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BNU Alumni Network MAGAZINE

Graduation 2026

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Graduation 2026

Contents The BNU Alumni Magazine

Graduation 2026

4 | WELCOME A welcome from Damien Page, Vice-Chancellor of Bucks New University

10 | PRIDE IN FULL COLOUR Celebrating Pride: an event held at the High Wycombe Campus in June 2026

16 | FROM BUCKS TO BA Fulfilling a lifetime ambition: Michael Ashworth’s story on going from a student at Bucks, to teaching and now flying for British Airways

IN CONVERSATION WITH 8|

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: JOANNA GARDNER Jo graduated from Bucks in 2010 and, since then, has carved out a career in artist management, where, in 2019, she managed Pendulum and Knife Party. We sat down with Jo to find out more about her time at Bucks and what she has been up to since she graduated.

30 | ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: PETER ASHIAGBOR

Peter graduated from Bucks in 2025, where he studied on the Accounting and Finance degree. During his time at Bucks, Peter was an active member of the Students’ Union and was founder of Management Fest. Since leaving Bucks, Peter now works in Audit and is CoDirector or Kickstart Global. We discuss his time at Bucks and what he has been up to since leaving.

6| 12 | 20 | 24 | 29 | 32 | 38 |

'Talent is never enough' Elevate event From Nanny’s Kitch to food phenomenon Staying calm about AI Dance: Staging a global career Research at Bucks What would you tell your former self? Copyright © 2026 Bucks New University/Bucks Students' Union

BNU Alumni Network Magazine

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Graduation 2026

BNU Alumni Network Magazine

WELCOME

Welcome AT BNU, WE KNOW that your relationship with the University doesn’t end when you graduate. In many ways, it is only the beginning. Our alumni community is one of BNU’s greatest strengths. Wherever you are, in the UK or around the world, you are part of a growing network of BNU graduates who are building careers, leading organisations, creating businesses and making a difference in their communities. You are also some of our most powerful advocates, sharing your experiences of BNU, supporting our reputation and helping others understand what makes our University distinctive. We are committed to growing and strengthening this community. Over the coming years, we want to build much stronger connections between BNU and our alumni, creating more opportunities for you to stay involved, support current students and connect with fellow graduates. This is particularly important as we deliver our new University strategy. At the heart of that strategy is our ambition to be careers focused, ensuring that every BNU student has the knowledge, skills, experience and connections they need to succeed beyond university. Our alumni can play a vital role in making that happen. You can help by offering placements, internships and work experience; mentoring students and recent graduates; speaking to students about your career journey; providing industry insight; creating employment opportunities; or simply sharing your experience and networks. We also want to hear from you. Your experience of BNU, your career and your connections can help us understand what students and employers need from us in the future. So, whether you graduated last year or decades ago, we hope you will see this as your BNU community. We want to build something that works both ways: a community that supports our students and University, while providing our alumni with opportunities to reconnect, network, learn and contribute. Once BNU, always BNU. Prof Damien Page Vice-Chancellor, Bucks New University bnualumni.co.uk

Graduation 2026

NEWS

‘Talent is never enough’ AS CONVERSATIONS CONTINUE AROUND ACCESS, OPPORTUNITY AND SUSTAINABILITY in the creative industries, actor, presenter writer and producer Ricardo P. Lloyd says aspiring creatives need to treat themselves as businesses, not just artists, to succeed. Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) graduate Ricardo has spent the last decade building a career across stage, screen and writing, with credits including work with Shakespeare’s Globe, a self-produced BBC Radio 4 documentary, and roles across television and film, alongside speaking openly about diversity, representation and the realities of working in the arts. In addition to his work as a performer, the 32-year-old has built a digital following of more than five million people, using his platform to discuss culture, creativity and the importance of authentic representation. His message to emerging creatives is clear: understanding the business behind the craft is just as important as developing the craft itself. “Talent is never enough,” Ricardo said. “You can be the most talented person in the room, but if you don’t have the knowledge of how to use that talent, it’s never going to be enough.” Ricardo graduated from BNU’s Performing Arts course in 2016 and says his time at university gave him more than technical training. Looking back, Ricardo says his biggest learnings were the critical and analytical skills 6

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RICARDO P LLOYD speaking at the LandAid Gala 2025 (Picture credit: Owen Billcliffe)

needed in life – learning how to research, think and approach things differently was crucial. Those skills continue to influence his acting today, helping him look beyond simply learning lines and understand what makes a character human. Ricardo also credits the influence of working industry professionals during his studies with helping him see what was possible. “Seeing people who were actually working in the industry showed me the possibilities,” he said. “It gave me that belief.” After completing his acting training, he studied a Master of Business Administration (MBA) – recognising that modern creatives need to understand both their artistry and the industry around them. That approach has helped him build a portfolio career spanning performance, writing and production. He said: “I knew having that business foundation would strengthen me. As creatives, we have to understand that we are also our own brand.” He believes the industry is shifting, with creatives now expected to operate as entrepreneurs as well as artists – building their own audiences, managing their own brands and creating opportunities beyond traditional routes. For Ricardo, that means understanding areas such as marketing, publicity and personal branding alongside creative skills.

He also uses his own experiences to advocate for greater diversity in the industry, highlighting the importance of ensuring different voices are represented both on screen and behind the scenes. “Diversity and inclusion are not just about having people in the room,” he said. “It’s about making sure those voices are respected and valued.” Today, Ricardo continues to work across acting, writing and producing, with upcoming projects including a book proposal, short film work and new screen roles. While his career continues to grow, his definition of success has changed. He said: “When I was younger, I thought success was fame and money. Now I think success is about purpose. It’s about impacting people and inspiring others.” His advice for students considering creative careers is simple – pursue the work for the right reasons and be prepared for the realities of the industry. Ricardo says resilience comes from understanding your own motivation and staying connected to your purpose, particularly when facing setbacks. “Do it because you love the craft,” he said. “There will be challenges and setbacks. The reality is a long slog of sacrifices and working side-jobs just to pay the bills. When you face those moments, you have to come back to your core purpose – your ‘why’ – because if you don’t know why you’re fighting to be in this space, the industry will break you.”

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Graduation 2026

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Joanna Gardner IN CONVERSATION WITH

joined BNU in 2007 to study BA English Literature and Journalism. I had always been interested in the music industry, so I chose journalism with the aim of becoming a music writer. While studying, the university hosted many live music events, which gave me the opportunity to review and photograph bands for the university newspaper, where I was also the Entertainment Editor. After graduating, the university helped me secure an internship at a music industry magazine, which led to a career in music publicity specialising in electronic and pop music. I spent eight years working in PR, running campaigns for major artists including Swedish House Mafia, deadmau5 and Marshmello, as well as managing press events for singles, albums and live shows. In 2019, I moved into artist management, managing Pendulum and Knife Party, who had previously been PR clients. In 2021, I founded my own artist management company and now work primarily across the rock and metal genres, representing artists such as Tesseract, Trash Boat, Modestep, Lake Malice and BBC Radio 1’s Alyx Holcombe. Alongside this, I regularly speak on music industry panels and have taught at BIMM, as well as returning to BNU to deliver guest lectures.

JOANNA GARDNER | Alumna 2010 | BA (Hons) English Literature and Journalism

The connections you make will stay with you for life, and you’ll meet people who can help you build your career while also allowing you to support and grow alongside others in the industry.”

