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Research Notes Spring 2025

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Research Notes | Spring 2025

Contents Foreword News 4

The Plexus: Pioneering BNU research culture by launching the first inclusive researcher’s network

Research at BNU 6

Diversity in Higher Education Leadership: Women for Higher Education Leadership in Nigeria and the UK

Applying Pilot-Inspired Decision Frameworks to Organisational Leadership

The Role of Aviation Policies in Supporting Pro-Sustainable Tourism

The School Nurse’s Role in Safeguarding and Child Protection: The Same Yet Very Different

Ten Top Tips for: Mastering Medical Terminology with MediLingo

‘Landscape with Fountains – A Place of One’s Own’: An exhibition at the of House of Annetta 14th – 20th November 2024

The High Wycombe Heritage Trail:

A New Lens on History: BNU’s RAF Halton Apprentice Documentary

Graduate Mentorship Skills Research Programme

Graduate School 25

Welcoming the New Head of the Graduate School

Feasibility of Rebound exercise in Community-dwelling adults with Neurological Disorders

Using Intersectional Risk Theory to explore the vulnerability of older minority ethnic people in the UK to social risk

The Radical Convergence:

Breaking and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Requirements and challenges for ethical decision-making in UK Emergency Management

Conferences and Publications 37

Conference Highlights

BNU Conference Presentations

Publications

Research Notes | Spring 2025

Foreword As a publication, Research Notes began its life in the summer of 2019 with an issue that established the key commitments for the growth of research at BNU - sustainability, inclusivity and equality. Thinking back to that time it is sometimes difficult to remember how things were, before the Covid-19 pandemic and the systemic global changes that followed – but I am heartened to note, six years on, that these values continue to underpin every aspect of research at BNU. Every stage of research has seen growth at BNU during this time – from the projects and publications of our diverse cohort of researchers to the postgraduate research students that represent the future of research. The articles in this issue represent this breadth of research - from organisational leadership and sustainable tourism in aviation to the role of school nurses; from the difficulties behind learning complex medical terminology for students to the mentorship of graduates; and from the history of military apprenticeships to practice-based arts research. Research at BNU is global in scope, and we are also proud to include an article by Professor Adetoro Adegoke that highlights the importance of diversity and representation in Higher Education leadership in an international context. Also in this issue we highlight the initiatives being put in place for our Early Career Researchers (ECRs) and welcome the new Head of the Graduate School, Associate Professor Dr Anahita Malek. Articles from our PGR students cover areas from sustainability to intersectionality, from exercise to the Olympics, and from therapeutic perspectives to emergency management - demonstrating BNU’s commitment to fostering and supporting the next generation of researchers, and the future of research at BNU. Sustainability, equality and inclusivity remain the pillars of research at BNU, and I have no doubt the future for BNU’s researchers and their research is bright.

PROFESSOR

FLORIN IORAS Director of Enterprise and Research

Research Notes | Spring 2025

News The Plexus: Pioneering BNU research culture by launching the first inclusive researcher’s network ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR LIANA PSAROLOGAKI RESE ARCH AND IMPACT LE AD Research and Enterprise Directorate In October 2024 Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) started The Plexus, an inclusive pilot connective network designed to enhance our research culture, to foster individual and collective development opportunities and to create peerlearning spaces appropriate for colleagues at all stages in their scholarly work. This demand for truly inclusive and transformative initiatives is dictated by several factors, including the current UK research landscape, changes to regulatory frameworks, and institutional and sector norms. While currently there is an overabundance of resources available to Early Career Researchers (ECRs), this is paralleled by the exclusion of midcareer researchers and scholars of non-linear research trajectories in essential connective and learning activities. This state of affairs is both highly divisive and potentially unsustainable, as noted with concern at recent events including the Vitae International Researcher Development Conference 2024 and previously in the Eastern ARC (EARC) report from 2023. In response The Plexus at BNU emphasises the importance of collaborative research and diversified impact. By addressing sector expectations and BNU intricacies, it will cultivate an inclusive, discursive and inquisitive research environment and offers an evolving programme of peer-led support that will address existing and future challenges related with maintaining currency and relevance in research. The Plexus also contributes to achieving personal and institutional goals by facilitating purposeful continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities, wide participation in research activities, and impactful dissemination options.

The Plexus works in a strategic and connective way, looking into achieving long term impact in line with the BNU Inclusive Research and Knowledge Exchange Strategy launched in 2024 by: •

Enabling staff with significant research responsibility to maintain currency beyond their discipline by prioritising participatory and liberatory methodologies;

•

Enabling staff to become research-active by guiding them to maximise collaborative partnerships and assisting them with realising their scholarly ambitions, and

•

Impacting future good practice by building positive change in our research community, informing staff progression, enhancing institutional visibility and facilitating strategy evolution.

The Plexus embeds diversity and inclusion in research and in the workplace by considering colleagues at different stages in their scholarly careers, including those returning to research after a break and those facing workload limitations to being research active. It also facilitates safe spaces for sharing ideas and making connections - something particularly appropriate for neurodivergent colleagues and colleagues who may need such a space to exercise their communication skills.

Research Notes | Spring 2025

The Plexus offers direct communication channels on Microsoft Teams alongside a page of resources and connective events that complement the other training offered at BNU, including research seminars and the mentorship opportunities offered within Schools. The Plexus already counts more than fifty members within three months of launch - more than 15% of the academics employed by BNU – and recently attracted interest from colleagues in Professional Services and Directorates.

The Plexus is also starting to receive national recognition, and was recently presented as a good practice case study of enabling an inclusive research culture at the most recent national Research Culture Enablers Network meeting, where it was commended for its innovative approach to peer support and inclusion.

Research at BNU

Research Notes | Spring 2025

Research at BNU Diversity in Higher Education Leadership: Women for Higher Education Leadership in Nigeria and the UK PROFESSOR ADETORO ADEGOKE PROFESSOR IN HE ALTH INEQUALITIES Institute for Health and Social Care BNU continues to lead innovative research in addressing critical societal challenges, with a particular focus on health inequalities, leadership diversity, and gender equity in higher education. A recent collaborative initiative exemplifies BNU’s commitment to interdisciplinary approaches and impactful solutions. This research, spearheaded by Professor Adetoro Adegoke, focuses on tackling systemic disparities in leadership representation within higher education. Specifically, it addresses the underrepresentation of women in senior leadership roles in the UK and Nigeria and barriers such as organisational biases, cultural expectations, and structural challenges that impede women’s progress. The research identifies opportunities to enhance leadership capacities through targeted training, mentorship, and policy advocacy. By exploring these dynamics, the research aims to foster greater gender diversity and equitable representation, contributing to the broader goals of social justice and improved institutional governance. The project’s key focus areas include the comparative analysis of leadership dynamics through assessing the similarities and differences in leadership challenges faced by women in Nigeria and the UK and understanding cultural and institutional factors that influence leadership pathways. The project also analyses leadership development programmes, including designing and implementing training tailored to women in academia to strengthen their leadership skills and establishing mentorship networks to connect emerging leaders with experienced mentors across both countries.

The project also takes as its focus policy advocacy and reform, with relation to developing actionable policy recommendations to address structural inequities in higher education institutions and engaging stakeholders to advocate for gendersensitive policies and practices. Finally, the project is engaged in community building and knowledge sharing, including creating a Community of Practice to foster collaboration and exchange of best practices between institutions and publishing case studies and frameworks to serve as resources for policymakers and educators. The project seeks to achieve transformative outcomes, including improved representation with a measurable increase in the number of women occupying senior leadership roles within participating institutions, capacity building for enhanced leadership skills and confidence among women faculty members, policy impact in relation to the adoption of equitable policies and practices by higher education institutions in both countries and the building of sustained partnerships and the establishment of long-term collaborative networks between institutions to continue addressing gender equity.

Research Notes | Spring 2025

Research at BNU

This research aligns with global priorities such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focusing on gender equality (SDG 5), quality education (SDG 4), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10). By bridging gaps in leadership diversity, the project contributes to creating more inclusive and equitable educational systems globally. Through its interdisciplinary and collaborative approach, this research not only advances academic understanding but also provides practical tools and strategies to drive meaningful change. It highlights BNU’s role as a leader in

promoting evidence-based interventions and fostering socially responsible education. This initiative exemplifies BNU’s dedication to leveraging academic research for public good, paving the way for equitable and inclusive leadership in higher education.

