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AUTUMN 2018
THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES MAGAZINE
CRIME
REVENTION
P
EMPLOYABILITY INNOVATION
What can you do to prepare for New suite of courses being launched
your future? within the School
RESEARCH MENTAL HEALTH
Exciting new findings and projects Can psychological therapy help prisoners
from across the School with mental health issues?
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SO...
Welcome
In this issue
WELCOME 02
NEWS 04
MENTAL HEALTH IN PRISONS 06
SUPPORTING FEMALE PRISONERS WHO SELF-HARM 08
LEARNING TOGETHER – PLACEMENTS IN PRISON 10
WAYS TO PREVENT BURGLARY 12
POLICING AT NTU 13
SEXUAL OFFENCES, CRIME
AND MISCONDUCT RESEARCH UNIT 14
RESEARCH WITHIN THE SCHOOL 16
EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE SCHOOL 19
EMPLOYABILITY 20
Kathie
EVENTS CALENDAR 22
GET INVOLVED 23
Moore
Do you want to
be a contributor?
So… aims to showcase the excellence
of our students and staff, and content
for future editions is welcomed from all.
If you’d like to submit an article for
the next edition of So… please email
s3.enquiries@ntu.ac.uk
02
THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES MAGAZINE
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Welcome to the new academic year. organisations, as well as businesses. We will share with you some of our
To our new students, a very warm This work ranges from helping them recent developments in research and
welcome to the Social Sciences family- to understand some of the challenges practice as well as the exciting journeys
we are very excited about working with they may face, developing joined and of our students and colleagues from
you over the course of your degree. practice-orientated courses and creating across the School.
To our returning students, we hope opportunities for both our students and
that you had a great summer and are some of the most vulnerable people in I hope this edition of So… will inspire
ready for all the exciting opportunities our society. For you as a student this and encourage you to make the
awaiting you in your next year of means that you are offered plenty of most of your time with us, and make
studies with us. opportunities to volunteer, take part in you feel proud to be part of the School
placements and gain a range of valuable of Social Sciences.
This edition of So… has a focus on crime transferable skills for your future career,
prevention. In the School we are very while enriching society. We wish you every success over
proud to have developed an extensive the year ahead.
network of external partnerships. We Throughout the magazine, we will
take pride in working with a diverse showcase some great examples of crime Kathie Moore
range of organisations across statutory prevention and success stories from the Dean of Social Sciences
services, third sector and voluntary School of Social Sciences.
03
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SO... NEWS
BA (Hons) Policing students
join Nottinghamshire Police
as Special Constables
In June 2018, our first cohort of BA (Hons) Policing students took their policing
oaths at a formal attestation ceremony following an intensive initial training
programme. The ceremony was attended by friends and family of the Special
Constables, as well as academic staff from the course and members of
Nottinghamshire Police. In attendance was Nottinghamshire Police and
Crime Commissioner, Paddy Tipping, and Chief Inspector Shaun Ostle,
Head of the Force’s Local Policing Unit and Citizens in Policing Department.
During the first year of their degree, students undertook a mixture
of academic and practical police training. One of the practical
aspects is the Professional Practice module, during which they
completed a set number of duty hours as a Special Constable.
Special Constables are volunteer officers who have the same
powers as a regular officer and take part in frontline police work.
Under the tutorship of Nottinghamshire Police, students have
gained knowledge of offences, powers of arrest, stop and
searches and powers of entry. They have also learnt how to use
Nottinghamshire Police’s Niche RMS, Airwave radios and mobile
devices, as well as first aid and officer protection training. Their
studies have also covered the theme of Crime Investigation,
including victim/witness interviewing and suspect interviewing
using the P.E.A.C.E model.
Now they’ve been sworn in, they will embark upon a period of
mentoring by an experienced operational police officer. This will
allow them to use and enhance the knowledge they have learnt,
and develop new skills while engaging with the general public
and the local community.
Course leader Phil Rudkin said: “I am extremely proud of all of
the students, they have worked hard over what has been a full
academic year condensed into six months. They have grown
in confidence and ability and I feel extremely assured that they
will represent NTU and Nottinghamshire Police positively over
the years to come. It was nice to see so many family members
supporting their loved ones at what is an apprehensive time for
both the student and their family as they utilise their powers to Centre: Tracey Pearsall (Nottinghamshire Police) and Phil
keep us all safe.” Rudkin (NTU) with our BA (Hons) Policing students.
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NEWS SO...
Social Work in Malawi
Dr Simon Cauvain, Head of Social Work and Dr Janet The wider agenda of professionalising social work led by
Walker, University of Lincoln, recently visited Liwonde SSWIM has so far facilitated numerous visits from the UK to
in Malawi to help raise the profile of social work as a Malawi. Visiting volunteers help maintain the BSc Qualifying
profession. Social Work programme at Chanco, Zomba (recently
awarded the prestige title of University of Malawi) with books
Their visit, which saw them deliver a Practice Education and other relevant subject materials. Practice placements
course to 22 Malawian social workers, aims to create are embedded within the course and help students put
capacity for more social worker placements to be available theory into practice, testing out their knowledge and skills
for Malawian students and for there to be a more consistent before achieving qualified status.
approach to supporting and judging practice performance.
With the hope that social work will soon be recognised as On future training Dr Cauvain said, “The trainees provided
having professional status. This visit was part of the on- excellent course feedback that has secured their direct
going work by the charity Supporting Social Work in Malawi involvement in future delivery towards a model of eventual
(SSWIM), which Dr Cauvain has supported for the last four self-reliance and ‘in-house’ provision. We are striving for a
years. legacy that nurtures nothing less than decoloniality.”
