Staff Summit 2024: Achieving Thrive
Buckinghamshire New University’s (BNU) annual Staff Summit returned for its second year this month, allowing colleagues to come together to expand knowledge networks, share ideas and embark on new and immersive learning experiences.
Sandy Gill, Head of Transformation, and Dr Nicola Shephard, Senior Advisor, hosts of this year’s summit, brought together a range of industry speakers with some coming from across the globe.
Guest speakers included, but aren’t limited to, Michael Jacobs (CMP Solutions), David Bell (Cirencester College), Steve Hoole (University of Surrey), Dr Christopher Trace (University of Surrey), Dr David Attis (EAB), David Bell (Cirencester College) and Paul Kitson (Institute of Customer Service), as well as internal speakers.
With the theme set as Achieving Thrive, the sessions centered on supporting colleagues to reach their maximum potential in their higher education (HE) careers, as well as examining ways we are doing our best by learners in the ever-changing HE landscape.
Read a short summary of some of the keynote sessions below.
Higher Education at a Crossroads – Professor Nick Braisby, Vice-Chancellor at BNU
In the introductory keynote of the summit, ‘Higher Education at a Crossroads’, Professor Nick Braisby talked about the need for governments to address how HE will be funded in the future following the increasing financial pressures of universities in the UK, stating:
“The government need to give a quick cash injection to the universities that really need help, there needs to be a national conversation in sector on how to better meet university priorities, and HE needs a regulator that doesn’t stifle the sector or discourage innovation.”
The Next Decade in Student Health and Wellbeing – Dr David Attis, EAB
In ‘The Next Decade in Student Health and Wellbeing’, David shared eight tactics to meet changing student needs, supported by case studies from Canada and Ireland, saying:
“What we have seen over the last decade has been a recognition of an increase in barriers to success, and the trend over the next few decades will be the scope of support expanding. […] Students want us to understand them and to meet and exceed their needs. Universities need to find the tools to do that in the world of growing expectation.”
Be 10% Braver – Jaz Ampaw, Be Human First Limited
Jaz inspired the entire lecture theatre to ‘Be 10% Braver’ in the penultimate session of the two-day summit. Touching on personal experiences, Jaz encouraged those in attendance to be ‘fear fighters’ and ‘resilience ninja’s’, stating that:
“Being just 10% braver can change the trajectory of your life. Even if its just raising your hand in a meeting, live as if you have nothing to fear and nothing to lose.”
Looking Ahead – Professor Damien Page, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at BNU
In the final keynote of the summit, Professor Damien Page encouraged colleagues not to ‘ignore the potential of the future’ and to be ‘open to change and innovation’, stating:
“We must anticipate the future and be decisive in action. We want to be a university that has new ways of working, that has constantly new ideas. A university so new, so innovative, so inclusive, so consistently excellent that we always punch above our weight in everything we do. That’s the ‘new’ in the sector. We need to exceed the expectations of what a widening participation university is capable of, and I’m certain we can achieve that because we have excellence here."
And a message of thanks from event organiser, Sandy Gill:
“I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in the preparation and delivery of the Staff Summit. Your dedication made this summit a success.
“I’m also in awe of the quality of sessions delivered by our colleagues. Thank you to everyone who decorated stands and engaged in knowledge sharing. It’s been a pleasure serving you over the past two days.
“I’m proud to share that 93% of you found the sessions held valuable, with some feedback saying:
It opened discussions in the classroom about AI
It developed better communication strategies for teaching and learning
Built bravery and confidence
“If there’s anything you heard, or if you have ideas on what BNU should do next or ways we can improve certain ways of working, do reach out to your line manager, myself or get in touch through the employee forum. Let’s continue to drive change and innovate together at BNU.
“Wishing you a great start to the new academic year.”