Vice Chancellor’s farewell celebrations

The news magazine for York St John University SUMMER 2010
Vice Chancellor’s
farewell
celebrations
see page 2
08 11 13
Focus on
International Conference on
Peace and Reconciliation
Opinion
Making the University more
accessible
In the spotlight
Jo Thompson, Deputy Director
of Human Resources

NEWS
Vice Chancellor’s
farewell celebrations
Professor Dianne Willcocks CBE enjoyed her final
day as Vice Chancellor on Friday 30 April, after more
than ten years of dedicated service at York St John.
Her last day was celebrated at a special farewell
with staff and students on campus, after a week of
formal engagements.
Dianne Willcocks joined York St John in
1999, originally taking the position of
Principal of Ripon & York St John. She led
the church foundation through a massive
transformation, including relocation to a
single campus in York in 2001; the
achievement of Taught Degree Awarding
Powers; and gaining university status in
2006. In 2008 she received a CBE in
recognition of her services to higher
education.
She reflected, “This last week at York St
John has been emblematic of the fun and
frenetic activity that I have enjoyed over
the past decade. I have received very many
moving messages of support from friends
both within and without the University.
Sad though I am to leave York St John, I
am pleased and proud of our shared
contribution to York and Yorkshire.”
Professor David Fleming, currently the
Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University
of Sunderland, will join York St John as the
new Vice Chancellor in June.
Pictured: Professor Willcocks takes part in the Fun Run at York Racecourse
on 29 April (photograph by Katie Galuska); and celebrates her time at York St
John with staff, students and University partners at a series of
engagements at the end of April.
Festival of
creative excellence
21-28 May 2010
This year’s showcase of the work of
Arts graduates offers a week of
performances, concerts, screenings and
exhibitions across the campus. Create10
highlights the talents of those who have
studied fine arts, theatre, dance, media,
film and TV production, design and
music. In addition, the festival promotes
the work of foundation degree students
in music technology, and film and TV
production, as well as the MA Studies
in Creative Practice.
View the full programme of events at
www.yorksj.ac.uk/create10
National
recognition for
professionalism
York St John’s Schools Liaison and
Admissions team has been shortlisted for
the Times Higher Education (THE)
Leadership and Management Awards within
the Student Admissions Team category.
Members of the Schools Liaison and
Admissions team.
Over the last 18 months the University
has experienced a growth of almost 40%
in its applications and of 30% in its open
day visits, which have been handled by the
team. Many of the liaison and collaborative
projects the team are involved in are
also strongly supported through their
development of a very successful student
ambassador scheme.
In addition, Assessment and Learning in
Practice Settings (ALPS) – a collaboration
between five universities in the region
(including York St John), the NHS and
professional health practice bodies – has
been shortlisted for a THE Leadership and
Management Award, in the ICT Initiative
of the Year category.
The winners of the THE Leadership and
Management Awards will be announced
on 17 June 2010.
First KTP for
University and city
The first Knowledge Transfer Partnership
(KTP) for York St John and City of York
Council will use expertise from the Faculty
of Health & Life Sciences to facilitate the
development of a re-ablement service
within the council’s Housing and Adult
Social Care service. Re-ablement services
support people with poor physical or
mental health to help them manage their
illness by learning or re-learning the skills
necessary for daily living. The project will
accelerate the establishment of a
re-ablement service based on existing
evidence of good practice and the
outcomes of benchmarked services. It
will also produce training and education
methods to support workforce
development and cultural change in
service delivery.
talk
CONTENTS
02 News
07 Widening participation
08 Focus on…
International
Conference on Peace
and Reconciliation
10 Research people
11 Opinion:
Making the University
more accessible
12 Reflections of a refugee
13 In the spotlight
14 The view from the
Students’ Union
15 Announcements
16 Noticeboard
02
03

NEWS
Business School continues to
develop international ties
York St John Business School is
working hard to maintain
relationships and work in
partnership with international
universities by hosting visits
from students to learn about
split degree and Masters
programmes.
Students and tutors from Bahria University
in Pakistan visited the University in January.
Hosted by York St John International, the
event gave the students an insight into
studying in the UK and the chance to
explore the city of York. The visit also
coincided with a visit from Mrs Sadia
Mohsin, director of York St John’s regional
office in Pakistan.
Marion Yates, Deputy Director of York St
John International, said, “The visit was a
great success and gave the Bahria students
a real insight into life at a British university.