On the visit, Dr Cauvain said, “Malawi is a beautiful country
but one that is suffering extreme poverty. Social work,
in its broadest sense is well established as an essential
way to help support those most vulnerable. Our work in
professionalising social work through an Afrocentric lens is
certainly challenging but an important step in building the
resources to meet a growing need. Cultural sensitivity is
crucial and while we know our work is important, we would
be defeating the object if we were to impose only what we
believe should work. We have therefore prioritised the need
to actively listen to colleagues with indigenous knowledge,
collaborate and co-produce. Only then can we hope to
make a positive difference.”
Inaugural lectures Graduate
Each year the School hosts a series of inaugural lectures given by newly
encourages
appointed Professors. The lectures allow them to give an illuminating overview
of their research and contribution to their field. Over the past year, we have more men to
seen Professor John Groeger discuss his research on sleep and the effects of
different types of sleep loss, on cognition, mood, health, safety and mortality.
Professor Clare Wood presented her research on exploring a different
teach Early Years
approach to understanding why children struggle to acquire literacy skills. Early Years Lead at Wyndham
Additionally, Professor Carrie Paetcher, Director of the Nottingham Centre Primary Academy, Ross Christie,
for Children, Young People and Families, also presented her leading research was interviewed on BBC Breakfast
into gender identity. to discuss the importance of male
teachers in Early Years.
Ross graduated from NTU in 2014, after
training to become a teacher through
the PGCE Primary course. He began his
teaching career at Wyndham Primary
Academy in 2014 and has since been
appointed as the Early Years Lead by
Spencer Academies Trust.
Ross explained that only 2% of staff in
Early Years are male, and discussed how to
encourage more men into the profession.
He said: “Every child needs a role model,
and it’s so important that children in
Early Years have that male role model in
education that they can look up to on a
daily basis.
“Every child deserves an outstanding
education and a world-class education,
and that’s what we can provide. It really
is the most rewarding job, seeing (the
05
children) grow as individuals. Early
years are the starting blocks for a child’s
education and we have the impact as
teachers to create life-long learners.”
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SO... MENTAL HEALTH
IN PRISON
Can prisoners with mental health problems
benefit from psychological therapy? Yes, but
health and justice need to be closer friends
Karen Slade
People held in jails and prisons experience far greater levels Our recent meta-analysis of 37 Randomised Control Trials (RCTs)
of mental illness than the general population, including on psychological therapies for mental health problems in prisons,
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression, found that some treatment approaches can work. The most
psychotic illness and personality disorder (Fazel & Seewald, effective approaches being cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
2012; Goff et al., 2007; Butler et al., 2006). and mindfulness-based therapies, which both moderately
improve depression and anxiety symptomology. However, this
They are far more likely to die by suicide, harm themselves is only the case when compared with prisoners who received
and others in prison and commit another crime on release. no treatment at all.
With over 10 million people in jails and prisons worldwide
(Walmsley, 2013), we require effective psychological therapies
for this population to help combat these complex issues.
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SO...
“...prisoners are complex and often
demonstrate multiple morbidities, notably
with substance use and personality disorder
at exceptionally high levels.”
Our review confirmed that the outcome of psychological treatment for
prisoners was notably similar to both psychological and pharmacological
treatment in the community (Leucht, Helfer, Gartlehner & Davis, 2015).
The effect is much the same, although the benefits for prisoners seem
more difficult to sustain over time.
In addition to the numbers, we were also interested in the Nevertheless, there is evidence that psychological treatments
researcher’s experience in running these studies in prison. can run well in prisons. It is notable that large-scale
The qualitative comments highlighted some useful lessons psychological treatment programmes specifically designed
for both researchers and practitioners. Crucially, many of the for prisoners have been delivered in many countries for
authors report falling foul of prison requirements (e.g. prisoner decades. These programmes are designed to address a range
release or restrictions on methods like video recording) of offending needs and some of these may hold promise
or prison regimes (e.g. ‘lock downs’) which affect their for mental health problems. However, few RCTs have been
intervention and studies. conducted on these offending interventions and there might
be a case for including mental health outcomes in future
This highlights the importance of understanding the evaluations. Our review suggests this may be an encouraging
differences in prison environments and not directly comparing avenue since many of these offending interventions are based
results from different settings. It also strengthens the call for on CBT that successfully runs within prisons that include
health, psychology (forensic and clinical), research and prison mindfulness based approaches.
staff to work collaboratively in the design and implementation
of studies. This is challenging as prisoners are complex and Psychological therapies based on CBT or mindfulness
often have multiple issues, substance abuse problems and approaches can improve mental health outcomes for prisoners
personality disorders at exceptionally high levels. This creates when compared with providing no intervention. The strength
practical issues during research such as how many prisoners of the improvement is similar to that seen in the community,
should be excluded due to these issues. Previous attempts although more difficult to sustain and so developments
at directly comparing services and results from community are clearly needed. Greater joint working between justice,
settings to prison have also encountered major issues by not psychologists and health professionals may provide fruitful
accounting for this complexity (e.g. Forrester et al., 2014). avenues for both outcomes and research fidelity.
REFERENCES
•B
utler, T., Andrews, G., Allnutt, S., Sakashita, C., Smith, • Huhn, M., Tardy, M., Spineli, L., & et al. (2014).
N. E., & Basson, J. (2006). Mental disorders in Australian Efficacy of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy for
prisoners: a comparison with a community sample. adult psychiatric disorders: A systematic overview of
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 40(3), meta-analyses. JAMA Psychiatry, 71(6), 706-715. doi:
272-276. doi: 10.1080/j.1440-1614.2006.01785.x 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.112
• Fazel, S., & Seewald, K. (2012). Severe mental illness • Leucht, S., Helfer, B., Gartlehner, G., & Davis, J. (2015).
in 33 588 prisoners worldwide: systematic review and How effective are common medications: a perspective
meta-regression analysis. The British Journal of based on meta-analyses of major drugs. BMC Medicine,
Psychiatry, 200(5), 364-373. 13(1), 253.
