Search results
-
BGU social enterprise founder meets Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
The founder of a social enterprise based at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln met the newly engaged Royal couple in Nottingham this month. Lizzie Jordan, founder of BG Futures-based social enterprise Think2Speak, was invited to meet Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle at the Royal couple’s first public engagement together. The visit to Nottingham on World AIDS Day (1 December) honoured lives lost to HIV. It also marked the medical progress made in the fight against the virus and acknowledged individuals and organisations working in the sector. Lizzie Jordan, who became a mother, a widow and discovered she was HIV positive all within 18 months more than a decade ago, was amongst the invited guests. She was one of the first to meet the couple to share the work Think2Speak does with young people. Lizzie’s son Jay and fellow Think2Speak directors Alan Searle and Matthew Stringer also attended the event. Speaking after the event Lizze said, “It’s testament to Harry that he’s really following in his mother’s footsteps and flying the flag for things that many others would rather shy away from. “It’s just a shame that 30 years on we’re still having to bang the drum and talk about this issue. I go into schools across the country every week and the young people I meet don’t have the awareness of the Diana era. “We have got a generation where HIV isn’t on their radar and Think2Speak are working hard to change that!” The Royal couple are understood to have wanted to make the Terrence Higgins Trust World Aids Day charity fair the key moment for their first outing, after Prince Harry previously attempted to help break the stigma by taking an HIV test in public. Lizzie’s son Jay said, “It was funny because Meghan recognised my Mum and knew our family’s story from the BBC One documentary The Truth About HIV, that Prince Harry was also in. “Harry asked me what I knew about HIV and if I was proud of my Mum. I was so proud to be able to talk to them both about the work that she does.” Becky Goodman, Enterprise Development Manager at BG Futures said, “We are extremely proud of what Lizzie is achieving with Think2Speak, and this is testament to her dedication and drive.” Learn more about Think2Speak. -
Inaugural Health & Social Care Seminar held at BGU
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln hosted its inaugural Health & Social Care seminar last week. The event forms part of a series of seminars across the year. They will provide an opportunity for health and social care professionals to come together to engage in joint learning across a number of areas related to practice such as leadership, research and collaborative working. The first seminar focused on ‘Collaborative Leadership in a Complex World’ and was led by Manny Gatt from Shared Architect Services. Professor Dean Fathers, formally Chair of United Lincolnshire Hospital NHS Trust (ULHT), chaired the session. The seminar took place using an interactive workshop approach and saw participants from a number of different health and social care sectors engage in a number of activities, which explored practical application of collaboration strategies for cross sector working. Nicki Walsh, co-ordinator of the seminar and Programme Lead for Health & Social Care at BGU, said, “The feedback from participants reflected the practical nature of the workshop and how this could be translated back into their setting. “Evaluations asked for more of the same as the opportunity to collaborate is essential to services within Lincolnshire moving forward together.” For more details on the seminar series please email Nicki Walsh on nichola.walsh@bishopg.ac.uk Find out more about Health & Social Care at BGU. -
Research in action at BGU Health & Social Care seminar
The second in a new series of Health & Social Care seminars (blog.bishopg.ac.uk/blog/health-social-care-seminar) took place at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) last week. The seminar focused on supporting evidence-based Health & Social Care in Lincolnshire with a vision of seeing research in action. A broad spectrum of professionals and students from across Health & Social Care attended the seminar. These included representatives from charities, acute and community health trusts as well as students from BGU's undergraduate and postgraduate Health & Social Care programmes. Professor Tanweer Ahmed (MBA, FICR), Director of Lincolnshire Clinical Research Facility Unit and Head of Research & Development at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT), delivered the key note. Professor Tanweer discussed the research objectives for the Trust and cited a number of studies that were currently being undertaken at ULHT. A number of questions were asked by the audience around patient informed research and implementation of research in practice. David Evans, Director of the Contact, Help, Advice and Information Network (CHAIN), gave a presentation about the network. CHAIN “is an online mutual support network for people working in health and social care. It gives people a simple and informal way of contacting each other to exchange ideas and share knowledge”. A number of attendees were already members but the majority had not heard of CHAIN. All agreed that belonging to a non-commercial community of individuals with linked interests was a real benefit and would enhance the community of research practice within Health & Social Care, especially within more rural counties such as Lincolnshire. The seminar closed with a practical demonstration of CHAIN and further networking. The next seminar takes place on 9 May 2018 and will feature BGU’s new LORIC (Lincolnshire Open Research & Innovation Centre) initiative who will be delivering the keynote: “Are you prepared for the 4th industrial revolution?” Contact Nicki Walsh for more details on nichola.walsh@bishopg.ac.uk. Find out more about studying Health & Social Care at BGU. -
BGU Lecturers Return to Thailand to Aid Education Reform