It was also an excellent opportunity for
staff of the two partner universities to
develop the partnership and explore
opportunities for future cooperation.”
The visitors from Bahria University with
York St John staff.
Encouraging businesses to flourish
A pioneering business management course
provided by the Business School has helped
the area’s only bag boutique develop
into a flourishing business.
Since completing the Learning Through
Business Leaders course, Sharon Winfield,
owner of Bolsita Bags on Micklegate, has
been able to apply a number of vital
business management principles to boost
her business.
Sharon explained, “A number of really good
ideas came out of the course, lots of ideas
that you don’t think apply but in fact the
principles are crucially important. Through
the workshops I’ve learnt that you can
combine a personal interest with a gap in
the market to form a successful business
proposition.”
The Learning Through Business Leaders
course is open to business owners in the
Yorkshire and Humber region; the
workshops are run by Jules Wyman, voted
Britain’s top female coach in 2009.
Sharon Winfield
New artwork
celebrates our
alumni
Six aluminium panels, each measuring
one metre wide and printed with layered
digital photographs, now decorate the
Quad entrance from Lord Mayor’s
Walk. The piece, entitled Alumni
Abundantes 1841-2010, is by graduate
Catherine Scriven and is her first public
commission. The panels have been
created using the University archives
of both York and Ripon, as well as the
memories and experiences of alumni.
Catherine graduated with a first-class
degree in Fine Art in 2008. She was also
awarded the University’s Start4Art prize
for outstanding achievement which
has helped her to establish herself as
an independent artist. She has recently
secured a residency with Hospital Arts
for North East Yorkshire and will also
be displaying work as part of North
Yorkshire Open Studios in June. She
explained, “My intention is that the work
highlights both the rich history and the
many alumni who have studied here.
Ultimately Alumni Abundantes is about
people and time.”
Catherine with her artwork,
Alumni Abundantes 1841-2010.
The Vice Chancellor and Sir Alan Langlands.
HEFCE Chief
Executive visits
York St John
The Chief Executive of the Higher
Education Funding Council for England
(HEFCE), Sir Alan Langlands, visited the
campus on 12 March 2010. He met staff
responsible for delivering two HEFCEfunded
Centres for Excellence in
Teaching and Learning (CETL). The C4C:
Collaborating for Creativity CETL enhances
creative learning opportunities through a
range of collaborative ventures across
faculties and with external partners. The
Assessment and Learning in Practice
Settings (ALPS) CETL has a base in the
Faculty of Health & Life Sciences.
Sir Alan was also introduced to a
conservation project on the Route 66
cycle track in York, which a team of
students received £10,000 funding to
complete. Supported by York British Trust
for Conservation Volunteers, the student
volunteers transformed the area of
greenfield land near Haxby Road primary
school into a community garden for
locals to enjoy.
Christine celebrates her
home town
Over four metres high, Christine Veitch’s
art installation Strike towered over visitors
to Billingham Beck Valley Country Park on
25 March. In her second year of a
Contemporary Fine Art degree at York St
John, Christine had the opportunity to
complete a project that took Teesside
as its inspiration. Elements of Strike were
suggested by the impact made by local
people on British life, including John
Walker, the inventor of the friction match.
“I had an absolute ball working on the
project,” says Christine. “The staff at the
University have been fantastic. I’ve had
loads of support, especially from Annette
Webb and Stuart Bentley in the Library
and the staff from my course. It was great
that they could come and see Strike
in the park.”
(left-right) Jane Charlton, Christine Veitch,
Annette Webb, Stuart Bentley and Debbie
Hodgson with Strike.
Royal seal of approval
Mustafa Al-Henkawe, from Iraq and one of
York St John’s students, was awarded the
International Sword of Honour by the Queen
during his graduation from Initial Officer
Training in 2008.
Providing training in English for
Professional Purposes is an important
aspect of the work of York St John
International. A contract was signed in
2005 with the Royal Air Force and the
team started teaching students from
Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Iraq
destined for military aviation careers.
The programme, which has constantly
been modified, is ‘made-to-measure’
for each student.
Przemek Duklas, one of the course tutors,
attended a graduation ceremony earlier in
2010 at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, where two of
York St John’s Saudi students received their
wings from Air Marshal Simon Bryant.
Przemak commented, “We are all very
proud of the foundation work that we do
at York St John that enables these talented
students to progress their careers.”
