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Welcome to in Focus Update… |
Past Issues << | Issue 268: 01 November 2011 |
By now you should have received information via email regarding the new voluntary severance and early retirement schemes for all staff which opens today. Under the terms of our previous scheme, sufficient staff left UEL in July to avoid the need for UEL to resort to compulsory redundancies in 2010/11. There remain occasions when changes may arise as a result of alterations to the curriculum, organisational restructuring or in other working practices which mean that UEL may find that the particular skills of a staff member are no longer required. For these reasons, it has been decided to reintroduce a further voluntary severance and early retirement scheme to be used when appropriate. Whilst the new schemes will be in place until further notice, applications received before 6 January 2012, will be considered for both a voluntary severance payment and, where appropriate, early retirement. If interested, you should contact your HR Manager, Dean, Director or trade union representative for advice to assist in your decision making. Applications should be sent in writing to your HR Manager.
A letter from Dusty Amroliwala, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Services and Infrastructure, which explains more about the schemes, can also be found here
More information can be found at www.uel.ac.uk/hrservices/documents/emhandbook/volreleasescheme.pdf
Further details are available in the FAQs at www.uel.ac.uk/hrservices/documents/emhandbook/vsfaqs.pdf
Over the past few months Facilities Services have been in the process of replacing the original card-swipe access system at Docklands and Stratford with a new system that relies on proximity card readers, similar to those used on the London transport network. Facilities have been distributing new ID cards. However, some new staff and student cards are yet to be collected. From Saturday 5 November on Docklands Campus, and from Saturday 19 November on Stratford Campus, including Duncan House, staff and students will not be able to access campus buildings or register their attendance using their old card.
If you haven’t yet done so, please collect your new ID card as soon as possible. You can get your new ID card from the Security Receptions at Docklands or Stratford Campuses, between 10am – 12 noon or 4pm – 7pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). See www.uel.ac.uk/idcards for more information, or if you have any further queries contact Pervin on 020 8223 7182 or p.hussain@uel.ac.uk
I am very pleased to advise you that our IIP assessor has given us a clean bill of health and has agreed that we should retain our IIP accredited status. This result reflects enormously well on the hard work and efforts of all our staff. I would like to thank all colleagues who contributed to this outcome and, in particular, to acknowledge the work of those managers at every level who have brought significant credit to themselves and our University. One of the many positive comments to come out of our final meeting was the extent to which our assessors were told by staff of the time and effort that is expended on their individual development. Our assessors were also told in many interviews how excited staff were to be at UEL at this moment in time. I certainly recognise that sentiment and I am delighted that this enthusiasm has been so clearly evident in our recent assessment.
Thank you very much indeed.
As ever,
Dusty Amroliwala
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Services and Infrastructure
As next year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games approach, the excitement it brings will undoubtedly generate interest from the press in anything Olympic related. UEL has some exciting Games-time partners, including ASICS, British Swimming, LOCOG, Team USA and Team Singapore and we are already seeing an increase in press enquiries around UEL and the Olympics. UEL has a Media Protocol which outlines how press enquiries should be handled. It is important that all press enquiries are referred to the press office and under no circumstances should any member of staff speak to the press without doing so first. Please take time to familiarise yourself with the UEL Media Protocol at www.uel.ac.uk/mediaprotocol Please direct any queries to Sara Hazzard, Head of PR and Communications, via hazzard@uel.ac.uk
UEL will again be honouring Remembrance Day this year with gatherings taking place on both Docklands and Stratford Campuses. Vice-Chancellor Professor Patrick McGhee will be saying a few words at Stratford Campus, at 11am on Friday 11 November, to commemorate those lost during the two World Wars and other conflicts. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor John Joughin will similarly be speaking at Docklands Campus. The specific locations of both will be confirmed in next week's edition of 'inFocus'.
Following the recent emails announcing the death of our Children’s Garden colleague, Jill Loake, the team at Children’s Garden invites staff to attend a memorial event on Monday 14 November, 3 – 5pm. This celebration of Jill’s life and work will host UEL colleagues, staff, children and parents from Children’s Garden, and Jill’s family members. It will begin indoors, follwed by a visit to ‘Jill’s Place', a new area of the garden named in her memory, and close with tea, cakes and a chance to exchange memories. Entry at 3pm will be by the roadside door. Dress code/general demeanour is cheerful. If you wish, please bring a flowers for ‘Jill’s Place’ and/or something to share for tea. RSVP to t.m.bishop@uel.ac.uk
The annual Wise Up! events are coming to UEL. The first event will be held this week at Stratford Campus on Wednesday 2 November, 10am – 4pm. The second event takes place on Wednesday 9 November, 10am – 4pm, at Docklands Campus. Come down and check out the stalls and interactive health and safety demonstrations. There will be competitions with prizes as well as goody bags and useful advice from health and safety professionals. For more information contact wellbeing@uel.ac.uk
The International Students Advice Team has scooped first place in an independent survey which casts a critical eye over 160 higher education institutions across the UK and worldwide. The International Student Barometer, an independent survey of international students which is run by the International Graduate Insight Group i-graduate, not only placed the ISA team at number 1 for visa advice in the UK, but number 2 in the entire world. The team (pictured), which is based within UEL’s International Office, was also found to be the best in the UK for language support, internet access, accommodation quality and eco-friendly attitude. In addition, the International Office were recently placed first and second in Million+. The Head of International Students Advice, Niru Williams, congratulated the team on their outstanding achievement and will be working on the findings of the survey with the International Student Experience project group.
