Campus News
Forum for Global Challenges: call for contributions
October 26th, 2021
The Forum for Global Challenges are seeking proposals for contributions from areas including business, academia, the public sector and civil society from all parts of the world.
They are seeking solutions to the over-arching challenges of climate change and inequalities and are inviting proposals for contributions to several topics, with details on each topic provided in the call guide. In brief these are:
- Green Economy
- Restoring Nature
- Future of Cities
- Mobilities and Migration
- Food and Nutrition Security
- Health and Wellbeing
- Education and Employment Futures
- Gender Equality
- Making Change Happen
Proposals for contributions can address more than one of these topics, as it is recognised that many challenges lie at the intersections between them.
The contribution proposal is limited to 3,000 characters covering the problem, solution and evidence.
Contributions can be on anything related to the topics above, but submissions on descriptions, research, and evaluation of policy, societal and technical solutions that have been tried and implemented (whether successful or not) are particularly encouraged, as well as submissions for novel solutions, with evidence and rationale underpinning them.
The deadline for proposals is Friday 3 December 2021.
Selected contributions will be presented in the form of:
- Live Presentation (in person or virtual)
- Live Poster Presentation (in person)
- Digital Posters (this also can include a 3-minute recorded presentation)
Registration is not required to submit contributions, but registration will be required to present the accepted contributions (whether live or virtual).
Please visit the Forum for Global Challenges website for more information or visit the Call for Contributions page to submit a proposal.
The Forum for Global Challenges is a major biennial conference seeking to catalyse solutions to the some of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change and inequality.
The 3,000-delegate Forum 2022 will be held in Birmingham, UK, between 3-5 May 2022, and will be fully hybrid.
Confirmed keynote speakers include presidents, leaders of international organisations and NGOs, business leaders, politicians, philanthropists, practitioners and thought leaders from academia and beyond.
Tags: Forum for Global Challenges, Forum for Global Challenges 2022, solutions
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Resources to support student wellbeing
October 26th, 2021
Staff are being encouraged to familiarise themselves with a number of support resources and services that are available to students at the university in case they may be of use during conversations with students.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list.
Support and Wellbeing Service
Support and wellbeing officers sit in every faculty and work alongside personal tutors, supervisors, and university support services. They can help signpost students to support and we always recommend referring a student to a support and wellbeing officer in the first instance. They also offer advice on academic policies and processes, such as extenuating circumstances and interruption of studies.
Support and wellbeing
HealthyU
HealthyU offers advice, campaigns, events, and resources to support students with their physical and mental wellbeing. It also signposts to local support services. Students can get advice on mental health, keeping active, nutrition, stress management, sex and relationships, alcohol, domestic violence and much more. Look out for HealthyU campaigns, which run each term and often feature events across our campuses.
HealthyU website
Togetherall app
The Togetherall app provides a safe space for members to engage anonymously with a wide network of people across the world who understand what it’s like to struggle with mental health. It provides a 24/7 support network and is monitored by trained clinicians. All University of Nottingham students have free access to the app.
Togetherall app
University Counselling Service
Our counselling service provides groups and workshops, self-help resources and individual counselling to students year-round. Their qualified counsellors can help with personal and psychological problems. Students can self-refer and will be invited to a 30-minute counselling consultation, during which a counsellor may recommend self-help resources or groups and workshops. Alternatively, they may suggest follow-up appointments, which are offered on a ‘book as you go’ basis. Students should be aware that demand for the Counselling Service is high and there is likely to be a wait time of several weeks for a counselling consultation.
University Counselling Service
Residential Experience
The Residential Experience Team offers support to students in halls of residence. They offer events and socials to encourage participation in activities such as sport, and lifestyle workshops with a view to improving wellbeing. Residential Assistants are also on hand in the evenings between 6pm and 10pm to offer support.
Residential experience
Report and Support
The Report and Support tool allows students to report incidents and get support and advice from an advisor. Students can choose to either report anonymously or speak to an advisor. Speaking to an advisor does not mean that they are making a formal report to the university, but they may be given the option to do so. Students are able to report both on behalf of themselves and others. Any information provided will remain private and confidential unless there is a serious safety or welfare concern.