04
05

York St John
International: a Centre
of Excellence
Peruvian venture
Widening participation
The English Language provision within
York St John International has been cited
as a Centre of Excellence alongside some
of Britain’s leading language schools,
according to the sector’s most widely read
publication, the EL Gazette (English
Language Gazette). York St John
International received special praise for
its premises, teachers’ qualifications and
aspects of general management, teaching
and welfare. Marion Yates, Deputy Director
of York St John International, said, “This
accolade provides reassurance for our
students and potential students who invest
a great deal in their English Language
studies and deserve the best experience
we can give them.”
International students at York St John.
Pushing beyond walled
boundaries
York St John University, Canterbury Christ
Church University and the University of
Chester signed a significant Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU) on 26 April 2010,
signalling future collaborative links. It is
anticipated that the MOU will encourage
mutually beneficial relationships through
the sharing of expertise and knowledge in
widening participation, flexible learning
and employer engagement, with further
developed collaboration between the
universities and business. The agreement
will also provide opportunities to facilitate
the national and international delivery of
new qualifications and programmes.
Margaret Meredith, from the Faculty of
Education & Theology, took part in a
project to teach the use of ICT by
teachers in the classroom in Lima and
Cusco, Peru, in January 2010. The project
was instigated by Catalina Quiroz Niño, a
Peruvian who is involved in social
development projects in Peru, and who
lives in York. A primary school teacher
from Lima, Luz Marina Aponte, was
the third member of the team. The
participants were tutors of teacher
education from the Instituto Pedagógico
Nacional de Monterrico (IPNM) in Lima
and Universidad Nacional San Antonio
Abad del Cusco (UNSAAC).
Margaret Meredith teaching a class.
York St John and IPNM have signed a
Statement of Intent to collaborate on
future projects: it is hoped a similar
agreement will be signed with UNSAAC.
Bridge concept fires
the imagination
Delegates from City of York Council’s Planning Department, including David Caulfield
(Head of City Development), visited York St John in March to review the work of
third-year Product Design student Zoe Fallows. Zoe worked closely with the Planning
Department to produce a concept for a new street in York running between Lendal
and Ouse Bridges. Her imaginative scheme features a street built on stilts, located 25
feet above the river and running parallel to Coney Street.
Pictured above: City of York Council Planning Department meet Product Design
student Zoe Fallow (third from left), Duncan Brooks (far left) and James Fathers
(far right), to review Zoe’s new street concept.
Young people make
plans for the future
The University hosted the York
Opportunities Fair, which was organised
by the Integrated Services for Disabled
Children, City of York Council, on 1 April
2010. The event was aimed at young
people with learning difficulties or
disabilities and their parents or carers.
It provided an opportunity to help young
people plan for their future by providing
information, advice and guidance; they
could also have a go at many different skills
and activities including animal
management, horticulture, Paralympic
sports, and hair and beauty.
The 32 stands gave out current and good
quality information about what is available
in the region, as well as showing what older
young people have already done. This was
achieved by bringing together
representatives from businesses, employers,
transitions teams, further and higher
education providers as well as the
Skills bus.
Parents or carers were able to attend the
event to gain personalised specialist advice
sessions, talk to staff and gather
information about potential pathways
and opportunities.
Activities at the York
Opportunities Fair.
Celebrating
York’s city walls
Forty metres of specially designed silk
decorated York’s historic city walls at a
special event held during the evening of
29 March, marking the culmination of
an art project between York St John and
local school children. Under the
leadership of Helen Turner, students
from the Faculty of Arts worked with
Years 9 and 10 pupils from All Saints
School and York High School on the
celebratory project. The pupils were
encouraged to consider their
relationship with the city walls and the
barriers that exist in their own lives
through poetry and art.
Despite the damp weather, the pupils
displayed lanterns and banners
produced in workshops facilitated by
York St John staff and students and in
collaboration with freelance director
Stephen Burke. Local folk band
Blackbeard’s Tea Party provided
musical accompaniment to the event.
The project was supported by Arts
Council England, York St John University
and Aim Higher.
Pictured: Students brave the weather
to display their lanterns.
06
07

08
“We
FOCUS ON…
International
Conference on
Peace and
Reconciliation
are here to explore how
religion might be a driving force
and resource in bringing about a
sustainable peace”
The theme of this year’s International Conference on
Peace and Reconciliation, the third in the series, is ‘Building
Communities of Reconciliation, with Reflection on the
Life and Teaching of Rev Kyung-Chik Han’. And the venue?
Youngnak Presbyterian Church, Seoul, South Korea.
