well as other before completing a questionnaire local organisations, along with a and taking part in focus groups help button for direct access to the to provide feedback on usability police, Samaritans, GP services, and suggested features. Nightline or campus security. UEA students will continue to It’s thought to be the rst app develop the app, with the potential launched by a UK university that for budgeting and planning advice, combines a mood tracker with emotional resilience and study details of the services on o er, and support to be added, as well as the team is interested in working advice around students’ future with other universities. There is plans for when they graduate. scope for the app to be adapted for The app is an additional tool high schools and colleges, too. to that which Student Support The students, from the UEA’s Services already provide, which School of Computer Sciences, includes wellbeing advice School of Psychology and the sessions, an exercise referral Norwich Business School, worked scheme, resilience and wellbeing with psychology experts Dr Laura workshops and talking therapies. Biggart and Dr Kamena Henshaw The app has primarily been to develop and test the app. aimed at students, but is also James Mason, part of the available to sta to enable them development team, commented: to have information about UEA “Universities need to consider that support at their ngertips.
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Pupils at Newbattle High School in Mid Lothian took part in an Internet of Things workshop on Friday 21 September, to mark the launch of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal Data-Driven Innovation initiative Image © Lesley Martin Universities unveil City Region Deal plan to tackle digital skills gap The University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Wa University will work together to train 100,000 people in data skills and help 1,000 organisations through data
he University of extra workers with data skills as “This exciting project – to be inclusive and open to all.” Edinburgh and Heriot- the workplace is transformed. backed by £270m of UK Jarmo Eskelinen has been T Watt University have The Scottish Government’s Government investment – appointed to lead the Data- launched a major initiative Digital Strategy, published in will ensure that the UK leads Driven Innovation initiative. that includes plans to improve 2017, included plans to tackle the world in technologies He comes to Edinburgh from digital skills across South East this digital skills gap while of the future and bene ts his previous role as Chief Scotland. The new venture growing the Scottish economy. from the economic growth Innovation and Technology aims “to transform Edinburgh Together, the two universities opportunities that this brings.” Ocer of the London-based and its surrounding area into will increase the provision of Professor Charlie Je ery, Future Cities Catapult initiative. the data capital of Europe”. data science teaching for their Senior Vice Principal, University He said: “Data is the new soil The £661m Data-Driven students, and support schools of Edinburgh, added: “Perhaps and collaboration the seeds. Innovation initiative is a key and colleges across the region in the most important part of the The Data-Driven Innovation part of the recently announced providing digital skills teaching deal is our commitment to initiative is unique in its ensuring people in the region ambition and scale. It’s been “This exciting project – backed by £270m of UK can build the skills to ourish designed to reach out to the Government investment – will ensure that the UK leads in the data-driven economy. whole City Region, so we can the world in technologies of the future and benefits “So we are working not just develop and test new services to from the economic growth opportunities this brings” in our universities, but also with meet the needs of our citizens.” schools, colleges and businesses, The £1.3bn Edinburgh so people have the opportunities and South East Scotland City Edinburgh and South East and training. The region’s to develop data skills across their Region Deal was announced Scotland City Region Deal. supercomputing capabilities life-course. This could include by the Prime Minister and It aims to train 100,000 people will also be strengthened with young people about to enter the First Minister at the University in data skills over the next investment in a data analysis workforce, women returning of Edinburgh on 7 August. decade, from computer science facility, which will help 1,000 a er career breaks, or people It aims to drive growth for specialists to traditional jobs organisations use data to looking to reskill in mid-career. everyone across the area, that will increasingly use data. innovate within their sectors. We know that data-driven and includes investment in It is estimated that Scotland David Mundell, Secretary innovation will bring economic transport, housing, culture annually needs around 13,000 of State for Scotland, said: growth – we want that growth and skills and employability.
@UB_UK | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 69 Western Blueprint specialise in Designing and Building ‘Eating Environments’ for professional caterers across the UK.
