Latest News and Events
In this section you will find regular news and events updates covering all areas of our work.
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Access Programme and Adult Learner Award Winners
Five outstanding University of Leeds students have been recognised through this year’s Access Programme, Adult Learner and Amit Mehta Awards.
Amy Byard entered the University undertaking the Access to Leeds scheme alongside her A-levels. She has overcome significant personal adversity to make a huge contribution to University life through many different areas, and is also on track to achieve a first-class degree in Broadcast Journalism. We are delighted to have her as this year’s Access Programme Award Winner.
Aishah Beaumont entered the University through an ‘Access to Medicine’ course. She is a single mother to two young daughters but, despite having to combine part-time work with her intensive medical degree, she still finds time to act as a mentor to other potential adult learners who wish to follow in her footsteps. She has been recognised with the panel’s ‘Special Commendation’ in the Access Programme Award category.
Returning to education as a mature student to read Medicine was a huge commitment for Collette Stadler, who is self-financing and undertakes part-time work alongside her course along with an incredible amount of voluntary work to help others. She is a well-rounded, high-achieving and enthusiastic member of medical school and a committed student doctor who contributes highly to the profession and grasps every opportunity fully. We are very happy to name her as the 2011 Adult Learner Award Winner.
Richard was tragically widowed at a young age and left with two young children; now remarried and a father to four he manages to juggle his significant domestic duties and his course in Criminology and Criminal Justice with acting as his course rep on the Staff-Student committee and being an intern for the Streetlaw project. He was recognised with the panel’s ‘Special Commendation’ in the Adult Learner Award category.
Max Preston has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and ADD and is a wheelchair user. He entered the University as a mature student following the death of his mother. Last year, as part of work experience on his Broadcast Journalism degree, he worked as an on-air reporter for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio Leeds, on which he has continued to serve as a news analyst for student and disability-related stories. Max has never let his physical disabilities get in the way of the pursuit of his studies and we are proud to have him as the 2011 winner of the Amit Mehta Prize.
The awards were presented by Professor Vivien Jones, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching, at a lunchtime ceremony in May. Professor Jones said “This is one of my favourite annual events because it gives proper recognition to those students who have overcome all kinds of difficulties to be here. Their courage and determination is a fantastic example to all of us, as well as a great testimony to Leeds’s commitment to providing world class education to students from every background.” The winners and Special Commendation awardees all received a cheque and a certificate. Certificates have also been given to the short-listed nominees, to mark their significant personal achievements.
Leeds for Life Citizenship Award – Winners Announced
Some of the extraordinary achievements of Leeds student volunteers were celebrated at the 2011 LeedsforLife Citizenship Awards ceremony on 4 May.
Introducing the awards to the audience of staff, students, alumni, and public and private sector representatives, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Student Education, Professor Vivien Jones, said that the volunteers recognised by the awards represented just the tip of the iceberg. Every year, over 2,000 students get involved in projects supported by the University, LUU societies, the Volunteering and Community Office, Action and RAG fundraising. Professor Jones said: "Our aim is to support the development of outstanding graduates who have gained valuable experiences and an ability to confidently articulate their own skills development through a range of activities. Volunteering forms part of this key offer to our students. We want our students to go forward into the world and continue to make a positive impact."
Commenting on the nominations, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Arthur, said: "I personally feel humbled by these amazing young people who, despite significant academic and social commitments, still find the time and dedication to support others. As we enter challenging times for the sector as a whole, the University has a firm commitment to LeedsforLife and the student experience. We know the value of our students' contribution to society and we firmly believe in sustaining our support for students to take part in a wide range of activities that will bring their skills, passions, interests and creativity to bear on wider society."
To view the shortlist brochure click here
To view the volunteering film click here
The winners and shortlisted nominees in each category were:
Project of the year Award
Looked After Children Mentoring Scheme
(Winner) Supporting 110 student mentors in recent years to work with young people in care, helping to raise their confidence, support their studies, and provide role models
Everest Base Camp
Celine Wo, Katie Louden, Victoria Strawson
Marks in Time Project
Access and Community Engagement
Outstanding Contribution
Harry Coleman
(Joint winner) Work for Homed, recruiting and co-ordinating student volunteers supporting the homeless in Leeds, and for Action's Easter and Summer Holiday projects taking local children away for a break away from the city
Jane Mitchell
(Joint winner) Hospital work in Bihar, India, a voluntary sector centre supporting over 5 million people
Ben Fisher
(Joint winner) As outgoing President of Action, work including creating new volunteering opportunities through LUU societies, training students in child protection work, and working with LUU societies to establish new projects
Adam Whybro
(Joint winner) Contribution to the Looked After Children Mentoring scheme, supporting trips and setting up a network of undergraduate mentors
Community Award
Law's Community Work
Travis Finlayson, David McCluskey, Jayne Murphy, Dashini Ramrous and Amarjit Rayat (Winners) - a range of community legal projects, including a free legal advice service and activities to raise awareness of the law amongst disadvantaged young people.