BNU Alumni Network Magazine

What are your memories of being a student at BNU? Coming of age surrounded by like-minded people was a really positive experience for me, there was a vibrant community at BNU and I made friendships that have lasted to this day. Some of those people now work alongside me in the music industry and have gone on to build great careers of their own.

How did your degree at BNU impact on your career? Although my degree wasn’t specifically music-focused, BNU has a very strong music management course, and that’s where I met many of my closest friends. Fifteen years later, the fact that I’m still working with those same people says a lot about the lasting impact the university has had on my career.

There was always something happening socially, with lots of events and opportunities to get involved. As someone who loves music, being able to see bands I admired performing so close to my halls of residence was an incredible experience. Coming from a small village in the North, being in Wycombe opened up a world of opportunity and exploration that I hadn’t experienced before.

Why did you join the course? Honestly, location played a big part in my decision. Wycombe is over 100 miles from my hometown, and its proximity to London, with its events, venues and key industry contacts felt incredibly valuable. I do often say that I wish I’d studied music management instead, but I’ve always loved books and reading, so I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to study literature alongside journalism.

What advice could you give to recent graduates who want to get ahead? I think it’s important to maintain a positive attitude towards the job market. It’s tougher than ever, but if you have a particular industry or sector in mind, persistence really matters, chip away at it and gain as much experience as you can. If you’re able to start gaining experience while still at university, that can make a huge difference. After graduating, I moved between journalism, promoting, PR and artist management. I always knew I wanted to work in music, but I stayed open-minded about the roles available to me. Using the connections I made at university as a starting point, I worked hard to build new relationships across the industry. That openness and willingness to explore different paths ultimately led to me starting my own business.

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Which parts of your student experience were the best preparation for your job? Moving to a larger town and living independently helped build my confidence and sense of adulthood. The university provided a lot of support during that transition, helping me move from being a teenager living at home to becoming fully independent. The encouragement of independent learning alongside independent living gave me confi dence and optimism about my future when I left university.

What are your major careers milestones since completing your studies? BPI/ RIAA Awards ● Deadmau5 ft. Rob Swire - Ghosts N Stuff (RIAA 2x Platinum) ● Marshmello ft. Khalid – Silence (BPI 2x Platinum) ● Alan Walker – Faded (BPI 2x Platinum) ● Alesso – Heroes (BPI Platinum) ● Tiësto ft. Post Malone – Jackie Chan (BPI Platinum) ● Tiësto, Jonas Blue & Rita Ora – Ritual (BPI Silver) ● Alesso – Cool (BPI Silver) Live Shows ● Award from Live Nation and The O2 for my fi rst arena headline show ● Sold-out shows at Alexandra Palace and two nights at Brixton Academy ● Main Stage festival performances at Download, Reading & Leeds, and Boomtown What are your future ambitions? My ambition is to continue growing and expanding my management company, working with more artists I love and building a larger team. While I currently work predominantly with rock and metal artists, I’d love to expand into electronic music and eventually run both Unholy Rock and Unholy Electronic as parallel divisions. What advice would you give to a student considering the course or looking to get into a career in your sector? My specific course no longer exists, but if you’re considering music management, absolutely do it. I genuinely wish I had. The course, the lecturers and the students are an incredibly passionate and driven group. The connections you make will stay with you for life, and you’ll meet people who can help you build your career while also allowing you to support and grow alongside others in the industry. Graduation 2026

NEWS

Pride in full colour: hundreds celebrate at Bucks AFTER WEEKS OF ANTICIPATION, BNU was proud to host High Wycombe Pride on Saturday 13 June, welcoming hundreds of people for a vibrant community celebration of inclusion. Hosted by Bucks Students’ Union and BNU in partnership, and organised by Dennis Smith and the Bucks Students’ Union events team, the event transformed the campus into a lively festival space filled with rainbow colour and entertainment for all ages. Around 1,000 people attended throughout the day, with 150 joining the evening celebrations at The Venue. The event began with an inclusive service, followed by an official opening led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Damien Page and student representatives, including Students’ Union CEO Tristan Tipping. Revellers enjoyed a packed programme featuring tribute acts, DJs, performances from BNU Musical Theatre students and drag performances hosted by the wonderful Luna. More than 30 stalls were hosted by local businesses, charities and community organisations, alongside a variety of delicious food and drink options. A highlight of the day was the Pride March through High Wycombe town centre at 4pm, with more than 200 people proudly waving flags and celebrating together. 10

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Celebrations continued to The Venue for the after party, with additional tribute acts, local drag performers and DJs bringing the fun. Students’ Union CEO Tristan Tipping said: ‘We are so proud to host High Wycombe’s celebrations and I think the whole day exceeded our expectations, the support from the local community was wonderful, a truly inclusive and wholesome event from start to finish and it was a pleasure to be part of. Dennis did a brilliant job of engaging so many different local organisations and community groups and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We have already set the date for next year so put Saturday 12 June 2027 in your diaries!’ A huge thank you goes to everyone who attended, volunteered, performed, exhibited and supported the event. The success of this year’s Pride reflects the strength of our community and our shared commitment to creating welcoming spaces where everyone can be themselves. High Wycombe Pride was made possible through the support of sponsors and partners including Focusrite, Bucks Hire, HWBIDCo and Eden Shopping Centre. You can check out more photos on Facebook.

ALUMNI MEMBERSHIP AT GATEWAY GYM

Whether you were a member when you were here or looking to join for the first time, we always love seeing Alumni at the Gateway Gym. With all-inclusive Alumni-only rates from £15 per month we hope you’ll be amazed at the value for money on offer. Pop in any time to look around and chat with us. 01494 60160 bnualumni.co.uk

fitness@bucks.ac.uk

@bnugatewaygym Graduation 2026

NEWS

ELEVATE: Celebrating BNU’S placement pioneers BNU JUST THREW ITS FIRST-EVER PLACEMENT AWARDS EVENING, AND WHAT A NIGHT IT WAS. Elevate brought together 154 students, academic staff, Professional Services teams and employer partners to celebrate a landmark first phase of the Placement Implementation Project. The result? Real-world experience, genuine achievement, and a room full of welldeserved pride. 11 standout students were honoured across seven programmes (Business Management, Childhood Studies, Counselling and Psychotherapy, Film and TV Production, Forensic Psychology, Media Production and Public Health) recognised for professionalism, commitment and impact. 12

BNU Alumni Network Magazine

Employers noticed too. A supervisor from Aylesbury Women’s Aid summed it up perfectly: “They have represented BNU proudly. Their work ethic and the standards they set for themselves are outstanding - a superb advert for the quality of students that come to BNU.” The night wasn’t just about placements; it showcased BNU talent across the board. The award trophy itself was designed by a second-year Product Design student, winner of a University-wide competition, while Music Programme students provided a live acoustic soundtrack to the evening. None of this happens without teamwork. Huge thanks to the Events team, Students’ Union, Technical and Simulation Resources,

Marketing, student ambassadors, and our Phase 1 Programme Leaders (Suzanne Doria, Susan Perryman, Sophia Beauchamp, Katrina Heath, Ian Rowe, Tom McGorrian and Gary Emmins) for driving placements forward. What’s next? Phase 2 is already underway, opening doors for 300-350 more students as BNU pushes toward its 2028 ambition: highquality placements embedded across every programme. Whether you’re hiring, mentoring, or leading an organisation that could offer the next great placement, BNU alumni are exactly who this next generation needs behind them. Help us build that next step. Get in touch to discuss placement opportunities via placement.hub@bnu.ac.uk.