From a sixth form coffee bar to a large scale refectory & kitchen, Blueprint has many years of experience creating www.w-blueprint.co.uk innovative solutions for the modern day caterer. [email protected] Contact us to see how Blueprint could enhance your dining 0117 967 8222 experience. feature AV Technology: Transforming Higher Education
Carl Sheen, head of training and development at Genee World, explores the way AV technology has transformed the HE sector
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he evolution of technology permeates their day-to-day life, so it’s in a way that not only caters for multiple has been a catalyst important for education providers to deliver learning styles, but also engages audiences, for e ective teaching an ‘all accessible’ experience for students. AV technology can be invaluable. For and learning. For the When identifying the so ware and instance, using tablet devices or interactive higher education (HE) tools that would be most valuable for screens can provide an array of opportunities Tsector, technology is at the heart of an HE environment, it’s important to for tasks to be tackled in di erent ways, the curriculum, aiming to prepare consider what is going to have an impact at di erent levels according to a student’s learners for their future careers. on teaching and learning, as well as understanding; if a learner needs to present Audio visual (AV) technology has streamlining processes. For example, by what they learnt during work experience or become an intrinsic and vital part of using cloud-based so ware and virtual placements, some may wish to document delivering an e ective HE course, and it learning environments (VLEs), teachers this as a video while others might prefer to plays an essential role for students who can share classroom material online, giving take images and write-up their experience. want to unlock the door to true success. themselves and students the ability to access Using so ware like this will streamline The variety of options for teachers and work wherever and whenever they need to. planning, support students’ learning learners to generate ideas, boost collaboration So ware that assists lecturers and styles and abilities and ensure the whole and streamline processes are extensive teachers with their lesson delivery has lesson delivery process is more e cient. and far reaching and are an essential part huge and wide-ranging bene ts with of learning today. AV technology gives di erent functionalities addressing any Giving students the everyone in HE a host of new options that speci c problems they may encounter. best chances possible they can utilise to take their work to the When it comes to delivering lessons It is important, of course, for lecturers to next level. The technology provides an and lectures, AV technology helps to be given the best resources possible but it important opportunity to improve meetings, facilitate much greater interactivity and is equally important, if not more so, for bolster group work through collaborative collaboration. This kind of so ware o ers a students to have all the resources they so ware and step-up organisation and note-taking skills with solutions that store ideas and information all in one place. What can really make a difference to students’ learning Helping sta to help the students is software that allows them to collaborate, share work and We’re o en told that HE sta have ever- connect with peers to learn and create shared projects increasing ‘to-do’ lists. Tasks such as preparation for lectures, marking and data assessment can build quickly, and it can new way for educators to create and present need to be successful. What can really be challenging to prioritise workloads. lessons, makes it easier for work to be sent make a di erence to students’ learning is Having the right AV so ware and edtech directly to students’ devices, introduces so ware that allows them to collaborate, tools can help to alleviate this and, crucially, the potential for new activities in teaching, share work and connect with peers (both it can make lesson delivery a lot more and facilitates easier teacher-student within their university and from others e ective for both sta and students. communication. Equally, hardware like across the world) to learn and create shared At the forefront for any education interactive screens can be used to deliver projects. This presents students with a provider is the importance of the student team presentations and group work. di erent style of learning and develops skills experience. Increasingly, technology is Not only is this a more fun and including teamwork, as well as making embedded in the curriculum to heighten, engaging route for learners, but it also learning and studying more convenient for emphasise and improve the learning gives educators the opportunity to those who might need encouragement. experience of every student, and this is track progression and understanding. If Interactive, innovative teaching tools most true at HE level. Students expect there’s a learner who perhaps isn’t quite give students the opportunity to get hands a certain amount of technology now. It getting the same answers as everyone on, helping them to become more engaged else in the class, teachers can discreetly with activities and cementing modules monitor and address the issue to prevent and concepts more deeply. These tools also complete disengagement with a subject. enable students to learn from places other than the lecture hall. For example, students Personalising learning who struggle to attend lectures because of Teachers and lecturers also now recognise physical or social di erences now have the the need to di erentiate learning. It is, of option to engage with the class as if they are course, important in HE for educators to actually in the room. Students can also take ensure that all students are performing to the part in study groups from various locations best of their abilities and that lesson content and continue to learn around the clock in is targeted to students’ individual needs a way that suits them most e ectively. and learning styles, as well as addressing The HE sector requires technology that the wider needs of the curriculum. It is also is user-friendly, highly scalable, exible extremely important to ensure that students and able to cope with the intense and understand all the concepts and ideas they varied demands that an ever-growing are being taught before moving on to other number of learners has to throw at it. Most topics. To achieve this, and to deliver lessons of these learners will digest information
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Tips for investing in AV When confronted with a huge selection of AV technology, there are a few things to consider before investing all that money...