Outdoor Mix
Jemima Heap and Natalie Tui
Social Responsibility in Action
Jennifer Shaw
Education Award
Student Action for Refugees
Elizabeth Lowenstein (Winner) - leadership of a local action group aimed at raising awareness of and campaigning on issues affecting refugees and asylum seekers.
Student mentors
Harriet Endley and Nick Verrill
The School Reps Project
Laura Elson and Lisa Burton
LeedsforLife Foundation Award
Drug Rehabilitation Research
Emma Schroder (Winner) - a challenging trip to Nepal to research drug rehabilitiation services in the country
Perceptions of Leprosy
Jessica Gutjar
Playground Project
Katie Walsh
Sport and Wellbeing Award
Action Windsurfing
Rahim Kheraj, Harry Roberts and Ben Fisher (Winners) - a project to teach young people from inner city schools and at risk of being "not in education, training or employment" to windsurf
Green Streets
Emma Trevakiss
RAG Bike to Berlin
Laura Evans, Jo Sawkins, Peter Renvoize and Craig McColl
MARKS & SPENCER PUBLIC LECTURE
‘Protecting and Enhancing the Reputation of a National Icon’
Dominic Fry, M&S Director of Communications and Investor Relations
Discover how public relations has helped win the support and appreciation of Marks and Spencer’s customers over the last 127 years. Dominic Fry, M&S Director of Communications and Investor Relations looks at the challenges of life in the public eye - past and present - for the nation's most trusted retailer. How does a business that exists by public permission win the public's trust time after time?
Date: Thursday 17th March, 2011
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Venue: stage@leeds, University of Leeds
To register your place at the event, please contact Sarah Stephenson on
0113 3434072 or email s.stephenson@adm.leeds.ac.uk
Leeds for Life Citizenship Awards - Nominations open
On 4 May the University of Leeds will host the 2011 Leeds for Life Citizenship Awards Ceremony. This special event will recognise and celebrate the achievements of students who have made a valuable contribution to society through activities such as volunteering and accredited placements. It is also an opportunity to showcase many of the projects that are making a positive impact locally, nationally and internationally.
Deadline for applications is Friday 18th March. If you would like to download a nomination form click here.
CATEGORIES
Community Award - recognising projects that have made a difference to a community locally, nationally or internationally
Education Award - recognising the difference an individual or group has made to educational achievement.
Leeds for Life Foundation Award - recognising an outstanding individual or project supported by the Leeds for Life Foundation grants.
Sport and Wellbeing Award – recognising an individual or group who has made a significant contribution delivering sport, health and wellbeing projects.
Project of the Year Award - celebrating the outstanding project in all categories (Judges will select from all of above).
Outstanding Contribution Award – (Judges will select from all of above).
RULES
- The closing date for the receipt of nominations is Friday 18th March 2011.
- Anyone is free to nominate one or more University of Leeds students or projects.
- Candidates must have been a full-time or part-time student at the University of Leeds at the time of the activity.
- Students who have undertaken activity as part of accredited degree modules are eligible to apply but paid placements are not accepted.
- The activity must have taken place (in full or in part) within the academic year 2010-2011.
- The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
Take Part in the Vision for Leeds
Can you help shape the future of Leeds?
The Vision for Leeds 2010
The University is supporting a city-wide consultation on the future of Leeds.
Leeds Initiative have produced a public consultation document, ‘What if Leeds …’, your chance to shape the long-term future of the city. A website www.whatifleeds.org has been set up where you can join a discussion forum, ask questions, give your views and complete an online survey. You can also join the debate through twitter, facebook and linkedin.