Got a story to tell? Got a story to tell? We want to hear from you

We’re looking for BNU alumni with stories that inspire, challenge expectations and show what it means to Rise Up. Whether you’ve taken an unexpected career path, overcome challenges to achieve your goals, started something new, broken barriers in your industry, or are making a difference in your community - we’d love to hear your story. We’re always looking to celebrate the journeys, achievements and experiences of our alumni and share inspiring stories that can motivate current and future students. Your story could be featured across BNU channels and may also lead to opportunities to share your experience with the media. Know someone with a great story? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch at media@bnu.ac.uk.

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Graduation 2026

NEWS + MORE INFORMATION

Inspired by James’s journey? BNU is proud to be a catalyst for social mobility. To find out more about how we support our diverse student body and alumni network, visit our website. For students interested in getting involved with Generation Success, contact James at info@generation-success.com.

Award-winning BNU alumnus who overcame undiagnosed dyslexia leads national drive for 2026 social mobility A LONDON ENTREPRENEUR AND NATIONAL DIVERSITY AWARD WINNER who navigated his degree as a student from a single-parent household with undiagnosed dyslexia and dyspraxia is leading a national drive to bridge the UK’s network gap. James Adeleke, who studied LLB Law at Buckinghamshire New University from 2005 to 2008, is the CEO of Generation Success, a social mobility organisation. For James, the path to the boardroom was defined by a specific set of hurdles. Raised in a single-parent household in South London and managing learning differences he was unaware of at the time, he credits BNU as the environment that allowed him to foster the “skills, thoughts, and emotions” necessary to succeed. He said: “BNU was the right place for me. It provided the platforms, skills and knowledge to ensure everyone felt on an even footing. It made me feel like more than just a student, and it remains a cherished part of my life.” During his time on campus, he served as the Ethics and Environmental Officer for the Students’ Union, a role that began his shift toward social advocacy. Since graduating, James has built a career as a speaker and advisor, currently sitting on the global diversity and inclusion advisory board for Interpath Advisory and the education board 14

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for the City of London Corporation. His mission to ensure a person’s career is not determined by their birth or background is born from a personal understanding of what it means to start without an established professional network. He said: “A setback is not a wall. It is a signal that you are aiming high enough. The person saying no is not trying to cause harm; every interaction should be treated as a learning situation.” A central part of this mission is the upcoming Open Your Doors Day on 18 September. The initiative encourages employers to offer career insight days to help underrepresented talent access professional environments. James is inviting BNU students to join as ambassadors or an “army of door

You must learn how to use your powers effectively. Whether you are introverted or extroverted, everyone possesses unique gifts.”

openers” to reach out to employers and encourage participation. Addressing the challenges of neurodiversity, James - who discovered his dyslexia and dyspraxia at age 24 - argued that “differences in thinking” are increasingly valued by companies. He advised students to treat these traits as assets and noted that early disability disclosure can allow employers to access government-backed Access to Work funding for reasonable adjustments. Beyond traditional networking, James identified AI literacy as a critical differentiator for the 2026 job market. He said being able to prompt correctly and use AI as a “co-pilot” puts a student ahead of 80% of their peers. To bridge the network gap, he further urged students to “stakeholder map” their existing contacts, ranking them by influence and supportiveness to focus their efforts. He also urged the study of human psychology to better understand professional drivers, noting that mastering communication is about learning how to use your unique personality “power” effectively. James added: “You must learn how to use your powers effectively. Whether you are introverted or extroverted, everyone possesses unique gifts.”

MASTER THE FUTURE

POSTGRAD COURSES: ❱ Business ❱ Education ❱ Health ❱ Engineering ❱ Creative Industries ❱ Social Sciences

The future of work may be changing, but one thing remains constant: the value of continuing to learn. Gain the skills, confidence and perspective needed to navigate what’s next. Financial support is available including alumni discount, loans and NHS funding. TO FIND OUT MORE, EMAIL ADVICE@BNU.AC.UK OR CALL +44 (0)1494 605060 bnualumni.co.uk

Graduation 2026

From BNU lecturer to British Airways HOW MICHAEL ASHWORTH, 27, FOLLOWED A CHILDHOOD DREAM AND NAVIGATED THE PANDEMIC TO FULFIL A FAMILY AMBITION

27-year-old pilot who graduated right when the world was shutting down due to a global pandemic is now employed in his dream job as a First Officer at British Airways, fulfilling a family ambition that began with his grandfather. Michael Ashworth, a 2019 graduate, has been passionate about flying and planes for as long as he can remember. But after a flight experience gift,

aged 12, he had his mind set on becoming a professional pilot. He said: “There’s a strong transport link in the family from both sides of my parents. My paternal grandfather, Roy Ashworth, was an engineer at a nuclear power plant and always fascinated by railways, transport and engineering in general. My great grandparents also shared this passion – one was a tram driver and the other was a Leyland bus driver.

It’s amazing to do something I always aspired to do, fulfilling a family legacy started all those years ago.”

BNU Alumni Network Magazine

MICHAEL ASHWORTH | Alumnus 2019 | BSc (Hons) in Air Transport with Commercial Pilot Training

NEWS

“My grandad on my mother’s side Peter Evans had a passion for flying and his father used to drive buses too. When he was in his twenties, he desperately wanted to fly for the RAF. Because of his poor eyesight, he was never able to; he worked for the RAF on the ground instead. For me, all I’ve ever known is being excited by flying. During family holidays, I would look forward to and remember the flight more often than the actual holiday.” Michael graduated from Buckinghamshire New University achieving a First Class Honours BSc (Hons) in Air Transport with Commercial Pilot Training, just months before the world locked down and the aviation industry came to a standstill. Having spent years and significant tuition to earn his wings, he suddenly found himself grounded. “I had my licence to fly passenger jets, but now there was no industry and no jobs,” he explained. “I just went nuts not being able to do anything; that’s when I started to work part-time for Aldi. There were low periods. I’d just done all this training, sacrificed so much and spent thousands of pounds - I felt I shouldn’t be working in a supermarket; I’d hoped to be working at 35,000 feet in the air as a pilot.” Aspiring pilots faced an

uncertain future in 2020 – but Michael’s BNU degree proved to be his lifeline. Refusing to give up on a “dream come true”, he returned to teach aspiring pilots – a move that kept him sharp and visible within the industry. Michael added: “Teaching changed my perspective. I built so many skills. Whether I’m managing the flight deck or speaking on the PA to customers, the confidence I built in the classroom at BNU is now a daily asset.” It was during a meetand-greet careers event Michael organised, while he was teaching at the university that Michael met a recruiter for Wizz Air – which helped him land his first role. As the industry just started opening up from the pandemic, he was one of thousands of applicants for select flying roles they were recruiting for at the time he applied. Now Michael has bnualumni.co.uk

transitioned to British Airways – a lifelong dream for him. He said: “Everyone I came across during my childhood knew I wanted to do this. When they asked who I wanted to work for, it was always British Airways. Now, I get to fly across my old hometown. Nearly every day, where I used to look out of my bedroom window and wonder if I could ever get there. It’s amazing to do something I always aspired to do, fulfilling a family legacy started all those years ago.” Looking back on the journey from his first solo flight in a small Cessna 152 at Booker Airfield in High Wycombe to flying his family to Mallorca in a 239-seat commercial jet, Michael’s advice to current students is rooted in his own experience of grit: “Keep the faith and keep going. It’s a lot of sacrifice and there will be tough moments, but I can promise you—it’s worth it in the end.” Graduation 2026

F E S T I VA L 2 0 2 6 The STRIVE Employability Series is a weeklong programme of events designed to meet the needs of our student membership. Aimed at providing opportunities for our students to further develop their CVs and build their core professional skills so they are in the best position possible upon graduation.

