Developing Practice - University of Liverpool

In this Making an Impact Special we chat with Sarah and Alys about how blogging can be a powerful communication tool.

Sarah Arrowsmith has been a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Liverpool since 2010.  Before Covid Sarah could be found in the laboratory carrying out wet-lab experiments focused on understanding uterine contractions to find novel treatments for preterm birth or slow to progress labours.  Since the closure of laboratories due to COVID however, Sarah has been working from home on a very different project investigating the impact of COVID-19 on different research groups within the university, with a focus on equality, diversity, and inclusivity.

Sarah is a keen baker and cake decorator. She enjoys spending weekends with her 3-year-old daughter in the kitchen who, along with her husband, enjoys eating all the sweet treats.  During lockdown, Sarah took up running (to help burn off those cake calories!) and completed a 10K last October. Covid-permitting she hopes to run another this year and gain a new personal best.

Alys Kay has worked with Postgraduate Researchers in UK Universities for 11 years, as a facilitator and coach, specializing in personal and professional development. Alys is also a creative practitioner of socially engaged art, and has worked on many community projects facilitating storytelling and photography. During the pandemic Alys was part of a project that supported 1st, 2nd and 3rd Generation African Caribbean individuals to write and share their stories about the legacy of the Windrush Migration. Alys believes in the power of stories, as a tool of self-discovery, a way to make sense of the world and to engage the hearts and minds of others. She is currently developing a number of written pitches for personal essays/podcasts of her own which she is planning to turn into a side hustle in the near future.

Alys enjoys seeking out experiences that push her out of her comfort zone, and has taken up online laughter yoga during the pandemic. She is also a podcast addict, and documentary–aholic, avid reader of creative non-fiction and has been indulging this as much as possible, whilst cuddling a cat or two. Alys spends lots of time on weekends rough and tumbling with her kids, getting trampoline lessons off her youngest and facilitating (and scoffing!) the baking of chocolate stuff.

The Academy’s Developing Practice Podcast is produced by The Academy, University of Liverpool.  The role of the Academy is to promote and enable organisational excellence through the strategic development of the University’s people and practices.  The podcast hosts Matt Davis and Alex Owen are based in the Academy.  Matt is an Organisational Developer and Alex is an Academic Developer.  To find out more about the work of The Academy check out: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/the-academy/

Reading List:

https://rl.talis.com/3/liverpool/lists/7CAED93D-01E3-077F-01B8-72B27A00F8F2.html?lang=en-US&login=1#3e1b19b3-3724-4af8-a769-4c7997325e2b

Music & FX:

This podcast uses sounds from https://freesound.org/s/417560/ and music from https://www.purple-planet.com/

In this Making an Impact Special we chat with Billy, Helen and Claire about how to keep global connections in a world with less travel and how virtual and hybrid techniques can support international collaboration.

Dr Billy Mitchell joined the University of Liverpool in 2016 and leads on support for global challenges research and international partnerships. He has presented at INORMS 2018, ARMA 2017, and Auril (Association for University Research and Industry Links) 2017.

Helen Carlin is International Partnerships Manager at the University of Liverpool, leading on partnerships in India and the Americas. She leads on UoL’s institutional partnerships with the University of Georgia in the US.

Prof Claire Taylor is Gilmour Chair of Spanish and Professor of Hispanic Studies at the University of Liverpool. She is a specialist in Latin American culture, with a particular interest in two main areas: literary and cultural genres being developed online by Latin(o) Americans; and memory studies, memory practices and transitional justice contexts in Latin America, especially Colombia.

The Academy’s Developing Practice Podcast is produced by The Academy, University of Liverpool.  The role of the Academy is to promote and enable organisational excellence through the strategic development of the University’s people and practices.  The podcast hosts Matt Davis and Alex Owen are based in the Academy.  Matt is an Organisational Developer and Alex is an Academic Developer.  To find out more about the work of The Academy check out: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/the-academy/

Reading List:

https://rl.talis.com/3/liverpool/lists/7CAED93D-01E3-077F-01B8-72B27A00F8F2.html?lang=en-gb&login=1#c1ae72cc-96df-4e5c-a9ec-474024d8818e

Music & FX:

This podcast uses sounds from https://freesound.org/s/417560/ and music from https://www.purple-planet.com/

In this podcast we chat with Tony about the pressures of leading a local authority through a pandemic together with ever decreasing funding.