• Forrester, A., MacLennan, F., Slade, K., Brown, P., & • Walmsley, R. (2013). World Population List (10 ed.):
Exworthy, T. (2014). Improving access to psychological International Centre for Prison Studies.
therapies in prisons. Criminal Behaviour and Mental
Health, 24(3), 163-168. Adapted from a Society of Clinical Psychology (SCP) blog
by Karen Slade, Psy.D. which corresponds with an article
• Gaudiano, B. A., & Miller, I. W. (2013). The evidence- in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology titled,
based practice of psychotherapy: facing the challenges “Outcomes of Psychological Therapies for Prisoners with
that lie ahead. Clinical Psychology Review, 33(7), Mental Health Problems: A Systematic Review and
813-824. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2013.04.004 Meta-Analysis”
• Goff, A., Rose, E., Rose, S., & Purves, D. (2007). Original article: Yoon, I., Slade, K. and Fazel, S., 2017.
Does PTSD occur in sentenced prison populations? Outcomes of psychological therapies for prisoners with
A systematic literature review. Criminal Behaviour and mental health problems: a systematic review and meta-
Mental Health, 17(3), 152-162. doi: 10.1002/cbm.653 analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology,
07
85 (8), pp. 783-802.
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SO... FEMALE SELF
HARM IN PRISON
NTU researcher finds new ways
to support female prisoners who self-harm
Female prisoners are nearly four times more
likely to self-harm in custody than their male
counterparts, according to new research by
Dr Griffiths.
Prisoners who self-harm are currently supported by their peers
as part of the Listener Scheme – a service run by the Samaritans
that trains prisoners to provide emotional support to their fellow
4x Female prisoners are nearly
four times more likely to
self-harm in custody than
their male counterparts
inmates.
Dr Griffiths suggests ways to adapt the Listener Scheme to take
into account the gender-specific needs of females in prison.
“Women have distinct needs to men in custody. They are more
likely to have experienced previous trauma, have misused
substances (drugs and alcohol), have a mental health condition,
and be the sole carer to children.
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SO...
Women make up just...
5%
of the overall prison
population in England
and Wales
but carry out...
21%
of all acts of self-harm
“...female prisoners would rather be supported
by professionals than their fellow inmates.”
“A gendered approach within the Listener
Scheme for women who self-harm in custody
needs to reflect women’s difficulties with
men, the displacement of their mother role
and their desire for attachment in custody.
I hope that my research can highlight how
provisions in the prison estate, such as
the Listener Scheme, can be adapted to
incorporate these specific needs.”
The findings come from Dr Griffiths’ PhD thesis Prisoner
Listeners and Self-Harm: The Development of a Multi-
Disciplinary Gendered Approach for Women in Custody.
A key outcome from her research is that female prisoners
would rather be supported by professionals than their fellow
inmates – contradicting current research.
Dr Griffiths suggests a multidisciplinary approach to solve
this – whereby Listeners and staff work together to provide
a collective approach to fully support women who self- harm
in custody.
“I hope that a multi-disciplinary approach which includes staff
and trained Listeners can be implemented to fully support
women who self-harm in custody.”
09
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SO... LEARNING
TOGETHER
Learning Together –
placements in prison
Dr Anne O’Grady
Within the Nottingham Institute of Education, Our NTU students are joined by HMP students and together they
a wide range of courses are provided for students embark on a programme of learning. The focus of the course
is Prison Education and Justice and is facilitated by a group of
to explore education – as a system, a process, a academics from across the Institute and the School’s Department
practice and a product. of Sociology – Dr Anne O’Grady, Dr Paul Hamilton, Dr Jane
Moore, Dr Eric Baumgartner, Paul Bermingham and Kirsty Teague.
Students studying our Joint Honours or Single Honours Education
courses have the opportunity to undertake a placement For Criminology students, this placement is offered as an
experience during the second year of their studies. Students extracurricular placement and brings together their ‘academic
secure placements in a wide range of educational spaces; knowledge’ with the ‘lived experience’ of the Criminal Justice
and some students are able to apply to undertake their placement students of ‘Inside Students’. The application process provides-
in a prison establishment. both successful and unsuccessful- students with the experience
of going through a formal application process, which helps them
The prison placement takes place over a period of ten weeks and to prepare for life after graduation.
consists of education students coming together with second
year BA (Hons) Criminology students, and then attending a prison
on a weekly basis to engage in an innovative programme called
‘Learning Together’.
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“...the prison placement provides a chance
to enhance ones understanding of prison,
prisoners and prison education.”
During the placement period, all students are required to learning during the course. Additionally, students are provided
undertake a series of academic readings and then come with the opportunity to share their individual learning journey
together to debate these dialogically through small group by reflecting on the experience.
work activities aiming to answer a series of posed questions.
The readings cover topics such as the concepts of social and As a result, NTU students have sought and obtained further
criminal justice; models of identity and deviance; a critique of volunteering opportunities and some have also been offered
prison education utilising philosophical perspectives; and the paid employment in the prison. Our prison learners tell us that
role of institutions as societal structures. As you can imagine, the opportunity to engage in ‘real talk’ with University students
this results in some lively debate! has provided a meaningful and welcome learning opportunity.
The placement provides a unique and valuable opportunity This is the second year we have delivered this placement
for groups of students to come together to debate topics of opportunity to our students. It is evident that the prison
mutual interest, building on their lived experiences. Students placement provides a chance to enhance their understanding
report that as a result they arrive at new co-constructed of prison, prisoners and prison education. In 2017, we delivered
understandings of each other, which move beyond their one placement opportunity; this year we delivered three, and
previously stereotypically held assumptions about either we are looking forward to the expansion of this programme as
University students or prisoners. more prisons hear about this opportunity.
The placement culminates in a celebration event in which all
students present an academic poster to demonstrate their
11
7881_NTU_SummerSO.indd 11 19/09/2018 14:27SO... BURGLARY
PREVENTION
“Which security devices
work to prevent burglary?”
