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Statement on Campus Closure - Campus Now Fully Open
Bishop Grosseteste University can confirm that we received a suspicious package on campus this morning. We promptly reported that matter to the Police and enacted our health and safety procedures for such an event. This involved the evacuation of the Robert Hardy and BG Futures buildings as a precautionary measure. The rest of campus was unaffected. All buildings on campus are now open. The Police have confirmed that the package received posed no risk to the public. Teaching activities this afternoon, along with tomorrow’s Offer Holder Day, are continuing as timetabled. Thank you to all our students and staff for being vigilant and reacting swiftly to this incident. We would like to take the opportunity to thank Lincolnshire Emergency Services and the Bomb Disposal Squad for their calm and professional support, as well as our staff, students and partnership organisations for their patience and understanding. -
Student Volunteers use Animation to Promote Climate Change Education
Bishop Grosseteste University’s BG Futures team recently hosted a series of events as part of Student Volunteering Week (SVW) to celebrate the impact of student volunteers and encourage students to engage in civic life. As a part of these activities BA (Hons) Geography students Connor Price and Dan Knibbs engaged with the national initiative by hosting an event on animating climate change. The event challenged other students and members of the local community to create animations highlighting the importance of climate change and green thinking. Speaking at the event Dan discussed why he and Connor put the event together: “I wanted to run the workshop as this is something I am extremely passionate about and believe that the importance to reduce plastics in the oceans is crucial for marine life sustainability. Therefore, by running this workshop, it hopefully has educated a number of people on how they can change their lifestyles to reduce their impacts on the marine environment.” Cassie Rainey, BG Futures Administrator, praised the two for creating an event that brought different groups together in support of an important initiative: “This event saw students, teachers, and the local community come together to learn from Connor and Dan and was both engaging and informative. The hands-on activity of creating an animation meant that the learning aspect was almost subliminal and for this reason in particular I’m excited for them to deliver this to children. Not only do I think the children will really enjoy it they will learn about how to get involved on an incredibly important issue” Becky Goodman Enterprise Development Manager at BGU added her excitement at the potential impact on the Lincoln community created by the event: “It was great to support Connor and Dan to put on this event and I am excited to see how they build on this with their Programme leader Sarah Hemstock as they roll this event out to The Diocesan Board of Education and their partner schools” Connor and Dan will also be including this learning activity in the International Symposium on Climate Change and the Role of Education which is being held here at BGU on the 12th and 13th of April. Contact Sarah via email sarah.hemstock@bishopg.ac.uk. The mission behind SVW is that ‘When learners are supported to tackle social challenges, learn about issues and connect with each other, both communities and students benefit’. If you’d like to become involved in volunteering, or to find out more information about BGU’s Volunteering Award speak to a member of the BG Futures team. -
Students Experience the Magic of Amazon on Behind the Scenes Tour
Students on the BA Business course at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) recently enjoyed a trip to LBA2; one of Amazon’s latest Fulfilment Centres at Doncaster. The core goal of the trip was to see first-hand the magic that happens after customers click ‘buy’ on Amazon.co.uk and how the highly organized logistics allow Amazon to deliver for their customers. Through the behind the scenes tour the students were also able to gain an insight into the operations of this global business and discover how Amazon look after their employees in terms of health, safety, wellbeing and welfare. Becky Goodman, Module leader on the BA Business Project Based learning module, highlighted the importance of taking learning outside of the classroom: “Site visits such as this are instrumental in aiding the learning and development of our students; it is key that their learning experiences extend beyond the classroom, and we are thankful to Amazon for providing our learners with such a fantastic opportunity to see how a truly global business operates first hand.” If you’re interested in a future in international business or in starting your own company, our business courses are the perfect path to take. You can find more information on them on our website or by contacting our Enquiries Team. Any businesses who would like to work with our learners to share their knowledge and expertise can contact BG Futures, BGU’s Careers, Employability and Enterprise team, by emailing bgfutures@bishopg.ac.uk -
Lincolnshire entrepreneurs rewarded in county Young Enterprise Final