In addition Leeds Initiative will host a seminar in the Woodhouse Room, University House from 12.30-1.30 on Friday 12th November followed by a drop in session until 3pm for staff to ask further questions. If you would like to attend the seminar please register your interest by emailing Amanda Jackson a.m.jackson@leeds.ac.uk
M&S public lecture - ' Lingerie, supporting women since 1926' 5th November 2010
M&S Head of Lingerie Design Soozie Jenkins
Soozie Jenkinson will take centre stage at the University of Leeds on Friday 5th November, to give a free, public talk “M&S Lingerie: Supporting Women Since 1926”.
With one in three women in the UK wearing an M&S bra, the lecture will provide an insight into how the company has shaped its business and will chart the evolution of lingerie for the leading British retailer. The talk will highlight the important role of technology within M&S’s most innovative products and how the company is committed to ethical trading through initiatives such as the establishment of an eco-factory in Sri Lanka.
The lecture launches the second series of Marks in Time lectures, a programme of informative talks delivered by M&S executives and University of Leeds academics.
To register your place at the event, please contact Sarah Stephenson at the University on 0113 343 4072 or 0113 343 3378 or email s.stephenson@adm.leeds.ac.uk.
Access Programme and Adult Learner Award Winners
Four outstanding University of Leeds students have been recognised during this year’s Access Programme and Adult Learner Awards: Shaun Barker-Newton, Joshua Quarrie, Rebecca Richardson and Phillip Mars.
The awards were presented by Professor Vivien Jones, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching, at a lunchtime ceremony in May. Professor Jones said “This is one of my favourite annual events because it gives proper recognition to those students who have overcome all kinds of difficulties to be here. Their courage and determination is a fantastic example to all of us, as well as a great testimony to Leeds’s commitment to providing world class education to students from every background.”
Shaun, this year’s Access Programme Award Winner, was unable to follow a university career upon leaving college and took a job to support himself; however he held a passion for fashion design. Now at university, Shaun has worked long hours throughout his studies and it is his tenacity, coupled with his excellent grades mean we are delighted to have him as this year’s Access Programme Award Winner.
Joshua Quarrie was recognised with the panel’s ‘Special Commendation’ in the Access Programme Award category.
Rebecca Richardson is in the final year of an English Law with American Legal Studies. Leaving school at 16 with extremely limited prospects she experienced some very harrowing times and at 20 she decided to seek help. In 2004, she began studying for her A-levels. Despite giving birth to her two children during this period, she did sufficiently well to gain a place to study here at Leeds. Rebecca’s academic career has been characterised by not only excellent academic results but also a devotion to helping others through her voluntary work. We are proud to name her as the 2010 Adult Learner Award Winner.
Phillip Mars is was recognised with the panel’s ‘Special Commendation’ in the Adult Learner Award category.
Leeds for Life Citizenship Awards
The University held its Leeds for life Citizenship Awards on the 29th April. As part of the ceremony a short film was commissioned to highlight some of the work undertaken over the last 12 months.
The Leeds for Life Citizenship Awards celebrates the significant commitment and achievements of students in the last year supporting communities all over the world. Each year the University of Leeds and Leeds University Union support more than 2,000 students to engage in voluntary work or accredited placements.
The winners from the 2010 Leeds for Life Citizenship Awards include a project in which a student ran workshops for young people with cancer in Leeds; a programme to educate young people about sex and relationships and a scheme to tidy and upkeep the Woodhouse Ridge area of Leeds.
Around 150 guests, including students, staff, representatives from voluntary, public and private sector partners including Santander, Arup, NPower, Pinsents, Groundwork and City Councillors attended a special event in the University's Great Hall on Thursday (April 29) evening.
Professor Vivien Jones, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching, said: "I am enormously proud of the scale and breadth of our students' contribution to society; from supporting our local communities and applied community-based research to international volunteering activities, all of which help promote our University's shared values of community, integrity and inclusiveness.
"Volunteering and placements are a key element of our Leeds for Life scheme which helps students make the most of all aspects of their Leeds experience. Leeds for Life values both the academic and co-curricular provision for our students and supports them in taking the opportunities and developing the skills and experiences that will prepare them in the best possible way for life beyond graduation."
Nine Awards were handed out on the night - Education, Community, Environment, Health, Leeds for Life Foundation, Sport, Partnership Project, Project of the Year and the Outstanding Contribution to Society.
The winners are:
Leeds for Life Foundation Award
Hannah Ostapjuk - Art Workshop at St James' Hospital.
