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BGU Sign Memorandum of Understanding with Bangkok University International
As part of Bishop Grosseteste University’s (BGU) ongoing work in Thailand, Wayne Dyble, International Manager, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of BGU with Bangkok University International (BUI). The Memorandum reflects the maturing relationship between the two institutions which will see BGU PGCE students visit the Bangkok campus with the prospect of BUI undergraduates visiting BGU’s Lincoln campus to study Business English classes. Following the signing ceremony Aimee Quickfall, Head of Programmes for Primary Education and Early Years at BGU, led a Business English taster workshop with around forty BUI students. During the workshop students were encouraged to explore the subtleties of Business English and how language assumes a contextual specificity. Wayne Dyble along with BGU colleagues Professor Chris Atkin and Dr Phil Wood also supported the session. Whilst Thailand the BGU team developed institutional links and worked with a range of Thai stakeholders on a research bid focussed on curriculum reform and teacher standards. For further information on the visit or BGU’s activities in Thailand and other International activities, please contact Wayne Dyble or visit our International web pages. -
Golden Ticket Award sees Enactus BGU Lincoln succeed at Regional Finals
Earlier this month Bishop Grosseteste University’s (BGU) Enactus team headed to the head offices of Arla Foods in Leeds to compete in the regional Enactus finals. Enactus aims to support young people to engage in youth social action, and youth social enterprise. Their mission in the UK is to be recognised as a leader in developing a national network of socially minded young leaders of the future who transform communities and society through real life social action and environmentally responsible enterprise. At the regional finals team members Jessica Vernon and Courtney Simmons presented a TESOL focussed project centred around providing opportunities for English speaking practice to people that have English as a second language in disadvantaged communities while second year Geographers Mark Wright and Ellie Cordon presented a project focussed around disaster risk reduction in Fiji. The team’s passion, ideas, knowledge and project plan received high praise from the judges and the BGU team were highly commended by representatives from Asda, Arla and Enactus. The team were awarded a golden ticket on the day and will now progress to the Rookie League in April to showcase their projects to universities and organisations from across the UK. Enactus BGU Lincoln is supported by BG Futures, the careers, employability and enterprise team at BGU, and university advisers Nikki Smith and Becky Goodman, who is also the Programme Leader for Business and Enterprise, both of whom were incredibly proud of Enactus BGU’s success. Speaking following the finals Nikki said: “We are extremely proud of what the team have achieved in such a short space of time and look forward to supporting the team at the rookie League that will be held virtually in April. The team have worked exceptionally hard and that did not go unnoticed by the judges at the regionals.” Becky shared Nikki’s praise and expressed her excitement at the potential for the team: “It was great to see the team showcase a selection of their projects at the regionals, and it would be amazing to see more students from across the university getting involved with Enactus BGU Lincoln as they take the next step on this journey.” To find out more about joining Enactus email enactus@bishopg.ac.uk for more information. -
LORIC Legacy Project celebrates its first anniversary
July 1st marks one year since the end of the initial ERDF funded Lincolnshire Open Research and Innovation project, which saw the renovation of a Grade II listed building on Newport in Lincoln into a multipurpose hub for researchers and Greater Lincolnshire SMEs. The project also involved supporting small and medium sized enterprises to implement data driven innovation in their businesses, and helped them to bring new products and services to market. Since the ERDF funding ended, the LORIC project has been developed by Bishop Grosseteste University into a commercial enterprise, with data consultancy available for all organisations in Greater Lincolnshire and beyond. Contracts Over the last year, LORIC has worked with a number of locally based organisations, including the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, Lincolnshire County Council and the NHS Neighbourhood Teams in order to work on varied research projects and to provide expertise on the use of Open Data. The team has also been successful securing a bid to lead on a project as part of Defra’s Future Farming Resilience Fund, which is researching the impact of Farmer Support Networks on the mental and physical well being of farmers and land managers. This project is due to continue until October 2020. A successful bid to Research England’s Strategic Priorities fund allowed the team to provide support to enable collaboration between researchers and policy makers and to host workshops on subjects such as GDPR and bid writing. LORIC are also delighted to announce the renewal of their ongoing relationship with the The National Centre for Rural Health and Care for 2020/2021, with LORIC staff supporting the Centre with its research and membership co-ordination, and the building itself playing host to the registered office of the Centre. LORIC Retainer Scheme As well as larger contracts, LORIC also launched its “retainer” scheme, whereby organisations can sign up to receive 2 days of data support, and then enjoy reduced rates on further days’ support, and on our other services, such as digitisation. In line with the ethos of the LORIC project to make services as affordable as possible, a staged scheme of membership is in place, with rates varying depending on the size of organisation supported. Staffing Over the last year we have said goodbye to our initial LORIC project co-ordinator, Laura Spencer, who has moved on to work on a project with the University of Lincoln. We have also supported a Lincoln College student to complete her extended work placement with us as part of the Extended Industry Placement Programme. We have welcomed to the team Carole Tondeur, our new project administrator and receptionist, and Eleanor Mould, a part-time data analyst. The last year has also seen Katya Bozukova, the LORIC Open Research Fellow awarded her PhD for her work on the role of trust and risk in social media, and data analyst, Kay Purle, embark on an MSc in Mental Health, Resilience and Wellbeing here at Bishop Grosseteste University. If you would like to discuss how we may be able to support the data needs of your business, we’d love to hear from you loric@bishopg.ac.uk -