The series was instigated by Sebastian Kim,
Professor in Theology and Public Life, in
2006. He explains, “The conferences are
aimed at relating theology and religion to
peace-building and reconciliation. Religion
is often perceived as a contributor to
tension and conflict in the world: we are
here to explore how it might be a driving
force and resource in bringing about a
sustainable peace.
“Together with my co-organisers, Pauline
Kollontai, Greg Hoyland and Suzanne
Parkes, we are encouraging research that
will contribute toward practical
implementation. The overall theme of
Peace and Reconciliation is encouraging us
to interact with other academic disciplines
such as politics, sociology, international
relations and peace studies. By bringing
together theoreticians and practitioners,
the conference series will make a
significant contribution to the topic, not
only in terms of academic output but also
in terms of practical approaches in conflict
zones. The series is aimed at reaching three
main groups: the academic community;
policy makers and practitioners,
including non-governmental organisations;
and religious communities.”
The first conference, which was held at
York St John, had a particular emphasis on
the Korean Peninsular, and was sponsored
by Youngnak Presbyterian Church. The
event attracted 150 delegates and the
resulting publication, Peace and
Reconciliation: in search of shared identity
(Ashgate Publishing, 2008), brought the
discussions to a wider audience.
The second conference, held in 2009,
focused on ‘Embracing the Displaced:
shaping theories and practices for a
sustainable peace’ and was held in
association with the Center for Korean
Studies, University of California,
The organising team:
(left-right) Sebastian Kim, Pauline Kollontai,
Suzanne Parkes and Greg Hoyland.
Los Angeles. Pauline comments, “This was
a more interdisciplinary event in terms of
the range of academic disciplines, religious
perspectives and practitioner expertise
represented. Keynote speakers included
Dr Elizabeth Ferris, a co-director of the
Brookings-Bern Project on Internal
Displacement at the Brookings Institution,
Washington, DC; Professor Yoon
Young-Kwan, Seoul National University
and former Minster of Foreign Affairs,
Republic of Korea; and Dr Guido Ambroso,
of the Office of the United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees. The event
attracted a truly international group of
speakers and delegates – the countries
represented included Nepal, Iran, India,
Turkey and Australia.”
This year’s conference, which will discuss
the issues associated with building Christian
communities for sustainable peace and
reconciliation, will take place from
31 October to 4 November.
The event marks the tenth anniversary
of the death of Rev Kyung-Chik Han, the
founder of the 60,000-member Youngnak
Presbyterian Church in Seoul.
Rev Han was born in North Korea and
suffered persecution before escaping to the
South. His experience as a survivor of war
and political oppression made him one of
his country’s most respected religious
leaders. His church, one of the world’s
largest Presbyterian congregations, has
more than 500 sister churches in Asia,
Africa, Europe and the Americas. He was
awarded the Templeton Prize in 1992 for
exemplary achievement in “affirming life’s
spiritual dimension”.
This year’s conference will include 140
participants – 70 church leaders and 70
theologians; and it will welcome 300
delegates. “The evening sessions will be
open to the general public,” explains Greg,
“and we are expecting up to 3,000 visitors
to the programme of keynote speakers,
music, cultural events and worship.
Christianity is a dynamic force in South
Korea, with 25 per cent of the population
being practising Christians.”
Sebastian adds, “We will also visit the
North/South Korean border. It is important
for church leaders and theologians to see
it, to experience it. We can learn from one
another: religious traditions possess unique
authority and capacity amongst followers
to help prevent conflict in the first place,
and to make sustainable peace and
reconciliation possible.”
Full details of this year’s International
Conference on Peace and Reconciliation
are available at www.yorksj.ac.uk/icpr
08
09

Research people
Introducing Hesba’s champion
Opinion
Dr Nick Rowe, Senior Lecturer in Theatre and in Health Studies, reflects on
educational opportunities for people who use mental health services.
Is this a proper role for a university?
An unfamiliar name today, Hesba Stretton
(1832-1911) was a children’s author who
wrote moral tales and semi-religious stories
which gained an international audience.
Jessica’s First Prayer sold over a million
copies. She was a co-founder of the
National Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Children in 1884, and worked to
combat child abuse and poverty. She is also
the subject of Steve Nash’s PhD.
Steve was introduced to Hesba Stetton’s
work by Roger Clark, Senior Lecturer in
English Literature, through the University’s
Rees Williams Archive Collection of
Victorian and Edwardian Children’s Books.