Tony Oakman is Chief Executive at Bolton Council. Primarily his role is to create the conditions for inclusive prosperity, growth and connectivity.  Born in London he currently lives 20 minutes away from Bolton.  Tony describes his career as follows: “Over time I hope I have made a difference, been authentic, inspired people and had fun and whatever it takes.”  Tony is happily married with three adult children and spends most of his time walking his two dogs, Cherry and Frankie.

The Academy’s Developing Practice Podcast is produced by The Academy, University of Liverpool.  The role of the Academy is to promote and enable organisational excellence through the strategic development of the University’s people and practices.  The podcast hosts Matt Davis, Organisational Developer and Alex Owen, Academic Developer are based in the Academy.  To find out more about the work of The Academy check out: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/the-academy/

Reading List: https://rl.talis.com/3/liverpool/lists/7CAED93D-01E3-077F-01B8-72B27A00F8F2.html?lang=en-US&login=1#80b8fa88-ab14-4fcb-81da-800f6d87d993

Music & FX: This podcast uses sounds from https://freesound.org/s/417560/ and music from https://www.purple-planet.com

In this podcast we chat with Emma Moore about how she navigated through a challenging year of the pandemic and continued to develop the peer led careers service.

Emma Moore is the University’s Director of Careers and Employability. In 2018 Emma re-imagined careers and employability delivery on campus, opening the UK’s first Career Studio – a peer to peer, experiential delivery space run by students, for students empowered by careers professionals. Emma has worked at the University for over 20 years in a variety of different roles. Emma is passionate about students as partners, positive action employability initiatives to improve social mobility and using new tech to enhance employability interactions. In her spare time Emma enjoys food, wine and good company and is very much looking forward to the end of lockdown as she has realised what a large role bars, restaurants and friends play in making her life fun!

The Academy’s Developing Practice Podcast is produced by The Academy, University of Liverpool.  The role of the Academy is to promote and enable organisational excellence through the strategic development of the University’s people and practices.  The podcast hosts Matt Davis, Organisational Developer and Alex Owen, Academic Developer are based in the Academy.  To find out more about the work of The Academy check out: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/the-academy/

Reading List: https://rl.talis.com/3/liverpool/lists/7CAED93D-01E3-077F-01B8-72B27A00F8F2.html?lang=en-US&login=1#2c565245-d111-48ab-b8ed-24c74a5bd109

Music & FX: This podcast uses sounds from https://freesound.org/s/417560/ and music from https://www.purple-planet.com

In this podcast we discuss how Claire has used hybrid working practices during the various stages of her career and how we can apply them to today’s situation.

Claire is Organisational Development Manager at Plus Dane Housing, a Housing Association based in Cheshire and Merseyside.

Claire started her working life back in the late 80's as a Research Technician at Sheffield University before relocating to the north-west and joining United Utilities. Whilst there, she moved from the laboratory into HR and OD after becoming involved in a large change project and, ended up being responsible for senior management succession and development across the group. Claire became self-employed after she left and set up a small consultancy with a friend and fellow OD practitioner. Over the next ten years she worked with a range of organisations including in the NHS, education, regional development, environmental charities and housing. In 2014 she moved back into employment at the National Union of Students, running their HR Support Unit for nearly five years. Next she worked in the Academy at Liverpool University implementing two new senior leadership development programmes before joining Plus Dane Housing in summer 2020. Throughout all of this, she has always aimed to take a practical approach to OD - something which helps people to grow and supports organisations in their specific context.

Claire lives on the Wirral with her husband, John. Outside of work she loves cooking, yoga, plants and travel – plus a bit of shopping.

