News for Durham University Staff & Students
Jan | Feb 2018
RESEARCH INSIGHTS Why peace talks need more women mediators at the table Durham University gains licence to deliver The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
LUMIERE 2017
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Welcome to a new issue of Dialogue, the first of 2018. I wish you all a Happy New Year and hope that you enjoyed a restful break.
and Music Durham. The annual Durham Drama Festival will take place in February and will, I am sure, be as successful as ever for our talented students.
The New Year has got off to a good start with us celebrating the successes of our students and honorary graduates at the Winter Congregation ceremonies. As ever, I would like to thank everybody who had a role in making the ceremonies such inspiring events.
I am very pleased to welcome Professor Claire O'Malley, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global) as a new member of the University senior leadership team (UEC). Claire has joined us from the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC), where she served as Vice Provost (Research and Knowledge Exchange). I’m sure you will join me in welcoming Claire to Durham and I know you will enjoy meeting her as she starts to introduce herself to the University community.
The International Study Centre enjoyed a successful first term in the autumn and a new intake of ISC students arrived at Queen’s Campus in January. Work has now begun on the Centre for Teaching and Learning at Lower Mountjoy and we will soon begin to develop two new Colleges and associated student facilities at Mount Oswald. We will see a number of other estates projects getting underway throughout 2018 as we continue to implement our Estate Strategy. 2018 is also expected to be another exciting year for Durham Student Theatre
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Professor Stuart Corbridge Vice-Chancellor and Warden
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Tell your story. Please continue to send your contributions and feedback to dialogue@durham.ac.uk News for Durham University Staff & Students
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Editor Ulrike Klaerig-Jackson Communications Co-ordinator Contributors Harriet Williamson, HR&OD; Yvonne Flynn, Greenspace; Daryl Dowding, Event Durham; Claire Hall, Karen Frost, Nicky Sawicki and Mark Tallentire, Marketing & Communications; Abigail Groocock, Student Music; Isabelle Culkin, Student Theatre; Hannah Finney, Student Community Action; Florianne Humphrey, Experience Durham; Jack Coates, Experience Durham Cover image Laura Day, Durham University student
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Jan | Feb 2018
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GET SOCIAL
14 DURHAM DRAMA FESTIVAL
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SUCCESSFUL FIRST TERM AT INTERNATIONAL STUDY CENTRE
16 EVENT DURHAM, RETAIL AND CATERING
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RESEARCH INSIGHTS – WHY PEACE TALKS NEED MORE WOMEN MEDIATORS AT THE TABLE
17 HR & OD NEWS
LUMIERE 2017
19 THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S AWARD
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10 MOUNT OSWALD COLLEGES 11 STUDENT THEATRE 12 STUDENT COMMUNITY ACTION 13 CENTRE FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING
18 STUDENT MUSIC
20 GREENSPACE 22 AWARDS 23 AN INSIGHT INTO 24 WHAT’S ON
Durham University and Durham University logo are registered Trade Marks of the University of Durham. Unless otherwise stated, all material in this publication is copyright of the University of Durham. The University makes every effort to ensure that the information contained here is accurate. Please note that the University’s website is the most up to date source of information and we strongly recommend that you always visit the website before making any commitments.
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social
YOUR VIEW
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Our favourite posts, tweets and videos over the past two months to show you what has been happening around the University!
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Staff & students @vanmildert1965 have won a prestigious @greengowns award for their community outreach projects, living up to their motto ‘sic vos non vobis’ - not for yourselves! http://fal.cn/qy3G #DUmakeithappen pic. twitter.com/ZAUFykUC7K
Congratulations to our @CarlosFrenk who received his CBE at the Palace yesterday #proud #CBE #QueensHonours @DarkerMatters pic.twitter. com/afIB7Assaq
Some of our fantastic students showed @atom_bank and @iamwill a number of hands-on activities used in science outreach during their visit to the Ogden Centre last week. Read more about their visit: http://fal. cn/qNnx #STEM pic.twitter.com/9jPI0S7NNL
Dr Charlotte Adams from @GeogDurhamand Prof Jon Gluyas from @DEI_Durham believe that the UK's abandoned #coalmines now have the potential to deliver a low carbon energy future @BritGeothermal http://fal.cn/ qs85 pic.twitter.com/ctjPnK6hFW
HELPING PARENTS AND BABIES SLEEP BETTER
VIDEO OF THE MONTH
Will @EnglandRugby's new camouflage kit colour make a difference in the #ENGVARG game today? See what Professor Robert Barton from @AnthDurham1 thinks http:// fal.cn/qQ3p @AJEnglish @TeamDurham pic.twitter. com/CIoVQDKYbP
PHOTO OF THE MONTH
The Parent-Infant Sleep Lab - Infant Sleep Info Source - was awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher Education, which is the highest accolade for any academic institution! https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=6jZALvv079A
LUMIERE DURHAM: FOR THE BIRDS https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb1dgdclBq_/?takenby=durhamuniversity This stunning photo, taken by student Yue Wang, of the Lumiere installation ‘For The Birds’ in the Botanic Garden won our student photo competition.