As part of an ongoing engagement plan between UEL’s Education and Community Partnerships Team and Buxton School in Leytonstone, a range of successful events was delivered throughout September and October dedicated to raising students’ aspirations and increasing university awareness. 150 students ranging from year groups 8 to 11 joined the team on Docklands Campus to receive a taste of university life. For the full story see bit.ly/uel_buxton
A review by the Medicines Research Group in the School of Health, Sport and Bioscience has highlighted the relevance of Anglo-Saxon medical texts in the search for new drugs. The Anglo-Saxon medical collections have been little researched and were regarded in the 19th century as 'sterile formulas which could be applied without any exercise of reasoning, alone survived during the Dark ages'. The review, entitled ‘Anglo-Saxon Pharmacopoeia revisited: a potential treasure in drug discovery’, discusses how multidisciplinary research projects could further explore historical English texts and, together with modern translations, discover novel plant metabolites of potential medicinal value. To find out more see bit.ly/anglosaxon
For the latest on our activities visit the news releases section of our website www.uel.ac.uk/news
Talks from the Black Asian and Minority Ethnic staff network and National Mentoring Consortium: Wednesday 2 November, 5 – 7pm (EB.G.14, Docklands Campus)
Dr Gil Robinson, Acting Associate Dean Royal Docks Business School, will be speaking on Succeeding in higher education and the creation of Black History Month, and Robin Landman OBE, Chief Executive of NBP, will be speaking on The Network of Black Professionals: tapping into the national network to enhance your successful future. The presentations will be of benefit to all staff and students.
Pharmacology 2.0: Wednesday 2 November, 6pm (AE.1.01 Stratford Campus)
World-renowned pharmacologist Professor Roderick Flower FRS will be presenting a public lecture entitled Pharmacology 2.0, followed by a drinks reception. To attend please email May Nahar at m.nahar@uel.ac.uk by 31 October.
Turn-taking and repair strategies in TA-led literacy intervention sessions: Thursday 3 November, 5 – 6pm (ED.2.02, Stratford Campus)
This seminar, with Paula Bosanquet, will discuss an exploration of turn taking during small-group literacy intervention sessions in mainstream schools, led by teaching assistants. For further details contact v.a.burton@uel.ac.uk
UEL open day: Saturday 5 November, 12 noon – 4pm (Stratford Campus only)
Gender-based violence in war and the question of accountability: the case of Bosnia: Wednesday 9 November, 3.30 – 5pm (Room 110, Duncan House)
Maja Korac, Reader, School of Law and Social Sciences, and Olga Martin-Ortega, Senior Research Fellow, Centre on Human Rights in Conflict, School of Law and Social Sciences (UEL). Chair: Johanna Herman, Centre on Human Rights in Conflict, UEL. For further information visit www.uel.ac.uk/chrc or contact Johanna Herman on j.herman@uel.ac.uk
Book launch – Handbook of Islamic Marketing: Thursday 10 November, 6pm (KD.2.22, Docklands Campus)
All staff are invited to the launch of Handbook of Islamic Marketing, where contributor Dr Rula Al-Abdulrazak will be speaking about marketing teamwork and initiatives including her current research in branding around Islamic finance.
UEL open day: Saturday 12 November, 12 noon – 4pm (Docklands Campus only)
The Centre of Excellence for Women Entrepreneurship (CEWE) conference: Thursday 17 November, 9am – 4.30pm (Honourable Artillery Company, Moorgate)
Registration is now open for the CEWE Conference and networking session. The event will bring together women entrepreneurs and their supporters to share knowledge, experiences and challenges. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your networks! Please see www.uel.ac.uk/cewe/conference.htm for more information and to book now.
