Monthly Archives: October 2024

Kent research to uncover and address issues in refugee employability

Refugee integration is a pressing issue in the UK, and one of the most critical aspects of this process is employment. Despite various support systems, there remains a significant gap in employment rates between refugees and the general population. According to recent figures from the Home Office, refugees are 20% less likely to be employed compared to the wider UK population.

Maximising Refugee Employability in the Southeast

To address this, my current research focuses on understanding the role of local councils in improving refugee employability in the Southeast. I aim to uncover the on-the-ground realities faced by local council employees, councillors, and charity workers who are directly involved in supporting refugees. My goal is to identify not only the challenges and barriers that hinder refugee employment, but also to highlight successful strategies that can be shared across the region.

Recently, I had the opportunity to discuss this topic at Kent Business School during a Business Soundbite event, where the audience asked thought-provoking questions that reinforced the importance of this work. However, to truly make an impact, I need your help.

Do you have contacts? Can you help?

I’m currently seeking insights from local council employees, councillors, and charity workers who have experience working on refugee employability issues in the Southeast. If you or someone you know fits this description, I would love to hear from you. A short interview could provide valuable insights that will not only contribute to my research, but could also help inform broader strategies for supporting refugee employment.

Your input is crucial. By sharing your experiences and knowledge, you can help create a clearer picture of how local councils can better serve refugees in their communities. Together, we can work towards closing the employment gap and ensuring that refugees are not just surviving but thriving in the UK.

Email me at jjwm@kent.ac.uk – your insights could contribute to making a real difference to the lives of refugees seeking to rebuild their careers in a new country.

Joel Montgomery, Lecturer in Management at Kent Business School

Events roundup: 14-20 October

EmpFest continues with a load of opportunities to meet with different employers including at the popular Autumn Careers Fair on Thursday. Browse all EmpFest events.

Find out what’s on this week:

Monday 14 October: Emotional support group, securing a part-time job (Medway) and Speed Friending (Medway)

On Monday there is the War, Conflict and World Disasters Emotional Support Group in Keynes Red Room. This is a weekly drop in where specialist staff are on hand to help anyone affected by ongoing conflict around the world.

Are you based at Medway and looking for a part-time job? Join this in-person session to find out what steps you need to take to secure a part-time role.

There’s also a Speed Friending event at Medway in The Hub on Monday afternoon. It’s fast-paced opportunity to meet new people and make new connections in a relaxed setting.

Tuesday 15 October: ADHD Social Running Group, LinkedIn photography (Medway) and opportunities to go abroad

On Tuesday mornings, you can join an ADHD Social Running Group for students who have either been diagnosed with or waiting for assessment for ADHD. It’s a relaxed and sociable session and all abilities are welcome.

As part of EmpFest, Matt Cook Photography is back but this time at our Medway campus. Get a free professional headshot taken to level up your LinkedIn profile.

Interested in going abroad this summer? Come and meet Kent’s Go Abroad team and find out about exciting opportunities to study, work or volunteer abroad next summer, and the funding available to help get you there!

Wednesday 16 October: Gear up to Grow Up, board games (Medway) and Vision and Voices

Aimed primarily at neurodivergent students, Gear up to Grow Up is a small group session where you can learn about the garden, sustainable food systems and have a go at growing food to cook and eat.

Enjoy an afternoon of board games at The Hub, Medway. Games, snacks and drinks will be provided.

Join us on Wednesday evening for Vision and Voices, a special Black History Month event with guest speakers and a showcase of talent from Kent students. This event aims to provide Black students and staff with a platform to share their stories, challenge stereotypes, and engage in meaningful conversations about Black history, culture, and identity.

Thursday 17 October: Autumn Careers Fair, first in family launch event and yoga and writing retreat for PGR students

Open to all students, the Autumn Careers Fair is a great opportunity to meet with a load of employers and organisations. You can scout out opportunities for placements and internships, as well as exploring different sectors and potential graduate roles. The Autumn Careers Fair takes place in Colyer-Fergusson Concert Hall between 10:30-15:00 with a calm admission between 10:00-10:30.