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News for Durham University Staff & Students
Successful first term at International Study Centre
ISC
Staff and students have enjoyed a highly successful first term at Durham University International Study Centre (ISC). The ISC, which is managed by Study Group, opened at Queen’s Campus in September 2017, offering language and study skills to non-EU students to prepare them for entry onto undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes. The first intake numbered over 400 from over 30 countries, well above expectations, and a further intake of students arrived in January. Courses last from one term to one year, meaning new students will arrive each January, April, June and September. The successful launch of the ISC was celebrated at an official opening event in December. Global Durham Professor Antony Long, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, said: “Growing our proportion of international staff and students is a key strategic priority. We are committed to strengthening our role as a global university, with students coming to Durham from around the world, and students from Durham studying and working around the world. “Our new Strategy also seeks to strengthen our role as a major employer in North East England, and our commitment to Queen’s Campus and to the Tees Valley is as strong now as it has ever been. “We look forward to working with Study Group and Stockton Borough Council in making the Durham University International Study Centre a great success.” The official opening was also attended by representatives of Study Group and Stockton Borough Council, which has helped ISC students feel at home in Stockton. As part of Induction Week, students had the opportunity to take a tour of
Stockton, visit Preston Hall Museum and Grounds and try out the Air Trail adventure course. Gwen, from Singapore, who is studying an International Foundation Year in Humanities, Law and Social Sciences, hopes to study LLB (Hons) Law. She said: “Durham’s just such a prestigious university. It’s always one of the top universities in the university ranking guides. This Foundation Year is really focussed towards preparing you for what university is like in England. In classes, we’ve had practise doing seminars and essays that are geared towards university level, so everything that we do is good preparation for what’s going to be ahead of us. “Stockton is very different to where I have lived but I actually really, really like it. I love how quiet the town is and even though it’s small, it’s very accessible and people are really genuinely friendly. When I’m at the shops they stop and say ‘hi’ to you and they have a conversation – that never really happens when you’re in a busy bustling town like Singapore.” Looking ahead Planning is continuing for the growth of the ISC into 2018/19 and beyond. The ISC will be consolidated into the Holliday Building, allowing the wider repurposing of the campus, and all it's students will live in Stockton. ISC students are being encouraged to join student clubs and societies and connections are being developed with academic Departments, through link tutors. Achievement rates will be closely monitored to ensure that only those capable of thriving on a Durham degree progress. www.durhamisc.com
Jan | Feb 2018
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RESEARCH INSIGHTS
Why peace talks need more women mediators at the table
Head of UN Women and Women's Affairs Minister of Guatemala (UN Photo Library)
When Antonio Guterres took up his post as United Nations (UN) Secretary-General in January 2017, he laid out his vision for a better UN stating: “Gender parity is...pivotal. I intend to make sure women take their rightful place at senior levels in the UN, and to create a clear roadmap with benchmarks and timeframes to recruit more women at all levels of the organisation.” For Dr Catherine Turner, Associate Professor in the School of Law, this underlined the importance of her current research on the role of women as high level mediators. She explains what led her to this subject and her vision for the future. Your current research focuses on the role of women as mediators – why did you choose this area?
Dr Catherine Turner
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I did a degree in law and was interested in international human rights law, but had lingering doubts about the capacity of law to really advance reconciliation. After graduating, I worked for an organisation called Mediation Northern Ireland in Belfast. This experience really opened my eyes to what can be achieved by mediation and was the
beginning of my fascination with it. But it is only since I came to work at Durham that I have been able to conduct research in this area. I was interested in the fact that there is a lot of high profile work being done on women’s participation in peace processes, but none of this was looking at women as mediators. In 2016 I went to Washington D.C. on a visiting fellowship at the Elliot School of International. I conducted research with the UN on their mediation policies and the initiatives they are
News for Durham University Staff & Students
RESEARCH INSIGHTS
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, January 2017 (UN Photo Library) taking to increase the number of women in high-level mediation positions. Do you have any practical experience of carrying out mediation work? Yes. I continued to work for Mediation Northern Ireland in a mostly voluntary capacity for 12 years. During this time I worked for the Director of the organisation and was involved in a lot of large scale mediation. I worked on a project at one of the areas in Belfast, where housing is segregated by high walls known as ‘peace walls’. We used a number of different mediation techniques to enable communication across the community divide as a way of reducing mistrust and violence in the area. I also worked on smaller neighbour-neighbour disputes and regularly delivered training in mediation and good relations for community and statutory bodies. Why is it so important to increase the number of women as high level mediators? Women bring different skills, expertise and perceptions to mediation and greater diversity improves the ability of a mediation team to fully assess conflict and propose creative solutions. However,
Jan | Feb 2018
women mediators should not bear exclusive responsibility for advancing gender equality. Women bring a range of expertise in ‘hard’ security matters but are often assumed to be concerned only with social and community issues. So it is about having diverse teams that include men and women with a shared responsibility for inclusion and sustainable outcomes. You and a number of leading international women mediators met in Durham recently, to agree on ways to increase the number of female high-level mediators. What did you agree? We want nation states and the UN to collaborate with the recently formed Networks of Women Mediators to identify and promote qualified women mediators for nomination for high-level positions. We believe the UN should improve the transparency of its appointments process and provide incentives to countries that nominate women. What are the next steps with your research? So many next steps! We have really only scratched the surface of this issue and our next step is to research the
transferability of mediation skills between corporate and trade negotiation and international peace mediation. It has been suggested that women with high-level trade negotiation experience, for example, would be suitable candidates for UN roles. We want to explore this claim in the context of developing a set of criteria for mediator selection. Beyond that I would love to write a book that explores the relationship between mediation and gender advocacy on a conceptual level.