“I want to remove her from obscurity,” says
Steve. “I’m looking at her work in
conjunction with that of other 19th
century authors, including Charles Dickens
and Elizabeth Gaskell.
10
Culture in the Digital Age conference held
“She was incredibly popular during the late
Victorian period – Tsar Alexander II had a
copy of Jessica’s First Prayer placed in every
Russian school. I also want to re-address her
work using modern literary theories.”
Steve has also been appointed as one of
two Graduate Teaching Assistants at York
St John, and is teaching poetry modules to
second- and third-year students. “Poetry is a
passion for me, but it’s only in the last four
or five years that I’ve been serious about
writing poetry and I’ve now had some 60
poems published.” Steve’s poem Perhaps
Praying was shortlisted (from 700 entries)
in the 2010 Huddersfield Literature
Festival’s Short Poetry Competition, and
will appear in the festival’s Grist Anthology
at the end of the year. He has recently
become poetry editor for the Arts
Council-funded Open Wide magazine
(www.openwidemagazine.co.uk).
Steve Nash
Identity & online communication
How do students present themselves
online to their peers and to their tutors
in a virtual learning situation? This is the
question asked by Helen Gilroy in her
PhD research.
A linguist, she is interested in how people
communicate online and is focusing on
the participants of the Language, Culture
& Communication module offered by the
Business School. This is accessed by staff
and students from Sweden, the US and
the Netherlands.
“There is very little research done so far
on how students use online forums for
educational purposes,” Helen explains. “I
presented a paper at the Transforming
in Tartu, Estonia, in April and got a very
Helen Gilroy
positive response. Students don’t like
feeling under surveillance. They also need
to perform to get a good grade – which
is quite a skill. I’m looking at this from a
linguistic perspective and I’m interested
in how they use words and tackle aspects
of anonymity.”
Helen recently had the opportunity to
learn about how ideas and concepts
developed by academics can become
marketable as one of the participants in
the Enterprising Researcher workshop
organised by the White Rose Consortium.
This was the first time that postgraduates
from York St John secured places at this
event – Helen was joined by Brendan
Paddison from the Business School. She
says, “It was really intensive but very
informative. We were split into teams and
had to come up with a business plan for
a product. We then had to pitch our
products to a panel of ‘investors’ – like
Dragons’ Den! I introduced my team to
Prezi, the alternative to Powerpoint, and
we won the presentation.”
Out of Character cast members Christian Foster (left) and Mark Gowland (centre) with
Education Support Worker Gemma Alldred.
Each Thursday evening in the drama studios
at York St John University, Out of Character
– a theatre company comprising people
who use mental health services, meet
to rehearse. The company have recently
performed at a conference at Lancaster
University and are now preparing Tales from
Kafka, their show in York Theatre Royal
(1-3 July 2010).
The company is supported by our theatre
students and staff and has developed out
of courses in theatre offered to mental
health service users. With the support of
an NHS-funded Education Support Worker,
Gemma Alldred, these courses are part of a
series of educational opportunities offered
to people who have experienced mental
health problems.
Universities are places of hope and
optimism. Students arrive with the future in
mind. They bring energy, enthusiasm and
often a real concern for others. The aim
of this project is to harness this in order to
build a bridge between the nearby mental
health service and the University.
Over the last two years our students have
offered courses in different aspects of
theatre, contemporary dance and in African
drumming, and have made really positive
and valuable contributions to the
development of the work as well as
learning a great deal through the process.
People with mental health problems
can find it difficult to access good quality
educational opportunities. This project aims
to make the University more accessible, less
daunting and to foster a ‘meeting’ between
the users of mental health services and
University students and staff that can be
beneficial to all.
From the outset it was very important that
this work took place in a university. They
are still places of privilege and status, and
they confer a role on those who enter them
as students very different from that of a
psychiatric service. We were very clear
that we wanted to advertise and deliver
the course within an ‘educational frame’.
We were very wary of using any language
that might suggest some sort of therapy or
group work experience.
The educational model also conforms to
the ambition of mental health professionals
to provide educational and day services in
valued and ‘normal’ community settings.
At first we began this work in the early
evenings. In some senses it was a ‘twilight
course’, invisible to all except those who
took part. With performances at the
University arts festival, Create10, and with
Out of Character’s performance at the
Theatre Royal, this work at the University is
now moving into the daylight.
Out of Character:
We make challenging work for inquisitive
audiences with the aim of transcending
the boundaries of modern theatre
and your perceptions of mental health,
claiming the territory between
inspiration and medication.
