Author Archives: lmw2

About lmw2

Dr Laura Walton-Williams is the Course Leader for the Forensic Investigation Degrees at Staffordshire University. Her research interests focus on Forensic Biology, including DNA analysis, body fluid interpretation, sexual offences and blood pattern interpretation.

Modern Slavery and International Law

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Elizabeth Faulkner, Staffordshire University Law Lecturer, attended two conference events during January. The first event focused on ‘Modern Slavery’ and the second on ‘International Law’ – during which she was able to present aspects of her own research. 

January 23rd 2018, King’s College, London – The Politics of Numbers: ‘Modern Slavery’, Prof. Joel Quirk, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.

This was a rather exciting event for me to attend, having read the works of Prof. Joel Quirk whilst undertaking my doctoral research. The talk was chaired by Associate Prof. Sam Okyere (University of Nottingham) and together they form part of the team from Beyond Trafficking Slavery BTS. The uniqueness of BTS is that it links academic research with journalism, attracting over a million readers globally. BTS encompasses a relatively niche school of thought in terms of contemporary discussions of slavery, labour and exploitation.

Joel Quirk delivered his talk upon the ‘Politics of Numbers: ‘Modern Slavery’, which was incredibly interesting as he illustrated links between the statistics that I had not considered. The talk essentially drew together my preconceived ideas and provided them with clarity and support. Definitely worth the trip to King’s College, London. One of the highlights of the day was exchanging stories of strange encounters overseas whilst undertaking research with Joel and Sam, on route to Five Guys for food!

January 31st 2018 – The Neglected Methodologies of International Law: Empirical, Socio-Legal and Comparative

This event was truly unique in terms of content, organised by Rossana Deplano and Paolo Vargiu (University of Leicester). The format for the day was split into two panels and a series of simultaneous panels. The two panels namely, Panel 1 – Empirical and Socio-Legal and Panel 2 – Comparative and Critical Approaches, offered a wealth of information.

 

Presentations included:

‘The epistemological need or socio-legal research in international law’ (Prof. Fiona De Londras, University of Birmingham.

‘From preserving sovereignty to protecting humanity: the untold story of the numbers behind the UN Security Council’s practice’ (Dr Rossana Deplano, University of Leicester).

‘Doing it differently? Pluralising International Economic Law Scholarship’ (Dr Celine Tan, University of Warwick).

The final session of the day provided the opportunity for early career academics to present their research, and the methodology behind the project, to a small group of peers, chaired by two more senior academics. My panel included Mikolaj Firlej (University of Oxford) and Alice Margaria (Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology, and it was chaired by Dr Celine Tan (University of Warwick) and Dr Richard Craven (University of Leicester). I discussed my abstract entitled ‘A critique of the historical evolution of the international legal responses to the trafficking of children’. Celine suggested that I should undertake archival research in Geneva as I would uncover a wealth of resources, referring back to her own experiences in Washington D.C when none of the sources were available electronically.

The workshop provided a great networking opportunity and the organiser Dr Rosanna Deplano intends to develop a book proposal of an edited collection of the papers presented, including my own!

McMafia is Not What Most Organised Crime in Britain Really Looks Like

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‘McMafia’s unremitting focus on business and financial jargon has helped to challenge the portrayal of organised crime as being all about blue-collar crimes related to drugs importation and people smuggling. McMafia is instead rooted in the white-collar crimes associated with corporate finance. That is laudable. Yet despite this, the show continues the trend of showing organised crime through the prism of globalisation, technological shifts and international criminal networks. By doing so, it paints a partial and, frankly, traditional picture.’ – Read Professor James Treadwell (Staffordshire University) and David Wilson’s (Birmingham City University) full article on The Conversation

#itsNotOK Public Lecture: Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week

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Dr Laura Walton-Williams delivered her first public lecture, #itsnotok, on 6th February for Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week.

The lecture, discussing perceptions of sexual offences, was partly informed by her research in the US and Canada exploring how investigations into sexual assualts could be improved.

White roses and bands were given out to show awareness.

The event also marks the 100 years since women were first allowed to vote.

If you missed the lecture, a video is now available to watch on our Facebook page @StaffsUniLPF here.

Law Club: Legal and Forensic Perspectives of Sexual Offences

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Every month, the Law department hosts ‘Law Club’ for a few of the local colleges. Their students are invited on to campus to attend and get involved with various and topical workshops on issues from murder to prison violence and sexual offences. 

Elizabeth Faulkner, the Law Club Coordinator, explains more:

‘Law Club is an initiative where we invite local sixth forms and colleges to attend sessions delivered by academics from the School of Law, Policing and Forensics. So far we’ve delivered sessions on domestic violence, human trafficking and sexual offences. Due to the success of the sessions and involvement of academics from across the relatively newly formed School of Law, Policing and Forensics, I hope we can rebrand “Law Club” to reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the workshops that are planned for the future.