Research at BNU

Research Notes | Spring 2025

Applying Pilot-Inspired Decision Frameworks to Organisational Leadership MARCO CHAN PARTNERSHIPS LE AD / SENIOR LECTURER School of Aviation and Security Recent research at BNU has drawn upon airline pilots’ rigorous, safety-critical decision-making methods to inform decision-making models in organisational settings. Supported by BNU’s commitment to fostering innovative, crossdisciplinary research, this work builds on insights first explored in the author’s recent article for the Crisis Response Journal, where the research examined how AI-powered autonomous systems could replicate pilot decision-making principles to manage crises in aviation. The foundational principles of aviation decision-making are equally relevant to human-led decision processes across diverse industries. In aviation, pilots operate under conditions where rapid, informed choices determine the difference between routine operations and crises. They rely on structured Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), clear communication hierarchies, continuous situational awareness, and a steadfast commitment to safety and ethics. The emphasis on real-time threat assessment, prioritisation of human welfare, and adaptive responses to changing conditions underpin success in the cockpit. These elements transcend the aviation sector and can guide organisational leaders facing complex, fast-evolving challenges—from healthcare managers handling surges in emergency admissions to corporate strategists navigating volatile market conditions. Drawing on the established Airbus Golden Rules, which emphasise maintaining control, navigating effectively, and communicating clearly, this research suggests that adopting similar principles in boardrooms and project teams can enhance responsiveness, clarity, and accountability. Just as pilots constantly scan instrumentation, weather reports, and radar to maintain situational

awareness, organisational leaders can adopt systematic environmental scanning. This involves using data analysis and stakeholder feedback loops to remain informed of emerging risks and opportunities. Leaders can identify potential challenges early and respond proactively by maintaining continuous situational awareness. In addition to situational awareness, pilots place passenger safety and ethical decision-making above all else, often making difficult calls under extreme pressure. This ethical foundation ensures that values-driven decisions—protecting employees, customers, and compliance—remain central, even under pressure. Similarly, organisational leaders can uphold ethical standards and prioritise human welfare when faced with challenging decisions. This approach is further explored through a newly proposed Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with a flight training provider. The project aims to research the adoption of Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA)—a framework traditionally used by airlines—for training new student pilots. This research will examine how CBTA principles, which focus on continuous assessment and adaptive learning, can improve pilot readiness and decision-making skills from the outset. The insights gained from this project have the potential to inform decision-making frameworks in organisational leadership, providing a model for developing competencies, assessing performance, and fostering continuous improvement across various industries.

Research Notes | Spring 2025

Reflective learning is another key element of pilot decision-making. Pilots routinely engage in after-action reviews, flight data analysis, and ongoing training to refine their decision-making. Organisations can adopt similar practices by establishing systematic feedback loops, performance reviews, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. This process enhances agility, resilience, and strategic adaptability, ensuring that each challenge faced and lesson learned informs more effective responses in the future. Adopting pilot-inspired models allows organisations to better identify, prioritise, and respond to critical issues. For instance, a hospital facing a sudden influx of patients can use aviation-based decision principles to ensure effective triage, clear communication,

and patient safety. Similarly, a company dealing with supply chain disruptions can implement continuous monitoring and structured responses for timely and ethical interventions. At the same time this research highlights the importance of looking beyond traditional business models. The aviation industry’s proven decision-making practices provide a strong foundation for effective organisational strategies. With BNU’s support for innovative research, efforts continue to enhance these frameworks and assess their applicability in various sectors, aligning with the university’s mission of fostering global engagement and knowledge exchange. Ultimately, this research strives to foster more responsible, adaptive, and ethically attuned decisionmaking by translating lessons learned in the cockpit to the boardroom. BNU’s commitment to advancing research with real-world impact ensures that organisations are equipped to navigate turbulence and achieve their objectives safely and effectively. By leveraging the proven principles of aviation decisionmaking, organisations can more effectively manage uncertainty and build a culture of resilience and ethical leadership.

Research at BNU

The structured protocols that guide pilots, such as checklists and SOPs, provide a robust yet flexible roadmap for handling routine operations and emergencies. These adaptive frameworks can be mirrored in organisational settings through scenario planning, contingency strategies, and communication templates. By following structured, adaptive protocols, leaders can make consistent and transparent decisions, shifting strategies swiftly when unexpected events occur without sacrificing clarity or control.

Research at BNU

Research Notes | Spring 2025

The Role of Aviation Policies in Supporting Pro-Sustainable Tourism DALIA KOZLIK

DR DAVID WARNOCK-SMITH

LECTURER

COURSE INSTRUCTOR

School of Aviation and Security

International Air Transport Association

MARCO CHAN

GAIL ROWNTREE

SENIOR LECTURER

DIRECTOR OF LE ARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

School of Aviation and Security

Frontier Risks Group

AHMED MAINAT T RESE ARCH ASSISTANT School of Aviation and Security The close relationship between aviation policies and sustainable tourism development has received increasing attention in recent years. Companies that rely on aviation, especially in developing countries, face the twin challenge of generating economic growth while adhering to sustainability principles. This study examines the alignment of aviation policies with sustainable tourism in ten tourism-dependent countries, examining how well these policies align with global environmental and economic goals. Sustainable tourism emphasises preserving the environment, enhancing the well-being of host communities, and providing a high-quality tourist experience. It is most compatible with air travel, as it is often the main entrance to these areas. However, balancing flight system expansion with environmental considerations presents a challenge. For example, the UN Sustainable Development Goals emphasise the importance of policies that promote sustainable tourism while encouraging local culture and employment. This study is based on the previous version of the Tourism and Air Transport Dependency Index and, by focusing on the ten countries most dependent on aviation, the study examined policies at local, regional, and international levels. Key reference points included commercial aviation development,

environmental sustainability, and the integration of pro-sustainability tourism policies. The study identified a number of policy gaps, as while the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and related companies emphasise formidable goals, including net-zero emissions by using 2050, their policy alignment remains inconsistent. Many developing international locations prioritise economic liberalisation, often neglecting stringent environmental protocols – and this misalignment undermines progress towards complete sustainability. As part of this research Thailand, Cuba, the Philippines, and Spain were identified as some of the most aviation-dependent international locations. Despite their reliance on tourism, those nations showed varying commitments to aviation policies - Spain, as an example, established management with accepted carbon management packages, while countries like Timor-Leste and the Maldives lagged behind on policy commitment due to limited infrastructure and sources. At the same time, economic and environmental metrics identified that nations like Sri Lanka and Lebanon which had been categorised as “repressed” on the Economic Freedom Index signalled structurally demanding situations that restricted aviation reform.

Research Notes | Spring 2025

This project identified four key suggestions that can be drawn from this research to enhance the alignment of aviation policies with sustainable tourism objectives. In the first case the expansion of green initiatives is recommended in relation to increasing airport sustainability; countries should prioritise environmental credentials, such as airport carbon accreditation programs, and the implementation of key systems at all airports is essential to achieve a visible environment. Further to this, developing countries need to align aviation and tourism policies with sustainability objectives. Collaborative efforts with organisations such as ICAO and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) can facilitate best practices, foster innovation, and increase global participation in sustainability efforts. Alongside this specific carbon reduction strategies,

including sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and offset programs such as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) are widely used. These programs can significantly reduce carbon emissions when promoting economic growth. Finally, awareness campaigns aimed at community members can provide understanding and support for sustainable practices. Such efforts ensure that growing tourism benefits local communities and reduces cultural and environmental damage. This study highlights the important role of aviation policies in shaping sustainable tourism, as while the ten countries analysed showed progress, shared challenges emerged including policy inconsistencies, limited infrastructure and funding constraints. By adopting the recommendations identified by this research, these countries can bridge the gap between growth and sustainability and ensure long-term resilience in aviation and tourism. With the growth of global tourism and aviation, there is a need to continuously evaluate and adapt policies.

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Conversely, moderately free economies like Qatar exhibited the capability for integrating sustainable practices supported by strong action plans.

Research at BNU

Research Notes | Spring 2025

The School Nurse’s Role in Safeguarding and Child Protection: The Same Yet Very Different MELANIE HAYWARD ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF EDUCATION Institute of Health and Social Care School nurses play a pivotal role in safeguarding and child protection, uniquely positioned at the intersection of health, education, and social care. This dual role enables them to address immediate safeguarding needs while also tackling broader social determinants through a preventative, upstream approach. The paper was presented at the SAPHNA Annual Conference 2024, hosted by Buckinghamshire New University on November 6th. Drawing from the latest findings in SAPHNA’s 2024 survey, the Conference, attended by approximately 230 delegates both in-person and online, focused on the theme of school nurses as key to addressing health inequalities in children and young people. According to SAPHNA’s 2024 inaugural survey, outlined in the report The Forgotten Frontline, many school nurses feel their skills are most effectively deployed at the preventative end of the safeguarding continuum. However, current demands often pull them toward reactive child protection work, which many did not anticipate as their main focus. This shift challenges school nurses to go beyond a checklist of responsibilities and to focus on the purpose driving their work. With widening health inequalities, deteriorating child health, workforce shortages, and increasing caseloads, understanding their purpose has never been more essential. School nurses currently stand at a professional ethical crossroads, where their public health mission meets the urgent needs of safeguarding and child protection. Balancing these two critical roles—safeguarding and child protection—requires addressing health, social and environmental factors to reduce risks proactively, while also stepping in reactively when a child is at risk of or faces immediate danger.

