Annual Review 2011-12

ANNUAL R E V IE W 2011-12 A YEAR OF TRANSITION LAYING SOLID FOUNDATIONS FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE

ANNUAL REVIEW 2011-12

WELCOME Our mission: To transform people and communities, by delivering accessible, high-quality, Higher Education through partnership-working with our students, our customers and our staff.

Welcome to our 2011-12 annual review – a reflection on a year that not only saw us celebrate 20 years as a university, but also witnessed further concrete evidence of our ongoing commitment to put students at the heart of everything we do.

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A year of transition In 2010, Universities’ Minister, David Willetts MP, stated that “2011-12 will be a year of transition, where universities will be preparing for change.”

2011-12 was also the year in which we forged new partnerships overseas. We welcomed five new international partners, established our first centre in China and achieved a 14% increase in the number of students studying for a Staffordshire University award in their home country.

At Staffordshire University, that transition is well underway.

While celebrating our twentieth anniversary, we prepared to implement our five-year strategic plan: a programme designed to ensure that we remain agile, responsive and able to deliver an outstanding student learning experience.

We are meeting the significant challenges presented by the changes in Higher Education in our country; not least the changes to funding that place a greater burden upon the students and graduates, by way of an increased contribution they are expected to make out of future earnings.

Shaping the Future 2011-12 also saw robust student recruitment and substantial investment in our student learning environment. Our new £30 million Science Centre, which is shared with our University Quarter (UniQ) education partners - the City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College and Stoke-on-Trent College - was officially opened.

Laying solid foundations We have laid strong foundations for what is clearly going to be a challenging period of uncertainty across Higher Education – foundations that will more than support our students and their ambitions.

Every staff member has, in some way, been affected by - and played a valuable part in - our efforts to be well prepared for the future. With our strong financial base, good 2011-12 student numbers, revised academic portfolio, strong partnerships and ongoing investment in our estate, I believe that we are well placed to meet the changes that lie ahead.

This annual review provides evidence of our confidence and I hope you enjoy this record of just some of our individual and joint achievements.

Our libraries were extensively refurbished and we embarked on a £10 million investment programme, which will transform the Stoke campus. We also remained true to our commitment of delivering more courses with flexible study options, to better fit with student needs.

The Staffordshire Graduate Perhaps most significantly, the year saw the introduction of ‘The Staffordshire Graduate’ – our pledge that every Staffordshire University graduate will leave us with real world skills and attributes beyond academic knowledge.

To support this critical venture, our internal structures and product portfolio underwent a significant review to ensure they are truly fit for purpose.

Building stronger partnerships Partnerships are integral to our success. Therefore, during the year, we further strengthened our relationships with business, commerce and industry to help boost performance and enhance graduate employability. In recognition of the quality of our business engagement activities, we were one of just 16 institutions to secure almost £1 million from the Higher Education Funding Council (HEFCE) to spend on work-based learning to encourage private sector growth.

Professor Michael Gunn LLB Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive

2011-12 will be a year of transition, where universities will be preparing for change.

David Willetts MP, Minister of State for Universities and Science

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PAVING THE WAY

CREATING

WORLD-READY GRADUATES

Students from Staffordshire University stand head and shoulders above those of other institutions. They arrive fully prepared and able – both for their placement year and upon graduation. They also have a solid understanding of our company and of our placement and graduate schemes. I would fully recommend Staffordshire University for the quality and professionalism of its graduates – and for the high levels of guidance those graduates receive.

Claire Halket Recruitment Manager, Synectics Solutions

Over the coming years there will be fierce competition for students at every level, as both existing and new providers of Higher Education compete through new courses, new venues and new study opportunities.

At the same time, student expectations will, quite rightly, continue to grow.

At Staffordshire University we are constantly innovating and adapting to meet the challenges of the future.

During 2011-12, for example, we introduced several initiatives: to further enhance the quality of the student experience we offer; to demonstrate why we should be the university of choice for students who want to be recognised by employers for the skills they bring; and to emphasise to employers the very real value of employing a graduate of Staffordshire University.

The most significant of these initiatives, ‘The Staffordshire Graduate’, is our pledge to both students and employers.

