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BGU Awarded £2.6M European Funding to Support Local Businesses
Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln has been awarded over £2.6 million of European funding for two major projects to support entrepreneurship and innovation with businesses and social enterprises in Greater Lincolnshire.The award, from the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), is the biggest business and research investment ever secured by BGU.It reflects the university’s strategy to increase its positive support for the development of businesses, communities and the economy of Greater Lincolnshire.BGU has purchased St. Hugh’s on Newport, an iconic Grade II listed building, to provide a new home for the projects. The building is on the site of an Augustinian Friary and has been used as offices for many years.The projects are: Lincolnshire Open Research and Innovation Centre (LORIC), which has a total value of £3.5 million (ESIF contribution £2.1 million) BGU Business Inspiration, which has a total value of £878k (ESIF contribution £527k). The two projects will run until spring 2019 and spring 2020 respectively, and will provide support for over 130 small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and social enterprises and will create eight jobs.Mark Bowen, Enterprise Development Manager at BGU, said: “The LORIC project will provide support to businesses, public and third-sector organisations across Greater Lincolnshire and position the university at the leading edge in the use of open data to support innovation.“The Business Inspiration project is designed to develop entrepreneurial leadership, with a particular focus on innovative approaches to growing small and micro-businesses. It includes a £307k grant-making fund that will encourage businesses in using creative and innovative approaches. It will provide successful applicants with up to 100% funding as well as financial support to employ graduate interns and placements.“We plan to refurbish St Hugh’s to create LORIC. The work is expected to take about 11 months to complete, but we already have a live project running in the background.“As a result of setting-up LORIC and our associated project BGU Business Inspiration, we are intending to create eight new jobs but, by the time we have reached our target, around 40 people will be working at St Hugh’s.” Mark added: “Once again this highlights the commitment of BGU to developing the communities that have supported us for more than 155 years.“Thanks are due to the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Lincolnshire County Council’s Technical Assistance team and the Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub for their unstinting support throughout the challenging application process, which took more than a year to complete.”BGU will be making a total investment of £1.6 million with participating businesses contributing £153k. Open Data Open Data is increasingly in the news. The demand from businesses and organisations to be able to analyse and interpret large, complex datasets into useable information which they can easily work with is increasing.In the future, the stars of the data scene will be people and businesses with the skills to interpret and connect different datasets in ways which will not only be easily accessible, but which will help businesses to find new opportunities and solve problems which they may not currently be aware of.They will not only be tech and digital sector enterprises, but businesses in mainstream service, health, manufacturing, visitor economy, educational and skills sectors for example. They all have the potential to benefit from open data.Insights could help to identify new market opportunities and develop new capabilities within a business to improve productivity, efficiency or profitability.“At BGU, we are keen to develop the capacity of our research students and academic teams to work with organisations and to transform datasets into a language which end users can understand and use to add value in practical ways,” said Mr Bowen.“For example, the services we are offering could be useful to help health and social care organisations to plan more effectively for the future. A business could find analysed data useful in helping them to understand changing patterns, needs and preferences within communities.” -
Listening to the patients’ voice: A collaborative conference between BGU and ULHT
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) co-hosted a Patient Experience Conference with United Lincolnshire Hospital NHS Trust (ULHT) at Lincoln City Football Club on Wednesday. The conference brought together care providers across the county to reflect on “how we listen to our patients, carers and families” and to consider how these messages can enhance care provision. The patient voice (and indeed the staff voice) and the content of the narrative is critical to service enhancement and ensures that needs and expectations are met. But what we really hear and what we do with this message is of equal importance and helps ensure that what patients are really saying is translated into practice change. The conference was chaired by Dr Graham Basten, Head of School of Social Sciences at BGU, and Michelle Rhodes, Director of Nursing. National and local speakers all talked about the importance of effective engagement, challenging practice, listening rather than measuring. The small things actually mean the most and are often missed therefore we need to be effective in the way we listen and what we do with this information. Find out more about Health & Social Care at BGU. -
New forum for local nurses takes place at BGU