Women bring different skills, expertise and perceptions to mediation and greater diversity improves the ability of a mediation team to fully assess conflict and propose creative solutions.
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LUMIERE
Durham University has been a proud supporter of Lumiere since it began in 2009 and we have played host or contributed to several of the festival’s installations over the years. In 2017 we were delighted to welcome a number of outstanding installations across our estate from venues including the Botanic Garden to the new Ogden Centre for Fundamental Physics and the historic Durham Castle. Our research also provided the inspiration for many of the installations that make up Lumiere. Find out more about the installations with Durham University involvement.
Above. What Matters, Shuster & Moseley, St Oswald's Church. Image: Geoff Kitson. Left. Know Thyself, Finola Finn, The Count’s House. Image: Vicky Greener.
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News for Durham University Staff & Students
LUMIERE
Left and above. Harmonic Portal, Chris Plant, St Godrics Church. Image: Laura Day, Durham University student.
Above. Our Moon, Hannah Fox, Durham Castle. Image: Vicky Greener.
Above. Dome and Arches, Luminarie de Cagna, Market Place. Image: Vicky Greener.
Below. Control No Control, Daniel Iregui, Prince Bishops. Image: Laura Day, Durham University student.
Above. Illumaphonium, Michael Davis, Millenium Square. Image: Laura Day, Durham University student.
Jan | Feb 2018
Above. Cosmic Architecture, Nina Dunn / John Del' Nero, Ogden Centre.Image: Vicky Greener.
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MOUNT OSWALD COLLEGES
Work to begin on Mount Oswald colleges and student facilities
Above left. An artistic impression of The Hub at Mount Oswald, with John Snow College to the left. Above right. An artistic impression of the two colleges, 17th College on the left and John Snow College to the right, seen from Mill Hill Lane.
Work to develop our new college and student facilities at Mount Oswald is to begin shortly. The Mount Oswald project includes a new home for John Snow College, which is relocating from Queen’s Campus, and a new 17th College, together totalling 1,000 student bed spaces. There will also be a Hub, with an events hall, gym, music practice rooms, a launderette, faith room and administrative space, and a MultiUse Games Area (MUGA). Work is due to begin in March 2018, and the facilities will be completed and ready for use for the academic year 2019/20.
High-quality development The new facilities will be highquality residential accommodation. All facilities will be self-catering, with a mixture of en-suite and shared bathroom accommodation. Each college will have its own administrative and social space. University staff, students and members of the public were involved in shaping the proposals, with formal planning consultation undertaken during October 2017.
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Durham County Council granted planning permission for the development at its meeting on Tuesday 2 January 2018. The construction contract arrangements are being finalised and, subject to final agreement, will be undertaken by Interserve, while the accommodation will be operated in partnership with Campus Living Villages.
World-class student experience Developing new college and student facilities is part of our goal of delivering a wider student experience to rival the best in the world. Jane Robinson, Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are proud that Durham University combines world-class research and education with an outstanding student experience.
Above. An artistic impression of a townhousestyle accommodation kitchen at Mount Oswald.
Get involved All the latest news on our Estate developments can be found at www.durham.ac.uk/estates-developments
“Our colleges are key to that and we are very excited to be developing new colleges for the first time in over ten years.
Via those web pages you can find out more about individual projects and give your feedback.
“We are very pleased Durham County Council has supported our vision. We are looking forward to getting started on site and to the first students arriving at Mount Oswald in 2019.”
Staff and students will also have further opportunities to shape the Mount Oswald development as the project progresses.
News for Durham University Staff & Students
STUDENT THEATRE
Durham Student Theatre has an exciting programme of sketch comedy, drama and operas this term in The Assembly Rooms Theatre and the Gala Theatre. These are just a few of the student theatre productions taking place in and around Durham, and with over 90 performances annually, there is always something theatrical to enjoy! For more information, visit our website www.durhamstudenttheatre.org
THE DURHAM REVUE Date: Sunday 28 January 2018
THE MAGIC FLUTE
Time: 8pm
BY WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART
Venue: The Assembly Rooms Theatre
Date: Friday 16 February - Saturday 17 February 2018
Company: The Durham Revue The Durham Revue returns with a new troupe and 100% brand new material! For two nights only, join The Durham Revue 2017/18 for an evening of never before seen sketch comedy.
Time: 7.30pm Venue: Gala Theatre Company: Durham Opera Ensemble
JULIUS CAESAR
BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Date: Thursday 25 January - Saturday 27 January 2018
INFERNO
Time: 7.30pm
Date: Thursday 1 February - Saturday 3 February 2018
Venue: The Assembly Rooms Theatre Company: Phoenix Theatre Company The year is 2017 AD, and democracy is dying. Only Brutus and his conspirators stand between Caesar and absolute power, but will tyrannicide be enough to save the republic? Shakespeare’s political thriller is reimagined for the era of post-truth populism.