STRIVE 26 Events The next STRIVE Employability Series will be taking place Monday 9 November to Friday 13 November 2026 We are also always on the lookout for industry professionals who would be happy to share their expertise with our student community through Q&A sessions and guest speaker sessions. If this is something that sounds of interest to you, either throughout the event week or outside of it, please get in touch with our Training and Development team at sutraining@bnu.ac.uk. For more details of how to get involved for this event, please email sutraining@bnu.ac.uk 18

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NEWS

Teaching the next generation BNU GRADUATE WHO LACKED CONFIDENCE RETURNS TO TEACH NEXT GENERATION OF LAW STUDENTS A BUCKINGHAMSHIRE NEW UNIVERSITY (BNU) LAW GRADUATE who arrived at university lacking confidence has come “full circle” returning to the lecture hall to teach the next generation of students. Uzoma Osonwa, who completed her LLB Law at BNU before going on to gain a distinction at master’s level, said when she first started her degree, the idea of standing at the front of a classroom felt a world away. After a meteoric rise which saw her bag a first-class degree followed by a distinction at master’s level, Uzoma is now back as a visiting lecturer. “It was quite surreal,” she said, reflecting on her first day back on campus. “I was standing in the exact classroom where I used to sit as a student. It really made me stop and think about just how far I’ve come.” But Uzoma’s journey wasn’t just about hitting the books and studying it hard – it was about finding her voice.

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“I chose BNU because of the smaller classes. I needed that support at the time because I lacked confidence,” she explained. “But after a few months, I started to feel more comfortable and that’s when I began to grow.” That confidence helped her through the more challenging parts of her studies and helped her develop an interest in real estate law. “A lot of people think you have to be naturally loud or very confident to study law, but that’s not true,” she said. “I’m proof that you don’t need it all figured out from day one. I’d tell anyone to just go for it and you’ll grow into it.” Her achievements did not go unnoticed. Head of Law Sukhninder Panesar described her as a ‘fantastic example’ of student success.

“Uzoma worked incredibly hard and grew in confidence year on year,” he said. “It’s wonderful to see her return to BNU, supporting other students on their own journeys.” Alongside her lecturing role, Uzoma is set on securing a training contract as she continues her ambition of becoming a real estate lawyer. She also hopes to pass on the importance of building relationships during university. “It’s so important to speak to people and put a name to a face,” she added. “That’s how you build a network, build your confidence and get the most out of your time at university.”

Graduation 2026

NEWS

From Nann’y Kitchen TO FOOD PHENOMENON CRAIG MCANUFF NEVER SET OUT TO LAUNCH A FOOD BRAND. While studying Graphic Design at BNU, his focus was on creativity, branding and storytelling. Today, he brings those disciplines together across two ventures: a creative branding studio, CDStudio, and Original Flava, one of the UK’s leading Caribbean food platforms. What connects them is a shared foundation. “Food is storytelling,” he says. “Branding is storytelling too. Both are about connecting with people.” Original Flava began with a simple idea cooked up at grandmother’s table - sharing easy Caribbean recipes online. Filmed in her kitchen using a basic camera, Craig’s first video reached more than a million views within a week. “That’s when we realised there was a real appetite for this.” The idea came from a clear gap in the market. Caribbean food was widely loved, but many people didn’t feel confident cooking it themselves. “People loved eating Caribbean food, but they didn’t necessarily know how to make it,” Craig said. “I know it can seem intimidating, but a lot of the recipes are actually really simple.” Alongside his brother, Shaun, Craig set out to change that, and what started as a desire to change people views of Jamaican food has since grown into a major food brand, spanning online recipes, YouTube content, live demonstrations, best-selling cookbooks, TV appearances and brand collaborations. At its core, Original Flava celebrates Caribbean culture while making traditional recipes accessible. For Craig, his love of cooking began at home, shaped by family recipes and Jamaican

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Try ideas, work with different people and don’t be afraid to create something personal.”

dishes from his childhood. “I love ackee and saltfish,” he says. “It’s Jamaica’s national dish and something I grew up eating.” Through Original Flava, Craig shares dishes such as jerk chicken, brown stew chicken, saltfish fritters and plantain, breaking them down into simple, easy-to-follow steps. His latest cookbook, Easy Caribbean, aims to make Caribbean food more accessible for modern lifestyles and everyday home cooks, such as using air fryer cooking.

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Original Flava itself has roots in a university project exploring Caribbean culture and food. “BNU encouraged us to create projects that reflected who we were personally, and that definitely stayed with me.” That blend of creativity, culture and entrepreneurship has helped Original Flava grow into a recognised name in food media, with bestselling cookbooks, TV appearances and a growing online community. A standout moment came when Craig and his grandmother appeared alongside Mary Berry on Mary Berry’s Country House Secrets, sharing family barbecue traditions and Caribbean cooking with a national audience. “It was a proud moment because it wasn’t just about the food, it was about family and culture too.”

Looking back, Craig encourages current students to experiment, collaborate and stay open to unexpected opportunities. “Take risks while you have the freedom to,” he says. “Try ideas, work with different people and don’t be afraid to create something personal.” CRAIG MCANUFF | Alumnus 2012 | BA (Hons) Graphic Arts

“I wanted to show people that you don’t need specialist equipment or expert knowledge to cook Caribbean food well.” Craig says his time at BNU helped shape the creative thinking behind everything he does today. Originally drawn to the university for its combination of graphic design and advertising, he quickly realised creativity could extend far beyond traditional design work. “I loved the problem-solving side of creativity,” he says. “It’s something I still use now, whether it’s branding, content creation or making recipes easier for people to follow.” During his studies, Craig gained experience through agency placements and industry opportunities, experiences he says gave him the confidence to pursue entrepreneurship and storytelling. Even

Graduation 2026

Help the next generation of Bucks students CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO CURRENT BUCKS STUDENTS?

In the last 12 months we have supported 1210 students by giving them over £750,000 in financial support. Many of these students have found themselves with conflicting financial priorities which have been exacerbated by the current cost of living. Through the Big Deal programme all BNU students have access to free sports, gym, societies and events but when an unexpected financial challenge comes along, not only are their finances thrown off course but their ability to be succeed in their studies is compromised. As a member of BNU alumni, you are now able to make a donation to support a student who faces financial hardship. Were you supported by our hardship funds when you were a student and now have the ability to give back? Would you like to help a current student succeed in their course by helping remove some of the financial barriers they face? All the money contributed will go directly into our hardship fund to support BNU students. We assess all applications to this fund against set criteria to ensure it is distributed fairly to those who need it. To contribute please visit our store at https://store.bucks.ac.uk/product-catalogue/alumni/alumni-donations/alumni-donations. If you would like to consider a larger gift or donation which might for example pay for a scholarship for a student, please contact the Office of the Vice Chancellor on vice.chancellor.office@bnu.ac.uk.