Academics from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) are returning to Thailand on Friday to continue their overseas consultancy with the Thai government on improving teacher development. Professor Chris Atkin and Dr Nick Gee, Head of School of Teacher Development, will be participating in a workshop hosted by the British Embassy in Bangkok to build on recommendations for initial teacher training first presented to Thai government in August 2016. Other participants include representatives from the University of Ulster, the University of Leicester and the University of Aberdeen. Supported by the Thai Minister for Education (who championed BGU’s original recommendations) and the UK Foreign Office the event will cover a number of training ideas to aid teachers in understanding the impact of their work on students and communities. It will also mark the launch of a new competency framework for teachers in South East Asia. In addition to launching the framework the workshop will offer an updated review of initial teacher training in Thailand and look to encourage further opportunities for collaboration between BGU and the Thai Education Sector. Having led the original review in 2016 Professor Atkin is delighted to see the project is having such a positive impact: “The success of the initial review has placed BGU at the heart of educational policy reform in Thailand. It is a distinct honour to have our experience and expertise as providers of teacher training so emphatically recognised by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and Thai government. “It is a responsibility we do not take lightly. At the heart of successful education are highly trained teachers. We look forward to continuing our part in supporting trainee and experience teachers across Thailand.” Supporting educational reform in Thailand is just one part of BGU’s activities in South East Asia. Following the initial review in 2016 BGU Vice Chancellor, Revd. Canon Professor Peter Neil, visited Thailand last December. During the visit he exchanged a memorandum of understanding with Phranakhon Rajabhat University in Bangkok and met with members of the Teachers’ Council of Thailand as well as colleagues from the country’s 38 Rajabhat universities. Dr Emma Pearson, Senior Lecturer in Education Studies at BGU, is also leading on a number of research projects focussed on the development of early childhood provision in South East Asian with a number of regional partners. In addition Professor Atkin will travel to Hong Kong in March in his role as an external examiner at the University of Hong Kong and in May as the external discipline expert on a Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualification (HKCAAVQ) reaccreditation of a BA in Social Sciences. You can keep up to date with all of BGU’s projects in Thailand and across the world on our news page. -
Winner Announced for BGU Care Award for Outstanding Learner
Representatives from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) attended the Lincolnshire Care Awards to present the BGU Outstanding Learner Award on Thursday 22 February 2018. The provision of care in the Health and Social Care sector is becoming increasingly demanding due to the constantly changing needs of individuals and the communities served. The Lincolnshire Care Awards (Developed by Lincolnshire Care Association) recognise and applaud the daily achievements of individuals and businesses throughout the Health and Social Care sector within Lincolnshire. They celebrate the tireless work of outstanding care workers, teams and organisations in a challenging sector. Now in their second year, the awards continue to grow, seeing a significant increase in nominations from across the sector, as well as a brand-new award recognising the contribution of support staff, for example domestic staff, transport staff and gardeners. The Awards were presented at a gala evening in Lincoln Assembly Rooms by BBC Radio Lincolnshire's Melvyn Prior. They consisted of several categories such as Community Care Awards, Residential Care Award, social care award, Leadership award as well as recognizing special achievements, rising stars and BGU’s very own Outstanding Learner Award. Education and learning is one of the key elements that ensures care is delivered in the right way, to the right people, in a timely manner. The Outstanding Learner Award recognises individuals who have made the most of their learning opportunities either in a residential or community care setting, enthusiastically embracing their learning and going above and beyond to improve their knowledge and skills. Nicki Walsh, Programme Leader for Health & Social Care at BGU, judged and presented the award and stated that she was both honoured and humbled by all the individuals nominated. She was proud to present Stacey Mason with the award, having been impressed with her commitment to continued development and training. BGU Outstanding Learner Award Finalists and Winner in full: Finalists – Linda Morris, Kimberley Care Home Renee Persinger, The Royal Mencap Society Susie Neupane, Cedar Falls Care Home Isobel Morrison, Thera East Midlands Stacey Mason, Walnut Care Winner – Stacey Mason, Walnut Care (pictured receiving her award from BGU's Nicki Walsh) Photo credit: Shaun Smith, Kamara Photography. Find out more about Health & Social Care at BGU. -
BGU Theology Students Provide Uniforms for School Children in India