Jan | Feb 2018
DEVISED BY WRONG TREE THEATRE
Enter a mythical world between the sun and the moon, with a tale filled with adventure, romance and comedy as we follow the quest of Papageno and Prince Tamino in their search for wisdom and love.
COMEDYFEST 2018 Date: Sunday 18 February 2018
Time: 7.30pm
Time: 8pm
Venue: The Assembly Rooms Theatre
Venue: Gala Theatre
Company: Wrong Tree Theatre
Company: The Durham Revue
Invited by Lucifer to see his empire, a young lawyer journeys down beyond the Earthly realm. What she finds there calls into question everything she believes in. Can she save the souls she deems worthy? Or will Lucifer drag her down to join him?
For one night only, The Durham Revue is joined by it's friends The Cambridge Footlights and The Oxford Revue to satisfy your craving for comedy. Join the three biggest names in student sketch wit as they come together to give you cutting edge comedy at its freshest!
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STUDENT COMMUNITY ACTION
Could you help to train our volunteers? Shoebox collection appeal Student Community Action (SCA) ran a shoebox collection appeal for the homeless over the Christmas period. Over 100 shoeboxes were donated to Sanctuary 21, DASH and the Durham Christian Partnership. These were then distributed to those who need it in the local area. Trevor Atkinson from DASH commented “We are both shocked and delighted at the amount of time and effort your volunteers and students have put in to make Christmas time a little bit more bearable for our service users.”A massive thank you to everybody who donated a shoebox!
To ensure our students are well prepared for their volunteering roles out in the community, Student Community Action provides them with an extensive training timetable. This term has been jam-packed, with 1,281 students participating in 53 sessions. The sessions were extremely varied, ranging from ‘how to effectively tutor’ workshops, to difficult child behaviour management training, to disability awareness sessions.
We are always on the lookout for new training content, so if you have any knowledge that could be beneficial to our volunteers, then please contact Hannah at training.sca@durham.ac.uk to arrange a session.
Christmas Calendar Success! Last term, Student Community Action held a Christmas advent calendar appeal to ensure that children in the local area who do not usually receive one, did not miss out on the excitement. We would like to thank all of the students who kindly donated an advent calendar! All 40 of them were sent to Barnado’s, who distributed them to local children to spread the Christmas cheer.
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News for Durham University Staff & Students
Work begins on Centre for Teaching and Learning Construction has begun of the University’s new Centre for Teaching and Learning, at Lower Mountjoy. When completed in autumn 2019, the £40 million Centre will host a wide range of learning environments and technologies, including new classrooms that will allow students to share courses in real time with students from peer institutions around the world. There will be lecture theatres, teaching rooms, education laboratories where new teaching and training methods will be developed, student learning zones and catering facilities. The Centre will also expand the University’s teaching and learning capacity as academic programmes are relocated from Queen’s Campus to Durham City. Professor Alan Houston, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), was joined by project partners and invited guests for a turf-cutting ceremony on site on Thursday 14 December, with refreshments served afterwards in the Senior Common Room of the neighbouring St Mary’s College.
World-class education Professor Houston said: “The Centre for Teaching and Learning is a key part of our University Strategy, 2017-2027 to ensure Durham is world-leading in research, education and the wider student experience. “It is the first new-build development to come forward under the Strategy, and this reflects the fact that enhancing our teaching and learning – our students’ education – is a key priority for us. We are excited to begin work on site, and we look forward to the Centre welcoming its first students in 2019.
Jan | Feb 2018
Top of page. Section: An artistic impression of a cross-section of the Centre for Teaching and Learning. Above left. Atrium: An artistic impression of the Centre for Teaching and Learning Atrium. Above right. Sabrina Seel, Postgraduate Academic Officer at Durham Students' Union, Professor Alan Houston, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) at Durham University, and Jeremy Barnett, Operations Director at Galliford Try, cut the turf on site. “My sincere thanks to everyone who has worked on the Centre project to date. All your efforts are greatly appreciated.”
the relocation of the crossing point. Access to nearby Colleges and Departments will also be improved as part of the Super Route project.
Sabrina Seel, Postgraduate Academic Officer at Durham Students’ Union, said: “I’m really pleased that Durham students will be benefiting from this new, cutting-edge learning space. As students we work incredibly hard in our areas of study, and the importance of the right resources and spaces to helping us make the most of our time at Durham can’t be overestimated.
The footpath between St Mary’s College and South Road is closed to allow for construction until May 2019. A temporary route between the Fergusson Building and South Road is available and signposted.
“My hope is that the Centre for Teaching and Learning will meet the changing and evolving needs of students now and into the future.”
Development with care Staff, students and members of the public were involved in the development of the proposals for the Centre, with consultation sessions held in March 2017. Work will be undertaken to improve pedestrian movement around the site, including the widening of the footway along South Road and
Some trees will be removed to allow for construction, but the project overall will see a net increase in tree numbers.
Latest news Keep up to date with all the latest Estate developments, including updates on the Centre for Teaching and Learning project, at www.durham.ac.uk/estates-developments If you drive or walk past the Centre site, you will also be able to watch the building develop via a viewing porthole in the site hoardings on South Road.