Crime prevention and the Quantitative and Spatial Criminology (QSC) research group.
The QSC research group based within the Department of The most effective ‘on a budget’ combination is window locks,
Sociology has vast expertise in producing leading international internal lights on a timer, double door locks and external lights
research often in collaboration with crime prevention agencies. on a sensor, or ‘WIDE’ security; this combination is also carbon
Their main aim is to develop a better understanding of the factors efficient . One particularly worrying finding was that alarms in
that shape victimisation across different crime types in order to general reduce the joint anti-burglary effectiveness of the other
inform crime reduction and public reassurance initiatives. devices they complement.
Activities defined as crime can come in many forms and They also discovered that three or more adult households, such
clarifying who might be affected is the base for preventing as students, are at higher burglary risk than two adult households.
crime. Regardless of victims’ identity, all crime affects the Students therefore should make sure that the properties they rent
communities within which targeted individuals reside. have the WIDE combination – and make certain to lock doors
and windows when they leave the house. Simply check the price
of the particular make your home has – and in operating order.
Of course, as with the WIDE combination, they cannot alert you
about an intruder unless they are set-up when the house is empty
or at night.
An interesting question that the QSC research group are
currently examining is which security devices effectively
protect households from attempted burglary and burglary
with successful entry, which might solve the burglar alarm
counter-intuitive finding.
REFERENCES
• E
conomic and Social Research Council, Secondary Data
Analysis Initiative (ESRC, SDAI) – funded research project
“Explaining and Sustaining the Decline in Stranger and
Andromachi Tseloni
Acquaintance Violence” (http://bit.ly/28Z6TNx).
In order for the QSC to achieve its aims, it is important to • E
SRC, SDAI – funded project “Which Burglary Security
investigate each crime type and what increases or decreases the Devices Work for Whom and in What Context?”
risk and frequency. Apart from different entities being affected, (http://bit.ly/1XbZNb2). Tseloni, A., Thompson, R., Grove,
the conditions (risk factors) enabling the occurrence of specific L., Tilley, N. and Farrell, G. (2014) The effectiveness of
crime may differ. For example, the QSC’s research on Violence burglary security devices. Security Journal, 30(2):
Trends showed that the risk factors and locations where people 646-664. DOI: 10.1057/sj.2014.30 Open Access.
are assaulted by strangers differ to those related to experiencing
violence by people who the victim knew well (but not family / • S
kudder, H., Brunton-Smith, I., Tseloni, A., McInnes,
household members or partner / ex- partner) or by sight, such A., Cole, J., Thompson, R. and Druckman, A. (2017)
as locals or local kids. Can Burglary Prevention be Low Carbon and Effective?
Investigating the environmental performance of
For this reason, QSC researchers will continue producing burglary prevention measures. Security Journal.
knowledge on crime and specific risk factors. One particular DOI: 10.1057/s41284-017-0091-4. Open Access.
topic Dr Becky Thompson, Professor Andromachi Tseloni
and colleagues from other Universities have examined is • T
illey, N., Thompson, R., Farrell, G., Grove, L. and Tseloni,
how different combinations of security devices protect from A. (2015) Do burglar alarms increase burglary risk?
burglary, addressing the question: “Which burglary security A counter-intuitive finding and possible explanations.
devices work for whom and in what context?” Their research Crime Prevention and Community Safety:
uncovered that in general, adding security devices to a home An International Journal, 17(1), 1-19. Open Access.
makes it more burglary-proof, but the gains in reducing
burglary risk from each additional device diminish after • T
seloni, A., Thompson, R. and Tilley, N. (forthcoming)
about four. Burglary and security. Springer.
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THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES MAGAZINE
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Helping to develop an evidence-based
approach to policing: the Postgraduate
Certificate in Policing Research
Dr Becky Thompson and Dr James Hunter
In order to make best use of their available resources and The course provides the opportunity for students to carry out
improve their approach to responding to and tackling crime, a small piece of research that is designed to enable their Force
police forces and police officers are being encouraged to enhance the adoption of an evidence-based approach. For
to adopt an evidence-based approach. This requires the this research activity, each student is paired with an academic
establishment of clear evidence that specific approaches supervisor who supports them through the research project.
(e.g. the use of target hardening or increasing police patrols
to reduce crime) actually work. The Postgraduate Certificate The course has helped us build strong relationships with a
(PG Cert) in Policing Research is an exciting course designed number of police forces across the region. Students have
to enable serving police officers and police staff to develop brought with them a wealth of experience and knowledge
their understanding of evidence-based approaches. It was and have been a joy to teach. We hope the course has also
developed by Dr. Becky Thompson and Dr. James Hunter empowered our students to drive innovation and be a voice for
in conjunction with the East Midlands Policing Academic change within their own organisations. For NTU, running this
Collaboration (EMPAC) – which is a partnership of eight course is a fantastic opportunity to extend our partnership with
universities, the five regional police forces and their Police police forces, to enhance the development of evidence-based
and Crime Commissioners. approaches, and to enable our students to develop a range of
research-orientated skills that are of direct relevance to their
The course is designed to develop understanding of operational practices and organisational context.
evidence-based policing and the policy and organisational
context within which policing-related research takes place. If you would like further information about the course,
It also introduces a variety of frameworks and research please contact either becky.thompson@ntu.ac.uk or
methods used to conduct policing-related research. james.hunter@ntu.ac.uk
Student Testimonial
Alex Paradise (Derbyshire Constabulary):
“In 2017, I had an opportunity to study towards a PG Cert
in Policing Research through the East Midlands Policing
Academic Collaboration (EMPAC). Having gone to an open
event, I chose NTU over the other universities following
a really excellent talk by Dr Becky Thompson. It was clear
that a great deal of effort and thought had gone into the
creation of the programme at NTU. The course had been
designed to be flexible and displayed an understanding of
the demands involved in working in a policing organisation.