The 2024 SAPHNA survey reveals that over 71% of school nurses have seen increases in children requiring child protection plans, and 38% report now spending over 50% of their time on these cases, a shift from public health work toward crisis intervention. At the core of school nursing, driven through the Healthy Child Programme, are the 3 Ps of public health—Protection, Prevention, and Promotion. These principles involve seeking and responding to health, wellbeing, and welfare needs, keeping children healthy, safe, and resilient, tackling concerns and risk factors early, and promoting healthy behaviours and creating supportive environments. Over recent years, this framework has organically expanded to 6 Ps, adding Provision, Participation and Partnership. This development strengthens the role of school nurses as health advocates, focusing on collaboration and active community involvement. School nurses operate at the intersection of health, education, and social care, giving them insight into children and young people’s lives across multiple environments. The Joint Policy Position on the Safeguarding Role of Public Health 0-19 Services highlights their unique selling points (USPs) with three defining terms: Universal Reach, Range of Skills, and Response. Their universal reach allows them to connect with all children, young people, and families, making them a trusted and nonstigmatising point of contact. Their range of skills, as set out by the NMC’s SCPHN School Nurse proficiencies, enables them to identify early warning signs that might be missed by those with a narrower focus. Their response, by being present in schools, allows them to develop trusted relationships and connect families with the resources and services they need.

Research Notes | Spring 2025

One of the most pressing challenges school nurses face is workforce shortage. The 2024 SAPHNA survey paints a concerning picture: with limited capacity and higher than ever caseloads, many school nurses find themselves unable to fully meet both safeguarding and public health responsibilities. This shortage pulls them into a cycle of ‘firefighting’—reacting to crises instead of preventing them through proactive, upstream work.

SAPHNA’s ‘A School Nurse in Every School’ initiative advocates for the resources needed to support a balanced model. Investing in school nursing is an ‘investment to save,’ providing longterm social and economic benefits by reducing future costs across social services, child protection and healthcare. At this professional ethical crossroads, school nurses must stay true to their purpose. They are instrumental in safeguarding and child protection, yet their true power lies in their public health approach, emphasising prevention and early intervention. As highly skilled practitioners, they are in a powerful position to advocate for the change and investment their role requires. Advocacy is about making a compelling case for a sustainable, preventative model that ultimately benefits children, families and society. By engaging with local policymakers, partnering with communities, documenting successes and promoting evidence-based research, school nurses can secure investment for a robust workforce. This proactive, sustainable model of school nursing will safeguard children and strengthen communities for generations to come.

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One of the most powerful aspects of school nursing is its upstream focus—addressing health inequalities, identifying risks, and intervening early to prevent issues from escalating. This unique preventative position makes school nursing invaluable to safeguarding and child protection. By addressing these issues early, school nurses help ensure that children grow up healthy, safe, and supported. As first responders, school nurses support children and young people to change and improve their own stories. They build trust, hope and stability in lives where it is lacking, focusing on the ‘why’ of the issues, not just the ‘what’. This human-first approach makes a profound difference in the lives of children and young people, often being the person that children needed when they were young.

Research at BNU

Research Notes | Spring 2025

Ten Top Tips for: Mastering Medical Terminology with MediLingo TARYN TAVENER-SMITH

JONATHAN JACKSON

SENIOR LECTURER

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Queen Mary, University of London

NICOLE MCALLISTER ASSOCIATE LECTURER School of Nursing and Midwifery Mastering medical terminology enables effective communication in healthcare. Learning medical terminology, however, proves challenging for nursing students as many of these terms derive from complex Greek and Latin classical languages, which receive limited dedicated teaching in the curriculum. Following the completion of their university degrees nursing students require, on average, a working knowledge of circa 6000 to 8000 medical terms.

The study results indicated a significant mean difference in participants’ knowledge of medical terminology after using MediLingo, with 93% agreeing that using MediLingo would support their clinical practice and 95% indicating the prototype’s usefulness to their academic study. Our research indicates that nursing students perceive clear value in receiving dedicated teaching on the linguistic rules of medical terminology.

At Buckinghamshire New University (BNU), the Medical Terminology study is well into its fourth year. Following Phase One (an initial pilot study in April 2021) (n=16), phase two extended the pilot to the main study (n=145) in September 2021. These results led to the development of the evidencebased mLearning web-based module app called MediLingo. Phase Three of the project took place in September 2023, comprising a small sample of undergraduate first-year nursing students where participants used MediLingo to learn medical terminology like a language, supplementing lectures, seminars and practical sessions – while remaining self-directed for 6 weeks.

The MediLingo Research Team is now setting their sights on raising the app’s visibility across the University to encourage BNU students to take advantage of the prototype for their learning. This account presents some essential principles guiding educators and students through the process of mastering medical terminology using evidence-based strategies, while showcasing MediLingo’s features.

Research Notes | Spring 2025

Principle 2:

Reframe medical terminology as a language

Understand the role of Morphology

Reframing medical terminology as a complex language, rather than an extensive word list comprising Greek and Latin word parts, can facilitate its mastery.

Morphology refers to learning language through word part acquisition. Medical terms are made up of different building blocks known as ‘word parts.’ These word parts take the form of basic language and are made up of prefixes, roots, and suffixes.

Principle 3:

Principle 4:

Decode medical terms into separate word parts Breaking down complex medical terms into smaller, more manageable bite-sized chunks (or word parts in this case) facilitates the decoding process.

Prefixes Prefixes are words or letters placed before a word part to alter meaning. Some examples of common prefixes include ‘pre-’, ‘post-’, ‘anti-’, and ‘mis-’. Prefixes are followed by the symbol ‘-’ denoting that the root needs to follow the prefix.

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Principle 1:

Research at BNU

Research Notes | Spring 2025

Principle 5:

Principle 6:

Roots

Suffixes

Roots are the most basic form of a word that cannot be broken down into smaller parts. These serve as the anchor of word parts and provide meaning.

Suffixes are added at the end of a word part to alter meaning. Common suffixes include ‘-itis’, ‘-ia’, and ‘-ology’. Suffixes are preceded by the symbol ‘-’ denoting that the root needs to appear before the suffix.

Principle 7:

Principle 8:

Considering context and clinical practice

Spaced repetition

The context in which the term occurs frequently informs the content. For example, if a student is completing a clinical placement on a Cardiothoracic ward, it is likely they will encounter medical terms (and word parts) focused on this discipline.

Applying spaced repetition to learning medical terminology occurs when the same word parts are learned at regular intervals with the pattern of engagement repeated several times.

Research Notes | Spring 2025

Visualising word parts with flashcards Using flashcards to visualise different word parts and how they can be linked together to create new meanings is an important strategy that supports the reinforcement of medical terminology recall.

Principle 10: Engaging mLearning tools to support learning Using mLearning tools such as MediLingo, for learning medical terminology supports students’ mastery of complex medical terminology.

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Principle 9:

Research at BNU

Research Notes | Spring 2025

‘Landscape with Fountains – A Place of One’s Own’: An exhibition at the House of Annetta 14th – 20th November 2024 DR ELISAVET KALPAXI Senior Lecturer, School of Art, Design and Performance Landscape with Fountains – A Place of One’s Own is an exhibition that took place on the ground floor of the House of Annetta, the former residence of architect, community activist, and cybernetician, Annetta Pedretti (1954-2018). Drawing on Annetta Pedretti’s work on community resistance and social justice, the house continues to operate as a social space, managed by progressive architect group Assemble. The exhibition originates from my long-term preoccupation with practice-based research in art and the methodological potential of using community spaces as sites for the production and presentation of art, focusing on making art within — instead of with — communities. It also derives from the wish to address the conditions under which artists produce work in the UK today, which are still defined by the availability of space and resources but can be very different from the modernist paradigm and the studio. The work presented in the exhibition consists of a series of ceramic sculptures and prints that reference the forms and shapes that can be found in a garden: three tubular modular water-fountains and another three modular plant-shaped sculptures, six smaller sculptures that resemble crops and stones, four imaginary bird nests, and a series of monoprints on paper that were inspired by the colours of the sky.

The work was produced in the last four years in Shadwell Centre, a council-led education and art space in Tower Hamlets. The work is influenced by Shadwell both physically and conceptually. The social and environmental conditions of the workshops became important factors in making the work and inspired an emphasis on slowing down, ritual, and repetition. Apart from the regular community events of House of Annetta, the exhibition was accompanied by two sound meditation sessions, offered by Cathy Eastburn to support the exhibition and the Free Political Prisoners campaign, a talk on the intersections of science and spirituality titled ‘BEAUTY and WHY it matters’ by MILENA, and a playlist of Rebetika, a genre of music developed by minorities in Asia Minor and Piraeus in the first part of the 20th century, presented in the exhibition by Niki Soroli.

Research Notes | Spring 2025

acknowledging the contribution of individuals who work with limited funds towards social justice, creativity, solidarity and unity, is equally important. Finally, and this is ultimately the aim of the project as practice-based research in art, inviting interactions between different sites of production can emerge as an acknowledgement of political and aesthetic differences that are similar to the contradictions that define our contemporary experience as makers and audiences, and are indicative of new possibilities within art, and by extension definitions of art.