BNU ALUMNI TEAM 22

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NEWS

‘THIS IS MY CALLING’ LAW STUDENT BALANCES FIRST-CLASS AMBITIONS WITH ‘NURSERY BINGO’

FOR MOST FINAL-YEAR STUDENTS, the biggest challenge is dissertation deadlines. For 40-year-old law student, Selina Sayers, that pressure comes alongside sleepless nights, nursery illnesses and even emergency hospital visits. Now in her final year of the LLB Law programme at Buckinghamshire New University (BNU), Selina is on track for a First-Class degree – all while raising a young child and changing career. After a varied career in finance, sales and hairdressing, Selina decided to return to education in her late 30s to chase a long-held ambition. Selina said: “I reached a point where I needed to go back to education and start a career I could truly call my own. When I was younger I always wanted to be a lawyer. It wasn’t until a law module during a higher education course that it all came back to me. I realised – this is my calling’.” Living in Reading, Selina chose BNU for its location and welcoming campus, but her second year brought an unexpected challenge bnualumni.co.uk

when she found out she was pregnant. Juggling her degree with a newborn and now toddler means being organised is key. She explained: “I give myself a strict timetable. Mornings are for bonding time, then afternoons are focused on university work – lectures, recordings and notes. It’s all about prioritising.” Like many parents, Selina jokes about the “nursery illness bingo card” – but some moments have been far from light-hearted. During her studies, her daughter was hospitalised for several days with RSV. She said: “It was devastating. She was on a feeding tube and struggling to breathe. I was trying to stay on top of everything, but the support at BNU was amazing. I was given an extension, and despite the stress, I still achieved a 2:1 in that module.” Selina credits the support of her lecturers with helping her stay on track. Sukhninder Panesar, Head of Law at BNU, has watched Selina’s progress closely. He said: “Selina’s work ethic is exceptional. To navigate such significant personal challenges

while consistently producing work of this standard is an incredible feat. We’re incredibly proud of her. She’s a fantastic example of what our students can achieve when they have that level of determination.” “Seeing the faith the lecturers have in me makes me realise I can do it,” Selina added. “I haven’t come this far to chuck it all in now. I’m determined.” With a particular interest in Equity and Trusts, Selina plans to qualify as a solicitor through the SQE route. She has her sights set on specialising in commercial and intellectual property law, with the ultimate goal of running her own firm. Graduating will be a ‘full circle’ moment for Selina and her family. “It means so much. All the struggles, the tantrums – it’s all been worth it. I’ve shown my daughters that if you’re motivated, anything is possible,” she said. “My message to anyone else: take that leap of faith. Don’t let anything stand in your way.”

Graduation 2026

ARTICLE

Staying calm about AI AI is shaking up the way things get done, and it’s natural to feel uncertainty about your future as a result. You might wonder if your skills will still matter or if you’ll be able to keep up. These feelings are normal but letting them take over can make it harder to stay focused and motivated.

3. Taking back the wheel From the backseat, it might feel like AI is calling all the shots. But you can focus on what’s in your power, like learning how to use AI tools yourself. Getting comfortable with new tech means you shape how it’s used, not just following along.

Here are five ways this change can affect how you feel and, importantly, how to keep steady:

4. Staying connected Working with AI can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Reach out. Share what you’re learning. Trade tips. The more you connect with others, the easier it is to stay human whilst evolving with the tools.

1. Your value isn’t going anywhere It’s easy to worry that AI will do what you do. But creativity, empathy and understanding are things machines just can’t do. Building on these human strengths makes you stand out in ways that AI is playing second fiddle to. 2. Balancing yourself in the chaos Everything’s moving fast, which can feel overwhelming. Instead of trying to know everything, start small. Learn a bit about how AI is changing your area of expertise and think about how you can adapt. Try to network and find out how professionals in your favoured career field or role are adapting to AI. Taking one step at a time helps you feel more in control.

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5. Keeping things fair Change can sometimes feel unfair, especially when employers are running with AI to recruit and select whilst you’re left wondering how or even whether you can use AI to enhance your applications. If you are looking for support or training, take advantage of free AI training from Google, Microsoft and others. Talk openly about what you’re learning, as open communication helps make sure AI is used fairly and everyone has a chance to grow. Keep learning and trust what makes you human - connection, flexibility and good judgement. AI, although powerful, is just another tool. While it changes how things get done, it doesn’t replace the value you bring. You’ll always be in the driver’s seat.

NEWS

Widening Participation

2025/26 IN NUMBERS

EXPANDING ACCESS AND RAISING ASPIRATIONS: OUR 2025-26 IMPACT

Engaging

WIDENING PARTICIPATION is a strategy used by universities to increase higher education access for students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented, through the use of programmes and projects targeted to those individuals. Buckinghamshire New University’s Widening Participation team delivered 797 outreach activities during 2025/26, engaging 6,046 young people and providing over 27,000 hours of support. Around 60% of participants were from underrepresented groups, including care-experienced young people, students from service families, those eligible for Free School Meals, and students from ethnic groups that remain underrepresented in higher education. Through partnerships with organisations such as Study Higher, the National Justice Museum, Shakespeare’s Globe and Red Bull Racing, we delivered innovative programmes including STEM X, Pioneers, Future Pathways and Shakespeare on Trial. These initiatives provided students with handson experiences, exposure to positive role models, and opportunities to explore higher education and future careers. We also welcomed more than 1,000 local students to campus through our Future Days programme and delivered a range of aspiration-raising activities in schools and colleges across the region, helping young people build confidence, develop key skills and make informed decisions about their futures. bnualumni.co.uk

797

outreach activities

6,046 young people

Providing

27,000 hours of support Graduation 2026

CAREERS

Your Career, Your Future, Your BNU Network Having someone to discuss career goals, professional challenges, and future opportunities with can provide valuable perspective and help build confidence when making important career decisions.”

Graduating from university doesn’t mean the end of your relationship with Buckinghamshire New University. Whether you’re just starting your career, looking for your next opportunity, considering a career change, or wanting to give back to the BNU community, there are many ways to stay connected and continue developing professionally.

BECOME A MENTOR

BECOME A MENTEE

Many of our alumni choose to volunteer as mentors, offering guidance, encouragement, and industry insight to current students. Sharing your experiences can make a real difference to someone preparing to enter the world of work for the first time.

Mentoring isn’t just for students. Alumni who are considering a career change, returning to work after a break, transitioning into a new industry, or looking to develop new skills may also benefit from having a mentor.

Mentoring is also a valuable professional development opportunity. Supporting others can help you strengthen your leadership, communication, and coaching skills, while expanding your own professional network.

BNU Alumni Network Magazine

One of the most rewarding ways to do this is through the BNU Mentoring Programme. Our mentoring programme brings together students and alumni to share knowledge, experiences, and career insights. While many people think of mentoring as something that only benefits students, alumni can participate in different ways depending on their career goals and stage of professional development.