“I haven’t regretted my decision to study here for a second.
The teaching has been outstanding, with lecturers that clearly
have a passion for their subject and the course.”
“The opportunity to explore key issues in more detail have
really benefited me in my paid role. Having a chance to
explore the reasoning behind government policy as well as
strategies taken by other Forces in my area has broadened
my knowledge. This has helped me identify key challenges
and existing best practices.”
“It has been a pleasure to study this
course and I would recommend it
to any policing practitioner. I was left
with such a positive impression of the
University that I decided to continue
13
and study for a Masters at NTU.”
7881_NTU_SummerSO.indd 13 19/09/2018 14:27SO... SOCAMRU
Sexual Offences, Crime
Misconduct Research Unit
What can a university do to prevent sexual (re)offending?
&
Professor Belinda Winder, Dr Nicholas Blagden and Imogen Byrne
An increase in sexual crime How can a university help?
Last year, there was a 19% increase in the number of police- The Sexual Offences, Crime and Misconduct Research Unit
recorded sexual offences with the total number at approximately (SOCAMRU) was set up in 2007 to build upon the collaborative
129,700. This is the first time that the total number of sexual relationship between ongoing research within the School of Social
offences in a year has exceeded 100,000. This year, the NSPCC Sciences at NTU and HMP Whatton – one of the largest prisons
reported a 15% increase in sexual crimes against children, with a in Europe, housing approximately 850 adult prisoners convicted
third of offences perpetrated by young people. of sexual offences. SOCAMRU has continued to broaden its
focus and develop new partnerships and collaborations, and
Sexual crime brings with it a range of negative consequences, its researchers and students now conduct a range of applied
including mental illness, emotional problems, relationship research projects within HMP Nottingham, HMP Lowdham
difficulties and an increased likelihood of substance abuse for the Grange, HMP Stafford, HMP Rye Hill, HMP Grendon and Rampton
victims and survivors of abuse (and for perpetrators). Friends and High Secure hospital.
family of victims (and of perpetrators) are also impacted.
Current research programmes include:
We know that many adult perpetrators become concerned they may
offend five or more years before committing an offence, but there is • t he evaluation of anti-libidinal medication for individuals
little help available for them. Once someone has offended, the costs convicted of sexual abuse;
of police investigations, trials, treatment and management of people
convicted of sexual offences has been calculated at approximately • u
nderstanding the importance of the prison environment in the
£8.5 billion per year in the UK alone. Despite the increase in the rehabilitation of offenders;
number of people convicted of sexual offences, there is little support
in the community for people on release, making it more likely • u
nderstanding atypical sexual interest (having a sexual attraction
people will re-offend. There is also a problem with young people to children) and the impact on identity;
demonstrating sexually harmful behaviour – with approximately a
third of sexual abuse of children committed by other adolescents. • e
xamining the putative role of personality disorder in
problematic sexual arousal and sexual preoccupation.
SOCAMRU works on regional, national and international projects
What contribution does our research make? – from working on a cross-cultural study of incest with the
Institute of Mental Health in Canada, the cross-cultural evaluations
We are committed to research that makes a practical
of prison climate and denial with the Correctional Services of
difference to policy, practice and society. Our work has
Australia and a project we are trying to progress with Accra
been cited in the National Institute for Clinical Excellence
University in Ghana regarding exploring differences in the cross-
(NICE) medical guidelines, has changed national prison
cultural justifications for sexual offending in Africa and the UK.
policy and has made a difference internationally to our
treatment, management and understanding of sexual crime.
Our research utilises quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods
approaches, and recognises the importance and value of service
users in contributing to this research area, running both prison
and community-based service user groups. These service users
(prisoners and ex-prisoners) make a significant contribution to
our research.
How can I get involved?
Although undergraduate students are not permitted to
undertake research in prisons, we have a substantial number
of postgraduate and PhD students undertaking cutting
edge, applied, research in prison and with ex-prisoners
14
(in addition to those at risk of offending). We also offer
volunteering opportunities, either as research internships or
volunteering for the Safer Living Foundation.
THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES MAGAZINE
7881_NTU_SummerSO.indd 14 19/09/2018 14:27SAFER LIVING FOUNDATION SO...
Professor Belinda Winder Dr Nicholas Blagden Rebecca Lievesley
The Safer Living Foundation (SLF) charity is a
joint venture between HMP Whatton and NTU. Current projects:
The charity was founded in February 2014
in collaboration with the National Probation • SLF transition project: a research-based investigation
Service and Nottinghamshire Police. into the transitional period from prison to release, a
difficult time for prisoners. Research into their attitudes
Professor Belinda Winder, Dr Nicholas Blagden,
and beliefs could inform understanding of desistance,
Rebecca Lievesley and Imogen Byrne from prisoner well-being and effective resettlement.
NTU are all part of the SLF team.
The SLF is focussed on preventing further victims of sexual • SLF three-quarter house project: is also research-
abuse by reducing sexual offending through rehabilitative based and looks into the needs and experiences of
and preventative initiatives. The SLF runs three variations of people with a sexual conviction attempting to secure
Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA), a volunteer- accommodation after their release from prison.
based rehabilitative initiative for people with sexual Ex-prisoners searching for housing are met with
convictions aimed at reducing the risk of reoffending: many obstacles, but accommodation instability is a
significant risk factor of reoffending. This research
• C
ommunity-based CoSA help people who have sexually should inform the SLF with theoretical and practical
offended rebuild a positive and productive life within the knowledge of how to help these individuals overcome
community by providing support in finding, for example, such barriers.
appropriate employment and accommodation.
• Prevention project: this signposting, support and
• T
he SLF set-up the first prison-based CoSA out of HMP treatment service is available to individuals who are
Whatton, volunteers help prisoners prepare for their concerned by their sexual thoughts who have not,
release by providing psychological and practical support and do not want to, act upon them. Individuals can be
that eases an otherwise difficult transition back into the referred to the project for therapy delivered accredited
community. clinicians to help change their sexual preoccupations
and ultimately reduce their risk.