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In the exhibition abstract, the exhibition was presented as a garden of potentialities. This is because it was conceived as a response to my gratitude towards the people that I met and things I learnt in Shadwell Centre, and my fond appreciation of Annetta Pedretti’s work, and the House of Annetta in its current phase. The exhibition was brought together with the intention to communicate through the medium of the work the energetic vibrancy of these spaces, and to invite different groups of people and communities to experience and do things together. Art-based research is by definition un-premediated and outcomes can often be hard to measure. However, acknowledging the contribution of communities in social and cultural life is a way to support these spaces, especially as they are increasingly challenged by lack of public investment. Bringing together and

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Research Notes | Spring 2025

The High Wycombe Heritage Trail: The creation and pilot evaluation of a walking trail using a Smartphone app DR ALAN HOCKLEY STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AND SUCCESS LECTURER

DR FIONA MCCORMACK VISITING RESE ARCHER Walking is the only sustained, dynamic, aerobic exercise available to all apart from those who have serious disabilities or are particularly frail. No special skills or equipment are required; walking is convenient within daily routines and can easily be self-regulated in intensity, frequency and duration. Whilst the physical health benefits of walking, even those of short distances, are well understood, walking short distances in both urban and green spaces can also have many positive impacts regarding mental wellbeing, particularly for infrequent walkers and those who are the least active. Another important impact walking has is in promoting a sense of place. Within the cultural landscape, place and memory are embedded and remembering the stories within assists in the maintenance of a sense of continuity and belonging. Walking provides an embodied engagement with place and so can promote this sense of belonging to it. Through the process of walking, the meanings and stories that may be drawn from the environment are explored through the feelings and emotions it provokes, and the affect it has upon the imagination of the perceiver. Therefore, walking can play a powerful role in the maintenance of a sense of community, identity and belonging. Research has suggested that mobile devices can act as mediators for co-ordination between individuals and environment and so such mediated experiences can promote a sense of place through exploration of both the ‘real’ and ‘virtual’. Furthermore, there appears to be some self-reported evidence that those using digital interventions such as

on a mobile app increased physical activity and walking compared to those who did not use such interventions. Therefore, following initial discussions between Buckinghamshire Council (BC) and Buckinghamshire New University (BNU), a circular walking trail of approximately three miles around the centre of High Wycombe including the Rye open space with virtual features accessed by Smartphones was developed using the Love Exploring app. This app is already being used at several locations in Buckinghamshire by BC and has established itself as viable technology in delivering opportunities for involving the public with active engagement in local environments. BC is currently conducting a two-year pilot to provide guided trails, walks and games in local green spaces using digital applications with the aim to increase movement and reduce health inequalities within identified targeted priority areas. There are two existing trails being piloted using the Love Exploring app on the open space of the Rye and Holywell Mead, their features targeting either families for entertainment whilst on a walk (finding dinosaurs) or those seeking mindfulness space and meditation. The walking trail this research developed aimed to add another perspective; the historical features and stories encountered along the route, leading it to be named the High Wycombe Heritage Trail. The trail design and content were initially informed from past research carried out by members of the project team, then further developed through close inquiry of research publications, archival documents and local historical texts and different

Research Notes | Spring 2025

The trail app design not only imparts route directions both visually and through audio instructions, but also includes historical images at places encountered on the way with an accompanying commentary. This provides opportunity for insight into elements of cultural place and collective memory, thereby promoting a sense of belonging to community. Furthermore, the trail app contributes to the local community an additional resource for the promotion of wellbeing and health. An initial version of the trail app was launched in October 2024 as a pilot research project, approval for which was gained form BNU in September. A link to a questionnaire was provided at the end of the trail route on the app with the aim of collecting data from those who had completed it regarding the functioning and efficacy of both the trail and the technical features of the app. Initial

Image sourced by Buckinghamshire Archives

results have been disappointing, with very few of the questionnaires being completed - however anecdotal feedback through observation and informal enquiry with those who were aware of the trail and have had access to the app have led to minor technical revisions being developed, and it is planned for an improved version of the Heritage Trail app to be launched in the first quarter of 2025. Furthermore, the insight gained from the lack of success with using a questionnaire as a research approach has lead to the planning of an alternative methodology which will seek qualitative insight through survey interviews at the launch event. The original version, meanwhile, is still available and active, as is the questionnaire at its end. Please use the QR code below to access information as to how to download the Love Exploring app and gain access to the High Wycombe Heritage Trail.

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routes considered and explored. Finally, towards the final developmental phase, consultations were made with several stakeholders with specific expertise to better inform the final product. This took considerable time, and it was of advantage that the project was part funded by the Strategic Policy Fund.

Research at BNU

Research Notes | Spring 2025

A New Lens on History: BNU’s RAF Halton Apprentice Documentary DR TOM MCGORRIAN ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR IN FILM PRODUCTION School of Creative and Digital Industries Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) is leading on a groundbreaking film project that highlights the untold stories of RAF Halton Apprentices Association (RAFHAA) - individuals whose contributions were instrumental in shaping the Royal Air Force (RAF). Led by Associate Professor Dr Tom McGorrian, The RAF Halton Apprentice Story delves deep into the lives and legacies of these apprentices, crafting a powerful tribute to their enduring impact. The documentary, which will premiere at the RAF Midlands and RAF Hendon Museums in late 2025, combines oral history interviews with archival footage to create a memorable portrayal of the apprentices’ journeys. The project is not only a testament to historical storytelling but also an educational resource designed to promote public understanding of the RAF’s evolution and the essential role these individuals played. At the heart of the film are the personal narratives of former RAF apprentices, captured through in-depth oral history interviews. These first-hand accounts provide a rare and intimate glimpse into their training, challenges, and achievements, bringing to life the human stories behind the RAF’s development. By pairing these testimonies

with carefully researched archival footage, the documentary will paint a vivid picture of the apprentices’ contributions, bridging personal memories with broader historical contexts. Dr. McGorrian, known for his work in preserving marginalised voices, underscores the importance of this approach: “These stories are vital not just as historical records but as a way to connect modern audiences with the lived experiences of the past.” The film’s narrative construction will go beyond recounting events, aiming instead to foster a deeper appreciation of the apprentices’ sacrifices and innovations within the RAF’s history. Wing Commander Frank Denton-Powell, MBE, and Chairman of the RAF Halton Apprentices Association, said: “The goal of Apprentice Training was to develop reliable airmen and skilled craftsmen with strong character, balanced judgment, a good education, and a deep sense of responsibility, leadership, and pride in Service. Between 1922 and 1993, over 40,000 apprentices were trained at RAF Halton, many of whom rose to the highest ranks of the RAF, became captains of industry, or excelled as leaders in various other fields.”

Research Notes | Spring 2025

It’s anticipated that the documentary will make a lasting impression on audiences and academia alike, with its likely outcomes spanning multiple dimensions including raising public awareness by shedding light on the overlooked contributions of RAF apprenticeships and broadening public appreciation of their historical and social significance. At the same time the documentary works towards knowledge sharing by creating a platform for dialogue and inspiring viewers to reflect on the apprentices’ achievements and their relevance to contemporary themes such as social mobility and vocational training. The documentary is also designed to represent an educational resource for use in schools, universities and museums in order to act as an engaging tool to explore the history of RAF apprenticeships and their broader implications. Beyond its original release, the documentary will serve as an enduring resource for future generations, and will ensure the apprentices’ stories remain accessible and impactful through its sustained legacy.

The RAF Halton Apprentice Story will demonstrate how innovative storytelling can preserve history in vibrant and accessible ways. Through its integration of oral histories, archival research, and collaborative methodologies, the project reimagines historical documentaries as tools for education, connection, and inspiration. By celebrating the apprentices’ contributions and safeguarding their legacy, The RAF Halton Apprentice Story will reaffirm the timeless power of storytelling to illuminate, connect, and inspire.

Research at BNU

The RAF Halton Apprentice project thrives on collaboration, and by drawing on partnerships with RAF historians, museum curators, and community organisations, the documentary will reflect a range of perspectives. This interdisciplinary ethos aligns with BNU’s broader mission to engage communities and encourage knowledge exchange. Central to this collaborative process are the apprentices themselves. Their active involvement in shaping the film’s narrative not only enhances its authenticity but also promotes a sense of shared ownership. This participatory approach deepens the emotional resonance of the project, inviting audiences to engage with the history on a more personal level.

Research at BNU

Research Notes | Spring 2025

Graduate Mentorship Skills Research Programme JOHN HATHAWAY

HELEN RIDLINTON

SENIOR LECTURER

School of Business and Law

PENNY BRADSHAW SENIOR LECTURER School of Business and Law Graduate skills are often discussed in the press and by government, and this research examines how business skills are evolving using a longitudinal case study approach intended to inform practice and curriculum design and intends to examine if the skills graduates are being equipped with match those required by the wider business community and examine what steps can be taken. The speed required in business to develop and deploy new skills is becoming an important issue in maintaining competitive advantage - and yet waiting for a 3-year undergraduate course to be developed may not represent a realistic answer. Although ‘skills’ can be thought of as a generic term, skills can be Functional, enabling employees to perform their job; Performative, enabling employees to be more productive in their role; Developmental, focussing on career progression; or Futurist, upskilling for the new demands of the sector or role. This research investigates whether the right skills are being taught to begin with and queries how often these skills are being used, the longevity of these skills, and what can be done to improve the practice of teaching skills. The research is recruiting graduate students from the School of Business and Law and applies a combination of in-depth semi-structured interviews that are analysed using thematic analysis which will, in turn, allow for the development of an e-survey for hypothesis testing purposes. Wider archival and stakeholder research will follow to develop insight into the changing needs of business and allow for quicker responses to the changes required at

module and programme level to contribute to the development of the research informed curriculum. Comparative performance of student cohort summative results is being analysed for benchmark and mediator factor analysis purposes. The research project is tracking graduate cohorts during the first two years of their graduate careers with subsequent cohorts joining each year for the next 8 years allowing for comparative time series analysis. Phase I of the research, graduate interviews, is approaching completion; Phase II, undergraduate recruitment, will begin in early January 2025, and Phase III, an initial skills survey, is due to commence in Spring 2025. Business organisations interested in participating in the research are welcomed and should contact John Hathaway for further information.

