How can social media be used in healthcare? Can we debunk the stigma of male nursing? Why is compassionate care and leadership important?

These are just some of the fascinating topics which will feature in Buckinghamshire Health and Social Care Academy’s Lecture Series event - 10 Lectures Series on the Research and Innovation Supporting the Health and Social Care Workforce.

Buckinghamshire New University’s School of Nursing and Allied Health colleagues will be among the guest speakers in the series, the first event of its kind for the Academy - a non-profit partnership organisation set up by the Buckinghamshire NHS Trust, the Buckinghamshire Council, the Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Bucks New University, University of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire College Group and the Buckinghamshire Training Hub Primary Care.

Professor Nick Braisby, Vice-Chancellor of Bucks, said: “I am delighted that the University has played such an important role in creating the Bucks Health and Social Care Academy, in conjunction with partners across the County, most notably Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust and Buckinghamshire Council.

“The Academy plays a key role in bringing together healthcare and education and training providers to provide health and social care solutions for the people of Buckinghamshire. The Academy will also play a key role in promoting and stimulating research, linking to the University's own Institute of Health and Social Care.

“It is very pleasing to see so many Bucks staff giving lectures in the series, and I hope you are able to support them and engage with the lecture series.”

Bucks’s Senior Lecturers Melanie Hayward, Phill Hoddinott, Sanj Nathoo, and visiting lecturers and honorary graduates Andy Mattin and Yvonne Coghill CBE will all be among those taking to the virtual stage to present.

Melanie, Associate Professor in Education, will be talking to delegates about her research into how the use of social media in higher education revealed a journey of self-discovery and resilience for pre-registered student nurses.

She said: “This lecture will outline my recent study showing that social media could be considered by academics, outside marketing or organisational wide efforts, as an agent to improve retention and facilitate recruitment.”

Associate Professor for Nurse education Phill said: “I’m really excited to be presenting on the BHSCA lecture series alongside the other established expert academics. My lecture will look at the role, importance and barriers men in nursing face. I hope to create some debate around the importance of positive role modelling for men in nursing.

“My interest in this area stems from my own experience over the past 25 years as a man in nursing as well as being a “men in nursing champion” and representing the university within the Men in Nursing Trust.”

As well as being an honorary graduate, Yvonne Coghill CBE is Director of Workforce Race Equality Standard Implementation in NHS England, and Deputy President of the RCN. She will be talking about the recruitment of BAME staff in senior management positions and exploring the importance of compassionate leadership by providing inclusive and caring work communities.

Andy Mattin, former Director of Operations and Nursing at Central and North West London Foundation NHS Trust, and Bucks honorary graduate, will take guests through his varied career from nurse to director, exploring perspectives on training, personal development  and working as a newly registered nurse.

The Lecture Series begins on 2 February, with two lectures airing each week for five weeks. To find out more about each lecture being presented, or to book a space, please visit the BHSCA events page.

There is no limit on the number of lectures you can sign up for, and anyone is welcome.