• T
he young people’s CoSA were created to help
adolescents charged with a sexual offence and living in
the community. Volunteers help the young person with • Corbett drop-in centre: this centre will not only
social skills, emotional well-being and even employment house the other SLF projects but be a safe-place for
or works experience. ex-prisoners, particularly those who have sexually
offended, to get advice and support in finding
The SLF works in tandem with SOCAMRU. SLF works on accommodation and employment and whilst also
15
evidence-based practice, while SOCAMRU conducts careful managing their risk.
process and outcome evaluations of each of the charity’s
projects to ensure best practice.
7881_NTU_SummerSO.indd 15 19/09/2018 14:27SO... RESEARCH
WITHIN THE
SCHOOL
Research within the School
The School of Social Sciences delivers education and research that will Our research output from the School is spread
enable you to advance your career in an environment that fosters ambition, across four main areas. They are:
progress, innovation and leadership. We have a reputation for producing
high quality, socially relevant research of practical use. • Politics and International Relations
Our research strategy is to continue to develop and sustain capacity and • Psychology
capability across these areas and the School as a whole, growing research • Social Work and Health
income, the number of research active staff, clusters and cross School
groups and the postgraduate research student population. • Sociology, including Criminology.
LGBTQI+ Parented Families Children were generally very proud Small Steps
and Schools of their families but felt that the lack Big Changes Evaluation
of teaching about non-heterosexual
Professor Carrie Paechter has been families, particularly in primary schools, The Nottingham Centre for Children,
working with Dr Anna Carlile of left them having to explain their home Young People and Families (NCCYPF) has
Goldsmiths, University of London, to circumstances, and, in some cases, how been named as the evaluation partner to
investigate the relationships between they were conceived, to their peers. the pioneering Small Steps Big Changes
LGBTQI+ parented families and their programme.
children’s schools. The research has Children were also concerned about the
involved: interviews with parents and level of casual homophobia in schools, Operating across four wards in Nottingham
children; an assessment of school policy particularly the use of ‘gay’ as a term of – Arboretum, Aspley, Bulwell and St
documents in two local authority areas; abuse, and felt that schools could do more Ann’s – the Small Steps Big Changes
a print media analysis; and the evaluation to combat this. This research has recently programme is hosted by Nottingham City
of the Educate & Celebrate programme, been published as a book: Anna Carlile and Care Partnership and Supported by the
which works with schools to improve Carrie Paechter, 2018, LGBTQI parented Big Lottery Fund’s A Better Start initiative.
LGBTQI+ equality. families and schools: visibility, representation, It aims to improve outcomes for 0-3 year
and pride. London, Routledge. old children in the areas of communication
They found that LGBTQI+ parented and language; social and emotional
families want to be treated as families like Professor Carrie Paechter, development; and nutrition. It also aims
any other, but this does not mean that Director of NCCYPF to empower parents, communities and
schools do not have to do anything. Both workforces to achieve together.
parents and children were concerned
about the lack of visibility of LGBTQI+ Over the next five years, staff and students
parented families within schools, with will undertake a process, impact and
parents calling for story books and other economic evaluation of the Small Steps Big
curriculum materials which reflected them Changes programme, in collaboration with
and for LGBTQI+ issues, including safer sex children and parents, identifying strengths
practices to be taught. and areas in need of development, and in
particular what works in improving outcomes
They were also annoyed by official forms for 0-3 year olds growing up in Nottingham.
that assumed that every child had two and
only two parents of opposite genders. Clare Lushey, NCCYPF
SPICES project and vulnerable groups in three high- The SPICES project is an important
income countries (Belgium, France and opportunity to contribute towards reducing
Scaling-up Packages of Interventions United Kingdom) as well as to identify and health inequalities and improve wellbeing
for Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) compare the barriers and facilitators across in Nottingham, nationally and globally.
prevention in selected sites in Europe and study contexts. The SPICES Consortium Dr Linda Gibson
sub-Saharan Africa (SPICES) is a five- comprise of six universities - University of
year implementation project (January Antwerp in Belgium, Makarere University
2017 – December 2021) funded by in Uganda, University of Sussex and
the European Commission through Nottingham Trent University in the UK,
the Horizon 2020 funding Action. This Brest University in France and University of
project aims to implement and evaluate a Limpopo in South Africa.
comprehensive CVD prevention program
in five diverse settings: a rural and semi- The School is taking the lead on the health
urban community in a low-income country promotion, education and prevention
(Uganda), middle income (South Africa) aspects of the project, which focuses
on building upon the substantial CVD-
related activities already undertaken by
16
health organisations and their partners in
Nottingham over the last decade. Our health
promotion model will then be adapted and
replicated across the other five settings. Dr Linda Gibson
THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES MAGAZINE
7881_NTU_SummerSO.indd 16 19/09/2018 14:27SO...
Turkey Development of a Youth
Justice System in Minsk, Belarus
and Vicky has been involved in the initiation and
development of a youth justice provision in
Belarus, aiming to emulate what is currently
the EU
in place in England and Wales.