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DURHAM DRAMA FESTIVAL
Site-Specific Date: Thursday 8 February 2018 Venue: Various Locations around Durham City
THE EMPIRICIST BY CASPAR BAYLISS
September 2011: Dr Pavlov and Dr Werner are scientists who discover a particle travelling faster than light. As they discuss their findings, their worlds start to collapse around them as they realise that everything that they had dedicated their lives to is a lie, that their rules about life do not stand up to the reality of the world, and that they have to consider a reality that had previously gone ignored.
4 – 11 February 2018 “DDF is the annual festival celebrating new student writing and student-created shows, showcasing some of the best that Durham Student Theatre has to offer. Judged by a panel of industry professionals, DDF also hosts workshops and Q&A sessions, a scratch night, outreach programmes, and social events. It’s coming soon, so book your tickets and get involved!” Sophie Wright (Festival Director) SCRATCH NIGHT Date: Sunday 4 February 2018 Venue: The Assembly Rooms Theatre For the first time, DDF will be kicking off with a scratch night full of new, short pieces by emerging writers. The shows involved in our scratch night are as follows:
LIVING ROOMS HISTORIES
CONCEPT BY MARIE-LOUISE WOHLRE
AN UNEXPECTED REUNION BY CHARLES PIPE
VOICES
BY OLIVIA BALLANTINE-SMITH
DEATH AS A SALESMAN BY UDAY DUGGAL
WRITING LEFT HANDED BY NICK CHAPMAN 14
EVE
BY CARRIE GAUNT ‘How can I love you to the ends of the Earth when I don’t know where this ends? Or where this begins?’ The first woman. The second sex. The last word. In a world of silence, poverty and violence, Eve is finally ready to tell Adam what’s on her mind. And she won’t hold back.
HYPOCLITICAL
BY KITTY BRIGGS AND ANDY BALL A writer and his roommate are trying to salvage a new script from the tropes of the RomCom genre. Witty and self-aware, these characters get sucked into their own writing, performing and editing their script to create an original feminist comedy.
News for Durham University Staff & Students
Black Box
DURHAM DRAMA FESTIVAL
Date: Friday 10 February - Saturday 11 February 2018 Venue: Caedmon Hall, St. Hild & St. Bede
The Assembly Rooms Theatre
FLOWERS N THAT
Date: Friday 10 February - Saturday 11 February 2018
BY BRÓCCÁN TYZACK-CARLIN
Venue: The Assembly Rooms Theatre
An unlikely friendship blossoms between a florist and a medium as they meet each year at an annual wedding fayre. This black comedy discusses life; love; loss and Gareth Gates, and explores how relationships can clash with our principles and our past.
AQUA SPECTACULA BY JASMINE PRICE
It’s 1972 again and you’re trapped inside the all new Atari game AQUA SPECTACULA. There’ll be mini-games, rising sea temperatures and never before seen underwater visuals.
CLOUDBURST BY ZAC TIPLADY
Alana Marie is successful, driven and smart, and today is not her day; Cloudburst follows the hour after she receives some stunning news, while on this of all days, her office is running wild. Life is never easy, and Alana must struggle through this day like any other. Somehow…
MARSISTAN
BY HAMZA ADAM RAFIQUE Dr. Aysha Malik has been selected to establish a colony on Mars, though her sister Nasreen may have other ideas. Marsistan showcases the struggle of two sisters to maintain their relationship under the shadow of a looming launch date.
THE HOUSE OF INFLUENZA: A SPOOKY TALE OF FRIGHTENINGNESS
THE ADVENTURES OF SLICK TUFFMAN: A NOIR COMEDY
Dracula can return to his crypt, Jaws can go back in the water, and the Babadook can Babado one. At the dawning of the zombie apocalypse, as friend and family are torn apart, only The House of Influenza will stand strong.
1930s New York City: misogyny is rife, smoking is good for you and someone is killing off cops. It’s down to Detective Slick Tuffman, a renegade cop with nothing to lose, to follow the genre conventions and catch the son-of-a wobbly what dunnit.
BY ANDREW SHIRES
Jan | Feb 2018
BY MIKE BEDIGAN
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Catering University Catering is very proud to announce that Philip Atkinson, Senior Community Food Service Manager at Durham University has picked up the prestigious Ambassador for the Industry trophy at the 2017 Caterer.com People Awards held at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge, London. The Caterer.com describes the ‘Ambassador for the Industry’ as a shining light in the hospitality industry, an individual who goes above and beyond, to communicate their passion for their career and help recruit, retain and develop talent in the sector. Durham University Catering
Retail The Retail team has worked hard with suppliers and students to develop new and exciting University merchandise and is pleased to introduce the latest addition to the range, the ‘Chelsea’ cropped sweatshirt available in navy and grey. The 'Chelsea' cropped sweatshirt has a raglan sleeve with a beautifully soft fleece inner side. It features a raw hem on the sleeve and cuffs, with the Durham University logo printed in black and silver glitter. To view the full range of University merchandise please visit https://shop.dur.ac.uk/about.php
Follow us on social media for news and offers. Durham University Retail Office @DurhamUniRetail durham_uni_merchandise
Event Durham Event Durham wins Gold at the North East England Tourism Awards 2017
Each year the North East England Tourism Awards showcase the range of high quality tourism businesses and experiences on offer to visitors in the region. The wide range of categories, reflect the quality, performance and innovation of the tourism sector and give businesses the chance to show how they stand out from the crowd. Event Durham entered the Business Tourism category and was awarded the Gold Award in November 2017, which also gives the opportunity to enter the Visit England Awards for Excellence 2018. Huge thanks to the team for their continued hard work which contributes to our success. Event Durham, Durham University
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News for Durham University Staff & Students
HR & OD NEWS
Staff Survey Following the University’s Staff Survey in Spring 2017, the Staff Survey Working Group has developed a Universitywide action plan, which has been endorsed by UEC. The University-wide action plan aims to address seven key areas for focus. These are: • Taking action; • Effective management of poor performance; • Resources to complete work; • Effective change management; • Career development opportunities; • Visibility of senior management; • Bullying is taken seriously. This - and the University’s overall results report – is available on the Staff Survey webpage at www.durham.ac.uk/hr/staffsurvey2017/ results. Senior managers have been provided with detailed Insight reports for their areas of responsibility, along with action planning guidance. Heads of Departments and Colleges are encouraged to discuss their results with staff, to enable the development of clear and achievable action plans. Local action planning is anticipated to continue through to midSpring 2018. The Working Group will continue to meet, to ensure action planning is taking place locally and to monitor progress on this important activity.