The county’s future entrepreneurs were rewarded for their hard work as part of the Young Enterprise Lincolnshire County Final at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU). The final, which took place in the University’s Robert Hardy Building, saw six teams of Sixth Form students from four schools across Lincolnshire pitch and show off the businesses they set up at the start of the academic year. Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School’s Revival team were the big winners on the evening, scooping the Lincolnshire Best Company 2019 award as well as the Best Financial Management award. Other winners included Signa Printing of Caistor Grammar School, who were awarded Best Presentation, and Lincoln Minster School’s Retro Clothing who picked up the Best Marketing award. In addition, Tidy Tools from The Priory Academy LSST were announced the Best Company 2019 Runners-Up. Young Enterprise is a national charity that aims to give students key employability skills outside the classroom. Throughout the academic year, students come up with a business and then sell its products at events. They have to manage their businesses finances, marketing and social media. Becky Goodman, Enterprise Development Manager at BG Futures, explained why the project was held in high regard by BGU: “It was great to host the Young Enterprise Lincolnshire County Final here at BGU. As a university we are passionate about enterprise and developing enterprising skills, competencies and mind-sets. “Being enterprising is something that individuals can apply to all aspects of their life and work and it is great to see the YE teams exhibiting these great qualities so early on in their careers.” Jack Green, of Dunholme Chillies and Viper Printing, was one of the guest speakers at the final and praised the impact of the Young Enterprise initiative: “The Young Enterprise initiative is a great opportunity for teenagers to have the opportunity taste what life is like in business. There is a huge amount that isn't taught in mainstream education, but having the hands-on experience allows these students to learn more about different areas of business and how to engage with people in different areas. “I'm sure each student has learnt something new and I would encourage any student with an interest in business to take part in Young Enterprise.” If you’re interested in a future in business or in starting your own company, our business courses are the perfect path to take. You can find more information on them on our website or by contacting our Enquiries Team. Any businesses who would like to work with our learners to share their knowledge and expertise can contact BG Futures, BGU’s Careers, Employability and Enterprise team, by emailing bgfutures@bishopg.ac.uk List of Winners: Best Presentation – Signa Printing (Caistor Grammar School) Customer Service - Hey Happy(Caistor Grammar School) Best Financial Management – Revival (Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School) Best Marketing – Retro Clothing (Lincoln Minster School) Best Team Work – Integration (Lincoln Minster School) Best Company 2019 Runners-Up – Tidy Tools (The Priory Academy LSST) Lincolnshire Best Company 2019 – Revival (Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School) -
How to make a rubbish trip brilliant
As part of the University’s wellbeing approach, Bishop Grosseteste University’s (BGU) Centre for Enhancement in Learning and Teaching organised a visit to Lincolnshire’s Energy from Waste facility for Geography students to help them see how they could create a sustainable campus. The waste facility (FCC Environment, Lincolnshire EFW visiting centre) is the largest in Europe and provides a sustainable, safe and affordable waste treatment solution and allows energy to be produced from waste which isn’t recycled or composted. The plant receives up to 190,000 tonnes of residual waste per year and uses the waste to generate electricity and other by product materials that can be used safely in road construction and recycling. During the trip students learnt why the facility is important due to its forward thinking attitude, low carbon footprint and ability to divert waste away from landfills along with how they could implement those qualities into their own activities both on and off campus. Mark Charlesworth, Associate Tutor for Geography at BGU, who accompanied the students said he found the trip an interesting and engaging opportunity: “The viewing facilities were fantastic. It is important to recognise that currently a large amount of waste is created by society and it is better to recover energy from waste with as little pollution as possible, and this plant demonstrated efficient waste disposal and energy creation” Claire Thomson, Head of the Centre for Enhancement in Learning and Teaching (CELT), discussed the wider benefits the trip could offer the BGU community: “This trip was a fantastic way for students and staff to raise their awareness of global sustainability and the role we can all play in this. In addition it builds on our ongoing work with the University’s wellbeing steering group to raise awareness of the importance of a sustainable campus” As part of these efforts to create a sustainable, mentally positive campus CELT and the wellbeing steering group have been working with the University’s Estates team to craft a series of quiet spaces across BGU. They have also collaborated with the Chaplaincy team on the ‘Blooming Marvellous’ project, and with BGSU and BG Lincoln ltd. on the drive to replace paper cups and plastic straws. Further improvements to its campus and facilities to reduce its carbon footprint and make the campus more sustainable carried out by BGU include: Initiatives include: Solar control glass to reflect the heat from the sun which results in a cooler, more comfortable, internal room temperature which in turn reduces the need for air-conditioning A rainwater harvesting system in the Library which reduces mains water usage A hot water solar system in the sports hall, BG Futures and the refectory which reduces gas consumption If you’d like to be a part of BGU’s drive to create a sustainable and positive campus you can join our student community by visiting our website, talking to our Enquiries Team or by coming along to one of our Open Days. -