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Staffordshire University teaches you things that are more important than just knowledge. They are exceptionally career-focused and have a great way of making you more aware of your chosen career area and where you want to go in life. The lecturers are extremely knowledgeable and the facilities are very good. It is also rewarding to be able to work alongside students from other countries.

The Staffordshire Graduate Outlined in the 2012 - 17 University Plan, The Staffordshire Graduate is our promise that every Staffordshire University graduate will leave us with real world skills and attributes beyond academic knowledge.

Skilled in the 3Es of Employability, Enterprise and Entrepreneurialism, they will possess both the attitude and ability to make their mark on the world.

The Staffordshire Graduate makes a promise to employers that every Staffordshire University graduate will be well rounded, relevant and more than able to contribute to the world and to the world of work.

To students, it promises a set of skills and a degree that prospective employers will value and respect.

We already have a reputation for producing graduates that are well equipped for success in the world of work. The Staffordshire Graduate further underlines our idea of what a successful 21st Century graduate should be.

Gregor Porzel MSc Computer Science graduate, now Project Manager at Thomson Reuters, London

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PAVING THE WAY

IN

PARTNERSHIP

WITH

STUDENTS Supporting The Staffordshire Graduate promise, our initiatives to create work-ready, world-ready graduates also include two important schemes that are run in partnership with the Students’ Union.

Student Academic Partnerships Introduced in November 2011, The Student Academic Partnership Scheme provides paid employment opportunities to enable students to work in equal partnership with University staff.

The purpose of the scheme is to engage students as active members of our teaching and learning teams, encourage collaboration with staff, build entrepreneurial skills and instil a real sense of pride in the University.

Collaborations to-date have resulted in ‘Hello Freshers,’ a programme to allow new students to discover who they will be living with in our Halls of Residence, and ‘ALF Online’ – a project to simplify the lengthy online application process faced by students seeking financial help from the Access to Learning Fund.

Student-led teaching awards Our Students’ Union’s teaching awards scheme is yet another example of proactive student engagement.

Part of a national programme, supported by the National Students’ Union and the Higher Education Authority (HEA), the scheme aims to raise the profile and prestige of teaching and learning, by encouraging students to recognise those staff members who go out of their way to enrich the learning experience. Held on 18 June 2012, at the Stafford campus, the Student-led teaching awards evening recognised staff from right across the University.

Proud winners: staff members receive their accolades at the 20

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I graduated with the skills that are so important for success in photography. As well as theoretical knowledge, I gained a thorough appreciation of the technical aspects of the discipline.

This helped me to secure the role of Deputy Photographic Editor at Wallpaper magazine and then progress to my current position with Forward Ltd., where I work for legendary brands, such as Patek Philippe. My tutor at Staffordshire University was outstanding. Totally hands on, he was always willing to go beyond the call, to tailor learning to individual career goals.

Matthew Beaman BA(Hons) Photography graduate, now Photography Editor at London publishing house, Forward Ltd.

012 Student-led teaching awards

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FORGING LASTING BONDS

WORKING CLOSELY WITH BUSINESS From business innovation, achieved through research and knowledge transfer, to providing and developing highly skilled employees, we remain committed to working in partnership with employers and individuals for the benefit of our region and our students.

Our ability to engage with and develop businesses successfully was confirmed in March 2012, when our 2011-15 Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) strategy received commendation from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

We were one of only seven universities to be recognised by HEFCE. Our successful proposal centred upon the formation of a Business Innovation Group (BIG) with Keele University, Keele Science & Business Park, and the North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce.

Up-skilling the local workforce As further evidence of our drive to work in partnership with business, in August 2012 we announced plans to spend almost £1 million of HEFCE Workforce Development Transition Funding to improve the skills of workers and help transform the economy of North Staffordshire. Underpinning our achievements to-date and our ongoing vision, the money will be used to work with businesses to create courses that will develop the local workforce and recruit more work-based learners.

Sharing graduate knowledge During the year we also established a number of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) with local organisations. Providing access to the skills and knowledge of our students, KTPs help boost business competitiveness and productivity. These high calibre projects are also extremely successful in securing graduate-level jobs.

Fire and security product specialists, RGL Electronics; microfinishing business, Neuteq Europe; and not-forprofit organisation, EPIC Housing, were just three of the organisations to take advantage of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with us. In the same period, the Technology Strategy Board rated four of our existing Knowledge Transfer Partnerships as ‘Outstanding’. This is yet another endorsement of the support and value we bring to business.