DURHAM UNIVERSITY OVERALL TOP 5 MOST POSITIVE RESPONSES: 87% of staff find their work interesting 82% of staff say their manager treats them with respect 81% of staff say their work gives them a feeling of personal accomplishment 81% of staff are proud to work for Durham University 79% of staff would recommend Durham University as a great place to study
Long Service Awards Members of staff who have given 25 years’ service to the University were honoured with a celebratory dinner at Durham Castle in November. In all, 34 recipients were invited. Members of staff and their guests enjoyed a tour of the Castle and drinks in the Tunstall Gallery before sitting down to dinner in the Great Hall. The celebratory dinner was attended by members of the University Executive Committee and the Vice –Chancellor, Professor Stuart Corbridge. Recipients of the award were commended for their length of service to the University, with the Vice –Chancellor outlining the improvements and changes which have taken place within the University over the past 25 years. Attendees enjoyed the event greatly, and most commented that their twenty five years of service felt like it had passed very quickly! The student choir entertained guests with songs several times throughout the evening, before joining them for dinner.
My Durham Launch On Monday, 2 October Durham University launched its new staff benefits portal, My Durham. My Durham is a central hub from which staff can access a range of employment benefits, including shopping discounts, childcare vouchers and the Cycle to Work Scheme. By registering on the portal staff can receive discounted cinema tickets, discounts at a range of retailers and supermarkets, plus
reductions on attractions including Lego land and Go Ape and reduced holidays including Disneyland. The portal is accessible from your mobile, tablet or PC laptop. My Durham has already been a great success with many staff already logging on to the portal and making savings since the launch.
If you haven’t already registered for the portal please check your eligibility and sign up by logging on at www.mydurhambenefits.co.uk
Jan | Feb 2018
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STUDENT MUSIC
Music Durham has a diverse and engaging programme of concerts and events in the new year, in venues all across Durham. With 80 concerts per year, not to mention college music events and chapel choir services, there is something for everyone. For more detailed information, visit our website www.musicdurham.org
Events/highlights
BRASS BAND AT UNIBRASS MASTERCLASS: DANIEL COOK
When: Saturday, 17 February 2018, 11am-5pm
When: Wednesday, 31 January 2018, 1pm-3pm
Where: The Barbican, York
When: Saturday, 10 March 2018, 7.30pm
Cost: From £12
Where: Durham Cathedral
Following being crowned the UniBrass Shield Champions 2017, the Durham University Brass Band is heading back to York for the annual UniBrass competition, this year moving up into the Trophy section. This sees them competing against the heavyweights of Birmingham Conservatoire and the Royal Northern College of Music. Conducted by Jonathan Fenwick, Durham will play a diverse and entertaining programme of brass band classics, popular songs and moving tributes – they would love to see some supporting faces!
Music Durham and Durham University Music Department invite you to a celebration of the life and works of Parry, one of England’s most iconic composers. This concert will feature some of Parry’s lesser known works as well as the great “Blest Pair of Sirens” and “I Was Glad”. Drawing on the research of Professor Jeremy Dibble (a Music Department academic and expert on Parry) the concert will be given by the Durham University Orchestral Society, Choral Society, and Chamber Choir and promises to be a spectacular evening.
Where: College of St Hild and St Bede, Chapel Cost: Free Daniel Cook (Master of the Choristers at Durham Cathedral) will be giving a free masterclass to singers, directors, and organists of the University Chapel Choirs. Singers from each choir are invited to attend as performers, and the masterclass is open and free of charge to observers. Daniel is recognised internationally as a liturgical and concert organist of the highest order and we are thrilled that he is coming to work with our musicians.
PARRY CENTENARY CONCERT
NORTHERN LIGHTS AT THE GALA When: Monday, 5 February 2018, 7.30pm Where: The Gala Theatre Tickets: £10 Standard, £8 Concession, £4 Under-18 Following their phenomenal success last year, Northern Lights, Durham’s premiere A cappella group, is returning to the Gala Theatre for it's biggest concert of the year! Fresh from the first round of the Inter Collegiate Championships of A cappella, the evening promises chart topping hits, spectacular beatboxing, and incredible student-written arrangements. This concert forms part of the Durham Vocal Festival, a collaboration with Durham Music Service offering a range of vocal events throughout the City.
