Health and Social Care around the OU
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Health and Social Care - OU Community Online
(3 votes)
For those working in, studying, or with an interest in, Health and Social Care
Student success in Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) essay competition
Two OU students were successful in the inaugural Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) essay competition this year. Helen O’Shea, was the winner of the Undergraduate category whilst Kira Kazakova, also an undergraduate, received a commendation for her essay.
The winning entries were published in the Irish Psychologist magazine and the successful entrants will receive a significant contribution towards attending the Annual Congress of Psychology Students which is being held in Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) in April 2013.
“One of my biggest concerns about studying with the OU was that the study was independent rather than normal lectures. This made me wonder how I was going to cope with self-regulated study and would I have the discipline required to achieve a BSc in Psychology. My concerns were quickly allayed when I came to realise the level of support and resources that were available, and in particular the standard and timeliness of communication between the tutors and the students.”
Helen, a wife and mother who says “there was a lot of juggling and late nights” in order to complete her studies, is now a research assistant on the Waterford Mental Health Survey, which is a joint project between the Health Service Executive (South) and University College Dublin.
Kira started her studies when she was working as a Legal Executive, and the OU was the best option for her to combine work and study. One of her major concerns was undertaking a course in English which, at the time she began her studies, was her third language. In addition, when Kira went back to study, she was, and still is, a single mother. “Raising a young child by myself, as well as trying to educate myself, was very tough at times...for three years between 2006-9 I was also working full time as well as studying.”
“I am very pleased to be a runner-up in the Essay Competition and I am very proud to represent the OU in this endeavour.”
Dr Aileen O’Reilly, PSI Graduate Officer and Council Member said “It was wonderful to receive entries from Open University students, and I would encourage more students to enter the competition next year.”
Karen Hagan, Senior Lecturer in Psychology in Ireland says “The Open University is delighted that two students have received awards in the first PSI student essay competition. This shows the high calibre of our students and, indeed, their motivation to succeed.”
Find out more
Posted 8 April 2013
(3 votes)
Two OU students were successful in the inaugural Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) essay competition this year. Helen O’Shea, was the winner of the Undergraduate category whilst Kira Kazakova, also an undergraduate, received a commendation for her essay. The winning entries were published in the Irish Psychologist magazine and the successful entrants will receive a significant ...
The top 20 most wanted professions in the world
Around the world there are a number of professions in high demand. The BBC Business website has compiled a list of the top 20 most wanted professions internationally, and the countries that want them.
The list includes psychologists, physiotherapists and chefs, and there are case studies.
Is your profession there? Check it out on Global migrants: Which is the most wanted profession?
(11 votes)
Around the world there are a number of professions in high demand. The BBC Business website has compiled a list of the top 20 most wanted professions internationally, and the countries that want them. The list includes psychologists, physiotherapists and chefs, and there are case studies. Is your profession there? Check it out on Global migrants: Which is the most wanted profession? ...
Participants needed for OCD study
The research is investigating whether the brains of people with OCD function differently to those without OCD.
Preliminary findings suggest some systematic and interesting differences between brain activity in people with OCD, and non-OCD controls, even in a relaxed state. However, to obtain a more detailed picture researchers need to find more participants with OCD.
They are looking for people between 18 and 60 years of age, who have been diagnosed with OCD and have no learning disabilities.
If you decide to participate, they will need four hours of your time. The timing of these sessions can be flexible and scheduled according to your convenience.
During this time, your brain activity will be recorded using a safe, non-invasive and painless technique known as Quantitative Electroencephalography, or QEEG. You will also be interviewed and asked to fill in a questionnaire.
The study generally takes place at the OU in Milton Keynes or in Camden in London. Travel costs will be reimbursed. In some cases researchers will be able to come to your town or a town near you to perform the scans and interviews.
By participating in this study, you will be contributing to scientific advancements in OCD research. Additionally, you will gain interesting insights about how your brain may have been affected by OCD.
You can get more information from the QEEG and Brain Research Lab project page. If you wish to take part, or have any enquiries, please contact Loes Koorenhof by calling 01908 659 472, or email loes.koorenhof@open.ac.uk
(9 votes)
The Open University is recruiting people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) to take part in an ongoing research project. The research is investigating whether the brains of people with OCD function differently to those without OCD. Preliminary findings suggest some systematic and interesting differences between brain activity in people with OCD, and ...
Children see more alcohol advertising than adults do
He calls for urgent changes to Britain's 'flawed' drinks advertising regulations in an editorial in the British Medical Journal, which is published to coincide with a major report calling for all alcohol advertising to be banned.