Islamic finance and the crisis state – a model worth looking into: Thursday 17 November, 6 – 8pm (WB.G.02, Docklands Campus)
Rajah Teh Maimunah, CEO of Hong Leong Islamic Bank, will be speaking at this significant event. Raja Teh has over 18 years of banking experience focusing on investment banking and Islamic finance, and holds an LLB (Hons) degree from UEL. If you wish to attend please email alumni@uel.ac.uk
Waste management seminar: Monday 21 November: (choice of two sessions) 10am – 12 noon (WB.3.02, Docklands Campus); 2 – 4pm (RB.G.16, Stratford Campus)
Waste consultants Revise, who conducted a waste audit for UEL in March 2011, explain staff responsibilities towards sustainable, effective and compliant waste management. This is presented in the context of the University’s efforts to gain ISO 14001 (international accreditation for its environmental management system), and the new UEL Waste Strategy currently being drafted. Refreshments provided. For details and to book a place please email t.x.jones@uel.ac.uk
The human-rights compliance of UK anti-terrorism legislation in the light of domestic and international case law: Wednesday 23 November, 3.30 – 5pm (Room 110, Duncan House)
Carmen Draghici, Lecturer, School of Law, City University. For further information visit www.uel.ac.uk/chrc or contact Johanna Herman on j.herman@uel.ac.uk
See Events Calendar for a full listing: www.uel.ac.uk/marketing/support/eventscalendar.htm
Spotlight on staffBernie Englefield: Senior Network Specialist, IT Services
“I have been playing tennis at lunchtimes with a group from the office for a couple of years. It is a good way to keep fit and can be played all year round. Last year Newham Council resurfaced the courts in Beckton Park and shortly afterwards UELSports started running regular coaching sessions at lunchtimes (Docklands Monday and Thursday; Stratford Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday). The coaching sessions normally consist of a short warm-up, 30 minutes working on a particular shoot or technique, and then finish with a quick game of doubles. The coaching is excellent and well attended and I think my game has improved immensely. Unfortunately everybody else has improved as well.”
To find out more about the tennis sessions contact uelsports@uel.ac.uk or 020 8223 4707
Opening in March 2012, SportsDock will offer UEL students, staff and the local community world-class sporting facilities on their doorstep. SportsDock will host a range of activities in its dance and aerobics studio and need instructors to teach a variety of classes. UEL staff with experience or qualifications in teaching fitness classes who are interested in upcoming vacancies are asked to get in touch with Yassin Abidou via y.abidou@uel.ac.uk
For more information on SportsDock email sportsdock@uel.ac.uk
Ditch the workout, join the party! Zumba fitness is the only Latin-inspired dance-fitness programme! Come and get healthy and fit the happy way…Zumba! Every Wednesday, 1.15 – 2pm in AVA.G.26 (AVA Building, Docklands Campus). It's only £5 per session for staff.
Yoga Flex is a gentle, therapeutic and natural way to exercise. It will help you to relax, de-stress and energise, giving the body a complete workout ‘inside out’. Yoga Flex is held Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Visit www.uel.ac.uk/sports/activity/physical.htm to see all the times and locations. It's only £5 per session for staff.
Welcome to the Green Thing, a regular section full of information on environmental projects, tips and ideas for staff at UEL. Visit our website www.uel.ac.uk/greenthing, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/uel_greenthing or get in touch at greenthing@uel.ac.uk We’d love to hear from you!
Environment Team, Facilities
After three months of editing, updating and re-working, the makeover of the Green Thing website is now finished. We hope you’ll find it easier to navigate the site and to find what you need. New material on the site includes lots of pictures of the biodiversity projects and a step-by-step guide to filling a growing bed with a tonne of soil: www.uel.ac.uk/greenthing/growatdocklands.htm. We’ve also collated all of UEL’s sustainability-related news at www.uel.ac.uk/greenthing/news.htm and we’ve rewritten our Recycling and Waste pages to make it clearer how we deal with our waste: www.uel.ac.uk/greenthing/campus.htm If you have any feedback or if you think anything is missing, please let us know by emailing greenthing@uel.ac.uk
A Bin the Bin trial has been launched this week in the offices of two Services; IT and Corporate Marketing. The campaign, which has successfully increased recycling levels in a range of HE and other organisations, entails replacing under-desk bins with a small number of communal recycling and general waste bins. The benefits include increasing recycling and reducing landfill, cutting contamination in recycling bins, fewer plastic bin liners being used, and increased environmental awareness overall. The departments involved gain an automatic six Silver points for Green Impact, a competition run every year to reward the greenest departments from across UEL (see the article below). Read more about Bin the Bin at www.uel.ac.uk/greenthing/binthebin.htm
Has your department got what it takes to win Gold? Find out by signing up to Green Impact, a fun competition in which staff work together to complete an online workbook, ticking off criteria in areas such as waste and recycling, biodiversity and community and purchasing. We are currently recruiting students to help out the staff teams, so if you haven’t signed up yet, now is the time to do it. Seven teams have already done so, but we know there are still plenty more planning on joining in this year. More details are available online at www.uel.ac.uk/greenthing/greenimpact.htm and Sarah is only an email away if you need any support or help throughout the project: s.ettlinger@uel.ac.uk
… that the consensus seems to be that there are now seven billion of us on this planet (as of yesterday)? Find out how many people were alive when you were born at guardian.co.uk/environment/interactive/2011/oct/24/how-big-worlds-population-born
Highlights
The ReDS team provide administrative and development support to all research and knowledge exchange projects across UEL. Please contact us on 020 8223 7776 or email reds@uel.ac.uk if you would like to discuss any opportunities. Do let us know as soon as possible if you’re developing a proposal – thank you!
