Law Lecturer Contributes to Radio 5 Live Discussion

Posted on 15th December 2017 by lmw2

On 14th of December, Aidan Flynn, Law Lecturer at Staffordshire University, contributed to a discussion on BBC Radio 5 live Breakfast.

He talked briefly, from a Constitutional Law perspective, about a recent vote that took place in the House of Commons. This vote was on an amendment (Mr Dominic Grieve’s amendment) to the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill. A majority voted in favour of the proposition ‘that the Amendment be made’ – voting figures were 309 to 305.

Here is a link to this discussion:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09hqgw5
The relevant bit of the discussion is around twenty four minutes into the programme.

Legal Practice PgDip: A Graduate Success Story

Posted on 13th December 2017 by Katy Edgington

We’re very proud of our alumni here at Staffordshire University, and we always like to keep up with them as they progress in their careers.

Sometimes, our former students come all the way from the Caribbean to share those stories. Victrina Cuffie completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice with us via blended learning. She is now working as an attorney at law in her native Trinidad and Tobago.

Paul Allen, Lecturer in Law (Course Leader for the Legal Practice Course) and Victrina Cuffie

What attracted you to Staffordshire University?

“When I was registering to do the Legal Practice course at Staffordshire University, there was – and there still is – no other university that offers the blended programme,” Victrina told us.

The blended learning option meant she was able to balance commitments at home in Trinidad through the distance learning element of the course, while still enjoying face-to-face interaction with staff and other students on our campus in Stoke-on-Trent.

How has the course helped you in your career?

Completing the Law LLB – the Bachelor of Law degree – provided Victrina with a strong grounding in the theoretical aspects of the subject, she says. But it was the Legal Practice course that put things into a practical perspective for her.

“You fill out forms, role play, act like you’re in court, dress the part and act the part,” Victrina explains. “Being a practising attorney at law, it has helped me a lot. It allowed me to apply my knowledge so that I can get ahead and it has contributed largely to my success at the moment.”

What did you enjoy most?

Coming from a family with a business background, Victrina’s favourite parts of the course were the business law and practice modules and anything else that was business related. Personally, I liked it because it was something that I could apply and I also loved Corporate Law. I enjoyed that the most because it applied to my life.

Since graduating in 2016, Victrina has become a great ambassador for the School of Law, Policing and Forensics and for Staffordshire University. Some friends and family members who saw her experience and the positive impact it had are currently enrolled on courses with us, while others have already graduated!

“Doing my postgraduate programme, the LPC, makes me proud to be a Staffordshire student because it’s an experience that I hold near and dear to my heart.”

Proud to be Staffs: Proud of Our Partnerships

Posted on 8th December 2017 by lmw2

Aidan Flynn, Lecturer in Law, recently visited Heart of Worcestershire College: a UK partnership institution with Staffordshire University.

Aidan Flynn (right), with some of the law lecturers in the team at Worcester Law School

Aidan Flynn is pictured here with some of the law lecturers in the team at Worcester Law School, which is part of Heart of Worcestershire College.

The college is a UK partner institution of Staffordshire University; this partnership was formed over twenty years ago. Aidan is the university’s Link Tutor for Worcester Law School.

This recent visit facilitated conversations with both staff members and a substantial number of the students. These law students are studying on Staffordshire University programmes at Worcester Law School.

As well as being a partner of Staffordshire University, Heart of Worcestershire College is also a major, and highly regarded, UK centre of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.

Teaching E.U. Law After Brexit (Conference)

Posted on 30th November 2017 by lmw2

Aidan Flynn, Law Lecturer at Staffordshire University, recently attended a conference at London South Bank University, titled ‘Teaching E.U. Law after Brexit and After Changes to Legal Training.’

London South Bank University Law Division advertised the conference as focusing “on the impact on the teaching of EU law as a result of Brexit and changes to professional training for Solicitors and the Bar”.

Speakers included David Hodson, Partner at iFLG (international Family Law Group LLP), and Simon James, Partner at Clifford Chance.

Aidan Flynn (centre) with David Hodson (left) and Simon Jones (right)

Peacekeeper or Perpetrator: Safeguarding Children from Sexual Abuse

Posted on 27th November 2017 by lmw2

Elizabeth Faulkner, lecturer in Law, and Charlotte Folkes, PhD student within the School of Law, Policing and Forensics, attended an event called ‘Peacekeeper or Perpetrator: Safeguarding Children from Sexual Abuse’ in London, early November.

Charlotte Folkes writes that “this eye-opening event was part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science and showcased research conducted by Professor Rosa Freedman on how best to safeguard children from sexual abuse committed by UN peacekeepers. The panellists had a broad range of expertise in this field including academic research, policy and military, which gave the discussion depth and insight. It highlighted the challenges that are faced when looking at sexual offences in conflict-zone, especially when they are committed by someone acting in an official capacity.
The event concluded with a photograph exhibition of the field research being conducted in Liberia and Ghana by Professor Rosa Freedman, and gave us the opportunity to network with the presenters and other guests. It was a truly enjoyable event which presented the issue of sexual offending from a different perspective and has given me some further considerations for my own research.”