Hannah ran a weekly art workshop for teenagers and young adults with cancer in Leeds. She was aware that art has long been used as an aid to health and well-being and her workshops provided education, entertainment and a therapeutic outlet for the patients. This was an extremely challenging environment and Hannah worked tirelessly to maintain enthusiasm and create sessions that brought the patients together to build a supportive network. Hannah's intention was to produce a book of artwork to sell and raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Education Award
Katherine Hamilton - Hollybush Primary School.
"Fantastic, committed and fabulous" are the words used by staff at Hollybush Primary School to describe tutor Katherine. She is looked upon as a member of staff and also volunteers over and above the requirements of her placement. Katherine has become part of the school and supports school trips, comes in early to find out what the teachers need and stays behind to provide valuable feedback. The children love having Katherine in the classroom and she has developed a great relationship with them.
Sports Award
Crispin Fu and Niamh Stack - Outdoor Mix
Crispin and Niamh run an Action project called Outdoor Mix which takes young people referred from social services away for a weekend of adventure. These two students co-ordinate a further 30 students who work to support the project and have donated over 1,000 hours of time to it. Activities include caving, climbing, horse riding and canoeing. Many of these young people would probably never have the opportunity to experience weekends like this and the two students provide a valuable service to some of the city's most disengaged young people.
Health and Wellbeing awards
Alice Wood - Sexpression
Sexpression educates young people in sex and relationship issues and aims to empower young people to make informed choices about their reproductive health. Healthcare students deliver sessions to small groups, creating a relaxed environment to learn about sexual health and broach sensitive topics. Sexpression has taught over 300 school children this year and also worked with other partners including supporting World Aids Day. The group are now expanding their work and collaborating with the Terrence Higgins Trust.
Community Award
Sara MacDermot - Bridge the Gap
Bridge the Gap is a fantastic project supported by a group of committed volunteers and led by Sara. Each week the volunteers spend time with older people in a care home. The students chat to the residents, play bingo and have quizzes. Sara has co-ordinated 14 visits this year with between 5 and 10 students attending each session giving over 100 hours of contact time. Sara has led all aspects of the project including budgeting, risk assessments and activities for the older people to enjoy and they look forward to the students visiting.
Partnership Award
Clare Oliver and Adedoyin Jaiyesimi - School of Law Legal Advice Clinic
The legal advice clinic is a partnership between the School of Law and four law firms; Ford and Warren, Henry Hyams, Graham Stowe Bateson and McKay solicitors. Students work alongside solicitors providing free legal advice clinics for the local community. The principle aim is to provide professional and reliable support to those most in need. This year 81 people were supported by the partnership and were interviewed to discuss their legal requirements.
Environment Award
Helena Bates representing Leeds Conservation Volunteers for Woodhouse Ridge Project
The Woodhouse Ridge is a pocket of woodland in a densely populated part of Leeds and is a popular walking route for local people. The Conservation Volunteers committee has a dedicated group of 30 volunteers who are increasing the bio-diversity of the area by planting wild flowers, building a pond and platform, clearing invasive species and planting to extend the oak woodland. They help to educate local people about conservation and gardening and successfully secured £3,000 from Green Prints to undertake the work. Volunteers have given over 800 hours of their time since November.
Project of the Year
Green Streets
Now in its third year, this project was developed by students who were concerned about the amount of usable goods being thrown away when students left the city. The project is now a national award winning re-use scheme which collects reusable goods from Halls of Residence as well as 10,000 homes across Inner North West Leeds. 10,000 volunteer hours last year enabled 21 tonnes of goods to be diverted from landfill, sorted and then sent to different places. Many items such as duvets, sheets and pillows are sent to hostels and homeless shelters, whilst other goods are given away at free shops set up in community centres and the Union.
Outstanding Contribution to Society
Abi Foster
Abi is a prolific volunteer with a genuine passion and commitment to supporting others. She was a mentor in local schools and then became a lead mentor using her experience to guide and support other students taking on the role. She also led and delivered a children's area at the ParkLife community event providing face painting, games and other activities for young people. Abi planned all the logistics, resources and activities for the day. Recently, Abi was a team leader for the social responsibility in action project developing the risk assessments, acquiring the resources and leading a team of students and external volunteers in cleaning up a run down estate in Leeds.