Having someone to discuss career goals, professional challenges, and future opportunities with can provide valuable perspective and help build confidence when making important career decisions.

Aspire: BNU’s Flagship Careers Fair Aspire is one of the University’s largest employability events, bringing together employers, students, graduates, and industry professionals from a wide range of sectors. Looking for Your Next Opportunity? Whether you’re currently seeking employment, looking for a graduate role, or considering a career change, Aspire offers the chance to connect directly with employers and learn about opportunities that may not be visible through traditional job searching. Speaking face-to-face with recruiters can provide valuable insight into current vacancies, recruitment processes, industry expectations, and potential career pathways.

Aspire is particularly useful for alumni who are: • Looking for work • Thinking about changing careers • Returning to the workforce • Exploring opportunities in a new sector Showcase Your Organisation For alumni who are already established in their careers, Aspire offers another way to engage with BNU. If you work for an organisation that recruits graduates, offers placements, internships, volunteering opportunities, or simply wants to raise its profile amongst students, we’d love to hear from you. Many alumni return to Aspire as employer representatives, showcasing their organisation, meeting potential future recruits, and helping students understand the realities of working within their industry. It’s a fantastic way to strengthen your organisation’s connection with BNU while supporting the next generation of graduates. Stay Connected Whether you’re looking for guidance, searching for new opportunities, developing your network, or wanting to support future graduates, there are many ways to remain part of the BNU community long after graduation. Your next opportunity could come from a conversation, a connection, or a chance encounter. By staying engaged with BNU through mentoring and Aspire, you’ll

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continue to build relationships, expand your professional horizons, and contribute to the success of the wider alumni community. Graduation might feel like the finish line, but really, it’s the starting block for whatever comes next. Whether you’re deep in the job hunt, weighing up different career paths, or still figuring out what “the right fit” even looks like you don’t have to work it out alone. That’s exactly what one-to-one career coaching is for. It’s a chance to talk through your specific situation with someone who can offer honest, tailored advice not generic tips, but guidance shaped around your goals, your experience, and where you want to go next. The best part? This support doesn’t disappear the moment you get your degree. BNU’s Career Success Team is here for you for a full three years after graduation, so there’s no need to rush or go it alone. Ready to book some time? Click through to our bookings pages below to grab a slot that suits you. Need careers support? Whether you’re looking for CV help, interview preparation, career planning, placements, graduate opportunities or employability advice, the Career Success Team is here to help. For all Career Success services and support, please visit: bucks.ac.uk/life/studentsuccess-and-support/career-success. We look forward to supporting you on your career journey. Graduation 2026

NEWS

FROM BUCKINGHAM PALACE TO STEAM ENGINES BUCKS GRADUATE REVIVES BRITAIN’S VANISHING SIGNWRITING TRADE A BUCKINGHAMSHIRE NEW UNIVERSITY (BNU) GRADUATE is helping to keep a centuries-old craft alive – swapping museum metalwork for a world of gold leaf and vintage steel. At just 31, Stuart Duncumb is part of a “new guard” helping to revive the traditional art of signwriting. Before launching his business, he worked as a Trainee Locksmith at Buckingham Palace and later as a mount maker at the Science Museum. Today, he uses those same highstakes hand skills to decorate vintage vehicles and heritage steam engines. For decades, mass-produced vinyl signage threated to sideline traditional signwriting. At one point, the number of practising signwriters fell dramatically – almost to the point of extinction. But the craft is now seeing a renewed interest. Stuart Duncumb painting a canal boat Stuart said: “Vinyl signs from the 1990s are now 20-30 years old – they fade and peel. People are realising traditional trades are worth the investment. Painted work can last four times longer than a sticker.” While there are only around 50 professional signwriters currently operating across the UK, the industry is seeing a rare second wind. 28

BNU Alumni Network Magazine

Find something that challenges you, keep learning, and don’t let go of your interests - even if the path isn’t obvious straight away.” In recent years, the “old guard”, who once kept their “tricks of the trade” as closely guarded secrets, began offering courses to help pass the craft on. Stuart is part of a core group of younger painters coming into this trade through this less traditional avenue. Stuart has been able to combine his professional craft skill with his passion for heritage vehicles by focusing heavily on this small and highly specialist element of the wider signwriting trade. He focuses on working entirely by hand, both designing and painting his work without digital tools. He said: “A computer won’t tell you when something looks wrong. Coach lining

makes up 70% of my work. It’s about training your hand to be perfectly steady without tape or guides. It takes time to get that right.” His flagship projects include recreation fairground showman engines. These thirdscale masterpieces are finished in elaborate lining and genuine gold leaf - all designed to fit inside a standard garage. Graduating in 2016 with a degree in Furniture and Fine Arts Conservation, Stuart credits the workshop-based course with developing his practical skills. “BNU gave me the principles of respect for historical objects,” he added. “Whether it’s a 1930s vintage van or a canal boat, you have to make the work in keeping with the object.” A vintage vehicle painted by Stuart Alongside signwriting, Stuart is passionate about living history, creating historically accurate furniture and objects for displays. Reflecting on his journey from Buckingham Palace to his workshop, Stuart’s message to students is simple: stay curious and keep exploring. “I didn’t leave university thinking I’d become a signwriter,” he said. “Find something that challenges you, keep learning, and don’t let go of your interests - even if the path isn’t obvious straight away.”

NEWS

DA NCE

Staging a global career BUCKS DANCE GRADUATE PERFORMS FOR CROWDS OF 130,000

A BUCKINGHAMSHIRE NEW UNIVERSITY (BNU) GRADUATE IS PERFORMING in front of crowds of up to 130,000 people, building a globe-trotting career spanning Europe, Africa and Asia. Emilee Platts, 29, now dances in luxury holiday resorts and major international events after graduating from BNU in 2018. Her career has taken her far beyond the traditional stage – from high-energy performances in Egypt and Greece, to the spectacle of Indian weddings and one of the country’s biggest sporting events. Her most jaw-dropping moment came when she performed as a cheerleader at the Indian Premier League, in front of a packed stadium of more than 130,000 fans. Emilee said: “That was one of the most surreal moments. The atmosphere was incredible – everyone cheering, the noise, the scale was so huge that we had to always have security with us.” The performer has also taken part in lavish Indian weddings, where audiences can reach into the hundreds. She added: “Some weddings had between 300 and 1,000 guests. They’re on a completely bnualumni.co.uk

different scale to anything you usually see in the UK.” Despite never formally training in Bollywood dance at university, Emilee said her degree gave her the versatility to adapt to new styles. It was this broad approach that first attracted her to the course. She explained: “We trained in so many different styles that I could pick it up. Bollywood now includes elements of hip hop, so that really helped. That versatility is exactly why I chose this degree. It wasn’t just about one style; it was about being ready for the actual industry.” Since graduating, she has built a career performing for international audiences in holiday hotspots including Turkey, Egypt and Greece – delivering demanding, high-energy shows night after night. But life as a professional dancer abroad is not always glamorous. “It’s long hours and physically demanding - you have to make it look easy. Working in different cultures can be challenging at times,” she said. Living abroad has pushed her outside

of her comfort zone, requiring her to adapt quickly to new environments and expectations. Now, after completing several contracts around the world, Emilee says her “made it” moment didn’t come from a single performance, but from realising how far she has come. Alongside her performing career, she is now looking to build a future in the fitness industry, recognising the physical demands of life as a professional dancer. And she has one clear message for students hoping to follow in her footsteps. She said: “Don’t give up. Opportunities can come out of nowhere – so just keep going and take every chance you can.” Dr Lauren Vincent, Associate Professor of Education and Dance at BNU, added: “Emilee’s success is a testament to the vocational nature of our dance degrees. We don’t just train dancers; we train global professionals who are ready to step onto any stage in the world, whether that’s a West End theatre or a stadium in India.”