● The biggest challenge is knowing when to invest and take the plunge. If you are Image © depositphotos.com experiencing di culty and find yourself moaning about the performance of your best when they are having a discussion be top quality; 4k screens that are as clear tech, it is quite likely that it is time to and talking through di cult concepts for those at the back of the lecture hall as invest in something new and revitalise and subjects rather than listening to one they are for those sitting in the front row. your working environment. person talking about the subject. AV Similarly, the use of tablets and interactive ● Think about what you really need. hardware and so ware creates an open audience response systems is a key tool Make a list of all the dierent things dialogue and helps explore challenging to bring another important dimension you want it to do and ensure that topics in a more visually appealing way to teaching in seminars or lecture halls. what you buy fulfils all these needs. – for example in live video discussions, Audience response systems are a great Remember that the right technology is interactive quizzes and audio clips. way to make lectures and presentations subjective; the wrong technology isn’t. more interactive and are a useful tool to Slow, di cult to use and overly complex Having the right hardware gather a collective audience opinion. resources will be a hindrance rather to complement so ware than being helpful. Today’s students are also consumers, so Looking forward ● Go for something that is modern and technology providers are having to o er the Looking at the future of the HE sector fits the infrastructure of your institution! best service, facilities and – most importantly and the role technology will play, many This year’s cohort of students are the – resources possible, to attract the very best experts would like to see technology first generation that were born into a students. Universities need to be able to o er completely embedded within the wider fully digital world. They did not have to them the same thing. And while having all structure of each institution or university. deal with slow dial-up internet and they the right so ware is important, so is having Looking beyond the role of technology have come to expect state-of-the-art the right hardware to complement it. solely within teaching and learning, it can tech. Therefore, universities should be Interactive touchscreens are an essential also prove a useful way for educators to making clever choices to invest in up-to- part of classroom teaching and lectures. collate, retain and distribute information. date tech that will last and stay relevant Lecturers o en have a huge volume of Using technology within the classroom and useful for a good amount of time. information that needs to be conveyed and, is now vital to encourage the development ● Finally, make sure you are getting a for most learners, some visual representation of key skills needed for the future. good deal. Some companies will oer of this information will be essential. Students don’t just appreciate technology you a year’s free subscription to their There is a variety of ways lecturers can use in the classroom; it is now becoming a software when you buy their hardware. their hardware, whether they are using a necessity! Not only is it fun and engaging, This is a great way of testing out new presentation, creating mind maps with the but it provides learners with the ability things and getting a little extra bang for group’s help, or playing videos to explain to tailor their learning to what works your buck! a point. However, the hardware should best for them, anytime, anywhere.
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SOCIAL LEARNING SPACES FOR EVERY STUDENT How higher education institutions can turn our digitally connected world to their advantage
echnology is driving change, but allow their physical learning spaces is a quick and simple way to connect and we’re still social creatures. The two to take on a more exible form. share their own materials to a group. T can work together to create a If you would like to create your own completely new way to communicate – highly e ective social learning spaces, GROUP VERSUS INDEPENDENT LEARNING social networking and always-on you need AV technology that inspires With students having di erent learning conversations have become second nature, smaller workgroups, allows them to preferences, there will always be those whose especially to today’s students. create and share a variety of content learning is more individual. Capturing In higher education, the social learning no matter their device, and supports lectures and making them available online space draws on this nature. Collaboration, collaboration and discovery with external not only provides students wishing to creativity and discussion are championed. organisations and other universities. work more collaboratively with discussion These spaces exist all around the campus, As a starting point, consider the materials, but it also supports the more and beyond it, too. More than 50% of higher following for your social learning spaces: independent student to revisit content alone education student learning takes place outside the classroom. With useful tools outside the traditional learning space1. These HUMAN CENTRIC such as in-built polls and question functions, spaces not only satisfy students, but support Learning environments should be they can still interact with the materials a progressive image for the institution. By designed around the way students want and bene t from their peers at distance. providing spaces to suit a range of learning to learn – and we all do that di erently. styles, institutions can