The Academy’s Developing Practice Podcast is produced by The Academy, University of Liverpool.  The role of the Academy is to promote and enable organisational excellence through the strategic development of the University’s people and practices.  The podcast hosts Matt Davis, Organisational Developer and Alex Owen, Academic Developer are based in the Academy.  To find out more about the work of The Academy check out: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/the-academy/

Reading List: https://rl.talis.com/3/liverpool/lists/7CAED93D-01E3-077F-01B8-72B27A00F8F2.html?lang=en-US&login=1#2c565245-d111-48ab-b8ed-24c74a5bd109

Music & FX: This podcast uses sounds from https://freesound.org/s/417560/ and music from https://www.purple-planet.com

In this podcast we discuss some of the research related to endometriosis and our colleagues’ experiences of supporting women with the condition.

Professor Dharani Hapangama is a gynaecologist working at the Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool. Professor Dharani leads a translational research group working on Peri-conceptional research, endometrial proliferative disease such as 'endometriosis' and 'endometrial cancer', normal regeneration of the human endometrium, endometrial epithelial stem cells and telomerase/telomere biology.

Dr Nicola Tempest is currently working as an Academic Clinical Lecturer at the University of Liverpool/ Liverpool Women`s Hospital. She is interested in the endometrial epithelium, stem cells, the histoarchitecture of the endometrium and the endometrium in implantation. Ongoing research projects include alternative treatments for chronic pelvic pain, exercise and reproduction, proteins involved in implantation, 3D reconstruction, repurposing of drugs for endometriosis and the progression of endometriosis.

Dr Manou Kaur is a consultant Gynaecological Surgeon, Robotic lead benign gynae, Co-lead Endometriosis Services at Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust. Manou is Gynaecologist specialised in Complex Pelvic Surgeries - Open abdominal, Robotic, Laparoscopic and hysteroscopic and is passionate in elevating Women’s Health and focused on individualised, patient centred care.

Dr Alison Maclean is an Academic Clinical Fellow and Specialty Registrar in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, at the Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust. Dr Alison Maclean’s research interest is in the endometrium, and associated diseases, specifically adenomyosis, which will be the focus of her upcoming 3-year research fellowship, funded by the Medical Research Council.

The Academy’s Developing Practice Podcast is produced by The Academy, University of Liverpool.  The role of the Academy is to promote and enable organisational excellence through the strategic development of the University’s people and practices.  The podcast hosts Matt Davis, Organisational Developer and Alex Owen, Academic Developer are based in the Academy.  To find out more about the work of The Academy check out: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/the-academy/

Click here for the Reading List

Music & FX:

This podcast uses sounds from https://freesound.org/s/417560/ and music from https://www.purple-planet.com

In the podcast we discuss the impact that Endometriosis has had on Gemma and Ula’s lives and some of the ways we, as colleagues working in HE, could support those suffering from the condition.

Dr Gemma Ahearne is a University Teacher in Criminology based in the School of Law and Social Justice. Dr Gemma Ahearne is a committed activist, teacher and researcher within the sex industry, and her involvement in this area spans almost twenty years. Dr Gemma Ahearne is committed to innovative pedagogical approaches particularly since being diagnosed with Dyslexia in October 2020. Living with various disabilities Dr Gemma Ahearne is keen to explore inclusive ways of working and learning that build on individual strengths and respect differences. In addition to the above, Dr Gemma Ahearne runs a popular Criminology blog with over 6300 subscribers at www.plasticdollheadswordpress.com where her broad range of interests is discussed. Dr Gemma Ahearne can also be followed on twitter @princessjack.

Dr Ula McClurg is a tenure track fellow in the department of molecular physiology and cell signalling at the University of Liverpool Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology where she opened her laboratory 2 years ago. Ula’s group focuses on discovering how cells regulate the switching off of reproductive genes after fertilisation and why this process is commonly disregulated in cancer. Ula is also passionate about normalising disability in STEM, which is why she opened up about her disability after starting her tenure track. Ula’s goal is to make academia an inclusive environment for disabled scientists and she is actively involved in a disabled in STEM mentoring networks.