Research Notes | Spring 2025

Welcoming the new Head of the Graduate School: Associate Professor Dr Anahita Malek opportunities to connect our Graduate School with national and international partners, fostering collaboration and opening doors for wider research engagement. Additionally, I plan to review entry criteria and protocols to align them with our inclusive research strategy, ensuring they reflect our values and commitment to accessibility.

I am excited to take on the role of Head of the Graduate School here at BNU. With nearly two decades of experience in academia, I have worked across research, teaching, and academic leadership roles in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe before moving to the UK. Since joining BNU two years ago, I have been inspired by our commitment to impactful and inclusive research that drives meaningful change. I am thrilled to bring my experience, vision, and enthusiasm to this role. As Head of the Graduate School, my primary aim is to create a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive research environment where both students and staff can excel. I will prioritise strengthening networking

For our students, my focus will be on enhancing resources and support to empower their PhD journeys and make them an integral part of BNU’s academic community. I will introduce regular drop-in sessions to provide students with a platform to share their experiences, voice their concerns, and play an active role in shaping their research pathways. For our staff, I am dedicated to strengthening the supervision framework by encouraging colleagues with PhDs to join our supervisory team and offering tailored training to support their professional development. I will also encourage the creation of PhD project opportunities that align with our REF strategy, helping to attract and nurture exceptional research talent. Inclusivity, empowerment, and transparency will be at the heart of everything we do. My vision is to cultivate an environment where everyone feels part of the conversation, their voices heard, and their contributions valued.

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Research Notes | Spring 2025

Feasibility of Rebound exercise in Community-dwelling adults with Neurological Disorders ADAORA OKEMUO POSTGRADUATE RESE ARCH STUDENT School of Health and Social Care Professions As the world confronts the escalating challenges of chronic diseases and widespread physical inactivity, finding innovative solutions to foster sustainable lifestyle changes has become crucial for our collective well-being. The World Health Organisation (WHO) warns that physical inactivity is rising, further intensifying the global burden of chronic diseases, including neurological disorders. In light of this public health organisations and stakeholders including the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities urgently seek evidence-based strategies like the one explored in this research, to counteract these trends and boost physical activity across all demographics. Despite increased efforts, significant barriers to physical activity persist, especially among vulnerable populations. Individuals with neurological disorders face unique hurdles, as their conditions often impose additional limitations on mobility and accessibility, particularly within community settings. My research has focused on exploring the feasibility and practical implications of introducing rebound exercise into the routine lives of adults with neurological disorders living in the community. Participants were recruited from the Buckinghamshire community through organisations and support groups known to support people with neurological disorders, and enrolled participants were invited to BNU for outcome measurements and rebound exercise training. Fifty-three people participated in the study, engaging in a 30-minute rebound exercise session once or twice weekly, depending on their preference for 12 weeks. Participant demographics revealed a diverse group, with the majority being older adults, female, and retired.

The study demonstrated high recruitment (70.59%) and retention (98.1%) rates, indicating strong interest and commitment from participants. Most participants (76.9%) preferred once-weekly sessions due to time constraints, highlighting the importance of flexible scheduling in community-based interventions. The intervention proved safe, with no reported injuries or adverse events throughout the study period. The study also measured several secondary outcomes, including blood pressure, balance, walking speed, physical activity level and quality of life and observed significant improvements after 12 weeks of rebound exercise. These improvements were consistent across all time points (baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks), suggesting a progressive benefit from the rebound exercise intervention. Notably, the frequency of attendance (once vs. twice weekly) did not significantly impact these outcomes after adjusting for age, disease severity, and duration of diagnosis, suggesting that even a low frequency (once a week) of rebound exercise may lead to health benefits.

Research Notes | Spring 2025

speed, quality of life and physical activity level suggest that rebound exercise could be a valuable tool for managing hypertension and enhancing overall quality of life and physical activity levels in adults with neurological disorders. Finally, the success of this community-based program indicates the potential for integrating rebound exercise into standard community rehabilitation services for this population. While these results are promising, it is essential to acknowledge the need for further research to validate these findings.

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The study’s findings have several implications for clinical practice and public health. Firstly, rebound exercise is a practical and acceptable intervention for community-dwelling adults with neurological disorders, with high recruitment and retention rates suggesting strong participant engagement. Secondly, the absence of adverse events indicates that rebound exercise can be safely implemented in community settings for this population. Thirdly, the preference for once-weekly sessions highlights the importance of offering flexible options to accommodate participants’ time constraints and improve long-term adherence. Furthermore, the observed improvements in blood pressure, walking

Graduate School

Research Notes | Spring 2025

Using Intersectional Risk Theory to explore the vulnerability of older minority ethnic people in the UK to social risk BRIDGET MAKANDE POSTGRADUATE RESE ARCH STUDENT understood from the lens of risk. As older minority ethnic people experience harm due to intersecting systems of marginalisation such as ageism, racism, and classism, IRT facilitates a nuanced analysis of the heightened risks and vulnerability that they face in the context of the pandemic. Thus, IRT enables a robust understanding of older minority ethnic people’s perception of the risks associated with the coronavirus, their reactions to the pandemic, including their behavioural response and the choices they made in navigating their day-today experiences.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted people differently depending on personal characteristics such as race, age, and socio-economic status. For example, minority ethnic people in the UK experienced excess deaths due to comorbidities that disproportionately affect this sector of the population. While vaccinations lowered the severity of the pandemic to some extent, older minority ethnic people still face significant challenges due to the continued prevalence of COVID-19 deaths and the pandemic’s long-term impact. Considering the rising diversity in the UK and the inevitability of future pandemics, my PhD research focuses on the lived experiences of older minority ethnic communities during the pandemic and its aftermath. My study centres the theoretical framework of intersectional risk theory (IRT), a synergy of intersectionality and sociology of risk theory. According to sociological risk approaches, social problems often associated with marginalised people are identified and managed as risks, with the COVID-19 pandemic providing a prominent example of such an event that can be viewed and

I conducted my research in the Thames Valley area where I interviewed fifty-seven participants using a mixture of face-to-face interviews, focus group discussions and meetings with community service leaders. A first result emerging from the analysed data is the epistemic mistrust that older minority ethnic people had towards government data and scientific experts. This mistrust stems from uncertainties due to conflicting and contradictory information about COVID-19 and the vaccine, feeling excluded, alienated and not valued as ethnic minorities in developing national pandemic guidelines. Another element informing the epistemic mistrust is the presence of optimism bias, whereby older people underestimate their exposure to risk while overestimating their resilience. A second result emerging from the data analysis is that experiences of intersectional disadvantage contributed to vaccine hesitancy; as well as reliance on prayers and faith healers in managing illness, this vaccine hesitancy could be viewed as driven by ‘conspiratorial thoughts’. However, the term ‘conspiratorial thoughts’ does not adequately define their thought process, because older minority ethnic people are knowledgeable about

Research Notes | Spring 2025

Drawing on the positionality theory which underpins the perspective that individuals deduce meanings based on their various identities I also submit that older minority ethnic people have agency, are epistemologically privileged and best positioned to validate their perspectives on matters concerning their lives. The last result from the data analysis dissects how the pandemic changed the ageing life course trajectory and ageing dynamics of older minority ethnic people as COVID-19 hastened the decline and death in these communities. Data reveals ripple effects of grief, for which older minority ethnic

people must receive timely and specific bereavement support that considers the contribution of intersecting systems of marginalisation to difficulties with bereavement. The growing number of crises and rising uncertainties impact older minority ethnic people, as the intersectional harm they experience due to various systems of marginalisation means they cannot always cope. Towards the end of 2024 I presented the findings of this research at two conferences, where I received positive feedback - On October 29th during the Inequalities and Health Summit at Liverpool Hope University, I presented a paper titled ‘The role of trust in the experiences of UK older minority ethnic people during COVID-19’, and on December 12th, during the British Sociological Association’s Death, Dying and Bereavement Study Group Annual Symposium at Liverpool University, I presented a paper titled ‘Dying, death and bereavement during COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath: Reflections from older minority ethnic people in the UK’, and I have found it tremendously fulfilling to be actively contributing to subject knowledge in my academic area.

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the reasons underlying the emergence of their thoughts regarding the pandemic and the vaccine. More specifically, older minority ethnic people’s vaccine hesitancy stems from legitimate mistrust due to historical examples of racism and other forms of discrimination in the healthcare context. As such, the term ‘conspiratorial thoughts’ does not adequately define the rationale of older minority ethnic people. Instead, it is more accurate to speak of the sensemaking narratives, as identified by Tushna Vandrevala, of older minority ethnic people that are based on contexts linked to their identities.