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News for Durham University Staff & Students
THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD
Durham University gains licence to deliver The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Durham University has been granted the licence to deliver The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) programmes. Thanks to this new partnership, the University can give local young people, aged 14 to 24, the opportunity to complete a world leading and internationally recognised programme that currently involves over 400,000 participants. These young people will complete four to five challenging sections over six to 18 months (Volunteering, Physical, Skills, Expedition and, at Gold level, Residential) with the possibility of achieving three overall progressive Awards (Bronze, Silver, and Gold). DofE, without a doubt, is a key asset for both university applications and employability. According to a study conducted by the University of Northampton, top employers such as the British Energy Group, Boots, Tesco and the Civil Service all agree that The DofE is the most important activity undertaken at school as it requires resilience, commitment, and motivation. It will also allow participants to develop vital skills of self-management,
Jan | Feb 2018
Above. Owen Adams, PVC Colleges and Student Experience with Tom Kitchen, Experience Durham. problem solving, team-work, leadership, and communication, all of which will enhance personal statements and CVs.
Award, as 82 per cent of young people say the experience has made them want to continue with volunteering.
Whilst The Duke of Edinburgh enriches personal development, it also has an invaluable impact on the local community. Ninety per cent of participants say that DofE has given them the opportunity to help others, with these volunteering efforts contributing £24m per year to society. The local community also experiences an enduring effect beyond the
Marcia Holmes, DofE Operations Officer Durham, says: “We are delighted to welcome Durham University as a new Licenced Organisation. Offering the DofE to both students and young people from the wider community, Team Durham will enable more young people to start their adventure of a lifetime.”
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GREENSPACE
Multiple awards success for Environmental Sustainability Since 2004, the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC) Green Gown Awards have been recognising the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges in the UK. This year, Durham University was a finalist and winner at the Green Gown awards and also won two Altogether Greener Environment Awards. Congratulations to Van Mildert College Outreach, which has lived up to its motto ‘sic vos non vobis’ (not for yourselves) by winning the EAUC Community Award and the Volunteer Group of the Year Altogether Greener Award for six student-led projects supporting local families, young people, schools, the elderly and promotion of environmental conservation. The projects work across the North East with a range of community partners including Aycliffe Secure Centre, County Durham Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service, and a range of local primary and secondary schools. During the 2016/17 academic year, Van Mildert students completed over 6,300 volunteer hours.
four-strong community partnership between Durham University, Durham County Council, Durham Constabulary and County Durham Furniture Help Scheme. The Ogden Centre for Fundamental Physics won an Altogether Greener Environment Award in the Climate Change category, for the extensive adoption of sustainable technologies reducing the impact of the development. Its work continues the University’s quest to become one of the most sustainable universities in the UK, as this too has been awarded a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. The whole development embraced the three pillars of sustainability providing environmental, economic and social benefits. The building is modern, architecturally striking and incorporates cutting edge engineering and sustainable features.
The Green Move Out campaign, which commenced in 2005, was a Green Gown Award Finalist. Green Move Out collects students’ unwanted belongings at the end of the academic year and donates the items to local charities. From a small one-college charity collection scheme, the Green Move Out has developed into a
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News for Durham University Staff & Students
GREENSPACE
Energy Awareness Week
Love Food Hate Waste - Winners Announced
Energy Awareness Week will run from Monday, 29 January to Sunday, 4 February 2018. During this week we will be promoting and encouraging good energy behaviours amongst all University students and staff. All colleges will also take part in the intercollegiate energy competition. Some energy saving advice, along with other environment tips are available at www.durham.ac.uk/ resources/greenspace/local/50EnvironmentalTipsforStaff.pdf
Thank you to everyone involved in the Love Food Hate Waste competition which took place during the University’s Waste (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) Awareness Week. Over the duration of the week, plate waste decreased by 414 kg, reflecting a 17 per cent reduction in plate waste weight. Congratulations to winner and recipient of the ‘John Turner Trophy’ St. Aidan’s College, for its 36 per cent reduction in plate waste weight! Collingwood College was highly commended for its 32 per cent reduction; Trevelyan’s 29 per cent reduction and Van Mildert’s 11 per cent reduction were also recognised.
Fairtrade Fortnight Fairtrade Fortnight (Monday, 26 February to Sunday, 11 March 2018) is a chance to celebrate national Fairtrade Fortnight as well as all the fantastic local produce available to us in the North East. This will run alongside the University’s Environment Week. Information on activities will be available nearer the time on the Fairtrade webpages www.durham.ac.uk/greenspace/fairtrade
Watch out for Environment Week Environment Week will take place between Monday, 26 February and Sunday, 4 March 2018. This will be a celebration of the fantastic local produce available to us in the North East and the national Fairtrade Fortnight.