Are you the first in your family to go to university? See what additional support is on offer to you at our social event on 17 Oct.

Postgraduate research students are invited to join a Yoga and Writing Retreat on campus, which is a guided yoga session mixed with opportunities for you to get on with your writing.

Friday 18 October: Writing your CV and overcoming imposter syndrome

Medway students – join this essential workshop around CVs and Cover Letters with practical information, hints and tips to create applications with impact.

There are also online sessions around writing creative CVs and legal CVs.

Do you struggle with imposter syndrome? Join this online workshop to demystify the truth behind imposter syndrome and tackle feelings of self-doubt and anxiety by learning practical tools and techniques so you can understand, communicate and celebrate your abilities.

Saturday 19 October: Ideas Hack and pick your own pumpkin

As part of the ASPIRE programme, you can join the Ideas Hack where you will explore the Sustainable Development Goals as inspiration for new business ideas. Plus enjoy a free lunch as you collaborate to find sustainable solutions to global challenges.

Get ready for Halloween by joining the ResLife Ambassadors for a trip to a local farm to pick your own pumpkin!

See all student events.

Win £1,000 with the return of the Brighter Futures Grants Programme

Once again, Santander is giving away 10 lots of £1,000 for University of Kent students.

All students can enter, including undergraduates, postgraduates, part-time and full-time students.

The grant, with its no-strings-attached approach, aims to provide financial freedom and gives you the flexibility to use the funds where they’re needed most. Whether it’s investing in textbooks, upgrading your study space, or covering living expenses, the choice is yours.

The Brighter Futures Grants programme is not just a grant, it’s an investment in your academic journey, providing you with the tools you need to do well.

Entering is quick and easy:

If you haven’t already, register for Santander Open Academy – a free online
learning platform
Follow the verification link in your confirmation email
Log in and choose ‘Get Started’ to complete your entry into the Brighter Futures Grants programme. From the menu you need to select ‘University of Kent’.
Get your entries submitted by 23:00 on 5 December 2024.

Whether you win or not, you’ll still have access to browse the Santander Open Academy website for free, on-demand learning content that can help support you in your studies.

Apply today before 5 December 2024

The Walker Construction Trust supports University of Kent Sanctuary Fund with a gift of £3,000

Article by Anna Pollard

Steve Walker, Chairman of Walker Construction, and Caroline Walker visited the Canterbury Campus today to present a cheque to Samantha Scott, Philanthropy Manager and one of our talented Sanctuary Scholars, whose identity needs to remain anonymous.

The University of Kent is working to be a safe and welcoming place for refugees and asylum seekers. The gift from The Walker Construction Trust will help ensure we can provide our Sanctuary Scholars with the equipment and furnishing items they need when they arrive at university, often alone and without basic belongings.

Our Sanctuary Scholarships provide a fee waiver and limited maintenance grant to up to five students each year, aimed at helping those seeking asylum in the UK to progress with their higher education. The Sanctuary Fund aims to help provide a level of maintenance closer to that received by most other students through Student Finance, to ensure Sanctuary Scholars can live well while they study.

The University of Kent’s Sanctuary Scholarships form part of a wider programme of work towards becoming a University of Sanctuary. Through academic research, public engagement and collaborations with partners, we use our platform to advocate for safety and empowerment for people seeking sanctuary.

One of our Sanctuary Scholars said, “I had lost hope. My Sanctuary Scholarship has given me hope. Now I can see a future where I can use my education and experience to help make the world a better place for everyone. The University of Kent has given me a home where I can feel safe. This support from The Walker Construction Trust will help students like me, who have been forced to leave behind their studies, homes, families and friends. We are so thankful for this generosity.”

Steve Walker added, “We have been completely blown away by meeting some of the Sanctuary Scholars studying at the University of Kent. Their stories of strength and perseverance, despite horrors and challenges that we can’t even imagine, are astounding. I am honoured, on behalf of The Walker Construction Trust, to contribute to the Sanctuary Scholars being able to complete their studies. Their plans for the future are remarkable and I have no doubt their mark on our community and our world will be very positive.”

On behalf of the University of Kent and our Sanctuary Scholars, we thank The Walker Construction Trust for their generosity.