How collaboration across Bishop Grosseteste University is supporting students to adapt in uncertain times
By Cassie Rainey - BG Futures Administrator Covid-19 has transformed the world we live in, pushing us to adapt to a ‘new normal’. One aspect of this ‘new normal’ is the way in which graduates will have to navigate their transitions into the labour market. At Bishop Grosseteste University, the support of academic and professional support teams is more vital than ever to students and graduates. Last month, the Primary and Early Years ITE team and the BG Futures: Careers, Employability and Enterprise team collaborated to deliver a virtual session for students across programmes on the format and logistics of online interviews. The sessions incorporated information on best practice, tips for different video calling platforms and guidance on possible interview questions. The sessions included a Q&A from a recruitment industry expert and BG Futures tenant with questions put forward by students. Sarah Howe, Senior Lecturer on the PGCE Primary programme said: “The Covid – 19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the job application process for some of our students and trainees. Lecturers in the Primary and Early Years ITE Programmes turned to the Careers, Employability & Enterprise team at BG Futures to ensure that support offered at our institution, met the needs of our students and trainees. Several on-line workshops and personal tutorials have taken place with encouraging feedback.” Emma McCarthy, Co-Director of McCarthy Adams Recruitment Specialists, a tenant within the Business & Enterprise Centre in BG Futures, was on hand to provide expert tips to succeeding in online interviews and assisted with a video Q&A for the session. Andy Wright, Careers, Employability & Enterprise Coordinator at BG Futures commented: “This has been a great partnership between teaching staff, BG Futures, students and one of our own tenant businesses. We’ve been very excited to extend our reach to those students who are not able to access face-to-face support at this time, and we have been delighted with the results.” George Rhodes, BA (Hons) Primary Education student, who used this session to help prepare for an upcoming online job interview commented: “After being recommended by a fellow student, I joined an online interview support session which not only provided invaluable advice but also built up my self-confidence. I was successful in my interview, running against 90 other candidates, and I believe without attending the session with Andrew this may not have been the case.” Sarah Moseley, Enterprise Development Manager, said: “The BG Futures Business and Enterprise Centre offers 14 leasable office spaces for start-ups and is home to our Student Enterprise Club. With an emphasis on making a positive impact, we strive to attract tenants who will work collaboratively, to improve the lives of our students, bridging theory and practice. We are extremely thankful for Emma McCarthy’s time and input with this session” You can find out more about BG Futures here. You can explore our Primary and Early Years programmes here. -
Student Podcast Explores the Narratives and Cultural Impact of Video Games
Second year student Josh Sykes has launched a new podcast exploring the narratives of video games. Created as part of his work studying English Literature at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), the podcast offers listeners the chance to join Josh as he, and guests, discuss how settings and stories are shaped along with how games can offer explorations of topics such as war and mental health. Despite having no previous experience creating podcasts Josh explains what drew him to the project: “The English@Work module presented a unique opportunity to explore my own interests and hobbies whilst at the same time allowing me to discover how these interests can be applied to workplace scenarios. For me, I have a deep interest in the world of videogames including the way settings and stories are shaped to the way in which games can engage with the player through explorations of topics such as war and mental health. Thus, through the English@Work module, I could explore these topics in a greater detail whilst also illustrating how I can take the topic of videogames and apply it to any workplace situation. At the start of this project I was new to the world of podcast and audio production but through the progression of it I was able to develop a good level of knowledge in editing and recording of audio files whilst also developing a critical eye for what was best placed in the podcast. The experience of creating the podcast has been enjoyable and I am pleased with the final outcome and the feedback received has been positive, but I am also pleased that I chose to do the podcast project as it allowed me to meet a variety of people from experts on videogames to audio professionals as well as develop a variety of skills that I did not possess at the start of the project.” You can listen to the first episode of the podcast, where Josh is joined Esther MacCallum-Stewart, an Associate Professor at Staffordshire University and an expert in narratives in games, by clicking here. English@Work is a second-year module that focuses specifically on employability and opportunities to apply subject-specific skills and knowledge and develop an enhanced awareness of the transferability of those skills through