The Academy’s Developing Practice Podcast is produced by The Academy, University of Liverpool.  The role of the Academy is to promote and enable organisational excellence through the strategic development of the University’s people and practices.  The podcast hosts Matt Davis, Organisational Developer and Alex Owen, Academic Developer are based in the Academy.  To find out more about the work of The Academy check out: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/the-academy/

Click here for the Reading List

Music & FX:

This podcast uses sounds from https://freesound.org/s/417560/ and music from https://www.purple-planet.com

In this podcast we introduce and discuss the condition Endometriosis which affects the lives of women, both in their personal life and in the workplace. We will be discussing what endometriosis is and the facts around the condition, tips for getting a diagnosis, tips for managing the condition, and busting the myths around Endometriosis.

Faye Fathering is the Campaigns & Communications Manager for Endometriosis UK and manages the organization's media and campaigning work – which has included working with the BBC to interview over 10,000 people with the disease and working with MPs to launch an Inquiry in Parliament. She’s passionate about ensuring those with endometriosis have a voice and that care is improved.

The Academy’s Developing Practice Podcast is produced by The Academy, University of Liverpool.  The role of the Academy is to promote and enable organisational excellence through the strategic development of the University’s people and practices.  The podcast hosts Matt Davis, Organisational Developer and Alex Owen, Academic Developer are based in the Academy.  To find out more about the work of The Academy check out: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/the-academy/

Click here for the Reading List

Music & FX:

This podcast uses sounds from https://freesound.org/s/417560/ and music from https://www.purple-planet.com

In this podcast we hear about the model for building communities of practice that Monica has developed and how this model took off to support colleagues to work with Microsoft Teams during the pandemic.

Dr Monica Chavez is an Educational Developer at the Centre for Innovation in Education. She has a PhD in applied linguistics from the School of English in the field of scientific writing across cultures and the inequalities of academic writing across the social sciences. Monica has taught internationally in Mexico and Hong Kong. She won a University of Liverpool Learning & Teaching Fellowship due to her contributions to support teaching and learning with her 'champions model'. Her interests include communities of practice for education, decolonising the curriculum and digital storytelling as an assessment. See her full profile here.

The Academy’s Developing Practice Podcast is produced by The Academy, University of Liverpool.  The role of the Academy is to promote and enable organisational excellence through the strategic development of the University’s people and practices.  The podcast hosts Matt Davis, Organisational Developer and Alex Owen, Academic Developer are based in the Academy.  To find out more about the work of The Academy check out: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/the-academy/

Click here for the Reading List

Music & FX:

This podcast uses sounds from https://freesound.org/s/417560/ and music from https://www.purple-planet.com

In this podcast we hear about how over the last year Steven successfully moved his highly engaging classroom development into a solely online experience while maintaining his excellent feedback form participants.

The owner of a consultancy company that bears his name Steven Talbot prides himself on delivering development activities that lead to sustained behaviour change. His career has found him working with the most vulnerable people in society and therefore his approach is always people focussed.

Steven worked in various settings in and around the public sector which always enabled him to be on the front line. He uses this experience to now delivery relevant and challenging development activities. In 2018 Steven started his own consultancy company which has won contracts with local governments, emergency services and Universities in the midlands and north west.  In this podcast we discuss some of the challenges and opportunities of pivoting to online learning and development facilitation.

The Academy’s Developing Practice Podcast is produced by The Academy, University of Liverpool.  The role of the Academy is to promote and enable organisational excellence through the strategic development of the University’s people and practices.  The podcast hosts Matt Davis, Organisational Developer and Alex Owen, Academic Developer are based in the Academy.  To find out more about the work of The Academy check out: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/the-academy/

Click here for the Reading List

Music & FX:

This podcast uses sounds from https://freesound.org/s/417560/ and music from https://www.purple-planet.com