NCCPE Newsletter #1

Welcome to the first NCCPE newsletter. We hope that you find it a helpful way to keep up to date and involved in our work. Over the coming months we will be trialling different types of content for our e-newsletter - so do let us know what you think.

Who we are and what we do

The NCCPE is part of the Beacons project - funded by the UK Higher Education Funding Councils, Research Councils UK and the Wellcome Trust. This four year initiative aims to create a culture within UK Higher Education where public engagement is embedded and recognised as a valued and recognised activity for staff at all levels, and for students. The Beacons project is made up of the NCCPE and 6 Beacons. Find out more.

Auditing, Benchmarking and Evaluating Public Engagement

We have published our first research synthesis. This report helps readers to think through their approach to evaluating public engagement at their HEI, and we hope that you will find it helpful. There is also an 8 page summary of the main findings. Do let us know what you think.

Systemic Action Research

We are launching an action research programme to explore university organisational culture and public engagement. The process will involve small groups exploring the issues, as they see them, for HEIs doing effective public engagement. One group will be made up of university heads of department - as we believe these individuals have clear insights into the challenges, tensions, and opportunities for transforming HEIs. If you currently hold department head responsibilities, or are interested to hear more please contact our Research and Learning Manager, Heather Squires.

Research Syntheses

The NCCPE and ESRC have recently formed a partnership to produce a series of research syntheses relevant to HEIs under the themes of public engagement, learning and education, and research careers and diversity. Stay tuned to the NCCPE website and future e-newsletters for the research call and other details.

Website

We are currently developing our new website - for launch in June 2009. We hope to inspire lots of people to get involved in our work. If you would like to contribute to this web content let us know. We are particularly interested in hearing about interesting case studies about universities and public engagement.

Open House

These events are aimed at anyone with an interest in HEIs and public engagement. Every six months these events will include opportunities to hear about our work, interactive sessions where we tackle issues relating to public engagement, taster sessions and networking opportunities. Why not join us for our next Open House event on 25 November in Bristol? Let us know if you would be interested in coming.

Beacon news

This newsletter features CUE East, who are running a Sustainable Living Festival which opens on 22 May. This Festival aims to look at the theme of Sustainable Living from many different perspectives and the activities will include interactive workshops, courses, lectures, exhibitions, Social Science Cafes, street theatre, cycle repairs and maintenance, a carbon totaliser and much more! The Festival will culminate with the BBC Garden Design Event on 29 -31st May.

Conferences

These conferences may be of interest. We hope to see you there.

Sign Up

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