project-based learning. In partnership with BG Futures team, and this module embeds students’ understanding of their transferable communication skills and information literacies in specific, employability contexts. Dr Claudia Capancioni, Programme Leader for English at BGU, praised both Josh and his peers for how they have embraced their projects despite wider international complications: “The sudden and unprecedented circumstances caused by Covid-19 had an immediate impact on the projects our students worked on this academic year but our students' reaction and resilience have given us fantastic stories of achievement. Colleagues from across BGU who have worked with the students, including our BG Futures team and Nikki Smith, Lecturer in Business, have been incredibly impressed with their efforts and particularly how successfully they have adapted and transformed their projects demonstrating incredible resourcefulness, and creativity.” For more information on how you can become apart of BGU’s learning community, visit our website, or speak to a member of our Enquiries Team. -
Enterprising student’s journey to mastering the art of teaching and painting
The partnership between BG Futures, the Careers, Employability and Enterprise department at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) and the Prince’s Trust continues to flourish with another of our students benefiting from the Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme, which helps 18 to 30-year olds turn their big ideas into a business reality. Sarah Moseley, Enterprise Development Manager at BG Futures spoke to 1st year BA (Hons) Education Studies (SEDS) student Laurent McCready about how the Princes Trust webinar has helped him with his ideas for an Interior and Exterior Painting & Decorating Business. Laurent explains: “My degree choice was as a result of 3 years of voluntary work coaching primary school age children hockey for my Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh award. I felt the children connected with me and I enjoyed the sessions. Following 2 weeks of work experience at St Peters in Eastgate primary school I decided that I wanted to go into teaching as a career.” Teaching is very different to painting & decorating so what is the connection? “I also really enjoy painting and decorating and feel confident doing it, having started about a year ago. I heard about the Princes Trust webinar via a notification on my BGU account and decided to take part. I have now developed my knowledge of how to set my own business up. The most useful part of the webinar for me was being encouraged to talk about the idea and learning the key aspects such as taxation and national insurance, as well as being able to ask questions. I see my biggest challenge is to actually brave up and start the business. The next step is to do this once I have conducted a little more research about gaining customers and my competitors” Laurent is already succeeding in balancing his University work, position as a Student Ambassador, part time work at the Doubletree by Hilton, and his role with NCS running workshops with older children leading to a community-based project. When asked what the future may hold Laurent said: “Currently my training to become a primary school teacher comes first, however this may differ if I set up my own business and if that happens, I hope to be running Duvalsdecorating (Duval being my middle name) and perhaps a couple others!” To see Laurent’s painting & decorating projects follow duvalsdecorating on Instagram. Contact sarah.moseley@bishopg.ac.uk to discover more about the work of the Enterprise Team at BG Futures Explore BGUs range of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Teaching programmes For further details of The Prince’s Trust programme contact John Holliday on 07766 778341 -
BGU Armed Forces Support Wins Ministry of Defence Award
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) has been awarded a prestigious Silver Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) award from the Ministry of Defence. The ERS Awards recognise employers who have actively demonstrated their support for the Armed Forces community through implementing practical policies in the workplace. Under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, employers support Defence personnel and encourage others to do the same. The Scheme has three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold for organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support for Defence and the Armed Forces community. To achieve Silver, organisations must proactively demonstrate that the Armed Forces community are not unfairly disadvantaged as part of their recruitment policies. They must also actively ensure their workforce is aware of their positive policies towards Defence people issues for veterans, Reserves, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, and spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces. Speaking following the award Katy Nevitt, Armed Forces Lead at BGU, expressed her pride and reiterated the University’s commitment to support members of the Armed Forces: “Two years ago BGU signed up to the Bronze Armed Forces Covenant award, so to receive the Silver Award within such a short space of time is something the University is extremely proud of. We recognise the contribution and sacrifice made by members of the Armed Forces community, and have pledged to support our service personnel, veterans and their families. This award also reflects our commitment and support for colleagues who both work at BGU and serve in the Reserve Forces and Cadet Forces. Employees with an armed forces background at BGU also bring valuable skills and experience to the business of the university, which reinforces our commitment to wider diversity within our student population and workforce.” You can find more information on the avenues into Higher Education and the support available at BGU for members of the Armed Forces on our website. -
Student turns troubles into truffles during lockdown