Successful launch of Business Start-Up Journey 2024

Two alumni entrepreneurs shared the highs and lows of founding their own businesses at the launch of the Business Start-Up Journey 2024 in Canterbury.

Speaking to a lecture theatre packed with students, Alex Ford, founder of fintech company Claro Wealth, and Nadia Simpson, founder of From Amora, a social media-based fragrance and beauty brand talked candidly about their entrepreneurial journeys.

Nadia Simpson, KBS alumna, shared valuable insights on running a successful e-commerce business with an impressive social media presence.

She said:

“I started my hair and wellness brand at the University of Kent in 2018, during my first year. It began as an idea to create natural hair care products that didn’t contain the toxins often found in commercial products.

Since then, I’ve started other businesses, but currently, I’m focusing on From Amora, which specialises in creating cruelty-free and alcohol-free perfume oils. My future plan is to merge my two businesses.

The advice I give to everyone is to never give up! Consistency is your best friend. You may not see results at first, and you may fail initially, but it’s up to you to get up and stay consistent!”

Alumni speakers Alex Ford and Nadia Simpson.

Alex, who studied computing and business at University of Kent, said:

“It was incredibly hard to get the business off the ground. We were challenging the traditional financial advice industry. As a start-up should, we were on a mission to disrupt the market. It meant long days, weeks, and months, with many pivots and changes, all in the hope that it would pay off in the end.

The best part of running your own business is working with amazing people on a project you’re passionate about. These people share the mission and are driven to achieve it, something you don’t always experience in a job.

My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: just go for it! I didn’t start my entrepreneurial journey straight out of uni, and I wish I had.”

After the keynote speeches, the audience quizzed the alumni founders touching on everything from the risks of starting up a business, to funding and finance. Afterwards there was the chance to network.

The event marked the start of the University’s flagship entrepreneurship support programme, the 15-week Business Start-Up Journey, which is run by the ASPIRE team.

Offering a step-by-step guide to starting a business, it inspires students with the knowledge and skills required to become successful entrepreneurs through interactive workshops and classes, delivered by ASPIRE’s entrepreneurs-in-residence and external experts.

The programme concludes with a pitching competition, where participants can win £1,000 in funding.

To join the Business Start-Up Journey or find out more about ASPIRE and how we support entrepreneurs and start-up, email ASPIRE@kent.ac.uk.

Apply to be on our International Student Advisory Board by 29 Oct

Are you passionate, organised and motivated to represent international students at Kent and make a difference to their student experience? 

The International Student Advisory Board launched in January 2023 and is in collaboration with Kent Student’s Union to ensure that the needs and voices of our international students are heard. 

The purpose of this Board will be:

To inform the inclusivity and accessibility of university-wide services and policies at both the University and Kent Union, for the benefit of all international students at the University of Kent

To provide feedback mechanisms to allow international students to actively contribute towards campaigns, awareness raising and submit suggestions for policy change

To support internationally focused activities and events such as, Welcome and Arrivals, Cultural Celebration Week and International Education Week.

We are looking for up to 30 individuals to join and work alongside our existing Board members. Whether you have been at Kent for a while or have just joined us this September, this is a wonderful opportunity for you to represent and make a difference to your student experience while at Kent.

To apply:
– You must be a current international student at the University of Kent
– You must have enthusiasm and commitment to improving the international student experience
– You must show engagement and commitment to attend meeting dates.

Board members will receive remuneration via credit on their Kent One Card (Canterbury-based members) or Deep End vouchers (Medway-based members) of £20 for active participation per meeting.  Up to 2 meetings take place each term.

For more information and to apply please see our FAQs and webpage. Deadline for applications is 29 October, with interviews expected to take place on 6 and 7 November.

Reclaiming Narratives: Finding Black History in the Archives

Join the team in Special Collections and Archives for a workshop exploring Black history in the University’s archive and book collections.

Location: Templeman Library, Room A108 (A Block – first floor)

In this workshop you will learn more about the University’s special collections, and have the opportunity to view some of the archive collections that highlight aspects of Black history. Workshop participants will learn archive research techniques, and be able to participate in our ongoing work to reveal and showcase the stories and experiences of people of colour that feature in our archive collections.

