The safety app that already offers many colleagues round-the-clock reassurance via their mobile phones is being installed on staff desktops too.

SafeZone is a simple-to-use app that’s free to download. It’s designed to help staff and students summon security or safety assistance via either their PC or mobile phone.

From 13 November, Information Services has been installing the SafeZone app software onto staff managed desktops across our campuses. Once installed, it will appear as a desktop icon and advice on using it will be available on our SafeZone webpages.

The app will be available via mobile phones and staff managed PCs only at this stage – if you have an unmanaged PC, you should refer to the SafeZone webpages for advice on how to install it.

The SafeZone app was first made available to Kent staff and students via their mobile phones two years ago and a significant number of staff and current students have already downloaded it.

The University’s Chief Operating Officer Denise Everitt said: ‘We strongly support this extension of the SafeZone app as it will enhance the safety and security of our staff.’

Head of Security Mark Arnold added: ‘We’re hoping that by making the app available on desktop computers as well as mobile phones will encourage many others to sign-up. It’s a quick and easy way of ensuring that whatever time you’re working in any University building, you can get help if you need it.’

The app works within designated zones covering the Canterbury and Medway campuses (including Historic Dockyard, Chatham and Liberty Quays student accommodation), as well as our centres in Tonbridge, Brussels and Paris.

If you are lone working or working late at night at any of these places, you can sign-in and contact the Campus Security team in the event of any safety concerns.

To find out more or sign-up for the mobile app, see our SafeZone webpages.

On Tuesday 19 November, the Athena SWAN team ran an event to mark International Men’s Day 2019. The event, open to all staff, comprised an informal networking reception with refreshments, followed by a discussion panel made up of four male University staff members:

-George Baker (Department Administration Supervisor, Estates Department)
-Jake Bicknell (Lecturer in Conservation Biology, School of Anthropology and Conservation)
-James Kloda (Technical Support Officer, School of Anthropology and Conservation)
-Martin Michaelis (Professor of Molecular Medicine, School of Biosciences)

The panel was chaired by Farzin Deravi, Head of the School of Engineering and Digital Arts, who led an insightful and thought-provoking discussion on three key themes arising from the results of the male staff survey hosted by the Athena SWAN team to mark International Men’s Day 2018:

-Does it feel that gender equality initiatives are targeted only at women?
-Is there a macho culture that prevents an inclusive one?
-What is it like being a Dad at the University?

Event attendees also contributed to the discussion and shared their personal experiences, highlighting challenges commonly faced by male staff at Kent and identifying opportunities for developing a more inclusive working environment.

Thank you to our panel members and chair, and to everyone who attended the event. Watch this space for how we plan to follow up on some of the ideas generated during the discussion.

The Learning and Teaching Network are running a workshop on ‘Working with International Students’ on Thursday 5 December, 14.15-15.30 in the UELT Seminar Room.

Presented by Charlene Earl, International Pathways Manager, CEWL and Barbara Sheehy, Student Learning Adviser, SLAS

This interactive workshop is for academic and professional staff who would like to explore ways in which to further enhance their intercultural competence and communication skills. A key element that will be introduced will be the considerations applied when making cultural assumptions.

To confirm your attendance please complete the online booking form.

Message from the Vice-Chancellor

After an open competition I am delighted to announce that Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura has been appointed to the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Strategy, Planning and Performance. Georgina is currently in the interim position and will transition to the substantive post with immediate effect. I am sure you will join me in offering her many congratulations.

With best wishes,

Karen

Karen Cox | Vice-Chancellor and President

Following the recent announcement on our new Directors of Division, we have also now made the following appointments to our divisional Director of Operations roles:

Division of Humanities

School of European Culture and Languages; School of History

Kerry Barber

Division of Natural Sciences

School of Biosciences; School of Physical Sciences; School of Sport and Exercise Sciences; Medway School of Pharmacy (affiliate); Kent and Medway Medical School (affiliate)

James Redmond

Kent Business School

Paul Verrion

John Crook and Rachel MacPhee have also been appointed as Directors of Operations, with an announcement on the division they will be deployed to follow.

We are currently in the process of recruiting all final Director of Division and Director of Operations roles. In the meantime, all those appointed will now be brought into discussions around the transition to the changes under Organising for Success, and the decisions we need to make, both in the short and longer term, to make the new arrangements a success.

Our next Postgraduate Information Event takes place on Thursday 5 December 2019, from 17.00-19.00.

This informal event is a great way to find out more about Kent’s wide range of programmes for personal or career development. Talks will be given by Dean of the Graduate School, Professor Paul Allain, and members of our Scholarships team.

Staff who apply to study at Kent may be eligible for a discount – details are available on our Staff Finance webpage.

Book your place now for the information evening on our Open Days webpage.