maximise their Give them options: make it simple to ACTIVE LEARNING WITHIN MODERATION appeal and build a competitive edge. connect any device, display content It’s important that lecturers continue to To encourage social learning, higher clearly and get them hands on with provide structure and guidance around education technology needs to go beyond touchscreen annotation and feedback. This self-discovery spaces with the ability to the provision of traditional teaching will allow spaces to be more interactive act as moderators. To do this, they require facilities to deliver experiences that inspire and group-led, while encouraging the ability to review workgroup progress individual students to develop social students to evaluate information, on their own display and allow students and digital skills. Interacting with both think critically, make informed to share centrally their ndings to a technology and people can have a huge decisions and discuss them together. wider audience. Sony’s Vision Exchange impact on students’ attainment through connects student groups to a centralised increased engagement during the course of INFORMAL HUBS hub in formal and informal working learning. Importantly, it can also provide We have social brains. With more situations, streamlining group projects and them with solid foundations for the future, opportunities for informal communication helping educators stay on top of multiple particularly when entering the workforce. and collaboration, students become work groups learning at one time. Dedicated spaces already exist – and more con dent in their ability to learn, structural changes are not necessary. interact and share. Invite students to utilise Find out more about Vision Exchange Therefore, there is a real opportunity communal spaces beyond the classroom at pro.sony/active-learning for higher education institutions to to develop their debating, reasoning 1 College: The Undergraduate Experience in America by move beyond one-way dialogue and and presentation skills. All they’ll need Ernest L. Boyer feature
The Bring Your Own Revolution Nicola Yeeles explores the pros and cons of BYOD, from cyber security concerns to potential digital divide issues
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isc’s annual survey of more than Virus protection to them when they start their course and 37,000 students found that an Universities need to consider security this is reiterated throughout their study.” impressive 96% of higher protection against malware or virus attacks At Surrey, IT Services have their own education students feel supported coming through or a ecting students’ YouTube channel full of help videos, and to ‘bring their own devices’, using devices, as well as data protection, with the they also provide students and sta with their own phones and computers to new Data Protection Act 2018 imposing access to the Microso Imagine Academy, access university services such as huge nes for loss of sensitive data. Another which o ers online training on the Microso Wi-Fi and apps. It’s clear that higher consideration is adequate connectivity at suite. Debbie Exley of LapSafe adds that all education is still a front-runner in bring your all hours of the day. Continued investment sta also need to be trained in how to use the own device support, or BYOD. in these areas remains crucial. devices to deliver learning e ectively and to But there are challenges, not least in Once the technical considerations provide best practice models to students. nding the balance between supporting can be managed, Knight points out that access and keeping students safe, and this organisations also need to ensure students Keeping it secure means that many universities are erring on have the right digital skills to make use If students bring high-value computing the side of caution. As a result, according of the apps on o er. She says, “As our equipment on to campus, hardware to Sarah Knight of Jisc, access to university report recommends, clear signposting to security is another issue. By providing a safe services is not yet ubiquitous: “Most students digital training and helpdesks could be a environment for students to store and charge now bring their own devices for learning, great start. It’s also important to ensure their mobile tech, provider LapSafe argues but many can’t use them to access subject- students know what support is available that universities can encourage students to specialist so ware and online content.”
Bucking the trend But some providers are bucking the trend – take the University of Surrey, where since 2012 students have been able to download a range of applications completely free of charge for the duration of their time there. James Pickett, principal end user computing engineer at the University, explains, “For the last ve years, Surrey So ware has replaced long queues for CDs and USB sticks at IT Services with a self-service store, where students can easily download applications to their own computers from anywhere. To-date, over 150,000 copies
have been downloaded, which is the Photo by NEC Corporation of America Photo by Maurizio Pesce equivalent of a 180-metre tall stack of CDs!” The applications include the entire Microso O ce suite and popular Windows Apps, such as the calculation package MATLAB and the statistical so ware SPSS. To begin with, of course, institutions need a robust computer infrastructure to enable them to support BYOD. James Breakell, UK managing director of the library security systems supplier D-Tech International, says, “The main challenges are the network being overloaded with more devices connecting to Wi-Fi and so on; internet security; and IT support being bombarded with access problems and forgotten passwords.”