Report and Support
Mental Health Advisory Service
The Mental Health Advisory Service is a specialist, referral only service for students experiencing significant mental health difficulties.
The Mental Health Advisory Service is there to offer support, advice and guidance to students experiencing significant mental health difficulties. Mental Health Advisors have core professional training (Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Community Psychiatric Nursing, Psychology) and have significant experience working in NHS secondary care services. Using a recovery model, the team works closely with the University and external mental health services to support students to develop strategies to maximise their University experience.
The service is a referral only service, and staff can refer students by contacting the team at MH-Support@nottingham.ac.uk. The Mental Health Advisory Services operates Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm and also run a duty service and can be contacted for advice and support by staff who have urgent concerns about students.
Tags: staff resources, student support, student support resources, support for students
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Programme Director appointed to Digital Nottingham
October 26th, 2021
A Programme Director has been appointed to Digital Nottingham.
Susannah Goh will take up the role on Monday 8 November 2021.
Digital Nottingham is a vision of collaboration to help transform the city – developing Nottingham’s potential, skills and ambitions, while providing opportunities for growth and regeneration in a digital and data-driven world.
Professor Paul Grainge was appointed as Academic Director in October and the Programme Director role now completes the leadership team.
Bringing together academics, businesses, communities and organisations Digital Nottingham aims to catalyse and connect civic, research and innovation endeavour around digital transformation – from data-driven policymaking, health research and investment planning to the myriad ways that digital products and innovations bear on social, cultural and work life.
Susannah brings extensive leadership and innovation experience and expertise spanning technology and science, enterprise, society and creativity. She is particularly passionate about enhancing health, education and skills, social inclusion, economic prosperity and environmental sustainability through digitisation and data.
Her recent work has included: directing a health innovation institute, at Birmingham City University; developing major UK collaborations and programmes, at the Energy Systems Catapult; and instigating and leading the strategic and operational development of sustainable construction and built environment innovation activities for the West Midlands region, at the Innovation Alliance for the West Midlands.
She said: “It is truly wonderful to be joining Digital Nottingham and the University of Nottingham. Digital innovation and data connectivity employed correctly- that is, with a strongly person-centred and place-based approach- will afford us ways of accelerating lasting positive change
Susannah Goh
Through these means we can give rise to resilient communities, business ecosystems and public services, and a buoyant cultural identity as a city. This will afford Nottingham a set of robust prospects and foster, increasingly, a high quality of life for all.”
Professor Grainge, Academic Director for Digital Nottingham said: “I’m delighted to welcome Susannah to the Digital Nottingham team and to start putting our vision for the project into action.”
Born and raised in historic towns, in Lower Saxony and North Rhein-Westphalia, Germany, of Chinese heritage and with long-standing connections to Britain, Susannah has a special interest in intercultural dialogue and exchange. She completed her undergraduate studies at Durham University and went on to graduate studies at the University of Cambridge.
Tags: Digital Nottingham
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Safe cycling during the winter months
October 25th, 2021
The annual ‘Brighten Up’ campaign aims to promote safe cycling during the darker months.
The clocks go back on Sunday 31 October and the evenings will become darker an hour earlier. As we head into winter, with darker morning and evenings, we want to encourage you to continue cycling but to stay safe whilst doing so.
Be safe
It is important to be prepared and make sure that your bikes are kitted out with the right lights. Bike lights must be used on campus, public roads, cycle paths or public places between sunset and sunrise or when visibility is seriously reduced.
By law you must have front and rear lights, a rear reflector and pedal reflectors. Without this you risk a fine of up to £150 from either the police or the university. You can pick up a set of front and back lights from the SU shop for £5.50.
Be seen
The more visible you are, the safer you are. During the day wear bright or fluorescent clothing. At night you should wear reflective garments to reflect motorists’ headlights.
To really stand out, take part in UoN Sustainability’s Instagram competition to be in with the chance of winning a Provis reflective jacket and other Brighten Up goodies.
Bike maintenance
Keeping your bike in good working order will also help to avoid accidents. Book it in for a free service with Nottingham Bikeworks’ Dr Bike sessions, held on each campus every month.