Tales from Kafka is directed by Juliet
Forster, the theatre’s director, and draws
on some of Kafka’s less well-known
stories. It is “shot through with Kafka’s
hallmark foreboding and alienation,
absurdist humour and struggling
humanity”. Tickets are now available at
the Theatre Royal box office,
T: 01904 623568.
10
11

Reflections of
a refugee
In the spotlight
Jo Thompson, Deputy Director of
Human Resources
Chipo Mukungurutse is a Zimbabwean
exile and is in the UK as an asylum seeker.
She is now in her second year as a Theology
and Counselling student at York St John.
She shares her story.
Humble beginnings
Like most Zimbabweans, I was born, raised
and educated in a remote rural village. My
parents worked hard at menial jobs to send
me to school. Memories of my school life
are fraught with traumatic scenes of violent
conflict between freedom fighters and the
army of the oppressive Ian Smith regime.
After independence my parents sacrificed
their savings to send me to a boarding
school for my secondary education. I had
to go on the job market after O Levels
because my parents could not afford the
fees anymore.
The good times
I got a job with the Central Bank at my first
attempt and eventually became Head of
Notes & Coins until voluntary retirement
after 12 years’ service. In the course of
events I got married, had three children
and was enjoying family life. I enrolled for
a Counselling degree with the Open
University of Zimbabwe. Two children
were in school and my husband had a
good career.
12
Turn of events
By the turn of the millennium, things had
started to go pear-shaped for the country
economically. The sitting government
became ultra paranoid about being
unseated in the looming Presidential
elections. I encountered young people,
with good O Levels, who came to my house
looking for work as domestic help. Most
were from a rural background and were
often at the mercy of relatives who used
and abused them. I decided to do
something about a manipulative and
exploitative society. I formed a company
whose main pitch was to train young school
leavers in a variety of domestic chores. My
aim was to train youths as fine domestic
workers and place them with reputable
employers. The project took off well and, in
a short space of time, I was successful and
placing recruits all over the country.
The flight
When it happened I could not believe
that I was fleeing my beloved country of
birth and leaving my loved ones. All sorts
of restrictive laws were being enacted in
parliament including the Public Order and
Security Act. Under this law it was deemed
illegal for ten or more people to gather for
any reason without police authority. I had
no control over the numbers that called at
the office.
Word got around about the project and it
infuriated the paranoid authorities. I was
accused of inciting youths to turn against
the government. I was in and out of police
custody and the treatment was deplorable.
After one such ordeal I decided to run
far away.
By running away I lost everything, including
myself. I know that in the UK I am safe from
physical harm, which is psychologically
good for me, but trying to find myself again
has been a struggle. Being a stateless
refugee was never part of the dream
and being classified as one leaves a
disheartening, lingering feel. Maybe the
best decision I made was to come to York
St John, a small community in which I
am beginning to recover and feel part of
everything.
Chipo Mukungurutse
“By running away I lost
everything, including myself.”
Describe your role
I take overall lead on the operations side
of Human Resources (HR), responsive to the
needs of the organisation, supporting the
University in meeting its aims and
objectives. I manage a small team of four
staff: Nicola English, Senior HR Adviser;
Wendy Richardson and Clare Martin, HR
Advisers; and Lynda Cooper, Recruitment
Adviser. We are very much focused on
customer service, working with the 650
staff at the University.
What attracted you to the
University?
I started work here in January and came
from the voluntary sector. I was an HR
professional for Home Group Ltd, one of
the leading providers of affordable and
supported housing for people in the UK. I’d
been there for ten years and felt I wanted a
new challenge. I was excited when this post
at York St John came up. I was attracted by
working in a smaller organisation in a role
with a wide remit. Education is a new area
to me, but the University has values and an
ethos similar to my previous employer.
What are your impressions
of the University?
I’m really enjoying it. There is a massive
scope to the job and my team are great.
People come to work at York St John and
stay here, which says a lot about the place.
I’ve felt very welcome and there is a real
community feel.
What projects have you
tackled so far?
I’m very keen to be involved with our work
on supporting diversity. I’ve produced a
newsletter for staff and we will be running
some focus groups for under-represented
groups. We need to improve dialogue
between staff members across the
University. I’ve also had to hit the ground
running on ongoing reviews and
restructuring projects. Day to day, I’m
involved in employee relations, resolving
conflicts where they arise.
What are your priorities
for the next 12 months?