Sarah Knight Westminster Kingsway College
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BYOD can increase the digital divide, frustrating students who aren’t fortunate enough to have their own laptop or tablet
use their own equipment while removing now automated their manual laptop loans the concern of items being le randomly in service and this is increasing dramatically. public areas on the assumption that it is the Over 50% of universities in the capital university’s responsibility. Many universities are now giving students individual access are choosing high-tra c areas such as to securely stored and charged laptops or libraries but also social areas like cafés in tablets using the company’s intelligent which to provide such storage. Universities access control system. Each loaned laptop such as Heriot-Watt have installed 72 of can link directly into the University’s these bays, while the University of Galway existing library management system or work went for 36 bays in their main library. standalone. Behind the scenes, the lockers Another option is to provide devices for enable sta to track and monitor equipment students to borrow rather than enabling use and save resources. You can nd this BYOD as such. The argument here is that system at universities such as Kings College students, particularly those travelling from London, UCL and Imperial College. outside campus, don’t want to carry their Breakell of Supplier D-Tech International own heavy devices around, preferring agrees that BYOD provision “has dropped the space-saving and more exible option o in terms of providing a laptop self- of laptops to desktops. LapSafe estimates service solution,” with most universities that about half of UK universities have opting instead for a system “that dispenses
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devices supplied by the university where will use students’ access via their own they can manage the devices more securely devices to drive better student services. and ensure that applications that cause a Canterbury Christ Church University higher security threat are disabled”. is taking the blended learning agenda forward in a way that works for their Minimising the digital divide students. Knight explains how they have Nevertheless, in the Jisc survey, only 7.9% used the results of the Jisc survey to make of students surveyed used smartphones improvements: rstly, by redesigning provided by institutions to support virtual learning environment templates their work, so it could be bene cial for to make navigation via mobile devices universities to look into providing not just easier and more consistent. Secondly, the laptops but also smartphones or tablets university is fast-tracking the introduction for students who can’t a ord their own. of a new lecture capture recording system. Debbie Exley at LapSafe warns: “BYOD Knight says, “The approach taken by
can increase the digital divide, frustrating Canterbury Christ Church University is Photo by NEC Corporation of America students who aren’t fortunate enough ensuring the democratic student voice is to have their own laptop or tablet.” heard in full – all students on all campuses a third of students agree they were told As a result, Knight says, “It is essential have the opportunity to let the university which digital skills they would need before that universities are aware of where possible know about their needs and expectations starting their course. Universities could digital divides exist so that all students and how well these are being met.” perhaps make more of the opportunity to have equitable access to the technology It’s clear that universities are going in the push training and digital support to their they need to support their learning.” right direction towards providing the best students through whatever devices they However, there is a caveat: 88% of students technology to support their students. But are using. By doing so, they could play rated their organisation’s digital provision Jisc’s insights survey shows that only 41% an even more signi cant role in enabling as above average, so students are clearly of students in higher education agree that students to work independently in the increasingly satis ed with what’s on o er. their course prepares them for the digital professional digital environments they The most forward-thinking universities workplace and, what’s more, only about will be encountering in the future.
University of Sussex
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Be : The hub for inspirational practice in higher education Get ready for Be 2019, where you can touch and see the latest edtech!
e’re living in a period of rapid change, to trial and test resources is perhaps one of the most and the role of education has never valuable features of Bett, particularly when purchases W been more important. According to need to demonstrate clear value to universities for a report by the World Economic Forum, in many whom budgets are under pressure. One of the more industries and countries, the most in-demand organic bene ts of time at the event, meanwhile, is the occupations or current specialties did not exist 10 opportunity to meet other education professionals. These or even 5 years ago. Popular estimates, meanwhile, opportunities enable visitors to nd out more about the suggest the jobs that 65% of children entering primary practicalities and realities of meeting the needs of all school today will work in don’t even exist yet. pupils and build meaningful relationships with other Preparing pupils for this sort of unknown future is establishments among the thriving Bett community. challenging and exciting for educators, and it’s one of Our Post 16 Theatre will host essential sessions the primary reasons that the education community curated for leaders and educators within the higher gathers each January at Bett: to discuss education, its education sector, addressing the current challenges challenges and the di erent ways in which educators are being faced by the sector. Sessions will be delivered rising to meet them. The role of technology, meanwhile, by leading practitioners and education experts, and is changing just as rapidly as our economies are. to give you the most valuable information, we’ve No longer a separate part of the curriculum and no longer conducted market research to really get under the skin used in prescribed ways, edtech can be used to break of higher education needs and challenges, to help us down the many barriers that higher education pupils shape and inform our content. We’ll share best practice o en face. From tools to recruit and retain