Monthly Archives: March 2015

Kent alumna taking part in Eton Swim for Kent Law Campaign

We would like to thank Hannah Bignell, former Chair of the Kent Law Campaign Student Group and current Young Alumni Group member, for signing up to take part in the Eton Swim on Monday 25th May. This is a gruelling 3km open water swim and she hopes to raise a total of £500 to be split between the Kent Law Campaign and Prostate Cancer UK.

Hannah said: “I was the Chair of the 2012/13 Kent Law Campaign Student Group and have decided to raise money for the Campaign as it is an absolutely fantastic cause which will benefit students and the community greatly. I was involved in the Kent Law Clinic and the Mooting Programme throughout my time at Kent and these experiences have enhanced my passion for pursing a legal career.

“I am definitely not a natural speed or stamina swimmer and when I first went training back in October 20 lengths was a struggle let alone 120 outside! This will most definitely be a huge personal challenge for me but I am really excited about taking part for two such worthy causes.”

The University of Kent will match each donation Hannah receives pound for pound including Gift Aid so we would be extremely grateful if you would sponsor her online at justgiving

We wish her the best of luck with her fundraising and the challenge itself.

Summer housekeeping vacancies

We are looking to recruit team members who will share our passion for delivering service excellence. Successful candidates will be highly motivated, reliable and flexible regarding both the days and hours worked and the range of tasks to be covered. You will enjoy working as part of a team and be able to work on your own initiative when required.

The role is very physically demanding and involves a considerable amount of manual handling. The hours of work are typically between 20 and 30 per week to be worked between 9am and 3pm or as the business requires. Hours will vary from week to week and are not guaranteed. Weekend working will be required and you must be available to work on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June 2015.

Duties involve the thorough cleaning of campus accommodation for our external visitors. This will include kitchen areas, toilets, showers, bathrooms, bedrooms, communal and public areas. The role includes the deep cleaning of walls, paintwork, furniture and fittings, electrical appliances, windows, floor and carpets, the changing of curtains and bed making. This work has to be carried out to an exceptionally high standard, in keeping with our 3 and 4 star rating. Previous commercial cleaning experience would be an advantage but is not essential as full training is provided.

Successful applicants will be required to:

  • Attend one of our HR inductions (approx. 45-mins), w/c 11 May or 18 May (you will be notified which session to attend)
  • Attend a ½ day Housekeeping induction w/c 1 June
  • Attend training for 12 – 18 hours w/c 8 and 15 June

If you can meet these requirements and think this summer vacancy is for you, please apply by completing our online questionnaire.

Our HR department will then email you by Friday 1 May, to let you know whether or not your application has been successful. Please do not contact the HR department to check the status of your application, as they will be unable to answer individual enquiries.

More information on the role and training provided.

Mental Health Week at Medway

University of Kent and University of Greenwich will celebrate Mental Health Week from 23-27 March with a series of lunchtime events. Sessions include:

  • Meditation
    Monday 23 March, 12.00 – 14.00, Gillingham Building G4-11This session comprises a series of 10 minute meditations recorded by counsellors and wellbeing advisers. Participants can stay for 10 minutes or for longer. There will be questions afterwards about the role meditation can play in dealing with stress at university.
  • Mental Health: Work in Progress
    Tuesday 24 March, 12.00 – 13.00, Gillingham Building G2-04
    15 minute film, Mental Health: A Work in Progress, which was filmed by, and features, university students who have experienced mental health difficulties themselves whilst at university. Including discussion and reflection.
  • Compassionate Mind Training
    Wednesday 25 March, 12.00-14.00, Gillingham Building G2-04
    This workshop will explore the historical development and theoretical context of the Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) model. From evolutionary, attachment and neuroscience perspectives we will explore our understanding of what compassion is and how by developing a ‘compassionate mind’ we may promote wellbeing in both ourselves and others.
  • Managing Stress and Anxiety
    Thursday 26 March, 12.00-14.00, Gillingham Building G4-04
    A workshop on helping you to manage stress and anxiety around academic, work and social life. Includes useful contacts and information.
  • Relaxation Session
    Friday 27 March, 12.15 – 12.45, Gillingham Building G3-03
    A short relaxation session to help you through daily stresses and worries and teach you quick techniques to help feel relaxed.
    For further information please contact the Medway Wellbeing team on medwaywellbeing@kent.ac.uk.

Condolences for Jill Andrews

It is with great sadness that I have to report that Jill Andrews from the Procurement team passed away last night. She died peacefully with her husband by her side in the Pilgrims Hospice in Canterbury.

Jill has worked for the University since 1998 and was a font of knowledge on the University, an excellent colleague to us all and a caring boss to her direct reports; her sense of humour will be missed by all those who worked with her. She was a vital member of the Procurement team, co-ordinating the purchasing activities across the University and liaising with Schools and Departments on credit cards, travel and purchase ordering amongst other areas.

Jill was always a very positive person, despite a 15-year battle with cancer and never let the disease get her down; she always insisted on coming to work throughout her treatment over the course of the last year, as she did not want to let anyone down. She never let the disease affect her demeanour, or complained about the treatment or the hand she was dealt.

I will send out some further information on the funeral arrangements when I have this later in the week.

Please note that the Purchasing Office will be closed for the rest of the day.

Don Bowman
Head of Procurement

 

International representatives’ conference March 2015

To mark the University’s 50th year, International Development are delighted to be hosting a conference to celebrate the University’s relationship with its international representatives. This will be a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the success of our collaboration with international representatives, and look ahead to the next stage of our partnership.

Thirty of the University’s top performing representatives from around the world will attend the conference from 17 to 21 March 2015. Our conference programme provides the opportunity for representatives to tour the University, to meet with students and staff, take part in interactive workshops with key academic and support departments and learn more about University procedures. The conference includes a trip to the University of Kent at Paris, where our representatives will meet with staff and students and learn about the provision on offer at our European centres.

For more information about the conference, email international@kent.ac.uk

Student Employability: Breaking Barriers

‘Student Employability: Breaking Barriers’ is coming to the Medway campus from 16 – 21 March and Canterbury from 23 – 27 March.

The series features presentations and Q&A sessions from inspirational individuals and organisations on a broad range of topics themed around equality in the workplace.

Speakers include:

This programme is ideal for students from all year groups, but particularly those considering post University employment options. Attendance at each event is worth 15 Employability Points.

Full programme is available here.

Staff Induction and Information Fair – Monday 23 March

Learning and Development will be holding a Staff Induction and Information Fair at the Canterbury Campus on Monday 23 March, from 11am until 1:30pm (including a sandwich lunch).

If you are a new member of staff who has not yet attended a Staff Induction and Information Fair, you are able to book a place for the 23 March event.

For more information about the Staff Induction and Information Fairs and to make a booking, please visit the Learning and Development website.

We look forward to meeting new members of staff on 23 March.