Earth Hour Earth Hour takes place on Saturday, 24 March 2018 from 8.30pm-9.30pm. This is a global campaign and we are asking people to switch off their non-essential lights for an hour in order to show support for tackling climate change and protecting the planet. For details please visit www.earthhour.org
Every small step leads to big change Jan | Feb 2018
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AWARDS
After being shortlisted in four categories, members of the Marketing and Communications Department recently attended the North East Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Awards in Newcastle and won two Silver Awards and a Gold Award. Congratulations to everyone involved. Right. Gold Award - Outstanding In-house Public Relations Team for, in the words of the judges, 'consistent quality output over the year, and more'. Below left. Silver Award - Best Publication (Dialogue Magazine). Below right. Silver Award - Education Campaign (Durham Cosmology/Ogden).
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News for Durham University Staff & Students
What was your best subject? It was either Business Studies or Food technology; how I remember it, I was sculpting pastries that would give Mary Berry a run for her money.
NAME: Jack Coates JOB TITLE: Student Services & Bookings Coordinator DEPARTMENT: Team Durham
What are you reading at the moment? The Girl with All the Gifts. A fast-paced read set in a dystopian future, it’s certainly making up for the last few years of textbooks. What would you like your epitaph to be? Devoted husband, father, grandfather, and unbeatable Bananagram player. What was the first record you bought? The Black Eyed Peas `Elephunk’ CD - showing my youth here, and happily admitting my unyielding childhood crush on Fergie. What achievement are you most proud of? Winging my way onto the main stage at Reading Music Festival by pretending to be a lighting technician – some would say I’ve under-achieved, I say keep an eye out for me at the Edinburgh International Harp Festival 2018.
Have you got any pets? I have a 100+ year old Tortoise and two dwarf hamsters – if only the right one would start doing backflips I’d be a millionaire. Jan | Feb 2018
What did you want to be when you were a child? Better than the rest of the kids at Pokemon. Where will you be going for your next holiday? Not exactly a holiday, but I’m heading to Zambia in August as the Team Durham staff member for the Wallace Group’s summer outreach programme – it is a fantastic opportunity to develop sport in a disadvantaged country. Give me a picture of your ideal day: A breathtakingly large fry-up for breakfast and
an afternoon round of golf with friends, followed by courtside seats at the NBA play-off finals in the evening. And of course finding time for a candlelit dinner with my significant other *do I have to put this? Ow!* On a scale of 1-10, how much do you care what other people think of you? Probably only a 2, which is the exact grade I get my hair cut to every week at the barbers, to ensure I look as good as possible for friends, family, and everyone I don’t know...does it look ok in the picture? Any nicknames? Not that won’t jeopardise my position of employment. What’s the worst job you’ve ever done? I worked a few shifts in a Durham kebab shop during my Master’s. There are only so many times a man can tolerate extraordinarily drunk people screaming in their face for cheesy chips - for me it was 2. What’s your favourite place in the world? Peru. I was trekking in the Andes, and the sun was just rising and glinting off the snow, creating this sort of ethereal haze; I really got a sense of the awesome power of nature and the insignificance of man. Pass the buck: Finally, who would you like to see in the hot-seat? Charlie Parkin – Estates & Buildings.
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what’s on at the University
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january EVERYONE'S HISTORY: 20 YEARS OF THE PORTABLE ANTIQUITIES SCHEME AND THE TREASURE ACT VENUE: Museum of Archaeology, Palace Green Library
FEBRUARY HALF TERM FAMILY ACTIVITIES The Oriental Museum, Palace Green Library, Durham Castle and Botanic Garden will be hosting fun family events and activities during the February half term holidays – visit the What’s On Guide for details. www.durham.ac.uk/whatson
DATES: Until 28 May 2018 TIME: 10am - 5pm This exhibition celebrates 20 years of the Portable Antiquities Scheme and the Treasure Act and also the archaeology that is discovered everyday by the public.
BECKETT, THE BREATH AND THE CHOREOGRAPHIC – PUBLIC LECTURE VENUE: Elvet Riverside 1, New Elvet, Durham DH1 3JT DATE: Wednesday 21 February 2018 TIME: 6.15pm - 7.45pm Prof Susan Jones explores Beckett's later works, focusing on his preoccupation with the “last breath”, the compulsion to move, and ultimate cessation of movement. Part of Arts of Breath, a series of lecture-performances exploring the role of breath in poetry, fiction, singing, dance and visual art.
march KHYAL: MUSIC AND IMAGINATION VENUE: Oriental Museum, Elvet Hill, DH1 3TH DATES: Until 3 June 2018 Times: 10am - 4pm An exhibition exploring the relationship between Indian music and the visual imagination. Khyal is the name of a vocal musical genre from India. The name means “imagination”. This imagination can be heard in the intricate beauty of the musical patterns the singers create.
february SIGNS OF SPRING VENUE: Botanic Garden DATES: 1 February - 28 February 2018 TIME: 10am - 4pm Pick up a leaflet from the Visitor Centre and see what you can discover in the garden.
HOLI FESTIVAL VENUE: Oriental Museum DATE: Saturday 3 March 2018 Time: 12noon - 5pm Welcome the spring season to Durham with a special Holi festival! The event includes timed outdoor powder throws, with a free environmentally and skin-kind powder sachet of brightly coloured Holi powder for each participant, and the opportunity to purchase additional bags.
For more information on University events go to www.durham.ac.uk/whatson