A group of Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) Theology students have successfully raised enough money to supply over 100 school uniforms to pupils in India with special needs. Carried out in aid of the SDETLAND Project (www.lincswithindia.org.uk), who work with several Lincolnshire rotary clubs to support some the most deprived and disadvantaged children in the world, the students have been working hard over the past year to raise enough money to fund both the uniforms as well as their travel to visit the centre. Georgina Foxcroft, one of the students involved, was delighted to have the opportunity to support the project so effectively: “We asked the SDETLAND Project what they wanted and they said a uniform for the children would be amazing. They receive no government funding, everything they get is from donations and it was the one thing that the school really needed so we were more than happy to provide them. "Being able to take the uniforms out ourselves and meet some of the children was fantastic. It made that connection more personal and proved to us that our efforts were worthwhile.” Returning from the trip, BGU Theology lecturer Mark Plater highlighted why the hard work carried out by the SDETLAND Project was so important: “SDET do a wonderful job of caring for those who generally get left out of Indian society. Tribal people and the disabled are not well provided for by government agencies, so SDET (Social Democratic Education Trust) was developed as a charity to fill in the gaps. "They provide hostels and special schools for children of such communities, and occupational training to help them move on to skilled jobs. I am really impressed with the dedication and commitment of their staff.” Along with the SDETLAND Project, the team of BGU students visited primary, secondary, international and specialist SEN schools along with a selection of sites of religious significance across India to get a wide aspect of education and culture in the country. The students would also like to thank Lincoln business Eliza D Memory, whose daughter is one of their fellow students at BGU, for printing the uniforms. Find out more about studying Theology & Ethics at BGU. -
Bishop Grosseteste University Unveils a Suite of New Courses
Throughout our 150 years of teaching excellence everyone at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) has strived to be at the forefront of innovation in higher education, ensuring our courses continue to meet the needs of a constantly evolving student market. The courses are highly regarded by both students and inspectors for their quality and we are excited to add four new Master's level degree options as well as a new Post Graduate Certificate to our ever-growing portfolio. As with our existing selection of courses, these new additions are designed to support learning with a range of potential study options opening them to any budding student. Dr Graham Basten, Head of School of Social Sciences at BGU, believes the launch of the new courses will mark a step forward in the provision of continuous professional development: “Building on our highly successful undergraduate programmes, our Master's level provision within the School has expanded to incorporate top up degrees to existing students and professionals looking to gain higher level qualifications. These new courses are fantastic opportunities created directly with student learning in mind”. Interest can now be registered for: MA in Professional Studies (now MA in Professional Practice with Children, Young People and Families): A specialised two year, part-time Master's Course designed to support and challenge professionals from a range of formal and informal educational settings and contexts. It aims to produce high-calibre postgraduates who are autonomous, reflexive, possessing of inquiring and analytical minds as part of their continued professional formation. MA in Mathematics Education: Designed for individuals teaching mathematics across all phases including Primary, Secondary and Further Education. The course will give students the tools to refine their own professional practice, to study the latest innovations in mathematics teaching, and to compare international systems of Mathematics Education. MSc in Wellbeing and Learning in Teaching: Suitable for a range of professionals within a variety of educational settings. It is ideal for those engaged in support of mental health and wellbeing in education, such as head teachers, teachers, social workers, school nurses, educational psychologists, police and youth justice workers. MSc in Primary/Community Care: Designed to influence and enhance the nature and quality of provision of care within the Primary/Community care setting. It will facilitate wider understanding for professionals currently in the sector but also for those considering a career within Primary/Community provision of care provision along with management and influences on clinical practice within settings. Post Graduate Certificate in Primary Mathematics: This course is an opportunity to develop mathematical subject and pedagogical knowledge, and is designed for people who are currently teaching mathematics in a primary setting. It is ideal for people who are passionate about the learning and teaching of mathematics and want to be able to influence their colleagues. If you are considering taking your education to a new level and these new courses sound like the path for you, you can sign up for more information on the course pages or contact BGU’s Enquiries Team and start your journey today. -
Innovative Health & Social Care Forums Continue at BGU
The Health & Social Care Team at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in collaboration with Terry Vine, Deputy Chief Nurse at West Lincs CCG, continued their programme of monthly forums for General Practice Nurses (GPNs) with a session focusing on ‘Urgent and Emergency Care in General Practice’. The need for an understanding of urgent and emergency care is being seen more often in General Practice due to increases in condition complexity, access to services and general frailty of the populations served. Central to the forum was a workshop session led by David Hickman from ‘Lives’, which focused on many of the skills for prehospital care and condition deterioration. Supported by over 700 volunteers, doctors, nurses and paramedics, the team at ‘Lives’ are dedicated to being there for the people of Lincolnshire in time of greatest need; delivering immediate high quality care regardless of the location or time of day. In support of the need to enhance the education of General Practice and Primary Care, a consequence of the changing nature of healthcare delivery towards “Care Closer to Home”, BGU plans to launch a new MSc in Primary/Community Care from next year. The course is designed to enhance the nature and quality of provision of care within the Primary/Community care setting in addition to facilitating a wider understanding for professionals currently in the sector as well as those considering a career within Primary/Community provision. Nicki