Successful Students See Support Service Soar From Strength to Strength
Enterprising students Damian Taylor (MA Health & Social Care) and Neil Martin (BA History) are the latest success story to emerge from BG Futures Business and Enterprise Centre at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU). Having joined the BGU Enterprise Club just a few months ago the duo have gone from strength to strength with their growing business EarlyBird Lifestyle Support and are already working from their own premises. EarlyBird Lifestyle Support is a friendly well-being service based in Lincoln and serves the city and surrounding areas helping people with tasks such as cooking, cleaning, collecting prescriptions and medication, food shopping, trips out, escorting individuals to appointments and more. Speaking to the BGU Futures Team, Damian discussed how the support from the Centre helped him, Neil and their team reach their goals: “Being able to become residents in the BG Futures Enterprise Room has allowed us the time and space to work productively whilst in the early stages of our business. One of the main benefits is that it has allowed us to present ourselves to local authorities and other community professionals as a legitimate and professional business. The guidance and advice we have received from Becky has been incredibly important for us and invaluable. The enterprise centre is a fantastic resource for new and upcoming businesses. You may have the misconception that you have to have it all figured out with a full business plan before you receive support, this is far from the truth, you can be at the very being stages of an idea! Mixing this support with my 10 years front line and management experience in the sector, along with the Health & Social care provision at BGU, has really enabled Neil and I to create a service that brings both health care and social care together which allows us to offer holistic and bespoke person centred support with a wider understanding of social injustices and the adult social care crisis. I would encourage anyone even thinking about going into business or anyone with a concept for self-employment to come in and speak to someone. I can guarantee you won’t regret it!” Becky Goodman, Enterprise Development Manager at BG Futures, was equally full of praise for the hard work of Damian and his team: “It has been great to work with Damian and Neil over the past few months, and I am excited to see how the business grows and develops over the coming months and years Damian first contacted us following a visit I made to his MA Health and Social Care course and after meeting with both Damian and Neil it became clear that the business needed the space to grow. The duo moved into the BGU Enterprise Club room in BG Futures, and from there we have watched them grow from strength to strength, from recruiting staff, to sourcing promotional products and hope that we have made a real impact to their start up journey, and continue to do so as they take up an office of their own with us in the centre.” The Careers, Employability and Enterprise team strive to support all students during their studies to research and plan their career, and to improve their employability. The BGU Enterprise Club hosted by BG Futures also provides students with Business Start-up support and guidance, in addition to free office space*, and the opportunity to pitch for start-up funding. If you have got a vision for your own business but aren’t sure where to begin then the BG Futures team are the perfect place to start. With facilities and expert support available in their incubation centre, they’ll be able to get you on the road to success. Visit our website or contact them today to see how you can start your own adventure. Support from EarlyBird is available to anyone in Lincolnshire and the surrounding area, to find out how they can help you visit their website, or get in contact via email at info@ebls.co.uk or on 01522424161. On the 31st of August EarlyBird will be running a charity fundraiser in aid of Alzheimer’s Society. Join them from 10am at Freshney Place, Grimsby, as they attempt a ‘Coast to Coast’ 168 mile cycle. Alternatively you can donate to their efforts here. *Competitive process applies. -
Teenage Market Heads to the Coast to Encourage Enterprising Entrepreneurs