Graduate School

Research Notes | Spring 2025

The Radical Convergence: Connecting Sustainability Intelligence (SI) and the EPR Sandbox to the Global Denim Industry GURPREET SINGH POSTGRADUATE RESE ARCH STUDENT The UK Fashion and Textile (UKFT) Sustainability Conference 2024, held on 26th September, highlighted the dynamic relationship between business practices and sustainability through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Sandbox project. This project closely aligns with the concept of Sustainability Intelligence (SI), which I am exploring in my doctoral research on Sustainability Intelligence (SI): A Transformative Design of the Denim Industrial System at BNU. The EPR Sandbox represents a systemic solution to the sustainability challenges faced by the fashion industry, particularly in the denim sector, and how it can embrace systemic thinking to drive change. Systemic convergence fosters a collaborative approach, where individual companies and the broader industrial system work together to align their practices with sustainability values. The EPR Sandbox is not just an optional initiative but is evolving into a global imperative, integrating eco-modulation to tackle international sustainability challenges. This project aligns with Peter Senge’s systemic thinking, emphasizing interconnections across industries, government policies, and global supply chains. By leveraging variable fees based on environmental impact, it creates a powerful mechanism for incentivizing circular economic practices, not only within the UK but across the global denim sector. At the conference, discussions highlighted how leading fashion companies can take the lead in adopting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principles. By addressing critical challenges such as excessive water consumption, toxic dyeing processes, and inadequate waste management, the fashion industry has a significant opportunity to reduce its environmental footprint.

The EPR Sandbox plays a vital role in promoting transparency and accountability by providing manufacturers with tools to monitor and measure their environmental impact. With its considerable socio-economic influence, the denim industry stands out as a key player in driving this data-informed transformation, and prominent stakeholders in the sector, including major trade shows, advocate for sustainability alongside experts in supply chain transparency, who are well-equipped to advance the adoption of sustainable practices on a global scale. Engaging with UKFT Leadership During the conference, I had the opportunity to engage with Adam Mansell, the CEO of UKFT, and Elizabeth Dakin, UKFT’s Sustainability Manager. Their insights reinforced the critical role of Sustainability Intelligence (SI) systemic approaches in addressing sustainability challenges and the importance of balancing environmental, social, and economic dimensions - a vision that resonates deeply with my research. A key insight from the conference was how denim manufacturers can lead the way in adopting EPR principles through the EPR Sandbox Project. Denim, historically linked to issues of resource-intensive production and labour challenges, faces a unique set of sustainability hurdles; for example, the massive water usage involved in producing denim, along with the disposal of toxic chemicals used in dyeing processes, poses significant environmental risks.

Research Notes | Spring 2025

The EPR Sandbox Project offers a superior solution for fashion sustainability, particularly when viewed through the lens of Sustainability Intelligence. By balancing eco-modulation with systemic solutions across diverse cultural and geographical contexts, it bridges the gaps between government and industry, improving local governance and fostering

healthy international relations as fashion brands and suppliers work towards common sustainability goals. A powerful insight from the UKFT Sustainability Conference is a compelling call for the global denim industry to take a leading role in the EPR Sandbox. By embracing this initiative, the denim sector can pioneer a transformative shift towards sustainable practices, setting a bold example for the entire fashion industry. With tools like the EPR framework, the global denim industry can transition into a beacon of sustainable practice, influencing global fashion governance and fostering a truly circular economy. As my research continues, I aim to further explore how systemic solutions like the EPR Sandbox can catalyse meaningful change in the denim industry, offering a pragmatic and continuous sustainable growth.

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These issues can be addressed through the EPR Sandbox, which incentivizes brands to experiment with and implement solutions such as reducing water usage, adopting cleaner dyeing technologies, and improving waste management systems. The EPR Sandbox framework supports brands in promoting ethical consumption by improving supply chain transparency and helping manufacturers quantify and track their social and environmental impact. As the UKFT have highlighted, denim sector organizations should collaborate with international bodies to ensure global parity and foster equitable working conditions across supply chains.

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Research Notes | Spring 2025

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) in Ghana: A critical exploration of the psychological impact of rape on victims/survivors and the efficacy of culturally-sensitive CBT as a specific psychological treatment option EMMANUEL AMPOFO POSTGRADUATE RESE ARCH STUDENT Different schools of thought exist in relation to culturally-adaptive Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CA-CBT) for non-western patients, with the primary division being between the beliefs either that CBT in its original form can be effective with all patients from all cultural backgrounds, or whether cultural adaptation of CBT yields better outcomes. Although early research into cultural adaptations of CBT in some non-western cultures show some positive outcomes, it also highlight the differences due to various nuances specific to the different cultures. Cases like this raise the issues of both how experts reach a consensus of what is acceptable adaptations of CBT within all the various cultures, and further to this how does an organisation like the NHS integrate such approaches within the healthcare system? Data from recent years indicates significant positive treatment outcomes primarily for patients of Caucasian backgrounds; the data has, however, consistently shown that whilst engagement and treatment outcomes for Caucasians have been steadily increasing, this is not the case for patients from Minority Ethnic backgrounds. This disparity it appears is largely due to lack of appropriate culturally-sensitive CBT treatment for these patients. It is against this backdrop that this research aims to critically explore whether or not a CulturallySensitive Trauma-Focused CBT can be an effective and viable psychological treatment option for victims of rape within the specific culture of Ghana. Although recent studies highlight the rise in rape cases in Ghana in recent years, it is still a highly under-reported crime in Ghana. Cultural issues - such as shame and stigma, lack of social, family, emotional and psychological support for victims,

and long and complicated legal process – represent major issues within this context. This study aims to interrogate how women’s experience of rape in Ghana is validated and to explore the efficacy of Trauma-Focused CBT, critically examining contextualised socio-cultural adaptations to the therapeutic process. As part of this this study will investigate whether contextualised CBT approaches could be implemented by the government and other local NGOs/Mental health charities as a therapeutic option, given its cost effectiveness in comparison to some other therapeutic approaches, and what role the use of specific language/words add to the barriers of help-seeking processes. The study will be utilise a mixed-method approach, where the quantitative element will involve offering TF-CBT to two groups - one as a group therapy, and the other as one to one therapy. Qualitative data will be drawn from interviewing professionals who are already working with this patient group. The desired outcomes of the study include symptom relief for participants after the study, culturally-sensitive CBT yielding better outcomes for patients, and participants with better family and social support systems in place achieving overall better long-term and sustainable outcomes. Although there is a dearth of research into culturally-sensitive CBT treatment across a broad spectrum, early research conducted in non-western cultures have yielded some positive outcomes. This study seeks to understand whether, with the right adaptations, the research being undertaken is likely to achieve some positive outcomes as well as adding to the discourse in relation to CBT.

Research Notes | Spring 2025

SONJA CIMELLI PHD CANDIDATE, SCHOOL OF HUMAN AND SOCIAL SCIENCES Recipient of Vice Chancellor PhD Studentship Award and the 2024 International Olympic Committee (IOC) Olympic Studies Centre PhD Students and Early Career Academics Research Grant Breaking (breakdancing), the original dance style of Hip Hop culture, made its Summer Olympic Games debut on the iconic Place De La Concorde at Paris 2024, alongside skateboarding, BMX freestyle and 3x3 basketball. In a bid to boost youth engagement, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has highlighted the importance of making the Olympic Games more youthful and more urban. However, the mainstreaming of action and urban subcultures such as skateboarding is complex, with factors including professionalisation and challenges to cultural identity reported. The freedom of expression, and anti-authority ethos of these cultures is in opposition to the organisational structures associated with the Olympics, which requires all sports to be governed by an IOCrecognised international federation (IF). Judging systems are regulated by the IF, and determine what is valued in a sport, which is particularly significant for artistic and cultural sports such as skateboarding and breaking. The aim of this research is to examine the influence of breaking’s Olympic judging systems on its development as an artistic Olympic sport, and increase knowledge regarding the significance of judging systems on the transition of subculture activity to mainstream sport. The research is theoretically oriented by ActorNetwork Theory (ANT), the ANT-inspired ethnographic methodology included document analysis, interviews and observation. The project was awarded an IOC Olympic Studies Centre PhD Students and Early Career Academics Research Grant in January 2024, which included a visit to the Olympics Studies Centre in Lausanne, Switzerland to consult the Olympic archives in March 2024. Unpublished archival documents, some dating back over a century, were accessed, providing significant historical context to breaking’s inclusion in the Games, and the importance of judging systems in Olympic sport.

The grant also supported fieldwork observation and interviews through attendance at the Olympic Qualifier Series in Budapest, the Olympic Games in Paris, and the Notorious IBE in Heerlen (Netherlands) – an iconic international breaking festival which took place the week after the Games. This permitted data collection pre-, during, and post-Olympic Games. In early July 2024, BNU supported attendance at the 16th International Symposium for Olympic and Paralympic Research, at the University of FrancheComté, Besançon, France. The excitement in anticipation of the Games was palpable in the host country. Conference delegates, including renowned Olympic scholars and the IOC s Olympic Studies Centre senior management, arrived from around the globe. The inclusion of breaking was highly anticipated by this audience, and a keen interest was shown in this under-researched area.