Walsh, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for Health & Social Care at BGU, explains why the forums and new course are so important: “Healthcare cannot stand still; as society’s health and social needs continue to evolve, effective education is critical. Continuing professional development is a vital part of this, especially for practitioners who are isolated from their clinical colleagues by virtue of their practice environment. “The monthly forum, established at BGU, is seen as a means to promote knowledge enhancement and exchange around best practice and to provide regular and relevant educational updates. “The new MSc is an exciting opportunity to take the lessons of the forums a step further providing practitioners with a wealth of essential knowledge as well as breaking new ground in the teaching of Health & Social Care.” The forums are an opportunity for often-isolated practice nurses from across Lincoln and surrounding villages to share experiences and develop and enhance skills. Each forum examines a range of General Practice related issues, whilst the latest focused on urgent and emergency care, previous forums looked at issues around Asthma Management, COPD and Mental Health support. If you would like more information on the forums, or on the upcoming MSc you can contact Nicki Walsh or our Enquiries Team who will be happy to answer any questions you may have. -
Vice-Chancellor opens Conference on Lifelong Learning at the University of Cambridge
The Vice-Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), the Rev’d Canon Professor Peter Neil, in his capacity as Chair of the Universities Association for Lifelong Learning (UALL), hosted its Annual Conference at Downing College, University of Cambridge from 21-23rd March 2018. The theme of the Conference was ‘Opportunities for Lifelong Learning in a Changing World’ and was attended by international delegates from Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Poland, Turkey, and the USA as well as many participants from the four jurisdictions in the UK. In his introductory talk, Professor Neil highlighted the significance of this time for Higher Education in England in general and part-time and mature learners in particular. He suggested that it was a time of opportunity for the sector even if it appeared that at the moment it was ‘gardening in a gale’ rather than gently tending a landscape, as alluded to by the chair of the new Office for Students, Sir Michael Barber. It was a particular pleasure to welcome the Chief Executive of the Office for Students, Nicola Dandridge CBE as the main key-note speaker. In her lecture Ms Dandridge focused on the centrality of the students within the new regulatory landscape, although she acknowledged the complexities associated with the transition to the new system. Many of the aspects highlighted in her talk resonated with the delegates such as the importance of social mobility, the need to continue to provide not only access arrangements but to ensure that students from all backgrounds received a quality experience of Higher Education and the focus on student outcomes. Many of the areas raised in Ms Dandridge’s talk stimulated debate and prepared the way for the many presentations and seminars which formed the rest of the conference. In commenting on his four-year term of office as Chair of UALL, Professor Neil said: ‘UALL is an organisation with which I have been engaged for many years since my time at Aberystwyth as Director of Education and Lifelong Learning. Its focus is on non-traditional students and part-time and mature learners sits very neatly with the work we do at BGU. It is a privilege to share in this work and to see the many connections we have internationally’. In recognition of the increasing international links which UALL has, memoranda of understanding were signed with the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AACE), Canadian Association for University Continuing Education (CAUCE), Higher Education Lifelong Learning Ireland Network (HELLIN) and Turkish Universities Continuing Education Network (TUSEM). The Vice-Chancellor regards this role as enhancing the reputation and the reach of BGU nationally and internationally. -
Nightmare Creatures to Haunt BGU at 2018 Monster Conference
There is something alluring about monsters. From the dark corners of our imaginations to books and films they terrify and fascinate us in equal measure. But where did this cultural obsession begin and why has it continued for so long? For many the answers lie with Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ and this June the Monster Conference will seek to examine the legacy of Shelley’s classic work as well as how the Monstrous continues to capture our imaginations. Hosted by Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln the interdisciplinary conference approaches Monsters and the Monstrous through the contexts of Education, History, Literature and Society, including panels on Monsters in Literature written for Children and Dramatic Adaptations as well as Architecture, Science & Technology and Art. Monstrosity and the Monstrous apply, in the first instance, to social and cultural threats; i.e. to behaviours and (visual) qualities which are deemed socially and culturally unacceptable because they are perceived as amoral or unimaginable. The conference will explore the relevance of these concepts and to see how academic research intersects with popular culture. Through its keynotes and panel discussions, this conference wants to further engagement with the different incarnations of Monsters in contemporary research and teaching. The conference will include a screening of the award winning monster movie ‘The Host’ (2006) by the acclaimed South Korean director Joon-ho Bong, as well as a Monster Story Telling Competition, which will involve BGU students. BGU regularly hosts conferences that are open to all who’d like to attend, you can find more information about the exciting events coming up on our Events Page.
Explore BGU
Browse our wide range of degree courses and find the perfect one for you.
Open days are the best way to find out what BGU has to offer.
Download your copy of our prospectus to find out more about life at BGU.