Elizabeth Faulkner and Charlotte Folkes

Elizabeth Faulkner stated that “the key issues that arose from the event were issues such as defining accountability, the development of reliable gender sensitive pathways and how to effectively amplify the voices of victims. Arguably, there was one comment made that afforded a hint of cultural imperialism, through the assertion that some countries that offer peacekeepers do not approach human rights in the same way that we do, and therefore don’t prosecute. I understand the “we” to refer to the UK and frequently find perceptions like these problematic in light of my own research into the imperialistic and racial undertones of the contemporary anti-slavery movement.

“The event was interesting from the start and provided a unique opportunity for an interdisciplinary discussion to arise between Charlotte and I about sexual violence generally. The personal highlight of the event was meeting the chair of the event, Emeritus Professor Christine Chinkin, London School of Economics (LSE), whose work has had a significant impact upon development from an undergraduate student with an interest in feminism and international law to the academic I am today. Events like this provide not only interesting content but the fantastic opportunity to network with a diverse and dynamic group. Thank you to all who contributed to the organisation of such a wonderful event and to the FCO for hosting.”

The event was organsied by Prof. Rose Freedman of the University of Reading and hosted by the Foreign and Commonwealth Oiffce in London.

Join in The Conversation: Taxing Plastic Takeaway Boxes

Posted on 22nd November 2017 by lmw2

Dr Claire Gwinnett

“This week, the UK Government will discuss the possibility of introducing taxes on single-use plastic items”. Associate Professor, Dr Claire Gwinnett has written a piece for The Conversation, detailing why she believes we should ‘Tax Plastic Takeaway Boxes‘.

Learning Outside of the Lecture

Posted on 22nd November 2017 by lmw2

Students explored archive material that depict democracy at varying times in history.

On Friday 17th November, Staffordshire University’s level five Sociology and Criminology students went on a course trip to the People’s History Museum in Manchester.

Students participated in a rage of activities that introduced them to some interesting archival material on the Russian Revolution; they also explored various artifacts and political propaganda posters.

The People’s History Museum describes itself as ‘the national museum of democracy’ that ‘aim[s] to engage, inspire and inform diverse audiences by showing “there have always been ideas worth fighting for”.’

Senior Law Lecturer Receives Teaching Excellence Fellowship

Posted on 16th November 2017 by lmw2

Louis Martin, Senior Lecturer in the Law Department (in School of Law, Policing and Forensics), received the Staffordshire University Teaching Excellence Fellowship at the annual ‘Celebrating Staff Success’ event held on the 4th of October at King’s Hall, Stoke Town Hall.

Louis Martin (centre) with Head of Law at Staffordshire University, Ruby Hammer, and colleagues: Sallyann Mellor, Dave Tapp, Aidan Flynn and Rhonda Hammond-Sharlot

Louis teaches on courses including the LLB (Hons) Law

He is Course Leader for the BA(Hons) Criminology with Offender Management.

Sociology Research into Breastfeeding Gets Recognition at Conference

Posted on 14th November 2017 by lmw2

Staff and students from Sociology and Criminology were delighted to get joint 2nd place at the CHAD Symposium, on Thursday 9th November 2017, for their research poster presentation on the Attitudes of Adolescents Towards Breastfeeding.

The poster gave detail on the current research project and outlined the research process for data collection. Two undergraduate students, Joni Wilson and Sarah Johnson, are working on the project and attended the conference. Sarah Johnson said “yesterday was a very eye-opening day for me to understand fully the impact that social research can have on addressing social barriers in society. I met some truly inspirational people who have made me excited to work on this coming project and getting second place solidified the belief that the research I’m taking part in will make a positive difference”. Joni also enthused about the event and stated that she was enjoying gaining invaluable experience by working on the project.

Students, Joni Wilson and Sarah Johnson

‘This research is being carried out for Public Health at the City Council and the Stoke-on-Trent Breastfeeding Steering Group. The project is funded by CHAD (Centre for Health and Development). On a sociological level we are interested in how people respond to breastfeeding. Legislation supports breastfeeding in public and yet breastfeeding mums have reported in the media being harassed for feeding their children in public places. We are exploring what young people think about breastfeeding and how breastfeeding could become more normalised in society here in the UK.

Increasing breastfeeding rates would help to reduce poverty, as breastmilk is free in comparison to the cost of formula milk and affiliated paraphernalia. Breastfeeding also has been proven to improve the health and wellbeing of both mother and baby. Despite the positive impact of breastfeeding the UK have the lowest rates in Europe. We are consulting with young people to find out what needs to happen to change this and to cultivate a breastfeeding culture within Stoke-on-Trent and more widely in the UK. We will also be finding out professionals’ points of view on the ideas that young people have, in order for the Stoke-on-Trent Breastfeeding Steering Group to prioritise future action.’

Students, Jonie Wilson and Sarah Johnson with Senior Lecturer, Sarah Page and Andrea Muirhead (Public Health)

Sarah Page (Senior Lecturer in Sociology and Criminology and principle researcher for this project) said that “I am really excited that we are able to explore this topic and employ students to work on professional research in partnership with colleagues from Public Health from the local authority and health. The experience students get by working on projects like this is fantastic and sets them up for future employment really well. There is a lot of satisfaction in knowing that your research makes a real difference in society. Having a research partnership where findings influence how a budget is spent and how work is prioritised in a City, is a great way to link research to improving practice. We are thrilled that our research poster was so well received at the CHAD Symposium and that leaders in the field voted for us.”

If you want to find out more about this research please contact Sarah.Page@staffs.ac.uk