ESRC and NERC Increasing Resilience to Natural Hazards in Earthquake-prone and Volcanic Regions: Aimed at increasing resilience to seismic and volcanic-related natural hazards, especially: vulnerability; risk; decision making under uncertainty; translation between evidence into policy and policy into action; recovery and recovery management. Up to £3 million grant for up to five years. Closes 10 November 2011.
Joseph Rowntree Foundation Poverty and ethnicity: employer behaviour and workplace culture: To determine: what, if anything, is the relationship between informal workplace practices and culture, and the disadvantage / in-work poverty experienced by people with different ethnic identities; and what is the balance between the expectations and actions of employers and those of employees with different ethnic identities in explaining this relationship? In combination, our aim is for this research to provide a comprehensive insight into what kinds of action could be taken to address the level of in-work poverty experienced by people from different ethnic minority groups. Up to £140,000 grant for 12 months. Closes 29 November 2011.
AHRC Skills Development Call: To support the development of innovative, collaborative training packages, that will meet a range of capacity issues in the arts and humanities. Up to £60,000 grant. Closes 8 December 2011
JISC Digital infrastructure Programme: Targeted at addressing particular aspects of the infrastructure and contributing to the rich vision of infrastructure for education and research. Six strands: Resource Discovery; Enhancing the Sustainability of Digital Collections; Research Information Management; Research Tools; Applications of the Linking You Toolkit; Access and Identity Management. Up to £100,000 (most around £30,000) grant for 20 months. Closes 21 November 2011.
AHRC Connected Communities: Arts and Humanities Perspectives on Communities Connected Communities Research Programme: Supplementary call for scoping studies and research reviews focussed on arts and humanities perspectives on communities. To add value to the Programme by developing further the distinctive perspectives that arts and humanities can bring to our understanding of communities and connectivity, Up to £40,000 in total grant. Closes 24 November 2011.
AHRC Science in Culture Exploratory Awards Call: For exploratory awards that aim to hold a workshop or series of workshops or similar events, or to carry out a scoping study or a research review. £30,000 (80% fEC) grant for up to six months. Closes 22 November 2011.
BBSRC Partnering Awards: four Calls; United States, India, China, and Japan: Aims: to set up partnership links between UK and overseas laboratories; to promote the exchange of scientists, particularly early career scientists; to promote access to facilities. Up to £50,000 (US) or £25,000 (India, China and Japan) grant for up to four years. Closes 22 November 2011.
British Academy and Leverhulme Trust Senior Research Fellowships: Award-holders are expected to be able to disseminate the results of their research through publications and through feeding into their future academic career after the end of the awards. Any field of study in the humanities and social sciences is eligible. Closes 16 November 2011.
EPSRC Research Institute in the Science of Cyber Security: To participate in a workshop on 14 – 15 Dec 2011 which will help formulate a call for full proposals for a research institute in the science of cyber security. Closes 9 November 2011.
English Heritage A Review of Research Priorities for Urban Parks, Designed Landscapes and Open Spaces: Ref: 6247 (Contracts Finder) For a project that will undertake to review the circumstances affecting historic parks and open spaces (excluding cemeteries) as a means of determining research priorities within and beyond the present National Heritage Protection Plan period (2011 – 2014). Contact ReDS if interested. £15,000 – £25,000 contract for four months. Closes 18 November 2011.
The full spreadsheet of opportunities is available from a secure page on the ReDS website. Log in with your UEL username and password at www.uel.ac.uk/secure/reds/current-opportunities/index.htm Current external funding opportunities and other announcements also go out on the ReDS Twitter feed at twitter.com/UEL_ReDS
Please send comments or contributions for in Focus Update to: infocus@uel.ac.uk
To contribute a UEL news item please supply a headline (c. 10 words), short paragraph (c. 50-100 words) with a call to action (email / web link or phone) together with a photo.
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© 2011