Partnering with employers Other successful initiatives during 2011-12 centred upon improving workforce skills through our Foundation degree programmes. As a case in point, we partnered with public services outsourcing company, SERCO, at HMP Dovegate and HMP Lowdham, to roll out a specially developed Foundation degree in Offender Management to prison staff.

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Simply ‘Outstanding’: members of our KTP teams are recognised for their achievements

A business focussed event delivered as part of the BIG partnership with the Technology Strategy Board

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RECOGNISING AND REWARDING EXCELLENCE

Dr Dave Skingsley, from the School of Sciences, led a nature walk for staff as part of the StaffFest event in June 2012

Sarah Peart receives the Business Engagement Team Award from Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Paul Richards

CELEBRATING OUR

PEOPLE Being prepared to go the extra mile – to help our students achieve great things and to transform lives and communities – is an ethos that is shared among our people.

To recognise the drive, energy and enthusiasm that our people bring to those who invest in their future with us, every September we hold our Celebrating Staff Success awards.

Celebrating Staff Success Hosted by University Honorary Doctor and ITV News’ Arts and Media Correspondent, Nina Nannar, our 2012 event celebrated the achievements of individuals and staff teams from right across the University.

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The Clearing 2011 Campaign Team, proud winners of the Cross University Team Customer Service Award

What makes Staffordshire University a great place to work and study is the people. I am encouraged by the commitment, dedication, motivation, determination, delivery and care that I witness on a daily basis.

Professor Michael Gunn, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive

Celebrating teaching excellence During the 2012 ceremony, teaching excellence was recognised through the presentation of Teaching and Excellence Fellowships – commendations that help underline our commitment to become an excellent, teaching-led university.

Joining the ranks of those who received Fellowships in previous years, our 2012 Teaching Excellence Fellows are: Barbara Ridley, Principal Lecturer in Graphic Design; Ruby Hammer, Senior Lecturer in the Law School; Anni Hollings, Principal Lecturer in the Business School; Robert Marsden, Senior Lecturer in Drama Practice; and Eleanor Johnston, Academic Skills Librarian.

Looking to the future In another show of our deep and serious commitment to our people, in June 2012 we held StaffFest, a two-week staff development festival.

One of the targets in our University Plan is for all staff members to engage in at least one professional development activity per year. With a theme of ‘Into the Future’, StaffFest encouraged all members of our community to embrace change positively and prepare for the transition that the new era of Higher Education will bring.

The event included over 50 workshops, three major conferences and six in-faculty Teaching and Learning conferences. A resounding success, we plan to run StaffFest every year.

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEARNING PROVIDERS

BUILDING OUR

REPUTATION

GLOBALLY From collaborating with colleges and academies across the UK, to validating the undergraduate and postgraduate awards offered by our international partners, we are a truly global university.

Over the past two decades, thousands of graduates have enjoyed the benefits of a Staffordshire University qualification, without ever setting foot in a UK campus. Indeed, last year alone saw some 11,500 international students enrol on courses accredited by Staffordshire University.

Inspiring plans for future collaboration Looking to further extend the opportunities we provide for overseas students, in March 2012 we welcomed three of our key international partners who presented inspiring new plans for future collaboration. A team led by Dr Parmjit Singh, our first Pro Chancellor and Director of the Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (UCTI/APIIT), shared a vision for exciting developments between APIIT Malaysia and ourselves over the next few years.

Dr Athula Pitigala-Arachchi, Head of APIIT Sri Lanka, then discussed plans to further develop the range of Staffordshire University programmes that are delivered at the institution.

Finally, senior representatives from GIST College, our partner in Suzhou, China, met to discuss the establishment of the ‘China Centre’ – our very first base overseas.

Serving the needs of our Chinese alumni Officially opened on 30 October 2012, at the Dushu Lake Higher Education Town in Suzhou - where a number of our business and computing programmes are delivered on franchise – the new China Centre will also be home to the Staffordshire University Chinese Alumni Association. This newly formed organisation will serve more than 2,000 Chinese graduates of Staffordshire University.