We’ve just completed our Annual
Operating Plan. A key priority is embedding
equality and diversity in our work, making
sure our activity is aligned to corporate
aims and objectives. We also want to
enhance the profile of HR, engaging with
staff. Another key priority is developing a
reward and benefits strategy and reviewing
our approach to talent management.
We are also looking at the University’s
response to the requirements of the
Independent Safeguarding Authority. And
I’m keen to build upon our approach to
informal dispute resolution – I think working
informally in this way fits into the
University’s existing culture.
Jo Thompson, Deputy Director of
Human Resources
If you had a magic
wand, what should be the
employment priorities of
the new government?
Pension reform is a major concern. Also
worklessness – as we (hopefully) come out
of recession, how do we get people back to
work quickly? And we need to look closely
at managing an ageing population,
retraining people, working with adult
learners – something that York St John
already has a track record in.
How do you spend your
time away from work?
I work four days a week – which is a
challenge in itself, fitting everything in.
I chose this work pattern so I can spend
time with my children. I’m also what you
call a ‘fair weather’ runner: I do try and
keep fairly fit and healthy!
13

ANNOUNCEMENTS
The view from the
Students’ Union
The elections for next year’s sabbatical
and Union Council posts took place at the
end of February and it was a tight race.
“The candidates were very passionate and
had some great manifestos,” says Union
President Jason Wallis, now coming to the
end of his term of office.
The turnout was around 20 per cent,
slightly down on last year (possibly due
to the bad weather), but very good in
comparison with other students’ unions.
York St John was one of only two unions
in the North East to use a paper ballot this
year. This method will change in 2011; an
electronic system will be more user friendly
for international and mature students, who
aren’t always able to access the Union
during opening hours.
Leigh Hankinson won the election to be
President; Jason Chapplehow will be the
new Vice President: Student Activities; and
Katie Knowles was returned as Vice
President: Education and Welfare for the
second year.
14
“I
“Next year will be an important year for
the Union,” adds Jason. “Following on from
the General Election, there will be a lot of
work to do, especially on issues such as
fees, and I’ve got every confidence in the
new team.”
An Impact Report looking at the work of
the Union over the last 12 months will be
available soon. Jason reflects, “We’ve been
pushing forward several long-term projects
that will have a big impact on student life
at York St John in the future. We’ve been
lobbying the University about costs – such
as accommodation fees for first-year
students, and for better quality food on
campus. We’ve also promoted great
collaborations across the University
involving student volunteering, the
Opportunities Gateway and the Learning
Directorate.”
The Union will publish its Strategic Plan for
the next five years at the end of May. This
is the result of open meetings involving
students and staff, and questionnaires
and reviews.
“The Plan is realistic, appropriate and
student-led,” says Jason. “I think we have
developed a positive relationship between
the Union and the University over the last
year. And we have worked hard to build the
Union’s reputation on campus and across
the city. We are still making a name for
ourselves and people are definitely taking
notice.”
Vice Chancellor Dianne Willcocks with the
Union sabbatical officers on her final day at
York St John.
think we have developed a
positive relationship between the
Union and the University.”
Staff Survey
Positioning York St John as an ‘employer
of choice’ is a primary aim of the
University’s Corporate Strategy, supported
by a number of key objectives to recruit
and retain excellent staff by providing
a supportive and developmental
infrastructure.
The University Staff Survey is an important
way in which employees can express their
views and opinions about their experience
at the University. Our last survey was
conducted in 2008 with a 51% return rate,
and we are keen to improve upon this in
2010 to ensure that we have a
comprehensive and meaningful view
to consider.
During the first week of May, you will
have received either an e-mail or a
package through the internal mail asking
you to participate in the 2010 Staff Survey.
The survey asks for your opinions on a
range of topics such as job satisfaction,
management and leadership, performance
reviews, pay and conditions, quality of
working life, diversity and communications.
We will report the results at a series of
briefing sessions during the autumn and on
the intranet, so you’ll be able to see and
discuss the overall findings and make
suggestions for actions based on what
we learn.
Our survey, which will close on 18 June
2010, is conducted by Capita, an external
independent consultancy. Further details
can be found in the FAQs document on the
HR pages of the Staff Information Point.
It’s your survey, so make sure you
have your say!
Automated External
Defibrillator (AED)
training
In order to be able to respond to cardiac
events we have added to our First Aid
provision by purchasing an AED, and
started to provide the necessary
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and
AED training. Among the first staff to be
trained will be our Reliance Security guards
and the AED will be kept adjacent to the
Security Lodge in order to ensure that we
have 24-hour coverage at Lord
Mayor’s Walk.