The editorial cites research by the Rand Corporation for the European Commission which shows that 10-15 year olds in the UK see 10% more alcohol advertising on TV than their parents do. When it comes to alcopops, they see 50% more.
And the situation is set to worsen as advertisers increasingly spread their messages via digital media, say Gerard Hastings and co-author Nich Sheron, clinical hepatologist at the University of Southampton.
Their comments coincide with the publication of Health First: an evidence-based alcohol strategy for the UK, a report which calls for a ban on all alcohol advertising, and minimum alcohol pricing. Gerard Hastings is a member of the strategy group which compiled the report.
To see Gerard Hastings discussing the proposed strategy with Professor Linda Bauld, University of Stirling, go to this link.
Further information
Professor Gerard Hastings is a member of The Open University's Centre for Strategy and Marketing. He is founder/director of the Institute for Social Marketing and Centre for Tobacco Control Research based at Stirling University and The Open University. He is currently leading APISE, a major study of the effectiveness of alcohol control policies.
The British Medical Journal editorial Alcohol Marketing: Grooming the Next Generation was published on 1 March. Current OU students can access it via the OU Library using their Open University Computer Username (OUCU) and password. Its reference is BMJ 2013;346:f1227. For help in accessing electronic journals through the OU Library database go to How can I get access to a particular journal on the Library website.
Posted 26 March 2013
Image: Thinkstock
(5 votes)
Children in Britain are more exposed to alcohol marketing than adults are, according to the OU's Professor of Social Marketing Gerard Hastings. He calls for urgent changes to Britain's 'flawed' drinks advertising regulations in an editorial in the British Medical Journal, which is published to coincide with a major report calling for all alcohol advertising to be banned. The ...
Is there an OU Mastermind out there?
BBC's Mastermind is looking for contestants now.
For more information, or to book a place on one of the nationwide auditions, visit the Mastermind website and click on Audition Information; or call 0161 836 0315; or email mastermind@bbc.co.uk
Posted 25 March 2013
(8 votes)
Do you fancy yourself as a bit of a quizzer? BBC's Mastermind is looking for contestants now. For more information, or to book a place on one of the nationwide auditions, visit the Mastermind website and click on Audition Information; or call 0161 836 0315; or email mastermind@bbc.co.uk Posted 25 March 2013 1.625 Average: 1.6 (8 votes)
Keeping patients safe from harm
Following the Francis Report on the crisis at Mid-Staffs Hospital, world experts in the cultures and processes of keeping people safe have been asked to advise the NHS in England on how to prevent patients being harmed while receiving healthcare.
National Advisory Group
The National Advisory Group on the Safety of Patients in England will be chaired by Professor Donald Berwick, President Emeritus and Senior Fellow at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, an organisation that Professor Berwick co-founded and led as President and CEO for 18 years.
Members of the international group have been invited for their areas of expertise and interest covering all aspects of the culture and processes of minimising patient harm, healthcare management and nursing to sociology, psychology and the mobilisation of change.
Professor Hartley
Professor Hartley’s contribution will be on public leadership and on creating and learning from organizational change and innovation following her extensive research in these fields. She has also written six books including Leadership for Healthcare.
Speaking about her appointment to the Berwick Advisory Group Professor Hartley said: “I feel very privileged to be working with this panel of world-class experts in improvement of public services. This is a real opportunity to improve patient safety. We have seen several reports about what went wrong at Mid-Staffs NHS but the Berwick Advisory group goes well beyond this. Our collective aim is to advise on how problems can be prevented in the future, to enhance quality of care for patients and families, and to create a culture for staff that is focused on learning and continuous improvement.”
International experts
Professor Berwick, who will be leading the Group, was asked by the Prime Minster David Cameron to set up the advisory group following last month’s final report into the devastating breakdown of care at Mid-Staffordshire Hospitals. The team of 12 includes recognised experts from the US and the UK.
Prior to his service in 2010 and 2011 as President Obama’s appointee to head the US Medicare and Medicaid programs, Professor Berwick was a paediatric consultant, Professor of Health Care Policy and the Harvard Medical School, and Professor of Health Policy and Management at the Harvard School of Public Health. He is world-renowned for his expertise in patient safety, and advised NHS Scotland in the development of its first national patient safety approach.
Professor Berwick said: “Assuring patient safety and high quality care is never automatic. It requires the constant attention of leaders and continual support to the workforce. I have read, and been deeply affected by, the harrowing personal stories of individuals and families who were so badly injured when this commitment flagged at Mid-Staffordshire Hospitals.