During the year, we also forged valuable new partnerships with learning institutions in Crete and Vienna, bringing our total number of international partners to 19. Our new partnerships in Vienna are particularly noteworthy as, for the very first time, we will be validating awards taught in a foreign language.

Much closer to home, in June 2012 we were proud to sign a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ with the highly respected Glyndŵr University in North Wales. This agreement will ensure that we can learn from each other and work together on a range of activities of mutual benefit.

Building strong international partnerships is paramount to our future, and to the opportunities we are able to offer to our students. Our partnerships are also inextricably linked to The Staffordshire Graduate pledge – and our promise that students will graduate with a truly global perspective.

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The Staffordshire University China Centre recognises the significance of China as an economic powerhouse and as the biggest student market in the world. This new office base in the dedicated Higher Education hub in Suzhou will support our existing operations in China and lead to more students studying for Staffordshire University awards.

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Hifsa Haroon Iqbal, receiving her MBE from the Queen

Bringing nature into the built environment: green walls at Stoke campus

Staffordshire University Students’ Union received a special commendation at the Green Impact awards ceremony

TRANSFORMING AND

PEOPLE COMMUNITIES 2011-12 was also a particularly exciting year for us at a local level – one in which we remained committed to promoting learning, respecting diversity, supporting our communities, encouraging growth and ensuring wellbeing.

MBE for Equality and Diversity Officer 2012 began with our Equality and Diversity Officer, Hifsa Haroon Iqbal, receiving an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List. The honour was awarded in recognition of her services to community cohesion in Staffordshire. “It’s not something you receive every day,” she said. “It’s quite humbling as well because I’m just not convinced that it’s totally deserved.”

‘Speaking Up and Speaking Out’ To commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day, on Friday 27 January we joined forces with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Art Venue CIC, local faith leaders and schools to ‘Speak Up and Speak Out’ – the theme of the 2012 event. Central to this year’s proceedings was a talk about Lidice – a former mining village in the Czech Republic that was raised to the ground by the Nazis in 1942. Outraged by the atrocities, the miners of North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent each gave a month’s wages to help rebuild Lidice after the war.

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Graduating students present their work at our 2012 GradEx event and Art & Design Show

We are committed to putting students at the heart of everything we do and we believe the £10 million upgrade will have a positive impact on the experience of every student who attends our Stoke campus and those of our college partners.

Paul Richards Deputy Vice-Chancellor

Education-led regeneration In May 2012, we announced plans to invest a further £10 million to transform the Stoke campus. Providing additional evidence of our commitment to education-led regeneration, this investment will provide local students with access to facilities that will raise skills levels in the wider community.

The real highlight of the year, however, was the opening of our new £30 million Science Centre in October. Part of the multi-million-pound University Quarter project, the Centre signals our intent to become a place of excellence for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) courses. It also provides incredible learning opportunities for students at our local partner colleges.

Going green We remain committed to good physical and environmental management and were proud to receive the award of a First Class Honours degree in the People and Planet Green League. We were one of only 45 universities nationally to receive this recognition. In order to improve the physical environment around our Stoke campus, we also created large living green walls.

Showcasing skills Our annual GradEx event and Art & Design Show gave graduating students from the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Technology, and the Faculty of Arts, Media and Design the perfect showcase to display their work to peers, family, friends and potential employers. Officially opened by former BBC journalist and presenter, Miriam O’Reilly, this year’s Art & Design Show also included ‘Fringe’ a festival of exciting community events.

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A

YEAR OF

ACHIEVEMENT 2011 • 2012

Every year, our students and staff make a real impact - locally, regionally, nationally and globally. Over the following pages, we highlight just a few of their achievements and activities.

SEPT

Creating something amazing: Fashion Studies student, Charlotte

2011

OCT

Bright Futures for Business School students Staffordshire Bright Futures, our Business School’s new student society, was officially formed in September 2011.

Affiliated to The Bright Futures Society, a not-for-profit organisation linking companies with like-minded students, our group quickly arranged activities and sessions with IBM, Centrica, Bibby Financial Services, KPMG and international law firm, Eversheds.

Just months later, in May 2012, Staffordshire Bright Futures was named ‘Society of the Year’ by a panel of international employers and graduate recruiters at an awards dinner at Nottingham University.