Through the workshop, participants will consider the challenges of trying to uncover hidden stories in the archives, touching on issues such as changes in terminology and the use of outdated language, and the lack of detailed cataloguing providing barriers to successful research.

Faustin Charles reading poetry in 1970s (Reference: UKA/ALU/CHARLESF/7/9)

Participants will be invited to spend time exploring archive catalogues to locate items of interest in the study of Black history, surfacing evidence of the activities and experiences of people of colour held within the archives. Your discoveries will be added to our list of sources supporting the study of Black history in the archive collections.

There will also be some free pizza at the end of the workshop as a thank you for your hard work!

To book a place on the workshop please contact Special Collections and Archives: specialcollections@kent.ac.uk

Kent stands for global ambition with another successful Turing bid

We are pleased to announce that the University has once again been successful in its bid for funding from the UK government’s Turing Scheme. This will enable us to support around 300 Kent students this year on study, research, work and volunteering projects around the world. With a strong focus on widening participation, additional funding will be available for less advantaged students, helping them grow their ambition on a global scale.

Group of students in front of waterfall.

Jerome and friends at a waterfall in Fiji. Jerome volunteered with Think Pacific

This will be Kent’s fourth year of participating in the Turing Scheme and almost 500 Kent students have already benefited from funding which has developed their skills and enhanced their employability through activities such as wildlife forensics training in South Africa, Mandarin learning in China, marketing internships in Madrid, conservation projects in Bali and Fiji and many more.

Nalini spent the Summer with Fund Amazonia in Peru.

Here is a quote from one student who returned from Peru studying primates in the Amazon, “I saw so many species, visited indigenous communities, worked with amazing people and I feel so lucky to of been able to do it all, I truly don’t believe I’d be able to ever replicate a trip like it.”

Kent offers year-long Go Abroad placements and one-month Summer Abroad opportunities around the world, which allow students to build international networks, develop skills and attributes that will enhance their employability, and gain life changing experiences.

Group with football and mountains in background.

Jerome and friends after playing sports in Fiji.

More details on our Go Abroad pages and at our series of Go Abroad events at EmpFest.

Email: goabroad@kent.ac.uk

Reflecting on the 7 October Anniversary

This week will be difficult for many in our community and around the world as people look back on a dreadful year of war, desperation and pain in the Middle East. The attacks in Israel, sustained devastation in Gaza and more recent escalation into both Lebanon and Yemen continue to cause shock and hurt for any connected to the region, along with the millions around the world united in a desire for peace.

Over the last 12 months, students and staff at Kent have raised their voices in support of causes that matter to them while working together to fundraise for relief efforts for victims of war. We are greatly concerned by the impact on universities and people’s access to education in the region, with work ongoing to support civilians affected by this in meaningful ways at Kent.

We also want to ensure that anyone impacted by the tragic events in the region has the support they need from us. The increase in countries drawn into the crisis in recent weeks is of great concern and many will be worried about what this means for them, their loved ones and their homes.

Our Student Support and Wellbeing team are here to support you and are running War, Conflict and World Disasters Emotional Support Drop-Ins every Monday from 12:00 – 13:00 throughout this term. These are open to anyone and are there for any who want a space to talk to others about the impact this is having on them.

More widely, your Engagement Support Teams can help if you are worried that the ongoing traumatic scenes in Gaza, Lebanon and Israel are affecting your studies. Student Support can also provide urgent support for any that need it, from Monday to Friday 9:00 – 17:00, via 01227 826573 for the Canterbury campus or 01634 888474 for Medway. Out of hours support is also available via Spectrum Life.

This is an incredibly difficult time and as a community we can be proud of the way students and staff have remained respectful of each others’ different viewpoints while, understandably, being passionate and determined in standing up for causes that matter to them. Both us and Kent Students’ Union are here to support you in maintaining this, ensuring you can be supported to raise your voice safely and in line with our wider commitment to a diverse and inclusive campus.

