Exploring the complexities of domestic abuse in the criminal justice system

Our Centre for Policing Research and Learning (CPRL) held a one-day conference to discuss how domestic abuse (DA) is dealt with by the criminal justice system (CJS). In particular, the disjoint between what CJS professionals deem a success and what victim survivors deem a good service and outcome.

Led by Dr Anna Hopkins, Lecturer in Policing Organisation and Practice, the day consisted of immersive theatre to springboard discussions on the pertinent points of DA within the CJS. This novel approach allowed panel members and delegates to engage in interactive discussion about domestic abuse within the criminal justice system and explore the complexities of DA from varying perspectives. Anna said: “Since the conference was held, I’ve received some brilliant feedback particularly around the use of theatre to generate a more dynamic context of DA.”

The prosecuting angle was represented by barrister Harriet Johnson; inspecting the policing of DA was represented by HMCI Andy Cooke; the national policing picture of DA was represented by Head of VAWG Taskforce Sam Millar; and the understanding of DA from a homicide/suicide perspective was represented by Frank Mullane, CEO of Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA).

The morning panel session was followed by afternoon workshops where delegates were encouraged to think about and discuss DA from four distinct areas, and highlighted the ongoing research currently being conducted in the Department for Policing.

Global business magazine praises social ethics of BLEP

The Business School’s new Black Leadership and Empowerment Programme (BLEP), which launched last month, was profiled in the latest issue of business magazine Global Focus. In the feature, author Sarah Hardcastle examined the background, aims and future of the programme, which has been designed to empower the next generation of Black leaders in business and the community.

The programme is delivered in three sections and includes two free courses: Introducing Black leadership and Advancing Black leadership.

Sarah, founder of Hardcastle and Associates and a business school specialist, wrote: “Social mobility has long partnered excellence and impact to provide the backbone of the agenda at OUBS. It is through this sense of purpose and commitment to making the world a better place and the desire to level the playing field in many different areas that the Black Leadership and Empowerment Programme (BLEP) grew.”

It’s time for a step-change in decarbonising UK businesses

Professor of Enterprise and Organisation, Richard Blundel, is one of the co-authors of ‘Where Next for SMEs and Net Zero?’, a new research report from the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) which sets out the key changes needed to decarbonise the UK’s six million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

SMEs are essential, yet largely neglected actors in the governance of the UK’s energy transition to Net Zero. This report examines the complex ways in which this transition is governed, and how different actors including government departments, industry associations and community organisations can work together more effectively to achieve a much-needed step-change over the next few years.

The report calls for stronger national frameworks and targeted investment across the UK’s nations and regions, focusing on five main themes: the changing role of government; enhancing place-based business support; the innovative, entrepreneurial initiatives that are opening up new pathways for SME decarbonisation; the additional roles that SMEs can play - as influencers, enablers and citizens; and why it is essential to pursue a ‘just transition’ that prioritises more vulnerable businesses and communities. 

Businesses lack confidence in AI and green technologies as the skills shortage persists

New data from this year’s Business Barometer report published by the OU, in partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce, has found that nearly two thirds (62%) of UK organisations are still reporting worrying skills shortages.

The annual report, monitoring the current UK skills landscape, found that skills shortages remain a prevalent issue across sectors and regions in all four nations. Despite this, fewer than one in five (19%) organisations have implemented a written skills plan for their workforce this year, hindering the ability to strategically address these issues and prepare for future demands. 

In particular, organisations have reported a lack of confidence (64%) in applying either new AI or green technologies, skills that employers agree are crucial to growth and sustainability for UK businesses and the wider economy. Skills shortages and this lack of confidence, continue to have a knock-on effect on staff morale and wellbeing, as 68% of employers say shortages have increased the workload of their employees. This is a clear indicator that employers need a strategic, inclusive skills plan to develop talent to fill key skills gaps. 

SHORT COURSE SPOTLIGHT: Managing a budget

This course acts as a toolkit to help you with using financial ideas in your workplace’s managerial decision-making. Throughout the course you'll hear from a variety of managers, from different backgrounds, talking about how they use these financial ideas. You'll get the chance to practise these ideas using activities, spreadsheets and quizzes. You'll also become more confident about dealing with finance professionals.

How to avoid work/life burnout

The battle for work-life balance can be never-ending with technology connecting us 24/7. And remote or hybrid working can make it even worse. In our latest Professional Knowledge Bank article, alumnus Keith Grinsted shares 10 tips for avoiding work/life burnout.

Entrepreneurship - from ideas to reality

Are you looking to set up your own business? Are you wondering how to turn your ideas into reality? Discover more about setting up and running your own business in this free course, Entrepreneurship – from ideas to reality.

Using case studies, this OpenLearn course will take you through the decisions you will need to make when building a business: from generating initial ideas through to deciding what you will do and how you will establish your business and grow it. It will guide you through business models, funding options, business types and the influence of location and importantly assessment of your own skills, values and attitudes to risk. The course is focused on practical advice from real entrepreneurs, and will signpost you to where you can find additional support and how you can further develop your own capabilities.