During the Spring Lockdown Becca Taylor, a first year BA (Hons) Sociology student at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), thought that baking cakes for her family and friends might give them something to smile about. Little did she know that this would sow the seed for a lucrative business venture. As Becca explains, her plans looked like they might fall at the first hurdle: "I went to buy ingredients and found the shelves empty of flour and eggs but I still wanted to send a gift to our families as we couldn’t see them much" Undeterred Becca realised she could buy what was needed to make truffle treats instead. After positive feedback and a request to make more Becca experimented, tasted and tested and before she knew it 'Taylor’d Truffles' was born. As we enter Global Entrepreneurship week, the world’s biggest celebration of entrepreneurship, Sarah Moseley, Enterprise Development Manager within BG Futures caught up with Becca. When asked what key piece of advice she had for BGU students with fledgling enterprises, Becca said: "Do your research first. It pays off to get everything you need together such as registrations, paperwork etc. all the boring stuff done and ready for opening. It makes the process much more organised and professional. Ideally, post-graduation, I would like the business to have grown and be successful enough for it to be run on a full-time basis." Last month Taylor’d truffles received the highest-level Food Hygiene Rating meaning customers can order with confidence that all food safety and hygiene guidelines are followed. Taylor’d Truffles have seen an increase in orders since Lockdown 2.0 and are now taking preorders for Christmas which will be dispatched using Royal Mails first class service. To find out more about Taylor’d Truffles: Facebook Instagram www.taylordtruffles.com taylordtruffles@outlook.com If you are a BGU student running your own enterprise, or have an idea that you need support with developing, our Enterprise Team within BG Futures would love to hear from you. Contact sarah.moseley@bishopg.ac.uk Tel 01522 563817 -
Paralympian and BGU Alumna Jade Etherington Launches New Toolbox for Teachers
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) alumna and multi-medal winning Paralympian Jade Etherington has launched a new subscription box designed to support teachers. Building on her experience teaching in an inner-city school in Peterborough Jade has ventured into creating her own business to help support the teaching community with ‘The Happy Teacher Toolbox’. Each Teacher Toolbox contains personalised items including stationery, crafts and self-care items for teachers and their students. Additionally the boxes will have some sustainable products and products from other teacher businesses to help the teaching community thrive. -
BGU Graduate’s Café Project to Offer a Future to Young People in Skegness
At the start of the year the impact of the pandemic on the education of children in Skegness was featured by Sky News*. Enterprise Development Manager, Sarah Moseley, chatted with Ruth Campbell, who graduated from Bishop Grosseteste University in 2020, as she embarks on a new venture to support young people in the area. The project, Café YOU (You Opportunity Union), aims to support young people who might have missed other opportunities to grow their skills as Ruth explains: “I have a background of working with young people and have always been passionate about youth work and concerned about those who fall through the gaps and miss opportunities to grow and develop. Whilst I was at BGU I started working on an idea for a youth project which I called Youth Opportunity Union (YOU). The vision is to support NEET young people aged 16-19 to get back on track, through short courses and work experience.” After highlighting a suitable premises, the BA (Hons) Professional Studies in Childhood and Youth graduate completed a business proposal and, following a successful pitch to the board of the Charity at The Storehouse, North Parade in Skegness, Ruth took over management of a coffee shop at the end of 2020. Lockdowns and restrictions have inevitably slowed progress, but the base will enable the delivery of vocational education and work experience along with the provision of courses, qualifications and a small group environment for learning. Ruth has registered with the awarding body ASDAN, so young people who access the project are able to work towards qualifications whilst gaining work experience. Ruth’s vision, COVID-19 and restrictions permitting, is for the project to grow, for Café YOU to be fully run by young people, and to be able to welcome customers back in: “I want the community to use this space to their advantage. We can arrange a safe space for 1:1 work for professionals; tables can be booked, and we have allocated space for groups to meet. There is even a soft play area for little ones to enjoy. Currently we could be operating as a Takeaway but the Storehouse has recently become a Covid-19 vaccination Centre.” When asked what advice she has for students and graduates wanting to start their own enterprise, Ruth had this to say: “Start small! I am so passionate about what I want to do that I can get carried away and take on too much. I have learned to work realistically within my own capabilities even if it’s frustrating at times! To accept help and advice. There is usually more than one way to achieve what you need to, and it is always worth listening to people who might know more than you do. Stay true to your vision. The clearer you are about your ultimate vision, the end goal, the easier it is to stick with, and for it to make sense to other people. Believe in it yourself and your confidence will attract others to your idea. It can be hard not to get swept along with other people’s ideas for your business/project, but when your vision is clear it makes it easier not to get side-tracked “. To find out more about YOU visit their: Website Facebook page Instagram *View the full Sky Feature here If you are a BGU student or alumni running their own enterprise, or have an idea that needs shape, our Enterprise Team within BG Futures would love to hear from you. Contact sarah.moseley@bishopg.ac.uk Tel 01522 563817
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