“Our group will do whatever it can to recommend how the NHS in England take serious and profound action, learning from this tragedy to make patient care and treatment as safe as it can possibly be, and ever safer. Indeed, there is no reason why English health care cannot aspire to be and become the safest health care in the world.
“Making patient care as safe as it can possibly be, at all times, is a major challenge in any health care system. It involves leadership, training, staff culture, organisational structures, systems and processes, data capture and analysis, regulation, deep patient and family involvement, and much more.
“It is important to remember that England is in many ways an international exemplar in patient safety, but Mid-Staffordshire shows us that there is still a great deal of work to do. The national group includes English experts as well as some from the US, and with such formidable knowledge and talent on board, I am confident we will be able to set out clear, practical advice and leave a legacy of safer care in the NHS.”
The group will build on the work of Robert Francis QC, advising the NHS on how to deliver real change, based on the best available scientific evidence from across the NHS and from other industries and health services from around the world.
They will report their findings and advice to the NHS Commissioning Board and the Department of Health at the end of July.
Find out more
Profile for Professor Jean Hartley
Professor Jean Hartley joins the OU Business School
(6 votes)
Professor Jean Hartley, Professor of Public Leadership at The Open University Business School is one of the world-class panel of experts invited to join the Berwick Advisory Group which will advise the Prime Minister and the NHS on how to keep patients safe from harm. Following the Francis Report on the crisis at Mid-Staffs Hospital, world experts in the cultures and processes ...
New OU research challenges ageism in design
Professor Sheila Peace, an expert in environmental gerontology at the OU, has been examining these issues and recently published research which calls for more inclusive kitchen designs in order to allow older people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.
Commenting on the need for this research, Sheila (pictured) said: “previous evidence of older people’s experiences of the kitchen have been limited and a better understanding of their views remains critical to ensure that future developments are useful and acceptable to kitchen users in the future.”
Titled ‘Transitions in Kitchen Living’, this multi-disciplinary 'research project part of the Research Councils New Dynamics of Ageing Programme', involved talking to people across a 40 year age span from those in their 60s to those in their 90s. The participants provided their experiences of the kitchen in places they have lived and how that has changed over time. In addition, the study looked at how these age groups currently use their kitchens.
Assessing movement and behaviour
As part of the research, Sheila and The OU team conducted an assessment of movement and behaviour within the modern kitchen and how the spaces are used in collaboration with Loughborough University's Design School.
Participants revealed problems with reaching, bending, hearing, seeing and dexterity in the kitchen. Some of the most common problems reported were difficulties seeing cooker controls and reading packaged food instructions. Also measurement of lighting levels found that food preparation areas were the most poorly lit falling well below recommended minimum levels.
“There are lots of issues which need more attention and which ultimately can meet the needs of everyone and not just older people” Sheila enthuses. “For example not having to open windows across a sink; having more appropriate colour of surface and lighting and work surfaces which are height adjustable are just some of the things that could make kitchen life easier. Unfortunately, people generally don’t know about gadgets that can help them with their situation.”
Age-friendly kitchens
The research team has now developed a shorter guide based on the research which Sheila is currently sharing with a whole range of people including kitchen designers, planners, manufacturers and installers to provide age friendly kitchens in the future. The research is already influencing certain projects such as kitchen designs in a supported housing project.
Outlining her hopes for the impact of the research Sheila said: “the meaning of home and staying at home is very important for people and therefore we are hoping that these recommendations will go some way to getting the retail and design sector to sit up and take these on board. An easier solution for people in their 80s is actually and easier solution for everybody.”
For more information about Sheila Peace's research, see here.
Posted 15 March 2013
(8 votes)
With more than 10 million people over the age of 65 in the UK, and with the proportion of people aged 85-plus on the increase, how do we ensure that our homes meet the needs of an ageing population? Professor Sheila Peace, an expert in environmental gerontology at the OU, has been examining these issues and recently published research which calls for more inclusive kitchen ...
K101/ TMA1
Hi All,
Began on the module above, unfortunately lost my study materials at Reading College, after a tutorial. In fact i missed the TMA1 deadline, my consultation with the tutor was that i should try hard to attempt. Its so daunting iam re-reading and organizing a new assay plan. So disturbing and quite stressful.
Charles
Hi All, Began on the module above, unfortunately lost my study materials at Reading College, after a tutorial. In fact i missed the TMA1 deadline, my consultation with the tutor was that i should try hard to attempt. Its so daunting iam re-reading and organizing a new assay plan. So disturbing and quite stressful. Charles
Trio of broadcasting awards for OU/BBC series about social workers
An Open University/BBC co-produced documentary series which looked at the challenging role of social workers has won three accolades in the Royal Television Society Awards, West of England.