Healthy recognition NHS Consultant in Public Health and Professor of Public Health in Sport & Exercise, Tony Stewart, scooped first prize in the Basis of Medicine category in the British Medical Association’s Medical Books Awards. His book, ‘Basic Statistics and Epidemiology: a Practical Guide’, is core reading for students on our Masters in Public Health award.

Dr Mark Forshaw, Deputy Director of our Centre for Health Psychology, was then recognised for his Outstanding Contribution to the Advancement of Health Psychology by the British Psychological Society.

2011

Top jobs for the girls – in sports journalism Two of our female graduates celebrated big transfer moves in the male dominated world of sports journalism during October 2011.

MA Sports Broadcast Journalism graduate, Emily Croyden, from Lancashire, became a Multi-platform Assistant Producer with BBC Sport, working on flagship programmes such as Match of the Day. BA(Hons) Sports Journalism graduate, Laura Knight, from North London, joined Input Media, a premier European sports production company.

Blood, Sand and Far Horizons Following an invitation from our Head of Journalism, Sarah Rowlands, the BBC’s security correspondent, Frank Gardner OBE, passed on his tips for success in a lecture to our journalism students on 20 October 2011.

Made an honorary doctor of Staffordshire University in 2006, Frank’s career has taken him from filming his own pieces during the liberation of Kuwait to becoming an acknowledged expert on the ‘war on terror’. He has also written two best-selling books: ‘Blood and Sand’ and ‘Far Horizons’.

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SEPT 2011 – AUG 2012

Fortescue

Professor Michael Gunn with colleagues at Shelton College, Singapore

NOV

2011

DEC

MA Film award launches first showcase night Sixteen Staffordshire University filmmakers got the chance to screen their work at the Stoke Film Theatre on 16 November 2011. In the first showcase of films from the MA programme, fellow students and members of the public were treated to an array of diverse short films and trailers, including gritty social drama, light hearted comedy, surreal drama and experimental work.

Former part-time MA Film Production and Visual Cultures student, Nici Preston, commented: “It was really nervewracking, showing my film on the big screen, and exciting at the same time.”

Exploring the links between health and the environment In November 2011 it was announced that a £675,000 research project, to explore the links between the natural environment and health, would be undertaken by Staffordshire University.

Part of a €3.5 million European collaboration, the project will be led by Senior Research Fellow, Dr Chris Gidlow, who plans to spend the next four years researching the psychological and physiological responses people have when exposed to different types of urban and natural environments.

2011

Inspired by Alexander McQueen A fashion student inspired by the tailoring of British designer, Alexander McQueen, scooped a prestigious industry award for her haute couture collection in December 2011.

Charlotte Fortescue, a second year Foundation degree in Fashion Studies student received recognition for her dramatic garments influenced by Dodie Smith’s creation, Cruella de Vil. She said: “They aren’t exactly the sort of clothes you’d find on the high street but everything I do is about tailoring, about creating something that looks amazing on a woman’s figure.”

A world of graduation successes In December 2011, University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Gunn, travelled to Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka to congratulate hundreds of graduates on achieving their Staffordshire University degrees.

At the same time, Executive Pro Vice-Chancellor, Rosy Crehan, visited City University, Hong Kong to congratulate more than 120 students who graduated with Staffordshire University degrees in Computing Science, Business Information Technology and Information Systems.

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Designs on success: High House is a new University-based designer wallpaper business

JAN

2012

FEB

The Hidden Graves of the Holocaust The pioneering research of Lecturer in Forensic Investigation, Dr Caroline Sturdy Colls, formed a major part of a BBC Radio 4 documentary on Monday 23 January.

Respecting Jewish Halacha law, which forbids disturbance of the dead, Caroline and her team have used a range of noninvasive geophysical techniques, such as ground penetrating radar, to uncover new evidence at the former Treblinka death camp in Poland where more than 800,000 Jews perished.

Having his say BSc(Hons) Film Production Technology student, Tom Holmes, won the national promotional poster competition for the National Student Survey. Providing the basis for the survey’s promotional campaign, his imaginative ‘Have your Say’ design was displayed at every university in the country - and seen by millions! For his prize, Tom secured a day working with Ipsos-MORI, the company that administers the NSS. He also received a paid work placement with leading London design agency, hat-trick.