Events roundup: 7-13 October

This week sees the start of EmpFest, two weeks of employability events run by our Careers and Employability Service. There’s a huge number of events including presentations, workshops, guest speakers and opportunities to meet industry experts. Browse all EmpFest events and sign up for any that interest you.

Reminder: KentVision will be unavailable from 7:30 until 10:30 on Tuesday 8 October 2024 due to essential maintenance. Please make a note of your timetable, including timings and locations, ahead of this KentVision outage.

Monday 7 October: Emotional support group, Black History Month Trivia Night and essay writing skills

On Monday you are welcome to join the War, Conflict and World Disasters Emotional Support Group in Keynes Red Room. This is a weekly drop in where specialist staff are on hand to help anyone affected by ongoing conflict around the world.

On Monday evening you can join the Black History Month Trivia Night at Woody’s, hosted by the Womxn in STEM Society in partnership with the Black Intellectuals Society. It will be an evening of friendly competition where you can forge new connections and celebrate the power of diversity in education.

If you’re a new student or a returner to education, join this in-person session by the Skills for Academic Success team for an introduction to Essay Writing Skills in Canterbury and Medway. This workshop will give you the skills you need to plan, research, write and check an academic essay.

Tuesday 8 October: World Mental Health Day activities including therapy dogs

On Tuesday you can join some World Mental Health Day (nationally celebrated on Thursday but we are starting early on Tuesday!) At Canterbury you can join Student Support and Wellbeing and Kent Students’ Union in Nexus, Templeman Library, for wellbeing chats and activities such as mindfulness colouring and boardgames. Plus, you can meet Coco the therapy dog and also pick up a free house plant!

At Medway campus you can join Student Support and Wellbeing and the Universities at Medway Chaplain for wellbeing activities and chats in the Oasis Lounge. They will also be joined by special guest Pets as Therapy dog Tommy!

Wednesday 9 October: EmpFest events and using AI in your studies

As part of the daily EmpFest events, on Wednesday you can join sessions on Marketing Careers in the Charity and Not-For-Profit Sector with BeeBee Communications, Introduction to Consultancy by James Brown and Building Confidence in the Selection Process by PwC. Plus, get a free LinkedIn headshot taken by photographer Matt Cook.

The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into academia has provided new ways of developing your writing, analytical and research skills. Join this webinar on Using Artificial Intelligence in your Studies to explore some of the fears, misconceptions and opportunities offered by this contemporary development in software applications.

Thursday 10 October: Medway Global Hangout, climbing trip and sign language for beginners

On Wednesday afternoon you can meet new people in a relaxed atmosphere at the Medway Global Hangout in the Oasis Lounge, Medway Building. Enjoy games and crafts as well as refreshments. At the same time, you can also find out about the Global Officers Leadership Development (GOLD) programme to become a Global Officer (open to all students).

If you live in on-campus accommodation, you can join the ResLife Ambassadors for a trip to Canterbury’s bouldering centre for £5. The climbing gym has a variety of different angled walls offering unique challenges.

You can also join a free Sign Language Class for Beginners in Grimond Building, where instructor Luis will be teaching you the basics of sign language.

Friday 11 October: Back History Month creative session and EmpFest events

If you live on-campus, you can join your ambassadors Aashvi and Nehi to celebrate Black History Month with some BHM flag making and glass painting.

As part of EmpFest, there’s plenty of employability events you can join including Unlocking Opportunities and Strategies for Success at the Careers Fair, Boosting your Memory and Productivity and Understanding Stress and Self-care when Planning for the Future.

Saturday 12 October: Accredited Carbon Literacy Training and trips to Canterbury Cathedral and Howletts Wild Animal Park

Develop your knowledge of climate change and addressing the worldwide climate crisis by taking Accredited Carbon Literacy Training here at Kent. The training is open and free to all students and on successful completion of the course you will receive official carbon literate certification from the Carbon Literacy Project.

On Saturday there’s an opportunity to join the ResLife ambassadors for a couple of different trips. You can either join a free Trip to Visit Canterbury Cathedral (you just need to pay for your bus ticket). Or if you live on campus, for £7.50 you can join a Coach Trip to Howletts Wild Animal Park to see elephants, tigers, monkeys and much more.

See all student events.