The awards are for Best Documentary, Best Director and Editing.
The three-part documentary series Protecting Our Children, featured on BBC2 last year, was produced with the expert insight of three Open University academics.
Dr Barry Cooper and Dr Lucy Rai, both Senior Lecturers in Social Work in the Faculty of Health and Social Care, were consultants on the series and worked with the production team for over a year giving advice on social work practice and policy development.
In addition, Debbie Stringer, Senior Lecturer in Law provided support as part of the module team.
The series followed the work of Bristol’s child protection teams over the course of a year and observed their jobs first-hand, exploring how the crises of the last decade had impacted on their ability to safeguard children.
Commenting on the awards, Dr Rai said: “Working on Protecting Our Children was a fantastic opportunity to work closely with the BBC and social workers in Bristol to present the public with a rare insight into the everyday work of child protection social workers.
"The series created a challenging, emotive but very honest reflection on the profession and will be of great benefit to students learning about this area of work.”
Protecting Our Children also won the Grierson Award for Best Documentary in 2012.
Useful Links
- Protecting our Children on OpenLearn
- Experience a day in the life of a social worker
- Social Work at the OU
(6 votes)
An Open University/BBC co-produced documentary series which looked at the challenging role of social workers has won three accolades in the Royal Television Society Awards, West of England. The awards are for Best Documentary, Best Director and Editing. The three-part documentary series Protecting Our Children, featured on BBC2 last year, was produced with the expert insight of three Open ...
OU to help NHS develop leaders who support compassion
This is one of three programmes – foundation, mid-level and senior level leadership – being developed by the NHS Leadership Academy to help leaders in the NHS support their staff in delivering caring and compassionate services.
The three programmes will see thousands NHS staff each year – including doctors, nurses, Allied Health Professionals, healthcare scientists, human resources and finance staff– learn how to lead their teams and/or services to achieve better patient care.
The Open University will be working with global management consulting firm Hay Group on the foundation level programme, which is for all NHS staff aspiring to a role which involves leading others.
Karen Lynas, Deputy Managing Director of the NHS Leadership Academy, said: “Our goal is for patients, carers and families to be treated with compassion, dignity and respect, and this cannot be achieved if we don’t have appropriately-skilled leaders and decision makers at every level."
25 February 2013
Useful links
- The NHS Leadership Academy appoints the OU in its largest ever leadership programme
- Health and Social Care at the OU
- K313 Leadership and management in health and social care
Image:Thinkstock
(4 votes)
The Open University has been chosen to design and deliver the new foundation level leadership programme for up to 25,000 NHS staff. This is one of three programmes – foundation, mid-level and senior level leadership – being developed by the NHS Leadership Academy to help leaders in the NHS support their staff in delivering caring and compassionate services. The ...
Research and Enterprise events
An exciting health and social care conference programme is taking place at the OU, Milton Keynes in 2013. Registrations are now open for the following events:
The Psychological Impact of Cancer, for patients, carers and professionals
(in partnership with Willen Hospice)
Date: Wednesday 15 May 2013
Venue:The Hub Theatre & Hub Suite, Open University, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA
Aim
This thought-provoking conference will explore the full impact of cancer encompassing body, mind and spirit, enhancing resilience and coping as well as emphasising the importance of teamwork. From diagnosis and treatment to living with a terminal illness, it will examine the psychological impact on the staff responsible for providing sensitive and compassionate end of life care in these challenging circumstances.
Audience
Suitable for Health and Social Care and Allied Health Care professionals, we welcome delegates from a range of backgrounds, particularly those involved in caring for cancer patients or working in palliative care environments.
Find out more and register. Cost: £150
The 11th International Death, dying and disposal conference: Where theory meets practice (in partnership with the Association for the Study of Death and Society)
Date: Thursday 5 September – Sunday 8 September 2013
Venue:The Open University, Milton Keynes, MK76AA
Aim
The underpinning rationale of the conference theme is to encourage a more overt engagement between theory and practice which moves beyond the notion that theoretical ideas are relevant to practice to highlight the iterative nature of death and dying studies. Indeed it is only through practice in all its forms, that theories can be developed, challenged and their usefulness evaluated.
Audience
Suitable for practitioners, academics, professionals, students etc working or studying in any discipline associated with death, dying and disposal, end of life care, palliative care etc.
Price: There are a range of conference packages available from 1 day to 4 day passes, starting from £150.
(2 votes)
An exciting health and social care conference programme is taking place at the OU, Milton Keynes in 2013. Registrations are now open for the following events: The Psychological Impact of Cancer, for patients, carers and professionals (in partnership with Willen Hospice) Date: Wednesday 15 May 2013 Venue:The Hub Theatre & Hub Suite, Open University, Milton Keynes MK7 ...