Between September 2017 and
February 2018, Vicky made five
visits to Minsk in the Republic of
Belarus; two of the visits were with
colleagues from the School, Mark
Bower and David Ellicott. During
these visits, she was involved
in training Belarusian Judges,
Prosecutors, Police Investigators,
Defence Solicitors and Charitable
Organisations, on subject areas such
as the evolution of our youth justice
system, courts and sentencing
structures, children’s rights and
responsibilities, court disposals,
restorative justice and more. Two
Russian interpreters working in
tandem in separate sound booths
simultaneously translated every
session into Russian. Dr Vicky Palmer
Dr Natalie Martin
During each visit, close contact was “The Belarusian penalties for drugs
Natalie Martin has been interested maintained with British Ambassador, offences are far more punitive than
in Turkish politics since she went Fiona Gibb, who was highly in England and Wales for youths,
there after leaving university to teach interested in the work undertaken where possession of cannabis can
English as a foreign language. Having and sat in on some of the lectures see a young person imprisoned for
thought she was going to Istanbul, she and inviting Vicky and colleagues eight years or more (depending upon
ended up in Diyarbakir in the Kurdish for lunch at the British Embassy. the amount). The penalties for youth
areas of eastern Turkey: it was a huge violence are far more lenient with,
culture shock but sparked an enduring The work, funded by and for example, the offence of Actual
fascination. About ten years ago Natalie undertaken at the request of the Bodily Harm (ABH) attracting the
gave up her day job at the BBC to do a British Embassy in conjunction with status in Belarus of civil disobedience
PhD on the Turkey EU relationship which ‘Solicitors International Human or anti-social behaviour, with little, if
encompasses a wide range of subjects Rights Group’ (SIHRG), saw Vicky any penalty (viewed as a normal part
including the history of the EU and work in partnership with the group’s of growing up). Victims take far more
Turkey’s relationship with NATO, as well Head, Lionel Blackman. The training centre-stage in Belarus, often having
as the day to day workings of Turkish sessions took place in Belarus State direct input into sentences given by
politics. In 2015, Palgrave Macmillan University School of Law in central the court.”
published Natalie’s PhD as a book – Minsk and were exceptionally well
Security and the Turkey-EU Accession received, with the possibility of “We learnt a great deal about the
Process: Norms, Reforms and the Cyprus further work required later this year. Belarusian youth justice system
Issue. Natalie then diversified, looking and this comparative international
at how Turkey deals with the Kurds and During her visits, Vicky noticed perspective is now firmly embedded
other groups in Turkish society – all of some significant differences in the into the curriculum of the BA
which is relevant to the EU. For her next way that youth crime is perceived (Hons) Youth Justice degree. This
phase of research, Natalie will go back and dealt with in Belarus compared experience has been exceptionally
to her roots in journalism to look at the to England and Wales: enriching in terms of personal and
role a free press plays in maintaining professional staff development as
democracy. There is a lot to write on the well as for the student cohorts who
absence of a free press in Turkey, and “This experience has been now have an unusual international
Natalie will be looking at other countries exceptionally enriching comparator as so very little has
as well – including the UK. in terms of personal been written on youth justice in
and professional staff Belarus.”
Natalie says, “I consider myself very
17
lucky to be paid to teach and write about development as well as for Dr Vicky Palmer, Course Leader
things which have always, and continue, the student cohorts...” for BA (Hons) Youth Justice and
to fascinate me.” BA (Hons) Youth Studies
Dr Natalie Martin
7881_NTU_SummerSO.indd 17 19/09/2018 14:27SO... RESEARCH
WITHIN THE
SCHOOL
Transport safety Researchers from the
Department of Psychology
Hazard Perception in Motorised Mobility Scooter recently presented their
(MMS) Users at Road Crossings
research at a traffic and
transport symposium:
Motorised mobility scooters (MMS) have The current grant aims to investigate the
become one of the most popular methods higher-order cognitive skills of hazard
of assisting mobility and short distance perception and hazard avoidance in MMS
travel, particularly in the aged and physically users with the aim of developing and
disabled populations. Their use has been evaluating a training intervention to make Data from Phase 1 and 2 will be used to
linked to a range of positive health and users safer and more likely to reap the create a training DVD with real-life footage
wellbeing outcomes such as increased benefits of using a MMS. demonstrating hazards and useful hazard
independence and improved self-esteem. mitigation strategies. The final phase will
Phase 1 involves MMS users completing evaluate the effectiveness of this training
From a road safety perspective, the a questionnaire to identify the typical DVD in a randomised control trial using
increased use of MMS presents a hazards they face, particularly with regard healthy older adults. It is anticipated
challenge as they present risks for the user, to crossing roads. Phase 2 will use a rig of that this project will result in a greater
pedestrians, and for other road users. This HD cameras attached to a MMS and eye appreciation of the hazards facing MMS
has led to pressure to introduce some form tracking glasses to monitor the hazards users at road crossings, as well as a training
of assessment of training of MMS users, and hazard avoidance strategies used by intervention that is cost effective and easy
although no requirements currently exist experienced and inexperienced MMS users to administer.
within the UK. In relation to enhancing MMS as they navigate along a pre-specified
driving behaviour safety, current literature route through Nottingham. These users Dr Duncan Guest, Dr Georgina Gous,
focuses on training vehicular control. will then re-watch this footage and provide Professor David Crundall, Dr Andrew
However, equally important is for MMS a running commentary on their actions. MacKenzie, Dr Angela Young
users to understand the potential hazards
they may face particularly at road crossings.
60 seconds with...
What does your career path look like? I have since spent 15 years in uniform
After my 15 years’ service, including the policing in a variety of roles, from front
last few years spent moving around the line response and neighbourhood
East Midlands working for the five forces policing to the control room, prisoner
and the City of London Police, I decided handling and training officers and staff in
that I wanted more stability for me and my police IT systems and new recruits in law.
family. I always had a passion for teaching
and, having spent some time working My work over the past few years has
at De Montfort University as part of a involved designing and implementing
collaboration with Leicestershire Police, training for a regional IT system across
I developed a passion for academia. My the East Midlands so forces share
future ambitions are to consolidate my information on crime, intelligence,
position here at NTU as course leader and custody amongst other things.
look to progress my career to Principal The East Midlands Niche Collaboration
Lecturer and beyond. is the largest single platform in the
country where forces share data, and
What did you want to be now includes the City of London Police.
when you ‘grew up’?
Name: Phil Rudkin When I completed my degree in Computer Tell us one thing that School of
Title: Course Leader, BA (Hons) Policing Science, I thought I would spend my life Social Sciences students won’t
in the world of IT. I worked for Siemens know about you.