Visit the quad outside George Green Library on Thursday 11 November between 10am-2pm where you will be able to find out more about safe cycling and get your bike serviced for free, no booking needed. This is a sustainable travel event that is being organised as part of the university’s activities for COP26.
For more advice on staying safe and visible on the roads during autumn and winter, visit the Brighten Up page.
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Willoughby Hall essential fire safety works
October 25th, 2021
The university carries out regular checks on all of our buildings, including halls of residence, to ensure that they are safe.
During a recent survey, fire safety issues were identified in the main block, that relate to passive control measures that stop the spread of fire through a building.
These were reported to Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, who we are now working with to resolve the issues. Additional measures have been put in place to ensure this area of the hall is safe for staff and students but we are looking to begin a programme of essential safety works asap.
This work will be noisy and disruptive and so we have taken the decision to move the 118 students affected into alternative accommodation until at least Easter.
We have given students a choice about which alternative accommodation best suits their needs. There will be no further cost to them and they will receive help with the move, as well as a welcome gift to help them settle in.
Students whose accommodation is within the extension building of Willoughby, where the same issues have not been identified, do not need to move.
Again the university would like to stress that health and safety is paramount. As soon as the issues were discovered, measures were put into place to reduce any risk to the students and staff in the Hall.
These measures include increasing overnight staffing levels an updating the fire alarm system to immediately evacuate all residents.
Students affected can ring the Willoughby Hall helpline on tel: 0115 846 6200 or contact us by email. Those with welfare concerns or requiring support can contact the ResX team at or call 0115 7487600.
Tags: Willoughby Hall
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New director for University of Nottingham Online
October 25th, 2021
Dr Nick Mount has been appointed the new Academic Director for University of Nottingham Online (UoNO).
In his previous role as Digital Learning Director, Nick led digitally enhanced teaching in the Faculty of Social Sciences and played a central role in delivering online content and learning design toolkits to support the university’s transition to online teaching in response to Covid-19. Nick is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and is a double Lord Dearing Award winner.
Working with colleagues across the university to design and deliver best-in-class online learning experiences is at the core of Nick’s new role.
He will oversee the University of Nottingham Online learning design process and its translation into a portfolio of consistent, high-quality online learning courses that deliver the levels of learner engagement and interaction that the market demands.
Nick’s research expertise in informatics will support the delivery of a new online learning platform for University of Nottingham Online that implements state-of-the-art content standards and is underpinned by enhanced learner analytics.
Dr. Nick Mount
Nick said: “This is an exciting time for the university as we work to build our portfolio of online courses and reach a new audience of learners across the world. University of Nottingham Online supports the university’s long-term sustainability goals and I’m looking forward to working with colleagues across the university to help achieve this.”
Tags: digital, digital strategy, Dr Nick Mount, online teaching, University of Nottingham Online, UoN Online, UoNO
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Our message of hope at COP26: research can truly change the world
October 22nd, 2021
Update from Professor Dame Jessica Corner
COP26, the United Nations Climate Conference, opens in Glasgow on 1 November, and I will be proud to lead a small delegation from our university at this incredibly important event.
We will carry a message of hope. We face the greatest challenge of our time yet a common purpose and shared determination to deliver innovative, bold solutions can truly change the world.
In Glasgow, we will highlight our discoveries, inform debate and seek to influence policies. And throughout the conference, look out for our researchers’ insights into their work and its impact on climate change.
You will find these on our COP26 web pages. Please follow and help amplify our campaign on social media, including Twitter (@UoNresearch and @UoN_Institute) and look out for hashtags #TogetherForOurPlanet and #COP26.
We are also connecting with the communities we serve and highlighting how our staff and students can get involved and make a difference.
Our research strategy consultation: thank you
My sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the latest round of our reach strategy consultation. We asked colleagues from across our UK, China and Malaysia campuses for your views on a white paper that set out a framework to deliver a high-performing, inclusive research ecosystem.
In the UK, we had engagement with individuals and groups representing 10% of our community, with a 75% positivity rating from colleagues – a very good result! A breakdown of responses from China and Malaysia, together with further analysis, will follow.
We are grateful for the engagement of the university community over the past year in debating our research ambitions and how we can achieve them.