students and inspiring stories to help improve knowledge to improving graduate employability, technology and and learning of teachers, leaders and support sta . e ective practice is key for meeting the needs of all Bett’s mission is to bring together people, ideas, pupils, and for managing data, workload and assessment. practices and technologies so that educators and But changes in the ways we teach, learn and consume learners can ful l their potential. Bett 2019 is future information are combined with the rising importance focused in many ways; it’s bringing the future of of skills such as resilience, collaboration and problem- learning to life, with all its excitement and vibrancy, solving. The value in coming together to explore to help educators not just imagine the upcoming these changes and share the ways in which education careers of all their pupils, but really get to grips with institutions are navigating them has never been higher. how to get them there. Underpinning it all is the belief that everyone has a role to play in transforming What’s on at Bett education, and that education should be accessible A range of higher education suppliers will be showcasing and exciting for each and every student. their latest products across four days at Bett 2019, o ering visitors the opportunity to touch, test and Bett 2019 will run over four days, from 23 to evaluate vital resources. These specialist suppliers join 26 January 2019 at ExCeL London. For more over 800 education suppliers, from global technology information and to register for your free pass, giants to exciting edtech start-ups. The opportunity visit www.bettshow.com
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CONQUERING THE CHALLENGE OF LAPTOP LOANS AT AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF ROME James Breakell, UK MD of D-Tech International, looks at the company’s involvement in the computer lab refurbishment at the prestigious European university
hen we were asked to provide THE CHALLENGE ● I MPROVED SERVICES a space-saving IT solution that During the summer of 2017, AUR Improved use of sta resources W would enable the American refurbished its main computer lab removing ● I MPROVED STUDENT University of Rome (AUR) to loan laptops over 55 workstations to provide a multi- EXPERIENCE Easy-to-use, to its students from a secure unit that would functional study/social space for students. rapid laptop deployment facilitate loans using AUR ID cards we By changing the nature and use of this knew that our ComputeIT cabinet would space, the number of student computers on CUSTOMER COMMENTS be perfect. campus was reduced signi cantly. AUR Rosa Fusco, Director of Computer Services, Founded in 1969, the American needed to nd a solution to provide students AUR, said: “With the refurbishment of University of Rome (AUR) is situated with alternative computer access without the old computer lab, we converted the area within walking distance of Rome’s historic disrupting the new space design. A space- into a modern, versatile lounge for informal centre. Focusing on blending the liberal saving alternative was needed. AUR wanted student gatherings, social events and study arts with career preparation and elements of a solution that would allow students to check groups. We were worried that by removing the Italian/European classical tradition of out laptops using their AUR ID card. the desktop computers, this would impact the humanities, AUR is home to students computer access for students on campus. The from over 40 countries. We were delighted THE SOLUTION self-service laptop unit was the ideal solution. to be part of the refurbishment project D-Tech o ered a compact laptop check out “We chose D-Tech because they o ered and to receive such positive feedback from unit with card reader and advanced system a solution that would allow us to use our the students and sta at the University. integration functionality. D-Tech supplied ID cards and integrate with our network and installed a 12 locker ComputeIT user account system. Another challenge cabinet in steel grey which is housed in a was nding a unit that could be easily purpose-built recess inside the lounge. Fully shipped. Many self-service laptop units are integrated with the University’s network user designed and shipped from the US so nding account system, the students can check out D-Tech in the UK was certainly a bonus. laptops using their AUR ID card. A web- “Students are very happy with the unit; based portal allows the O ce of Computer it allows them to check out university Service to monitor laptops and loans. laptops autonomously without having to come to the IT o ce and to return them THE RESULTS a er o ce hours. Our reports show that ●E XPANDED SERVICES Faster 80% of the laptops are checked out daily.” access to laptops which can be used anywhere within the building d-techinternational.com feature
Safe Secureand Keri Beckingham takes a look at the latest campus security developments across the UK
here’s no denying that today’s universities are aware of the key responsibility they have regarding student safety on campus. For example, The University of TNorthampton has just announced that it is going to pay £774,027 over three academic years for six police o cers to patrol its new Waterside Campus amid fears over central funding cuts in the local area. But when it comes to ensuring the safety of students in 2018, what are institutions’ current concerns and what technology is being used on campus to improve security? Illustrations © freepix.com
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SECURITY STRATEGY danger to themselves by carrying out actions Mike Davies is Senior Consultant at such as keeping belongings safe, keeping Blackstone Consultancy, providers of accommodation secure and reporting bespoke, discreet and exceptionally vigilant any strange sights while on campus. security arrangements to individuals and “Blackstone Consultancy would companies. He believes that a safe school recommend that universities pass on this environment is critical to the education information to students as part of their process, and that universities need to overall security strategy, to empower incorporate security and multi-disciplinary students with the knowledge of how to approaches within their campuses to enjoy their university experience safely.” universities. For instance, those based in deter criminal behaviour, such as Crime the heart of a city, such as King’s College Prevention Through Environmental Design CURRENT CONCERNS London, need to take into account the (CPTED). In addition, he thinks that Jason Boyce is Strategic