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Breaking and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

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Research Notes | Spring 2025

Breaking’s Olympic debut was eventful, beginning with Hip Hop icon Snoop Dogg performing the opening brigadier ceremony, the ‘trois coups’, to signal the start of the competition. The first breaking battle resulted in the disqualification of B-Girl Talash, representing the Olympic Refugee Team, for displaying the words ‘free Afghan women’ on her outfit, as political protests are not permitted on the field of play at the Olympics. However, this was overshadowed by the performance of the Australian B-Girl Raygun, who became the international face of the breaking competition. It was fascinating to witness the difference between the in-venue experience of watching Raygun’s performance in the context of the competition which did not garner significant audience reaction - compared to watching it play out in media and social media reporting. Nonetheless, audiences were enthralled and captivated by the gravity-defying, athletic and artistic performances of the medallists, with B-Girl Ami ( Japan) and B-Boy Phil Wizard (Canada) taking the gold medals in the women’s and men’s competitions respectively.

As my PhD now enters the write-up stage, the preliminary findings demonstrate the complexity associated with placing unstructured cultural communities into structured hierarchical governance. Breaking’s adoption under the leadership of the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF), historically a Latin and Ballroom dance federation, was challenging, as stakeholders struggled to accommodate cultural authenticity within the sporting realm. The WDSF’s decision to change breaking’s judging system midway through Olympic qualification added further controversy to an already arduous journey for athletes and judges on the two-year road to Paris. As the sun set over La Concorde after two days of Olympic breaking, it also set, at least temporarily, on breaking’s Olympic inclusion. Breaking will not return for the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympic Games, a decision that was made in 2023 before any athlete had even set foot on the Paris Olympic stage. The legacy of breaking’s Paris debut was unexpected, but the breaking community remain hopeful of its return to the Olympics Games.

Research Notes | Spring 2025

BEVERLEY GRIFFITHS SENIOR LECTURER AND PHD STUDENT (PART-TIME) School of Aviation and Security Emergencies are diverse and rapidly evolving, leading to complex consequences and ethical dilemmas with a disregard for human, geographical, or political boundaries. Under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, certain organisations must prepare, plan, respond to and assist in recovery, managing the consequences these challenges bring for the society served. These organisations are more commonly understood to be Emergency Management, coming together under Local Resilience Forums, serving their local community. They utilise the Integrated Emergency Management (IEM) Model with phases of Anticipation, Risk Assessment, Preparation, Response, and Recovery, while continually facing increasing challenges today and in the future. This creates a complex picture of multi-agencies and multi-layer organisations at both regional and national levels, with complex societal make-ups across the many stakeholders as well as various institutes trying to professionalise the fields. These very complex situations are often buffeted by prior emergency voices, which causes ethical dilemmas for balanced approaches in potentially new situations. Although there is Law and formal guidance, organisations themselves have ethical codes, these often fail to capture the complexity of real-world scenarios. Despite a great deal of guidance on decision making in emergency response, there is little on decision making in the other IEM phases or with a focused regard for ethics, ethical decision making or support. Ethical decision-making involves choosing options that align with ethical standards, considering moral duties, rights, fairness, and the collective good. Although not yet fully applied to Emergency Management, it should, like business ethics, examine

decision-making to foster trust and demonstrate responsibility, fairness, and compassion within the community. Ethical decision-making is an increasingly critical requirement for Emergency Management, prioritising the public good, upholding the law, preventing emergencies, responding promptly, supporting recovery, and responding to public enquiries. However, there is minimal guidance and academic investigation connecting these areas, highlighting the need for research on ethical decision-making in this field. Indeed, the fields two professional bodies recently approached their fellow practitioner and author of this article to undertake a review of their ethical codes The task also involves leadership on the development of guidance and a framework for ethics in Emergency Management and for Emergency Management Professionals. Underpinning this task is a grounding in theory, or a conceptual framework to link this effort to the larger academic community. Complexity theory, with its multidisciplinary approach, helps explain the intricate interdependencies, emergency nature and dynamic interactions in emergency management, highlighting the need for flexibility and adaptability in ethical decision-making.Individual Emergency Managers must maintain professional integrity, support colleagues, and uphold societal standards, were transparency and accountability are crucial, especially under scrutiny. Despite existing codes, professionals face increased stress from public inquiries and high expectations amid limited resources, with public trust at an all-time low. A stronger focus on understanding and applying ethical requirements is needed to boost public trust, improve ethical frameworks, and enhance the profession’s status.

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Requirements and challenges for ethical decision-making in UK Emergency Management

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Research Notes | Spring 2025

The growing complexity of global and local challenges requires better support for ethical decision-making, considering human capabilities and various barriers. A recent Institute for Government webinar on ethics in public sector highlighted that codes and principles often lack practical application and interpretation. Research shows a gap between moral judgment and action, indicating a need for better alignment and understanding of the variables in ethical decision-making, such as personality, sociodemographic variables, pro-sociality, culture, leadership, group think, education in ethics, support for dilemmas, or lack of all this from organisations. This research on ethical decision-making in emergency management using complexity theory aims to address this gap and support the field’s professional development.

The study proposes analysis of ethical decision making. The variables to be analysed will allow the researcher to propose evidence-based recommendations to enhance ethical decisionmaking in UK emergency management. Using a Rigorous Mixed Method approach, it will begin with a quantitative questionnaire to investigate sociodemographic, pro-sociality, values, and current ethical support as key variables. The second phase will explore essential values, beliefs, dilemmas, and barriers to ethical decision-making through semistructured interviews with emergency managers. Finally, expert focus groups will develop guidance and materials based on the findings to support ethical decision-making frameworks, ensuring authentic research with practical application.

Research Notes | Spring 2025

Conference Highlights Recent highlights of BNU academics presenting at Conferences include: Naz Ali and Birte Schmitz, who presented on The Promise of Critical Pedagogy: Challenge, Change and Compassion. AdvanceHE Equality Diversity and Inclusion Colloquium: Pedagogies of Liberation: Challenge, Change, Compassion, Collaboration. 18th June 2024, England: Sheffield; Bridget Makande, who presented on The role of trust in the experiences of UK older minority ethnic people during COVID-19, presented at The Inequalities and Health Summit: Call for Action Liverpool Hope University, 29th October

2024, and Dying, death and bereavement during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath: Reflections from older minority ethnic people in the UK, presented at the British Sociological Association’s Death, Dying and Bereavement Study Group Annual Symposium at Liverpool University, 12th December 2024; and Gurpreet Singh, who presented on Sustainability Intelligence (SI): A systemic mindset theory transformation of the global denim industry at the Fashion International Conference in Portugal.

BNU Conference Presentations McGorrian, Tom (2025) Music4DisplacedDyads – East West. In: Music Therapy Cambridge Conference, 17th – 18th January 2025, Anglia Ruskin University Tedman, Alison (2024) ‘The Hunger Games: the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (Lawrence, 2023): the critical potential of the YA dystopian prequel.’ “Roundtable: Genre and Narrative #1. In: YA Studies Association Conference, Digital Conference. Durna, Tuncay (2024) Sophisticated methods of criminals vs financial and technical developments. In: The Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crime., 4th September 2024, University of Cambridge. Al-Asfoor, Muntasir, Abed, Mohammed Hamzah and Maher, Kevin (2024) Brain Tumor Classification Based on Federated Learning. In: 2024 10th International Conference on Optimization and Applications (ICOA), 17-18 October 2024, Almeria, Spain

Research Notes | Spring 2025

Publications Addis, Gulen and Evan, Donna (2024) Nurse Experience and Challenges of Dementia Care in Acute Settings: A Qualitative Study. Nursing Older People. ISSN 1472-0795 Addis, Gulen and Loughrey, Natasha (2024) Nursing Students, Practice Supervisors, and Practice Assessors' Experience and Evaluation of the New Standard for Student Supervision and Assessment Regulation. British Journal of Nursing. ISSN 0966-0461 Anderson, Juliet, Buckwell-Nutt, Karen, Hayward, Melanie, Leney, Korinne, Sines, David and Tilson, Claire (2024) Optimising health and social care through community wellbeing hubs. British Journal of Nursing, 33 (16). pp. 786-787. ISSN 2052-2819 Aparaschive, Carla, TRUTA, Alina M., Todea, Irina, Ioras, Florin, BOSCAIU, Monica and SESTRAȘ, Adriana F. (2024) The effect of environmental conditions on the growth and productivity of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.). Notulae Scientia Biologicae. ISSN 2067-3264 Arion, Lulia Diana, TRUTA, Alina M., Rebrean, Florin A., DAN, Catalina, BOSCAIU, Monica, Ioras, Florin and Morar, Irina M. (2024) Influence of geographical provenance, biostimulatory treatments and their interaction on the seed germination of Quercus robur L. Nova Geodesia, 4 (4). ISSN 2810-2754 Bowerman, Mei Hui and Williams, Mary (2024) Barriers to effective end of life care in the acute sector: a literature review. Cancer Nursing Practice. ISSN 1475-4266 Clarke, Fiona (2024) Addressing numeracy challenges in education. British Journal of Nursing, 33 (20). pp. 954-955. ISSN 2052-2819 Codd, L, Ramlaul, Aarthi and Trivedi, D (2024) "I used their criticisms as my weapon to succeed" Experiences in the dual learning environment of Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse therapeutic