2012

Stoke Your Fires The University played a starring role at Stoke-on-Trent’s ‘Stoke Your Fires’ Film Festival in February. Now in its fifth year, the festival was opened by award-winning Staffordshire University graduate, Chris Stone, with the world premier of ‘Blood and Bone China’, a feature film based on his 12-part Victorian vampire web drama.

Wallpaper with an historical twist Following hot on the heels of Flux, our award-winning ceramic design company, in February 2012 a new University-based designer wallpaper business was announced.

Called High House, in recognition of the inspiring wallpaper fragments found during the restoration of Stafford’s Ancient High House, the company has plans for a range of collections – each with an historical theme. “It’s heritage with a twist,” comments project manager, Kay Dawson.

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SEPT 2011 – AUG 2012

Dr Caroline Sturdy Colls with former BBC World Correspondent, Jonathan Charles

Award-winning graduate, Chris Stone, on the set of ‘Blood and Bone China’

MAR

2012

APR

Olympic support for Team Staffordshire University honorary graduate and Olympic athlete, David Moorcroft OBE, and triple-jump world record holder, Jonathan Edwards CBE, were among a number of high profile speakers at ‘Team Staffordshire’ a conference held in March to highlight Staffordshire’s role in the 2012 Olympics.

Opened by Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Gunn, the conference also featured ‘Farmers on Film: Feeding the Olympic Dream’, a project which involved first year BSc(Hons) Film Production Technology students working with the county’s food producers to highlight their work in the run up to the Olympics.

Appointed to Bank’s Advisory Board Professor of Applied Economics, and Director of our Centre for Applied Business Research, Geoff Pugh, was appointed to the Advisory Board for the Central Bank of Montenegro in March 2012.

In recent years, Geoff has led a number of applied research projects for both public and private sector clients, leading the UK’s contribution to the EU-DG-Research GPrix project – a campaign promoting enterprise across Europe. The month of March also saw Geoff deliver his Inaugural Professorial Lecture – an illuminating, highly enjoyable focus on ‘Rebalancing Britain’s economy’.

2012

KTPs achieve ‘Outstanding’ rating Three Staffordshire University Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) received ‘Outstanding’ ratings by the UK’s Technology Strategy Board.

Gemma Hurst, from our Centre of Sport, Health and Research partnered with NHS Stoke-on-Trent to help drive forward a number of community-led physical activity and healthy eating initiatives. Kenny MacFarlane, an MSc Advanced Technology graduate, worked with Trentham-based Clive Durose Woodturners, to help develop a new business unit for high-value, bespoke products. While BA(Hons) Business Management graduate, Lisa Finney, linked up with Rugeleybased GDM Heat Transfer in a project designed to increase turnover and profitability through a strategic marketing plan.

Universities Week Running from 30 April to 7 May, our events for Universities Week took on an Olympic theme. Among other activities during the week, Events Management and Tourism students organised a conference entitled ‘Time to be in Stoke’, which considered various opportunities to promote our city, particularly in the build up to the London Olympics.

Graduate company, Inspired Film and Video, then previewed a film they had compiled about Staffordshire’s Olympians and current hopefuls.

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Going viral: one million ‘hits’ for final year VFX students

Jim Williams, with his book on typography, Type Matters!

Zohabe Aziz, with his computer game for dementia patients

Dave Hughes, with Business Secretary, Vince Cable

MAY

2012

JUN

2012

Septuagenarian scoops Adult Learner award Returning to education at the spritely age of 70, former Newcastle-under-Lyme College science teacher, Derek Wardle, collected the West Midlands Adult Learner of the Year award at a ceremony in Leicester on 16 May.

National Award from Business Secretary Dave Hughes, a former student on our HND Graphic Design course at Newcastle-under-Lyme College, was named as the ‘VQ Day Learner of the Year 2012 for England’ at a special event held at London’s BAFTA venue on 20 June 2012.

Derek, who completed an MSc Engineering part-time at Staffordshire University, has used his considerable knowledge of renewable energy and biomass to design a lantern that will provide cost-effective lighting for children studying in Malawi, where imported kerosene is too expensive for many families to afford.