Graduation 2026

PETER ASHIAGBOR | Alumnus 2025 | BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance with Foundation Year

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

IN CONVERSATION WITH

Peter Ashiagbor

BNU Alumni Network Magazine

graduated from BNU as one of the University’s Valedictorians. I now work in Audit and hold the position of Co-Director of Kickstart Global, a venture programme backing young founders in AI, deep tech and synthetic biology. Take us back. What was BNU like when you arrived? I think I turned slightly braced, waiting to find out whether this was going to be the right place for me. I became certain after about six weeks. Under six weeks in it had stopped feeling like somewhere I was passing through and started feeling like a space where I could properly explore my potential when I became student rep for my foundation year. What changed it? Rooms where the conversation was better than I expected, and people who were willing to let a first-year have a go at something. That is a smaller thing than it sounds and it is worth more than almost anything else just my degree could have given me. The Management Fest came out of that. It did. I founded the Business and Law Society and in October 2023 we ran a week-long programme with Bucks Students’ Union and the School of Business and Law. A treasure hunt to open, then Big Talks, a session on UI and UX in marketing, a pitch competition, an employer panel to finish. We believed that negotiation, commercial awareness, public speaking, the nerve to stand in front of a room are what get picked apart/the gaps to push talent. So we made the move to help solve for this. You also became Student Trustee and School Oﬃcer for the Business and Law School. Yes - I believe that’s where I learned the most about how things work. Getting a decision out of a committee or representing people whose bnualumni.co.uk

experience is nothing like your own. How to keep something going after the launch buzz has gone and it is just you and the admin. Some union roles are unglamorous in the middle. But for me they are also where you find out whether and how to get stuff done. Being named Valedictorian - what did that mean? A genuine honour, and a responsibility. A chance to represent my peers one final time. What do you do now? I co-direct Kickstart Global. We back young founders building in frontier industries and we are zero-equity. Founders keep what they build. I also have an audit and business advisory background at Saffery LLP. Audit is teaching me to look at a business and ask what is actually true. Venture’s teaching me to ask what could be created and where the value is. I think the founders I work with need both, usually in that order. You see hundreds of young founders. What do you actually look for? Slope, not y-intercept. The y-intercept is where you start - your school, your grades, the name on your certificate etc. It is the most visible thing about a person but I believe it says nearly nothing. Slope is your rate of change/progress/iteration. Someone eight months into building with no funding and no team has often learned so much more than the average.

Advice for students starting this September? I think you should get out there. Take the role in the society committee, the union position, run the thing nobody else has the capacity or wants to organise. Apply yourself consistently and commit to finishing what you start - the habits behind academic success are the same ones that matter socially and professionally. And stay curious for as long as you can without falling into tunnel vision on one thing too early. You owe yourself exploration. Everything I do now, I did badly for the first time at Bucks. Nobody minded. That is the gift. Thank you Bucks!

Apply yourself consistently and commit to finishing what you start - the habits behind academic success are the same ones that matter socially and professionally. Graduation 2026

RESEARCH

Research at Bucks Behind every lecture hall and library desk, Bucks New University is home to a quieter kind of energy - the steady, curious work of researchers pushing at the edges of what we know. In this section, we shine a light on some of that work: the questions being asked, the discoveries being made, and the people behind them. Whether it's a breakthrough making headlines or a quiet, years-long study reshaping how we think about the world, this is where our academic community's ambition comes to life. As alumni, you helped build the foundations this work stands on and we hope you'll enjoy seeing where it's headed next.

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Cognitive Resilience after Startle and Surprise in Commercial Aviation NAVEED KAPADIA, SENIOR LECTURER College of Leadership and Innovation AS COMMERCIAL AVIATION BECOMES MORE AUTOMATED, an important research question is being raised; how prepared are pilots to recover and adapt safely when routine performance is disrupted after an initial emotional reaction of ‘startle and surprise’? My ongoing PhD research at Buckinghamshire New University is exploring this question through the study of Cognitive Resilience (CR) in commercial aviation. The research does not centre on ‘startle and surprise’ as events in themselves; instead, it focuses on what follows, including the capacity to regain control, reorient attention, manage uncertainty and adapt performance under pressure. This postdisruption recovery space reflects a growing concern within highly automated flight operations, where opportunities to exercise recovery and adaptation in everyday line flying may be reduced. My research seeks to define and operationalise cognitive resilience in a way that is meaningful for commercial bnualumni.co.uk

flight operations. Its concern is not simply whether pilots experience surprise, stress, or disruption, but with their preparedness to recover and adapt effectively once those reactions occur, giving the research a practical safety focus. This focus is important in increasingly automated environments where the issue is not only what technology can do in routine conditions, but how well commercial pilots are able to respond when the situation becomes uncertain, unexpected, or unstable. At the centre of the study is the proposed Crew Cognitive Resilience Index (CCRI), a composite research framework intended to support a more structured examination of resilience-related performance. Could such a framework help reveal whether recovery and preparedness to adapt vary across individuals, crews and scenarios rather than weakening in a single or uniform way? A pilot may remain procedurally accurate yet struggle to adapt when

conditions change, while another pilot may retain awareness of the wider situation but find it harder to manage workload or calibrate their reliance on automation. By examining these responses this research asks whether cognitive resilience is better understood as a pattern of strengths and vulnerabilities that will vary across individuals, crews, and scenarios. The wider significance of this research is found in what this enquiry might offer to training and safety. If the conditions that shape recovery and adaptation can be understood more clearly this could support more targeted training, more meaningful interpretation of performance and an earlier recognition of hidden brittleness before it contributes to safety events - and beyond aviation the research also speaks to a broader social question; how can human expertise be sustained in systems where technology performs more of the routine task load, but human judgement and recovery remain essential when the unexpected occurs? Graduation 2026

Containing two peer-reviewed articles co-authored with students, showcasing educational tools that the students independently designed as part of their assessments.