radiographer undergraduate students - results of a UK survey. Radiography (London, England : 1995), 30 Sup. pp. 131-137. ISSN 1532-2831 Ford, Claire and Hill, Barry (2024) A guide to removing sutures. British Journal of Nursing, 33 (20). S42-S49. ISSN 2052-2819 Furio, Chiara, Lamberti, Luciano and Pruncu, Catalin I. (2024) Mechanical and Civil Engineering Optimization with a Very Simple Hybrid Grey Wolf—JAYA Metaheuristic Optimizer. Mathematics, 12 (22). p. 3464. ISSN 2227-7390 Furio, Chiara, Lamberti, Luciano and Pruncu, Catalin I. (2024) An Efficient and Fast Hybrid GWO-JAYA Algorithm for Design Optimization. Applied Sciences, 14 (20). p. 9610. ISSN 2076-3417 Harlow, Richard (2024) Can product design methods improve the long-term adoption and sustainability of solar disinfection technologies? Doctoral thesis, Buckinghamshire New University Hayward, Melanie (2024) The School Nurse’s Role in Safeguarding and Child Protection: The Same Yet Very Different’, in A School Nurse in Every School: School nurses’ positive impact in addressing health inequalities in children, young people, and their families. In: School and Public Health Nurse Association (SAPHNA), Buckinghamshire New University Hayward, Melanie (2024) Coproducing SCPHN School Nursing programmes: Engaging children and young people. Journal of Family and Child Health, 1 (2). pp. 100-101. ISSN 3049-5229 Hill, Barry, Bruce, Tor Alexander, Simpson, Dominic, Flynn, Deborah, Ban, Sasha and Porteous, Debra (2024) RePAIRing the student nurse journey: empowering interrupted students through innovative support strategies. British Journal of Nursing, 33 (18). pp. 884-889. ISSN 20522819

Hill, Barry, Wamburu, Amsale and Clarke, Fiona (2024) Technological advancements in endoscopy and their impact on gastrointestinal nursing. Gastrointestinal Nursing, 22 (Sup8). S29-S34 Hill, Barry, Lamichhane, Geeta and Wamburu, Amsale (2024) Infection prevention and control: critical strategies for nursing practice. British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing), 33 (17). pp. 804811. ISSN 2052-2819 Ives, Ben, Clayton, Ben, Gale, Laura, Holdom, Thalia and Nichol, Adam (2024) Doing qualitative data analysis. In: Research Methods in Sports Coaching. Routledge, pp. 245-253. ISBN 9781003381891 Jiang, Diqiong, Chang, Jian, You, Lihua, Bian, Shaojun, Kosk, Robert and Maguire, Greg (2024) AudioDriven Facial Animation with Deep Learning: A Survey. Information, 15 (11). p. 675. ISSN 2078-2489 Kaba, James S., Agyei, Ernest K., Avilineni, Mohan Krishna Chowdry, Yamoah, Fred A., Issahaku, Ibrahim, Ntiamoah, Priscilla, Acquah, Emmanuel and Mas-Ud, Mustapha (2024) Agroforestry as an old approach to a new challenge of combating climate change: a critical analysis of the cocoa sector. Discover Agriculture, 2 (1). p. 92. ISSN 2731-9598 Lavoie, Amélie and Williams, Mary (2024) End-stage heart failure patients in ICU: the importance of advance planning and effective communication. British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing), 33 (19). pp. 914-920. ISSN 2052-2819

Research Notes | Spring 2025

Lee, Louisa (2024) Finding language for working class stories: art schools and the turn to research-based practices. Journal of Visual Arts Practice. ISSN 1470-2029

Nweke, Uchenna (2024) Attain, Retain & Train: The Godly Art That Produces Lasting Accomplishments. Author House. ISBN 9798823090346

Li, Daye, Dong, Jie, Peng, Kaixiang and Zhang, Qichun (2024) An improved supervised contrastive learning with denoising diffusion probabilistic model for fault detection in industrial processes. Process Safety and Environmental Protection. ISSN 09575820

Ojukwu, Chidiebele Petronilla, Nnyaba, Izuchukwu Simeon, Ede, Stephen Sunday, Okemuo, Adaora Justina and Enebe, Judith Amaka (2024) The effect of rebound exercise on cognition and balance of females with overweight and obesity. Libyan Journal of Medicine, 20 (1). p. 2438513. ISSN 1819-6357

Li, Mingyu and Shen, Zhimin (2024) Positive impacts of the take-home timeline as a reflective practice tool on teacher development: an exploratory study of novice public school teachers in China. Reflective Practice. pp. 1-15. ISSN 1470-1103 Loughrey, Natasha (2024) Optimising healing through enteral and parenteral nutrition in critical illness. British Journal of Nursing, 33 (19). S4-S6. ISSN 2052-2819 McGrory, Susan, Mallett, John, MacLochlainn, Justin, Manthorpe, Jill, Ravalier, J.M, Schroder, Heike, Currie, Denise, Nicholl, Patricia, Naylor, Rachel and McFadden, Paula (2024) The impact of self-reported burnout and work-related quality of life on nurses’ intention to leave the profession during the COVID-19 pandemic; a cross-sectional study. AIMS Public Health. ISSN 23278994 Mudoti, Dudzai and Addis, Gulen (2025) What are the Barriers Experienced by Community Nurses in the Delivery of Pharmacological and Complementary Therapies in Adult Cancer Pain Management for End of Life Patients. Journal of Education and Research in Nursing. ISSN 2757-9204. Nimri, Rawan, Simmons, Liz, de Oliveira, Renan, Lohmann, Gui and Yang, Elaine (2024) Media discourse analysis of sexual harassment in the airline, hotel and spa sectors. Current Issues in Tourism. pp. 1-16. ISSN 1747-7603

Okeke, Obinna (2024) Third-party logistics in Nigeria: the development of a Nigerian third-party logistics decision support framework. Doctoral thesis, Buckinghamshire New University (Awarded by Staffordshire University) Okemuo, Adaora Justina, Dairo, Yetunde Marion and Gallagher, Dearbhla (2024) Feasibility of Using Rebound Exercise in Community‐ Dwelling Adults With Neurological Disorders. Nursing & Health Sciences, 26 (4). e70004. ISSN 1442-2018 Perryman, Susan M (2024) ‘I never knew it was so prevalent’: Experiences and perceptions of student health visitors recognising and responding to domestic abuse in practice placement settings. Journal of Research in Nursing. ISSN 1744-988X Ramlaul, Aarthi (2024) Evidencebased practice. Editorial. South African Radiographer, 62 (2). pp. 5-6. ISSN 2224-8900 Singh, Gurpreet (2025) Conscious Decision Mechanism (CDM): A systemic strategy to enhance sustainability in the denim industry. In: Advanced Science, Technology and Innovation. Springer Professional. ISBN 978-3-031-63061-3 (In Press). Singh, Gurpreet (2024) Sustainability Intelligence (SI): A Journey, Not a Destination. ARC Universities Group 2024.

Syed, Shayaan, Acquaye, Adolf, Khalfan, Malik Mansoor, Obuobisa-Darko, Theresa and Yamoah, Fred A. (2024) Decoding sustainable consumption behavior: A systematic review of theories and models and provision of a guidance framework. Resources, Conservation & Recycling Advances, 23. p. 200232. ISSN 26673789 Tavener-Smith, Taryn (2024) Ten Top Tips for Mastering Medical Terminology. British Journal of Nursing. ISSN 0966-0461 (In Press) Trout, Ruth, Lynch, Claire and McEvoy, Natalie (2024) Assessment and Management of Neurological Status. In: Critical Care Manual of Clinical Nursing Procedures, 2nd Edition. Wiley-Blackwell, pp. 377412. ISBN 978-1-119-84125-8 (In Press) Trout, Ruth (2024) Championing nurse education in neurological care. British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, 20 (5). pp. 187-188. ISSN 1747-0307 Wamburu, Amsale, Hill, Barry, Mitchell, Michelle and Allon, Hailey (2024) At a glance: urinary catheterisation in males and females. British Journal of Nursing, 33 (18). S14-S20. ISSN 2052-2819 Warnock-Smith, David, Dziedzic, M., and Christidis, P. (2024) Assessing the impact of airport incentive schemes on regional air connectivity differentials across Europe. Transport Policy, 162. pp. 106-112. ISSN 0967070X Yeh, C.S.H, Ravalier, J.M and Chang, K (2024) Unveiling English school leaders’ intentional well-being cultivation practices during a global pandemic. International Journal of Educational Management. ISSN 0951-354X (In Press)

Research Notes | Spring 2025

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This publication was produced by Buckinghamshire New University. BF2648 Research Notes Spring Edition

Research Notes - Spring 2025 Edition