Beating off stiff competition from around the country, Dave collected his award from Business Secretary, Vince Cable MP, and former Education Secretary, Lord Baker, who is Chairman of the Edge Foundation, the independent education charity that established VQ Day – a celebration of vocational qualifications.

Rehabilitation of war-wounded soldiers A Staffordshire University research study to improve the rehabilitation of war-wounded veterans through sport, featured in a parliamentary report that was released for Universities Week (30 April – 7 May).

Building a global success On view at our 2012 Art & Design Show, was a film trailer created for the hit movie ‘Inception’. Achieving one million internet ‘hits’ in just seven days, the trailer was the work of seven final year VFX students who each contributed 150 hours to the project. ‘Lego-ising’ iconic scenes from the Oscar-winning film, the trailer went viral within hours of being uploaded to the Vimeo website.

The report, ‘Olympic and Paralympic Games: The impact of Universities’, was launched by the Rt. Hon. David Willetts MP, Minister of State for Universities and Science, at a special event held at the House of Commons.

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SEPT 2011 – AUG 2012

Olympic Gold medallist, Andrew Triggs-Hodge MBE, at the official opening of our new Science Centre

JUL

2012

AUG

Life in Memory Lane BSc(Hons) Computer Games Design graduate and parttime care worker, Zohabe Aziz, sparked global interest at GradEx 2012 when he showcased a computer game specially designed to stimulate people with dementia.

Looking to develop his game, ‘Life in Memory Lane’, in July 2012 Zohabe secured a place on our Business Start-Up Project. Commented Clair Hameed, Programme Manager for Enterprise in our Business School, “Zohabe’s is one of 28 new graduate enterprises to be accepted onto the project.

His business idea is very innovative as well as being of social benefit.”

Under the project, Zohabe will receive a 10-month package of business training, mentoring and support, including grant funding of up to £4,000.

2012

Rowing for gold Staffordshire University graduate and Olympic Gold medallist, Andrew Triggs-Hodge MBE, described himself as “the happiest man in the world” after rowing to victory in the men’s coxless fours at London 2012. Andrew, who claimed his first Olympic gold at Beijing in 2008, took up rowing to keep fit while studying for his science degree.

Black and White… and read all over Senior Lecturer in Graphic Design, Jim Williams, had clear reason to celebrate, when his book on typography, Type Matters!, achieved rave reviews.

Published by Merrell, Type Matters! has been remarkably well received – with Amazon running out of copies the day after publication. The book is described by Jim as “My career in 160 pages: it references people I’ve worked with and learned from.”

Innovation award for the Students’ Union The Students’ Union enjoyed an incredible win at the NUS Awards on 2 July. They collected the coveted Endsleigh Technology Innovation Award for the implementation of an online chat feature to enhance their Advice Service. The award also recognised the outstanding Money Doctors web tool that is also provided by the Students’ Union.

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A WARM

WELCOME Our plans for the future of Staffordshire University require special skills. For that reason, as well as welcoming new staff members across our organisation, during 2011-12, we were also delighted to introduce three new senior colleagues.

Mark Hattersley

Dr Noel Morrison

Georgina Kelly

Mark joined us in April 2012 as Director of Finance and Infrastructure. His responsibilities include: Financial Services, Information Services, Estates and Commercial Services.

Offering more than 25 years’ experience in Higher Education academic administration, Noel joined us in January 2012 as Academic Registrar and Director of Student Experience.

Georgina joined our Senior Leadership Team in January 2012 as Director of Marketing and Public Relations.

A Chartered Accountant who also has a Masters degree in Engineering, Mark was previously Finance Director at Birmingham International Airport.

I believe that my non-sector background will enable me to bring new ideas and experience to the University,” comments Mark, “however I must stress that I do not necessarily believe that the private sector does everything better. My approach is one of openness, engagement and trust. I believe that new ideas often come from within and it is a case of listening and nurturing.

Before coming to Staffordshire University he worked as Academic Registrar at Harper Adams University College and, before that, as Head of Registry at London South Bank University.

I was aware that there was a big change agenda underway at Staffordshire,” says Noel, “and I wanted to be a part of it – and to make a difference to the student experience at the University and the way in which we interact with our student body on a range of fronts.

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Working with colleagues from across the University, she will be instrumental in raising our profile locally, regionally, nationally and globally.