Tony Duroe, Assistant Health & Safety
Officer, will be running the next in-house
St John Ambulance course on 4 June. If you
would like to take part or any other First Aid
training please contact Neil Rogers on
T: 6613 or Tony Duroe on T: 6855.
Thank you
A big thank you to all staff, students and
alumni who took part in this year’s fun run.
Despite the very wet conditions, all runners
finished the race and helped raise valuable
funds in support of SPARK. Special thanks
to Katie Galuska who kindly offered her
photography services free of charge as a
gesture to support SPARK.
Create|Sustain|
Innovate|2
8 June 2010
The second event in the Create|Sustain|
Innovate series at York St John is aimed at
creative businesses trading for around three
or more years, and addresses the desire
to think strategically about business
development and new markets. The
keynote speakers are Kay Mellor, acclaimed
screenwriter and York St John Honorary
Fellow; Harriet Vine, of Tatty Devine; and
Tom Sharpe, of Stone Soup.
E: creativebusiness@yorksj.ac.uk for
further information.
No Wrong Door
conference
This free conference, the result of a
partnership between City of York Council
and York St John, is for all practitioners
working with children and young people
in York. It will take place on the campus on
11 June 2010 and the keynote speaker will
be Christine Davies CBE, Director of C4EO
(Centre for Excellence and Outcomes in
Children and Young People’s Services).
For further information, contact Bernie
Flanagan, Becca Wilkins or the Training and
Development Unit at the Children’s Trust
Unit on T: 01904 554358 or
E: CPDbookings@york.gov.uk
15

NOTICE BOARD
Events
For a comprehensive list of all events
including the Town & Gown public lecture
series, Ebor lectures, Foreign Language
Lecture series and one-off lectures
and readings please go to
www.yorksj.ac.uk/events
York St John University
2009/2010
Staff development
Full details of all staff development
courses or events can be found on the
Staff Infohub. If you wish to book a place,
please contact Staff Development on
T: 6571 or E: staff.development@
yorksj.ac.uk
Welcome to the following new
members of staff
Faye Alexander Creative Business
Administrative Assistant, Arts
Linda Bardy Disability Advice Team
Coordinator, Learning Development
Lee-Jane Bennion-Nixon Lecturer in Film
and TV, Arts
Amanda Cartridge Administrative Assistant
Sport, Health & Life Sciences
Amanda Finn Staff Development Adviser,
Human Resources
Katie Heavisides Administrator
(LLN National Forum), Pro Vice
Chancellor’s Office
Paul Humphrey Lecturer, Health &
Life Sciences
Cristina Lewis Administrative Assistant –
Counselling & Psychology, Health
Life Sciences
Daniel Mackley IT and e-Learning Trainer,
Learning Development
Sophia Marshall Lecturer/Senior Lecturer,
Health & Life Sciences
Susan Noble Receptionist, Facilities
Phillip Noret Network Support Assistant,
Learning Development
Shifali Saini Estates Development
Manager, Facilities
Emma Symons Information & Help Desk
Assistant, Learning Development
We would like to thank the
following staff for their valuable
service to York St John and to
wish them all the best for their
future endeavours
Gillian Boyes Senior Administrative
Assistant, Arts
Chris Brooke Media Technician, Arts
Jeff Craine Head of Subject –
Creative Industries, Arts
Gwen Downing Cleaner, Facilities
Anna Hastie Knowledge Exchange &
Income Generation Manager, Registry
Sophie Jewett Events Officer, Admissions
& Marketing
Emlyn Lucas Senior Research Assistant,
Health & Life Sciences
Sharon Lusty Assistant Chaplain,
Learning Development
Pauline Milner Creative Business
Administrative Assistant, Arts
Laura Morrison Project Manager: Customer
Relationship Management Fast Track
Project, Development Office
Marilyn Richardson Student Finance
Officer, Learning Development
Stacey Short Senior Administrative
Assistant, Arts
Kate Thorley Information & Help Desk
Assistant, Learning Development
Karen Young Cleaner, Facilities
Contact Yorktalk
Any comments, news or stories for the Autumn 2010 issue?
Please contact Amy Hey in the Marketing Office on T: 6466 or
E: a.hey@yorksj.ac.uk with your suggestions by Friday 27 August.
This magazine is also available online and in other formats. Please contact
the Marketing Office on T: 6960 or E: marketing@yorksj.ac.uk