Dissemination of progression to post 16 and HE in Inner South Leeds
Headlined by Secretary of State, Hilary Benn MP, the University hosted an event on 4 December to share the findings of the progression to post 16 and higher education research project. Funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England the conference explored the views and experiences of young people, parents and teachers in relation to understanding and knowledge of educational progression and opportunities. In an inner city area, characterised by social and economic disadvantage, the research makes some surprising and insightful findings which challenge pervading stereotypes. For more information click here
Event - Progression to post 16 and HE in Inner South Leeds
The University will host an event to share the findings of the progression to post 16 and higher education research project. The conference will be held at Tiger 11 in Beeston from 10.30 on Friday 4th December.
Funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England and headlined by Secretary of State, Hilary Benn MP, the conference will explore the views and experiences of young people, parents and teachers in relation to understanding and knowledge of educational progression and opportunities. In an inner city area, characterised by social and economic disadvantage, the research makes some surprising and insightful findings which challenge pervading stereotypes.
The research findings will be followed by a series of practical recommendations which aim to ensure that all young people in the area, who have potential to benefit from higher education, are given the opportunity to do so. The findings relate to Inner South Leeds but are readily transferable to other areas of the city, region or country.
If you would like to join us contact Jenny Irvince on j.irvine@adm.leeds.ac.uk or telephone 0113 3437654 to confirm your attendance.
Amazing V- volunteer winners
The vinvolvedLeeds team at the University alongside our partners in the Youth Service and Learning Partnerships have won a staggering six regional awards for our volunteers' achievements. Over 700 nominations were submitted for the regional heats and our winners include:
- Bridge Award (community cohesion)- Rupert and Phil for Parklife - the event run by two of our recent alumni brought together 3,000 people to support community cohesion in Leeds
- Transform Award (changing the lives of others) - Frankie Hayes supported the charity blind in business by mentoring a blind young person to aspire and ultimately achieve a place at University
- Fresh Award (dedicating time and talent) - Freddie Herring was a NEET young person in Leeds who has transformed his own life and dedicated his talents as a urban artist to support local charities.
Learning Partnerships have also won 3 regional awards for their volunteers, namely:
- Legend Award outstanding leadership - Neil Fowkes Student Union President at Leeds College of Technology
- Shout Award (campaigning) - Phil Hall for his work for No to Knives
- Staff - Abi Horsfield is an inspirational youth trainer who works with us on the V project
Three finalists from each category will go forward to the National Awards at the O2 Arena later this year.
The bigVbus Stops at Leeds
We all know volunteering looks awesome on your CV and that’s why vinvolvedLeeds is making sure that the bigvbus stops off at Leeds University to ease your credit crunch blues. On the 13th and 14th October, the bus will be outside Leeds University Union, after making appearances at T4 on the beach, Relentless Boardmasters and Leeds Festival.
The bigvbus will be visiting the University so that you can find out just how easy it is to get involved in volunteering and make sure that your CV stands out from the crowd. With information on v’s volunteering accreditation scheme where you can gain nationally recognised certificates for all your hard work. On board the bus you will be able to go on vinspired.com and search for short term or part time volunteering opportunities you would like to be part of, talk to vinvolvedLeeds staff and volunteers about their experiences of volunteering and use facilities such as the vinspired blog, video editing suite and green screen or digital cameras to tell the world about what you have found out.
Volunteering is not just about your CV though, it’s about fun and meeting new people so VinvolvedLeeds are also offering you the chance to try it out and make a difference to your city on the day with some super-short-term tasters, from making seed bombs and money boxes to cake decorating or giving your views on volunteering for a short film. The cake decoration will also have the added feel good factor as all proceeds that are raised are being donated to the Sick Children’s Trust to help move lifelimited children to a new wing in the Leeds General Infirmary.
Do yourself a favour; come find the bigvbus outside the Union on 13th and 14th October!
Please contact Anna Rexon, vproject assistant for more information: 0113 3437495 a.rexon@adm.leeds.ac.uk
Marks in Time Lecture Series September 2009 - April 2010
The University of Leeds and Marks & Spencer present a series of talks to celebrate the start of the exciting collaboration between one of Britain’s leading retailers and one of Britain’s leading universities.
Headlined by Sir Stuart Rose, each lecture will have a different theme and a different presenter. Speakers include Steve Sharp, M&S Marketing Director, Richard Gillies, M&S Plan A Director and Matt Stringer, M&S Head of International Operations, along with academic experts in fashion, corporate social responsibility, and economic
history.
Talks are free and open to all.
Full details of all lectures in the series will follow shortly.