A new monthly forum for nurses working in General Practice has been established at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln. Nicki Walsh, Programme Leader in Health and Social Care at BGU, in collaboration with Terry Vine, Deputy Chief Nurse at Lincolnshire West CCG, set up the forum, which met for the first time this week. The forum’s vision is to promote knowledge exchange around best practice, to provide regular and relevant educational updates and as a means of peer support. The forum came about in response to current pressures on health and social care systems. As more people live longer, they are living with long-term conditions (LTCs) such as diabetes, respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease and musclo-skeletal disorders such as arthritis. As understanding of these diseases improves, life expectancy increases. Dr Graham Basten, Head of School of Social Science at BGU, delivered the first keynote speech exploring the effective utility and interpretation of blood results. The speech was followed by a floor discussion, which looked at how the forum should be utilised and how key partners can facilitate this. Further ideas for future forums were collated as well as an opportunity for nurses to discuss general working practices within their settings. Nicki Walsh said, “There is an absolute need for safe, effective, evidence based provision, which is achieved by ensuring that those providing care have the appropriate knowledge and skills for their area of clinical delivery. “Consequently, effective education is critical. Continuing professional development (CPD) is a vital part of this.” Find out more about Health & Social Care at BGU. -
American nursing students visit BGU
American students from the University of Evansville in Indiana visited Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln this week. Around 20 fourth year nursing students, who are spending the semester at the UK campus of the University of Evansville, visited to join in discussions with third year BGU Health & Social Care students on Tuesday. The visit was part of a drive to internationalise the curriculum at BGU and the session enabled students to compare and contrast health care and social care in the UK and USA. The visit came about thanks to Nicki Walsh, Programme Leader for Health & Social Care, who joined BGU earlier in 2017. Nicki said, “I have worked with the University of Evansville for the last 10 years or so before coming to BGU, supporting their teaching and learning around UK healthcare practice. “When coming to BGU I felt this relationship should continue especially as both their provision and ethos reflects that of BGU.” There were discussions on reviewing provision and ethos followed by a seminar session looking at identifying positives and weaknesses in both the UK and USA health and social care systems. There was also the opportunity for general discussion around student life in both the UK and USA. Damian Taylor, third year Health & Social Care student at BGU, said, “The session was great. It gave us the chance to discuss what we were all looking to achieve from our degree. We had interesting discussions about both UK and USA health care, policy and touched on some ideas that would improve the health care systems. “I feel that the session allowed us the opportunity to build contacts for future networking opportunities. We have been offered the opportunity to visit the University of Evansville's UK campus in Grantham, which is exciting, and I believe that will allow us to build good relationships with each other and the possibility of learning exchange. “We were shocked to learn that our UK perspective about health care in the USA is not entirely correct and that even if you are not covered with insurance you still have access to health care. Another interesting thing we discussed was the tax system and the difference/similarities between them.” Find out more about Health & Social Care at BGU. -
Healthy competition for BGU and American students
Health & Social Care students from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln visited American students to take part in a Dragon’s Den style task this week. Students in the final year of BA (Hons) Health & Social Care at BGU paid a visit to Harlaxton Manor, the UK campus of the University of Evansville (UE), where American students are spending the semester. This followed a visit by UE students to BGU at the beginning of their Fall semester. The students took part in a Dragon’s Den style elevator pitch based on scenarios within health and social contexts. They were asked to develop a business plan that addressed the key strategic priority within their scenario. The task saw students given a fictional payment of £20,000 and asked to use this as their set up budget. They were asked to think about long term sustainable funding options as well as rationalise the plan against national and international priorities. The results showed creativity and engagement in the process. One project looked at the development of a range of activities to promote cultural well-being. Another focused on how to influence the parents of obese children, while the final group looked at social mobility using education as a model with targets being set to identify and support the most disadvantaged. The projects were put to a vote with the social mobility team being voted the project most likely to succeed. The afternoon also enabled groups of students to explore their subject specific areas and offered an opportunity for discussion around studentships in both countries. All students also took a tour of the 19th century manor house at Harlaxton Manor. Feedback from the day was positive with one BGU student commenting that it was “great to meet other students and to learn from both their learning experiences but about health and social care in the US”. Find out more about studying Health & Social Care at BGU. -
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. -
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. -
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.
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