Last week we kicked off the new year with ‘Sexual Offences: Legal and Forensic Perspectives’ delivered by Dr Laura Walton-Williams and I. The first half of the session looked at incest, using the popular TV series Game of Thrones to provide fictional couples to be examined under the jurisdictions of England and Wales and Australia. A number of students were really vocal and engaged with their opinions about how and why the law should regulate sexual relationships. It made for a truly memorable session with my colleague Laura dropping a case into her session, on the forensic aspects of sexual offence investigation, which addressed bestiality – I think the gauntlet was thrown in terms of who could disgust our participants more!

Law Club has been a great success so far and I am grateful to our participating institutions and the students that they send! I would also like to thank to all of those who have been involved so far and to those who have volunteered to deliver sessions. We have upcoming workshops on honour violence, murder, and prison violence’

Elizabeth Faulkner and Dr Laura Walton-Williams

Staffs Uni Law Student Selected to Attend Henderson Chambers Pupillage Event

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Aneesah Asif, one of our Law students at Staffordshire University, was invited to attend the Henderson Chambers Pupillage event on 25th November 2017 in London. Attendees had to submit an application in order to be selected and there was a limited number of spaces available.

Aneesah commented on the event, stating “It was a fantastic networking event to meet other students as well as Barristers who were more than happy to provide you with information about the Bar course and tips in gaining a Pupillage.

There were many other students from Russell group Universities, including Cambridge, and the fact that I wasn’t from a Russell Group University I felt very privileged that I was given the opportunity to go.

Attending this event and speaking to members of the Chambers really gave me an insight of what it would be like doing the bar course and what a career as a Barrister would entail.

Overall the experience was fantastic and has opened up further opportunities relating to my career and made me think about the options that are available. I strongly advise other students who do want to pursue a career in law to attend events like this, because it gives you a real insight and can help. I just want to say thank you for advertising opportunities like this. I really appreciate it.”

 

 

Proud of Our Partnerships: Thompsons Solicitors

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Rachel Eardley, LLB Law alumni and current Legal Practice Course student, has recently started a job at Thompsons Solicitors – a firm we have developed a partnership with since 2015. She kindly agreed to discuss her experiences studying at Staffordshire University, her new role and studying the LPC alongside work. 

Rachel Eardley, LLB

What undergraduate course did you study at Staffordshire University? 

I studied the LLB at Staffordshire University and gained a 2:1.

What is your new role and what does it mean to you?

My new role is a Pre-Litigation Executive and it means the world to me to have obtained a legal position in such a competitive market.

How did you hear about and obtain the position?

I heard about the position by attending the Staffordshire University Law Fair. I walked around the various firms, asked questions and tried to engage with the people from the firms the best I could. I visited the Thompsons’ stand and I recognised a lady I studied at undergraduate level with; she advised me about the role at Thompsons’ and suggested that I apply for the role. I went on to apply for the role and was offered an interview and subsequently the role.

 

How has your first week/few weeks been; can you explain your roles and responsibilities?

I think the first few weeks of any new job role are overwhelming as you are getting to grips with the systems and the role itself. In particular, this role has a somewhat heavy caseload and within my role I have my own caseload and I gather information and evidence for my clients that have suffered personal injury within the work place. It is my job to ensure that all evidence is gathered efficiently and correctly, that the conduct that is provided to the clients is in line with the codes of conduct – set out by the Solicitors Regulation Authority – and to keep everything in line with the pre-action protocols.

How do you feel your course and the staff at Staffordshire University helped you prepare for the role?

I feel that the staff at Staffordshire University have been immensely helpful in the preparation of gaining this role. Whilst studying the LPC, I have learnt so much about the little things that do not seem so little when in practice: such as letter writing and communicating with clients in a professional but friendly manner, as well as client interviewing techniques.

You are currently studying the LPC, Part Time. How are you finding studying the LPC alongside working?

I have had to adapt to managing my time in a much more efficient way – as well as staying extra organised – so I do not let my studies and revision get too overwhelming and fall behind. It can be quite difficult to manage both, but it is also very rewarding and will be worth it.

Thompsons Solicitors said:

“We have partnered with Staffordshire University since 2015, to help us attract talent to our National Litigation Unit, Stoke. The University has provided invaluable assistance in helping us target Law graduates for various roles, which offer an excellent opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in Personal Injury law.

“As a result of our partnership working, a number of high calibre candidates have expressed an interest in various vacancies. Those selected for interview have been well prepared and demonstrated an excellent knowledge and understanding of both the work undertaken by the firm and the firm itself.

“We are delighted that we have been able to successfully fill a number of these vacancies with candidates from the university and are confident with the standard of applicants we receive from Staffordshire University. This is a win-win situation as the university graduates find employment quickly and our vacancies are filled without delay. We are able to offer these graduates the opportunity to work within a vibrant and diverse working environment, within a new office, where they receive excellent training from some of the industry’s leading Personal Injury Lawyers.”

2017 Highlights from the Analytical Lab

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Simon Cooper and Alison Davidson have been awarded £1146 by the Royal Society of Chemistry Research Fund for the “Evaluation of the use of MonoTrap sampling technology for the recovery and analysis of biological contaminants in water supplies”.