Business threat of terrorism a er previous attacks institutions should look at their existing Development Manager at Gallagher Security have taken place outside a campus.” security systems to conduct the required (Europe) Ltd, providers of security solutions vulnerability assessment, and then determine to education providers across the UK. He FUTURE-PROOFING whether the facilities, processes and policies thinks that universities de nitely recognise The safety of students and sta should meet industry standards and guidance security as a key priority for two main be paramount to institutions. Andy as part of an overall security strategy. reasons – rstly because they are ranked on Wray, General Manager SME at leading Discussing the idea of security strategy how safe they are, and secondly because of security and life safety systems provider further, he said: “As well as protecting the the current threat landscape in the UK. STANLEY Security, explained that a campus, protecting the individual is equally Summarising his thoughts, he said: university’s reputation could be damaged important. Open and easy access reporting “Many universities have a counter-terror by incidents on campus. He commented: processes and con dence in the reporting policy and invacuation process, which “Overall, universities recognise security system are imperative post-event but the ensures that security is a key priority. as being important but many institutions individual can ensure that they minimise “Security concerns are di erent for all are constrained by budgets and have to use
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Safe school environment is critical to the education process... universities need to incorporate security and multi-disciplinary approaches within their campuses to deter criminal behaviour
CASE STUDY: Solent University
Bryan Carroll is Deputy Director of Solent University’s Estates and Facilities department. Here, he discusses the security technology that is used on campus as part of an ongoing programme of measures designed to enhance security. He also explains how the University has considered all risks and concerns to ensure the safety and 12:30 wellbeing of its sta, students and visitors. “Solent University continues to invest Back in a variety of systems and hardware solutions to enhance campus security. This includes external lighting, access control, intruder alarm systems, ANPR and CCTV provision across its main city centre East Park Terrace campus. “Projects delivered during the summer of 2018 resulted in the installation of an additional 300 access control locks, bringing the total across the academic and residential estate to nearly 2,000. “The infrastructure is now in place for a more flexible approach to campus security, enabling the University to adapt its security measures, better reflect the location of buildings, and set access times appropriate with the level of risk NAME and activity. The technology has also allowed us to reduce the number of
ID : 765 876 654 alternative entrances to buildings as a Phone : +234 876 654 means of reducing risk, while retaining Email : [email protected] emergency exits. join : xxx-xxx-xxx expire : xxx-xxx-xxx “The predominantly city centre campus poses a number of specific safety and security challenges. We continually work with external agencies to identify, mitigate and manage these risks.”
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disparate ‘cost-e ective’ security systems that have been built up over a number of years. “These are rapidly becoming out of date and o er limited scope for future integration, which is important as it allows one single front-end which makes for simple system management.” Andy Wray also believes that most campuses have some way to go with their security solutions because of legacy systems that are already in place. Furthermore, he do our experts think are particularly thinks that future-proo ng is key when e ective? Jason Boyce has seen access it comes to the design of campus new control systems also act as the student ID builds, adding: “Retrospectively installing card, in addition to o ering admission integrated systems then comes at a signi cant to accommodation and libraries. cost and institutions end up paying twice.” Elaborating further on the bene ts of this, he said: “Security sta can also be TECHNOLOGY given mobile readers so that they can carry So, what technology is available to out spot checks to ensure anyone using universities who are looking to improve someone else’s ID card can be removed.” security on campus and what solutions Similarly, he has seen mobile phones utilised as access cards, providing an extra layer of security through dual factor authentication. He adds: “The access credential on the mobile phone can also be used to allocate lockers, book rooms, control lights and so on.” Andy Wray has started to see a range of new technology being used on campus, from body worn cameras that are able to live stream, to campus lockdown systems that can be activated from a smart device or pager, and even cashless vending. Commenting further, he said: “Where we are seeing a major change is in the integration of all these disciplines; primarily access control, CCTV, door entry and intercoms, and re. “Furthermore, the use of cloud-based solutions is becoming increasingly popular as o en existing IT systems are unable to host Jason Boyce, Strategic Business these security systems locally and it would be Development Manager at Gallagher Security (Europe) Ltd cost-prohibitive to upgrade the network.”
CASE STUDY: University Quarter
Richard Stott is Managing Director of dawn lighting is installed to the rear of all Hull’s University Quarter, a student refurbished properties highlighting amenity housing project creating 200 new homes social spaces. The installation of external and two refurbished halls of residence lighting is part of the University campus’s in the city. Developed by a partnership illumination strategy, promoting a safer and between the University of Hull and student positive environment. accommodation provider Kexgill, security “Dark, unsupported streets are o-putting has been a key consideration of the project. for student tenants. Students need to feel Here, Richard discusses the technology that safe leaving the University library at 1.00am is being used on site to keep students safe. walking to their accommodation. If all “We’ve installed night-vision CCTV accommodation is less than a three-minute cameras covering the University Quarter walk away, with CCTV this certainly creates that is surrounding the campus. Dusk-to- a feeling of wellbeing.”