Encouraging Nurses to Publish: Unlocking the Value of Student Scholarship RUTH TROUT, SENIOR LECTURER College of Health and Society

MODERN NURSING EDUCATION increasingly incorporates authentic assessments, including the development of patient information leaflets, posters, audits, and educational tools. When thoughtfully designed, these practitionerdeveloped resources can significantly enhance patient understanding, satisfaction, adherence to treatment, and engagement in shared decision-making. Research consistently demonstrates that well-constructed leaflets using validated readability measures such as the Flesch Reading Ease score improve patient knowledge, attitudes, and practices. While students do frequently produce high-

quality assignments, audits, and educational resources, much of this work remains confined to assessment submissions and is never disseminated more widely. Encouraging the publication of these resources transforms academic exercises into meaningful contributions to practice, benefiting students, organisations, and ultimately patients. This article highlights the responsibility of academics and practice supervisors to promote rigorous evaluation methods and encourage dissemination of well-designed educational materials. Sharing such work more widely ensures that valuable, contextspecific resources do not remain unseen. Students often underutilise these evaluation

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tools and rarely collect baseline data to measure impact, meaning it becomes the responsibility of academics and practice supervisors to promote rigorous evaluation methods and encourage dissemination of well-designed educational materials. Publishing strengthens essential nursing competencies, including critical thinking, analytical precision, and the ability to communicate complex clinical information clearly. The peer-review process itself provides a powerful developmental opportunity, fostering resilience, reflection, and methodological rigour. Engaging with publication also deepens understanding of ethical principles such as confidentiality, consent, and governance. At the same time, however, students can be hesitant to approach peerreviewed journals – making workplace dissemination often an accessible alternative. Publishing audits, quality improvement projects, or case studies internally can directly improve patient care while enhancing professional credibility, and can represent a stepping stone towards outputs like conference presentations, leadership opportunities, and early career advancement. This approach offers benefits to each stakeholder in the process. Universities can benefit from enhanced research profiles and visible researchinformed education, while healthcare organisations can benefit from student-led audits and innovations that promote service improvement and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Encouraging dissemination also helps embed a culture of evidence-based practice and continuous improvement across clinical settings. Despite the benefits, barriers remain – some of which may feel familiar to all researchers, including imposter syndrome, a lack of confidence, and constraints on time and available support. This research proposes practical strategies to address these challenges, which include embedding publication within both curricula and development plans, structured mentorship and peer writing groups, workshops on academic writing and the publication process and institutional recognition coupled with protected mentoring time. Normalising publication as a key part of professional nursing practice is key to this, alongside the provision of editorial and financial support for submissions and the encouragement of internal workplace dissemination – something which contributes to an organisation’s research culture as a whole. This article aims to show that encouraging nursing students to publish is presented not simply as an academic aspiration, but as an investment in the profession’s future. Supporting dissemination strengthens individual capability, organisational learning, and patient care outcomes – and creating structured, supported pathways for publication should be considered a shared professional responsibility across academic and clinical leadership.

An Investigation into the Underrepresentation of Ethnic Minority Officers in Specialist Police Units in the United Kingdom MOHAMED OMAR MOHAMED, SENIOR LECTURER College of Leadership and Innovation

BRITISH POLICING HAS FACED SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES in recruiting officers predominantly from ethnic minorities; despite efforts to improve diversity within the police, the police workforce data shows that white officers still constitute 91.1% of the police workforce, while ethnic minority officers make up only 8.5%. The 1999 MacPherson Report identified institutional racism within the police, recommending that the UK police force become more representative of the communities they serve, and in doing so to eradicate prejudice and disadvantage, improve recruitment and retention of ethnic minority officers and staff, and reduce racial disparities in the use of stop and search powers. Despite significant efforts of the type echoed by Baroness Casey’s report in 2023 and evidence of partial progress, bnualumni.co.uk

however, challenges persist in recruiting ethnic minority officers, which impacts on the progression of such groups into specialist units. My research investigates how improving equality and inclusion within specialist units has implications for fairness, legitimacy, trust and confidence and operational effectiveness. Ethnic minority officers perceive specialist units as exclusive ‘closed shops’, accessible only to officers who fit a certain stereotypical profile; my research has identified key barriers to joining these units that include elitism, previous experiences of racial discrimination, inadequate support networks, and improper or lack of use of positive action strategies. A representative workforce fosters trust and confidence between the police and ethnic minority communities and in policing, and

my research seeks to contribute to the existing knowledge surrounding this area – especially in respect of initiatives like the The Police Race Action Plan (PRAP), implemented in 2022 with the intention of improving recruitment of ethnic minority officers into the police. This research uses a qualitative and interpretative design that integrates phenomenology and critical realism to explore officers experiences and comprehensively understand their voices as part of identifying solutions for improving diversity within specialist units. This dual lens approach is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the experiences of ethnic minority officers within specialist police units as part of an overarching discussion of representation with contemporary British policing

informed by surveying and interviewing both serving and retired officers. The project has already produced several research outputs, including presentations at the British Society of Criminology Conference 2025 in Portsmouth, the University College London (UCL) Postgraduate Research Conference, the 2025 BNU Research Conference and the 2026 Annual Policing Conference at Canterbury Christchurch University. The findings of this research will be shared with professional associations such as the National Black Police Association with the intention of ensuring the findings and recommendations reach the widest audience of academics and police professionals possible. For more information on this research, please email mohamed.mohamed@bnu.ac.uk. Graduation 2026

What is the network? Students at Bucks New University are important to us from the day they apply and remain part of our community evermore. When you finish your course of study, we want to stay in touch and continue to support you in making the most of your time after University. In partnership with the University, we have created and launched the BNU Alumni Network, which is a package designed to support our members after graduation and allow them to continue to benefit from a range of services within the University and free opportunities offered by the Big Deal. Across the year, Bucks New University graduates will receive the following benefits: a quarterly e-newsletter a yearly alumni magazine free access to the Big Deal programme (please see the website for more details) networking events held throughout the year access to an industry-relevant mentor scheme access to the Leadership Academy modules and support full engagement with the STRIVE Festival events and activities alumni gym membership continued access to library membership access to the University’s Careers service discounts on postgraduate courses access to University facilities. You will also continue to have free entry to all events held in The Venue. Just as a reminder, there is no need to register to join the network as your details are automatically transferred into the network at the point of your graduation.

BNU Alumni Network Magazine

To purchase your class of 2026 graduation hoody or t-shirt, please visit us in The Atrium

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Graduation 2026

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR FORMER SELF? Take every opportunity that is thrown to you, with that being in the day job you end up working in or a side activity - both are very important as it shows you are not just a one trick pony in your chosen field, it shows you have transferable skills to contribute to a company and society in all different ways. Robert Collcott BSc (Hons) Computing, graduated in 2017

Build a coalition. You dont have to navigate change from uni to whatever is next alone. Seek out mentors, peers, friends and even foes who inspire and challenge you. Read kotter. Honour the change and know the transition is part of growth. Be patient as you build professional resilience and understanding. Iterate and adapt. Be agile in how you plan your career. Having a fixed destination can lead you to miss the most wonderful and exciting things. Be brave and say yes to things that push you outside your comfort zone. Coach yourself. Keep on learning and identify how you can coach yourself. Answers aren’t always immediate but asking yourself open questions and answering honestly will pull you out of uncertainty. Helps others wherever you can, its one of the best investments you can make. Jose Fontana - BA Leisure and Tourism, graduated in 2001

If you want to any content for the next edition of this magazine, or if you would like to feature in the student story section on the alumni website, please email alumni@bnu.ac.uk. You can view more content on the BNU Alumni Network website at bnualumni.co.uk. 38

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Congratulations You did it!

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Graduation 2026

The BNU Alumni Network is managed by Bucks Students' Union on behalf of Bucks New University. Bucks Students' Union Queen Alexandra Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP11 2JZ Tel: 01494 601 600 Email: alumni@bnu.ac.uk Website: bnualumni.co.uk 40

BNU Alumni Network Magazine