As the Lincoln Teenage Market continues to grow, the Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) based BG Futures team behind it are developing new and exciting partnerships with keen supporters. One such partnership is with the Lincolnshire Coastal Business Improvement District. A Business Improvement District (BID) is a precisely defined geographical area where the local business community has voted to invest in additional services to those provided by the local authority. By working with the Coastal BID BG Futures aims to inspire and support young entrepreneurs from across the wider county, in particular within Skegness and the surrounding area. BG Futures also aims to work with the local population to raise aspirations, and promote social mobility by providing informal careers advice and guidance, and promoting the BGU offer within the coastal community. Part of this initiative included bringing the Teenage Market to the centre of Skegness, providing entrepreneurial young people with the chance to trial new business ideas and sell creative products in Tower Gardens just off the seafront. Alongside the market BGU partnered with the local Premier Inn to raise funds for their chosen charity GOSH, while members of their team provided face painting for youngsters. Free crafts were also provided by BGU most notably by regular volunteer Jill Draycott who is a keen advocate of the market. Following the market Becky Goodman, Enterprise Development Manager, and Nikki Smith; Careers, Employability and Enterprise Adviser at BGU praised the event for what it could do for the wider area: “Taking the Lincoln Teenage Market on tour to Skegness has been a particular highlight of our summer series of markets, and it has been great to partner with The Coastal Bid team on this to take the Market to the coast. Seeing new stallholders showcase their entrepreneurial talents, and our existing stallholders thrive in a new location backed by The Coastal Bid, local mayor, town council, and local businesses gives all of the BG Futures team an immense sense of pride“ The Teenage Market offers budding traders, business owners and performers the chance to trial their entrepreneurial ideas in a realistic and supportive environment. If you’d like to find out more about the Lincoln Teenage Market or perhaps get involved as a trader or performer at the next event, please contact the Teenage Market team at: teenagemarket@bishopg.ac.uk. You can also follow Lincoln Teenage Market on Facebook -
Students tackle food waste and social problems in ‘Make Your Mark’ challenge
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) students recently had the chance to devise solutions to the global issue of food waste as part of the ‘Make Your Mark’ challenge. Sponsored and hosted by the Centre for Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT), and supported by BG Futures, the ‘Make Your Mark’ challenge asked the students to think of improvements that could be made at BGU to help limit food waste. While the University’s BG Lincoln Ltd. team have made great strides in this area, they still face the difficulty of balancing these efforts with customer demand for a varied menu as John Hodson, Operations Manager at BG Lincoln Ltd., explains: “Over the past 3 years we have reduced our in-house waste by 28%, resulting in savings of around £14,000 in total. To achieve this, we have focused on an efficient menu, cooking within managed periods of time to meet projected demand, however, we are aware that students desire an expansion to the menu choice.” With this in mind students were asked to think about how about the menu choice could be expanded upon in catering outlets at BGU whilst improving waste control further. They were also asked to reflect on the sustainability of any of these initiatives and whether they could be developed/run as a social enterprise venture. The group of students who took part generated a raft of ideas from different portion sizes and a “lite bites” menu, to generating compost and introducing of ‘doggy bags’ to helping the disadvantaged through food bank donations. Amongst all these fantastic concepts, the winning solution suggested the development of an online app which releases a pre-bookable, weekly food plan. Devised by student Kim Lucia Spielmanns, who won £150 for her idea, the app would allow a higher percentage of food to be pre-booked by staff and students. Speaking at the event she explained her motivation: “Even though our in-house sustainability has greatly improved, I wanted to focus on a solution which could reduce our carbon footprint and better manage the volume control institutionally. My app idea means that more meal tickets can be pre-bought which can better inform buying decisions.” Two runner-up students also won a £20 Amazon voucher for their overall contributions. All the suggestions put forth by the students have been disseminated to the relevant BGU staff and will be built upon further in the New Year. John Hodson is keen to work with students further to ensure their voice is central to the menu offer and their ideas are incorporated into future plans and will be setting up dedicated focus groups in the New Year. Linette Wallace, CELT co-ordinator, led the event and has plans to expand its impact beyond BGU: “I am pleased that this event was so well received by our students and I believe there is a growing need for a pool of social entrepreneurial talent. Next academic year, we hope to be able to run this type of challenge with a group of local secondary schools and will be sending out invitations in the New Year.” For further information on the activities being carried out by the CELT team email CELT@bishopg.ac.uk If you'd like your school to be involved in future Make Your Mark challenges, fill out the below form and a member of our Outreach Team will be in touch with more information. -
“Amazing” Carers’ Initiatives Earn “Well Deserved” Awards for BGU
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) is delighted to announce that its Health and Social Care team and wider community have successfully been accredited with the Lincolnshire Carers Quality Awards for providing outstanding support for Carers at the University. -
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