84 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @UB_UK promotion GET READY FOR ENROLMENT Providing students with a secure learning environment ith January enrolment coming up, universities across the UK are W preparing ID cards for thousands of new students. At Essentra Security, we have supplied the education sector for over 20 years with a range of expert ID solutions. We make the enrolment period easy for you, taking care of the whole end-to-end process from installing your system to supporting you with experienced technical support. Working in partnership with leading manufacturer Entrust Datacard, a pioneer of ID card printing technologies, we have just announced the CD815 Smart Card Printer. This desktop printer can print ● access control – authorise who ● faster processing – instantly replace lost or cards compatible with access control and can go where and manage damaged badges quickly and e ciently. time management systems, complete with access to restricted areas full colour photo, a signature, a barcode ● attendance monitoring – record The ability to issue ID cards quickly and smart chip for electronic security. attendance using a clock-in and is a fast and e ective way to make This gives you the exibility to create clock-out system and collect data sure all students and sta have the high-quality IDs tailored to your needs. to save time on reporting proper identi cation from enrolment While student ID cards are used for ● cashless vending – make payments at onwards. With everything you need visual identi cation purposes they can the library, cafeteria, photocopier or on including so ware and accessories, also be seen on campus today being used public transport using a card pre-loaded save time and start the new year with for a variety of applications, including: with credit or linked to an account a trusted ID solution in place.
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NMiTE: Ge ing engineers ready for the technological age Dr David Langley, Chief Partnerships Officer of the New Model in Technology & Engineering, discusses the NMiTE practical learning programme
n 2015, the Government set out plans to open the higher education sector to new I providers. New institutions, it said, were needed to provide a broader choice and deliver better value for money for undergraduates. Fast-forward to 2019 and Hereford will become home to the rst future university in the UK in four decades. The New Model in Engineering and Technology (NMiTE), which has received £23m in Government funding as well as support from a range of businesses, will be pioneering the most modern and radical engineering curriculum in the world. It is no secret that the UK has a shortage of skilled engineers. Demand for talent has soared. Engineering UK claims a further 1.8 million new engineers and technicians are needed by 2025. and other organisations. This will help ensure Our future engineers need to deal with the NMiTE maintains cutting-edge relevance. monumental challenges facing our world, whether that is Our students will work in teams to learn how helping tackle global food production as our population to cope with real-life challenges and commercial continues to grow to 8 billion and beyond, or ensuring uncertainties, so they develop the integrated the transport, heat and entertainment we use as part of work-ready skills employers tell us they need. our daily lives is not causing harmful climate change. The programme will provide our learners with the We are changing how we recruit young students necessary theory they need to underpin their knowledge. into the profession. The sector demographics are They will study a liberal curriculum and develop skills appalling, with the latest research showing that just such as communication and project management. 11% of the engineering workforce is female. The The course is currently going through the validation result is a huge loss of talent, ideas and creativity. process with Warwick University, our delivery The sector knows it has a gender problem but partner, and should be accredited by IET – enabling attempts to create balance have so far failed. the professional recognition our graduates will need. NMiTE is starting afresh by setting out its We are looking for creative and inquisitive minds. stall from the get go, laying down the target of Knowing engineering and having a strong technical a 50:50 gender balance from the outset. knowledge does not make an engineer. Being an The rst step to achieving this is to drop dogmatic engineer is more a state of mind, and an approach demands for all applicants to have maths and physics to life. We want people who can solve a problem A-levels, which we see as one of the biggest hurdles for that they have never seen before, and be ready to young women wanting to start an engineering degree. apply their skillset in the workplace and society. The gures speak for themselves: Engineering We want to change the student experience and UK’s Brand Monitor (EBM) survey found that make NMiTE an inspirational place to come, learn while more than 59% of 11–14-year-olds would and be dynamic. To that end, we have brought in 25 consider a career in engineering, by the age of 19 that adults to take part in our Design Cohort. Over the number fell to 39%. There is little understanding next year, they will have a say on creating everything of how to become an engineer or what a career from the facilities to the student experience. might entail. We want to change that. Future engineers have a promising career ahead At NMiTE we have adopted a practical learning of them, working with cutting-edge technologies programme to give engineering a much broader that will shape the way we live and work. If you appeal and to capture the interest of those students are interested in learning more about NMiTE and who may not have considered engineering before. how we are building a curriculum that inspires Our curriculum will be almost entirely undergraduates and works directly with employers, challenge-based, through projects developed in then please get in touch as I would welcome the intimate partnership with companies, communities chance to tell you more at www.nmite.org.uk.
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At ISE discover how new technologies are shaping the way education is delivered in the classroom, lecture theatre and office.