Informed by your insights, our research strategy for 2022-27 will be launched at the end of this year. Look out for dates in December to join me and colleagues at an in-person event where I will give an overview of the strategy and answer any questions you may have. In the new year we will hold further conversations with you, including a series of town halls, on its implementation. Your contribution remains vital as we work towards an agile and inclusive research ecosystem.
Read Dame Jessica’s full update
Tags: COP26, professor dame jessica corner, research, Research Strategy, research strategy consultation
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Internal Coach Pool now recruiting: deadline extended
October 22nd, 2021
The Leadership and Management Academy is delighted to announce that it is expanding its Internal Coach Pool.
This is now open for nominations from all Professional Services Departments, Faculties and Schools. All permanently contracted staff, all job levels, from any job family can apply. We are particularly keen to expand the diversity of our coach pool, so would encourage those with protected characteristics to apply.
What does the Internal Coach Pool involve?
The Internal Coach Pool currently comprises a group of around 50 staff who have qualified with an ILM Level 5 Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring. This has provided them with the support they need to coach others in the University in confidential coaching relationships. We are now expanding this provision with a further 60 coaching places available (40 in autumn 2021, and 20 in spring 2022). These staff will be trained through the Apprenticeship Coaching Professional (level 5).
Why coaching?
Coaching creates opportunities for the development of professional, supportive relationships and can enable individuals to effectively carry out core business and to continue to contribute to strategic aims. By taking part in the Internal Coach Pool, you will benefit from personal development and a better understanding of your impact on others.
The Internal Coach Pool will be supported by the University’s Leadership and Management Team and the Coaching and Mentoring Community of Practice.
How can I be nominated?
All members of staff at the university are eligible to complete a nomination form to become a coach in the Internal Coach Pool, regardless of their job family or level. We encourage nominations from the wide university population and recognise a range of skills and talent in our workforce.
Nominees must feel comfortable with the prospect of coaching people who may be working in a different area to themselves. Places are limited, so completing a nomination form is not a guarantee of a place on the programme.
Senior Management Teams (SMTs) are responsible for reviewing nominations from people from within their teams. To make your interest known, please discuss this with your line manager first before submitting your nomination. You need to make sure you have support to dedicate the hours required to complete the programme, as well as the on-going coaching commitment in future years.
The deadline for nominations to be agreed and submitted has now been extended to Friday 12 November 2021.
Successful nominees will commence training towards their L5 qualification in mid to late-November 2021 and be matched with their first coachees in January 2022.
More information and the nomination form are available on the LMA Hub.
For any further information, please contact Ruth Francis, Management Development Manager or Carol Steed, Leadership and Management Director.
Tags: coaching, Coaching and mentoring, Internal Coach Pool, Leadership and Management Academy, LMA, lma hub
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Spiking – supporting our students
October 22nd, 2021
Colleagues across the University will be aware of increased reports of ‘spiking’ attacks in cities across the UK, including Nottingham. These reports are extremely concerning and part of a pattern of violence against women that the university and Students’ Union condemn and will not tolerate.
The university and Students’ Union are continuing to work closely with Nottinghamshire Police and the city’s nightlife providers to identify further action to make venues more secure and challenge the behaviours which lead to such criminal and misogynistic actions.
Nottinghamshire Police have a team dedicated to the investigation of these reports and will deploy more officers to patrol the city centre during the evenings to ensure that venues and people on a night out are safe.
Advice for students
The University is communicating regularly with students to provide advice and updates on police action. Please read and share the latest information published at current students.
The responsibility for spiking lies solely with the perpetrators, and it is never a victim’s fault if they are spiked on a night out. Our priority is to keep our community safe and identify the people responsible.
Anyone who has been a victim of spiking should report it to the Police as soon as possible. Anyone who is a victim of – or witnesses – harassment of any kind, whether on or off campus, can report it and/or seek support using our Report and Support service.
Education and sexual consent
Next week is Sexual Consent Awareness Week at the University of Nottingham where we are encouraging all students to find out more about how we can make our community a safer, more supportive space.
For more information, please visit the University’s Safety in The City webpages. If students need support or are affected by anything mentioned in this statement, there are many services available including Nottingham Nightline, Victim Support UK and TogetherAll – full details are published on the HealthyU webpages.
Tags: Harassment, nights out, safety, spiking
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