Previously employed as Marketing Director at Warwick Castle and, before that, as Head of Marketing at the Bullring, she offers considerable experience – including brand development, retail marketing and destination marketing.

I feel privileged to be part of an organisation that deserves recognition, not just as a leading and inspirational home to Higher Education, but as a business that is an integral part of the region.

SADLY

MISSED During the year we also said goodbye to two of Staffordshire University’s most valued friends and supporters. Here, they are fondly remembered.

Lady Ann Fender

Lord Ashley of Stoke

On 9 July 2012, we recognised the life of Lady Ann Fender DL, with the posthumous award of Doctor of Staffordshire University.

We were saddened to hear that Lord ‘Jack’ Ashley, Labour Life Peer and our first Chancellor, passed away on 20 April 2012.

Lady Ann, who died in September 2011, was a highly respected figure in the County of Staffordshire where, over many years, she contributed tirelessly to local industry and businesses, charities and the public sector.

She also served as a member of the University’s Board of Governors for more than ten years, holding the position of Deputy Chair from 2009.

As a most trusted, capable and valued Governor and Deputy Chair, Lady Ann helped shape the University we have here today and, just as importantly, helped put us in a strong position to meet the changes that face us in the future.

I found Ann to be a great critical friend. She made a real difference to the University and is sadly missed. However, we are delighted to be bestowing this honour in her memory.

Professor Michael Gunn Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive

The politician, who made his name as the UK’s first deaf MP, retired from the House of Commons in 1992 and was awarded the title Baron Ashley of Stoke in the same year.

During his political career, Jack became a tireless campaigner on many issues, including disability and women’s rights.

Leading tributes from the University, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Gunn, said: “My view is that Jack was one of the great constituency and campaign Members of Parliament of the 20th Century. He did an enormous amount for people with disabilities. He promoted Stoke-on-Trent in many ways.

For me, Jack and Stoke-on-Trent were synonymous.”

I had the privilege to succeed Jack as Chancellor of Staffordshire University and enjoyed the benefit of his good advice and friendship. I was later proud to have him as one of my two sponsors when I was introduced as a Member of the House of Lords.

The Hon. Lord Morris of Handsworth OJ, Chancellor Emeritus

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KEY STATISTICS

OUR

YEAR IN NUMBERS FINANCIAL

PROFILE 2011-2012

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STUDENT

PROFILE 2011-2012

BY STUDY LOCATION Location

Full-time

Part-time

Grand Total

Stoke Campus

6,902

4,720

11,622

Stafford Campus

4,082

3,113

7,195

Lichfield Campus

39

191

230

Telford Hospital

0

66

66

Shrewsbury Hospital

399

150

549

Burton Hospital

0

76

76

Other UK Partners

985

3,577

4,562

Grand Total

12,407

11,893

24,300

By gender By gender

BY GENDER

Female Full-time 22% Female Full-time

Male Full-time Male29% Full-time

22%

29%

Female Part-time Female31% Part-time

Male Part-time Male 18% Part-time

31%

18%

By age

BY AGE By age Under 21 34%21 Under 34%

50+ 5% 50+ 5%

40 - 49 13% 40 - 49 13%

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21 to 29 2131% to 29 31%

30 to 39 3017% to 39 17%

AWARDS CEREMONIES

2012

Graduation Honorary Graduates Our annual Awards Ceremonies provide the opportunity to recognise successful entrepreneurs, business role models and other inspirational figures for their important contributions to our region, social mobility, the University and society in general.

In 2012, we recognised the contributions made by:

Liz Jackson MBE Philip Salt Chief Executive, Salts Healthcare

Chief Executive, Great Guns Marketing

Dawn Gibbins MBE

Lady Ann Fender Posthumous Award

Philanthropist and founder of Flowcrete

Hugh Edwards

Denise Coates CBE

Chairman, Moorcroft Pottery

Joint Chief Executive of BET365

Alan Frankland

Maggie Saxon

Counselling Psychologist

Executive Director of Skillscene

Vijay Aggarwal Chairman, APIIT SD India

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More than 4,000 Staffordshire University graduates received their degrees during our UK Awards Ceremonies in July 2012.

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t: 01782 294000 www.staffs.ac.uk

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