Tell us a little about your role Medical in Oxfordshire within IT Support I’m only 37, there seems to be a
I’m a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for a year while I applied to Leicestershire myth that anybody leaving the police
for BA (Hons) Policing. I started the Police and NTU for a Postgraduate service is retired.
role having left Leicestershire Police in Certificate in Education. I always had a
January this year after nearly 15 years’ yearning to be a teacher or police officer. What is the most important thing
service. you’ve learned in life?
I gained a place with Leicestershire Police To never judge a book by its cover
and decided to defer my place at NTU for and to always scratch the surface to
a year. After that, I never looked back. My see what is underneath – you will be
uncle served for 27 years in Leicestershire surprised at what you can discover.
18
Police and I can always remember as a
child looking up to him and seeing him in
his uniform and police car.
THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES MAGAZINE
7881_NTU_SummerSO.indd 18 19/09/2018 14:27EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE SCHOOL SO...
Exciting
developments
within the School
New developments in our professional BSc (Hons) Leading and Innovating
health and nursing portfolio Nursing Practice
In partnership with the Nottinghamshire Health The first cohort of senior nurses working at
Care Trust, the School is rapidly growing its Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
strategic partnerships in Clinical Health and Care. started their academic journey towards the
BSc Leading and Innovating Nursing practice
Supported by the School’s expanding research profile and
the appointment of Christine Moffatt as the Professor of in January 2018 and were joined by the second
International Clinical Nursing; the aim is to ensure that cohort in March.
NTU becomes a significant presence and a recognised first
choice provider in Health, Social and Allied Care Professional This course has been designed as a continuing professional
Education. The work is in partnership with members from development framework, which supports experienced nurses
Health Education England, East Midlands Ambulance to advance their academic and nursing skills through utilising
Service and Nottingham University Hospitals as well as research, critically exploring evidence, and the application of
Nottinghamshire Health Care. learning to their professional practice.
Based on the success of the PG Certificate in Critical Care and The course aims to enhance innovation and leadership in
the BSc (Hons) Leading and Innovation in Nursing Practice, nursing and health and social care practice through course
the School plans to deliver a suite of full pre-registration and principles which aspire to nursing excellence. Each module
apprenticeships in adult, learning disability, mental health supports students to examine the knowledge and skills
and children’s nursing. These proposed programmes will required for forward-thinking and competent practice as
sit alongside our latest course developments in paramedic a senior nurse. Students will meet and advance the standards
training and education. In 2019, the School will deliver a of practice through service innovation and developing the
pre-registration BSc (Hons) Paramedics Practice accredited leadership skills required to develop excellence in teams and
by the College of Paramedics. Along with the PG Certificate individuals. The course culminates with an independent study
in Clinical Education, Certificate in Ambulance Medical module which focuses on either an audit, service evaluation
Technician and two new apprenticeships in Assistant or service improvement project related to the students
Practitioner Health and Nursing Associate. Inspired by a desire clinical practice.
from the Trust to grow the collaborative offer, the School are
also seeking recognition as an accredited Educational Institute
with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
“I feel very privileged to be the first
Chris Moore, Head of Health within the Department of Social
Work and Health has said: “A key driver for these courses is
cohort embarking on this new
the clinical needs of patients, and as such, we have designed course. I am really enjoying it and
a suite of programmes that meets and understands clinical
demands, and the challenges faced by staff in health care love how it relates to our current
services. We have been working with expert teams from
academic and professional services, who have developed a areas of practice.”
blended learning approach with employer-based partnerships.
Such an approach has presented challenges, however, I feel Jo Curtis - Ward Sister for Theatre Admissions Lounge
the responses of both teams has been immense and a credit to and Elective Admissions Lounge, Nottingham University
the university. Our reputation as a result as has grown and I am Hospitals NHS Trust
hopeful this will continue.”
19
7881_NTU_SummerSO.indd 19 19/09/2018 14:27SO... EMPLOYABILITY
Meet your
employability
advisers
We’re here for you
At every stage of your career planning,
Helen Reed Angela Vesey
providing personal support and advice Employability Manager Employability Manager
you won’t find in a book or on the Email: helen.reed@ntu.ac.uk Email: angela.vesey@ntu.ac.uk
internet. You can benefit from this
at anytime during your studies and
up to three years after completing
your course.
Marielle Treavis Eileen Easby
Careers Consultant (City) Careers Consultant (Clifton)
Email: marielle.treavis@ntu.ac.uk Email: eileen.easby@ntu.ac.uk
How can I prepare for a
placement/ graduate job fair?
Before the fair At the fair After the fair
• B
e prepared – look at the event page for • B
e confident, smile and make eye • K
eep a note of who you spoke to, their
the job fair on FutureHub to find out about contact. contact details and write up any useful
the employers who will be attending. tips they have given you – this will be
• A
sk questions about opportunities, useful when it comes to apply for a job.
• D
on’t just look at job titles. Research experience, career progression,
organisations where you would want to applications and their recruitment • F
ollow up any contacts with a
work or gain experience. The culture of a processes. Listen carefully and show professional email thanking them
company is as important as the job title! interest. for taking time to speak to you.
• A
ttend a Prepare for the Fair session – • B
e prepared to discuss yourself. • S
tart your applications – have a look
book your place online at If an employer doesn’t recognise your at their websites for more information,
www.ntu.ac.uk/emponline degree as relevant, explain why it is! making sure you don’t miss any
deadlines.
• A
ttend fairs throughout your degree, • D
on’t only speak to employers regarding
recruitment fairs are not only for final sectors you already know/think you are
year students. interested in – explore ideas and career
paths that may not have previously been
• If you want to hand your CV out, on your radar.
make sure you visit a drop-in session
with the Employability Team first.
20
THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES MAGAZINE
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