Professor John Cassella (left) and Dr Alison Davidson (right) with students, Richard Price and Abbie Renwick

The Burial Research Group led by Professor John Cassella has been going from strength-to-strength this year with great work from our undergraduates and interns. Ting Ting Chu who interned here last semester has won 2nd place for a Student Poster Prize at the recent BAHID conference.

The (student) Burial Research Group

Alison Davidson completed her PhD this year and graduated in July; she has co-authored three papers which have been submitted to journals. Simon Cooper is now starting his PhD and Alison Davidson and John Cassella are co-supervising him.

Dr Alison Davidson at Graduation in July

Tuesday 19th December saw our first, live Chemistry Christmas Cracker Event hosted by Dr Jodie Dunnett and Dr Alison Davidson.

Alison and Jodie

Jodie, Course Leader for Chemistry, demonstrated ‘Making Silver Nitrate Baubles’, ‘Colouring Christmas Baubles using Poinsettia Colour Indicator’ and ‘Making Fake Snow’.

Dr Jodie Dunnett with her Chemistree

Alison, our Technical Skills Specialist, showed us some specialised analytical chemistry equipment, investigated the ‘Smell of Christmas Trees’ and ‘A Toxic Victorian Christmas’.

Dr Alison Davidson investigating ‘A Toxic Vicorian Christmas’

If you missed the live event, you can still watch the video on Facebook.

 

 

 

 

 

Erasmus+: Proud to Promote Student Mobility

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“Understand another way of life ~ more independent and improved English Language Skills ~ Teaching and Learning style is very different but easy to adapt to ~ was able to integrate well and joined the musical theatre society” 

In 2014, Staffordshire University was awarded an Erasmus Standard University Charter in order to participate in the Erasmus+ programme.

The Erasmus+ is a programme that promotes student mobility, by providing opportunities for Higher Education students to work or study abroad at one of our partner institutions in Europe (for a minimum of two months and a maximum of twelve months). A grant is available to assist with the extra costs.

Students must be registered on a full time degree, study for a minimum of three months and the study time must count for credit towards their degree. Work placements can be credit bearing (compulsory) or non-credit bearing (voluntary).

The first Erasmus newsletter was published in February and introduced Wendy Pollard, Erasmus Co-ordinator.

The first students from the School of Law, Policing and Forensics, will be beginning their Erasmus+ programme in January in Prague. However, we also have students from our partner institutions studying here at Staffordshire University. A student from France, studying on one of our Sociology courses, said the experience has made her ‘more culturally aware’, enhanced her future career skills and made her ‘more open minded’; she ‘learned more about [the varying] social environment[s] more deeply involved in different areas of sociology’. Whilst studying here, she ‘went on a trip to Manchester for Research Methods’ and had ‘the opportunity to travel around the country – Scotland to London’.

~ Not just for Students ~

Erasmus is not just for students; there are opportunities available in training or teaching mobility. Staff are able to teach at our partner institutions for a minimum of five days and a maximum of six weeks. Training opportunities are available to all staff as long as it meets the criteria of the European Union.

‘The training enables members of staff to acquire knowledge or specific know how from experience and good practices abroad, as well as develop practical skills that are relevant for their current role or as part of their professional development. So examples would be job-shadowing, study visits or relevant conferences or training.’

There was a huge uptake of around 50 teaching and attending training events last year. Sue Lee, E-Learning Manager at Staffordshire University, said “taking part in a Staff Training week in Sweden was a great experience. I learned a lot and enjoyed it. I met lots of interesting people from all over Europe; Spain, Hungary, France, Germany, Romania and more. Our Swedish hosts made us very welcome with activities that ranged from discussions in small groups to “A crash course in Swedish”, and more importantly, an introduction to “Swedish Fika” – Coffee and cake at every opportunity! I’d recommend taking part in the Erasmus program to everyone, I wish I’d known about it before.”

To find out more about opportunities available under Erasmus, contact Wendy Pollard at erasmus@staffs.ac.uk or on 01785 353404.

Why Study or Work Abroad?

Students (eligible to claim for 12 months’ support per study cycle, i.e. degree level, masters, etc.):
• 12 month sandwich placements – this would sit as part of the student’s degree programme (we currently only have Computing doing this)
• Summer placement (minimum 2 month) – this would be work experience and does not have to link to the student’s degree; see www.erasmusintern.org
• Study abroad (minimum 3 months but could be up to 1 year) – this would be with a partner university and Wendy Pollard would work with the Staffordshire University course leader and the partner organisation to facilitate this. This would involve setting up an inter-institutional agreement if there is not one already in place
• Recent Graduate Scheme – if the student secures a work opportunity overseas (fixed term or permanent) prior to graduation they are able to claim up to 12 months funding – this is assuming they haven’t already used their allocation of Erasmus funding during their study

Staff (academic and professional support):
• Training weeks at any educational institution or organisation which could involve job shadowing or organised international weeks; minimum 2 day visit and minimum of 8 hours of activity per week – see www.staffmobility.eu/staff-week-search
• Teaching (minimum 2 day visit and minimum of 8 hours per week) at a partner institution where we have an interinstitutional agreement in place
• Scoping visits to establish partnerships (educational or commercial)
• Staff placement visits for those students on 12 month placemen