Openings course opens new career route for Shirley
Unemployed Shirley Scott jumped at the chance to study for an OU Openings course when it was suggested by a volunteer co-ordinator.
Because she was out of work Shirley benefited from financial support to study Understanding Health Y178.
Passing the course has boosted her self-confidence to the extent she is now studying for an OU degree – and she has secured a permanent job with the NHS.
You can read Shirley's full story in the Mirror.
(1 vote)
Unemployed Shirley Scott jumped at the chance to study for an OU Openings course when it was suggested by a volunteer co-ordinator. Because she was out of work Shirley benefited from financial support to study Understanding Health Y178. Passing the course has boosted her self-confidence to the extent she is now studying for an OU degree – and she has secured a permanent job with the ...
How you achieve Gold in record time
Four bestselling talent developments books - Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle, Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin, and Bounce by Matthew Syed - have the same message at their core: success equals 10 years or 10,000 hours of 'deliberate practice' and the right opportunities.
Helen Glover's story challenges some of these assumptions - until four years ago she had never picked up an oar. She and Heather Stanning won Britain first gold medal of the London Olympics in the women's rowing pair.
"I only started rowing in 2008 when I got through the Sporting Giants scheme where I was basically chosen for being tall and sporty," Helen said of UK Sport's talent-spotting process that fast-tracked her to success.
Glover & Stanning's medal cabinet
- 2010 - World Championships, Lake Karapiro - silver
- 2011 - World Championships, Bled - silver , World Cup, Lucerne - gold , World Cup, Munich - gold
- 2012 - World Cup, Belgrade - gold , World Cup, Lucerne - gold , World Cup, Munich - gold , Olympics, London - gold
2012 - World Cup, Belgrade - gold , World Cup, Lucerne - gold , World Cup, Munich - gold , Olympics, London - gold
"They tested 4,500 of us in groups of 200 at a time. I remember sitting in a room in Bisham Abbey in 2007 and someone saying: 'A gold medallist in 2012 could be sat in this room. Look around you.' I thought: 'Right, I'm going to make that me.' It was quite surreal."
Challenging the theory
Glover's experience of making gold with four years of training questions the 10 year theory which originally derives from the research of Anders Ericsson in the early 1990s.
The appeal of his and others' message is its simplicity. You can become a champion simply with a strong work ethic and the right environment. These authors suggest that talent is overrated, downplaying the importance of natural giftedness - for them it is more about determination and hard work.
The 10,000 hour rule, as it is known, roughly equates to ten years (20 hours x 50 weeks x 10 years) of perspiration to get to the top. Little wonder these books are popular in the business community. But does it still add up? Practice makes perfect?
It is a truism that we all improve with practice but advocates of the 10,000 hour rule go further: it is the quality of practice that is important.
Few would disagree that the ability to work persistently at weaknesses, respond to feedback and set backs whilst refining the different components of your sport is more important than just playing a lot. It also follows that excellent coaching is also needed as well as a deep seated desire to continually improve.
Helen Glover recognises the importance of coaches Paul Stannard and Miles Forbes-Thomas who shaped her initial development and Robin Williams who has made refinements in the last two years.
"Coming into rowing so quickly has been a whirlwind. I've been really lucky to have had world-class coaches throughout my time," she says.
However, there is controversy about the precise quantity of practice, since the 10,000 hour rule was derived by Ericsson asking musicians in 1993 to retrospectively recall their practice behaviour - less than reliable methodology. It is hardly surprisingly then that the theory falls under scrutiny in the new OU stage 3 module Exploring psychological aspects of athletic development starting in 2013.
Helen Glover's story supports increasing evidence that athletes change from one sport to another reaching international level sometimes in under two years. Tall athletes in the UK and Australia are transferring to high levels in sports such as handball, volleyball and rowing with only 3,000-5,000 hours of practice.
From athletics to skeleton bobsleigh, from rowing to cycling - multiple cases of this nature simply blows the 10,000 hour rule out of the water, leading to pointed comments that the convenient round number of 10,000 hours is little more than a 'nice motivational tool'.
Reductionism
Critics of the 10,000 hour rule claim it has fallen prey to the scientific tendency towards reductionism: breaking a process down into constituent parts in order to better understand it. By downplaying the natural genetic aspects of sport in favour of a nurturist perspective the complexity of becoming a champion is oversimplified.
Ericsson's research came nearly two decades before the landmark 2011 findings by Claude Bouchard on genetically determined responses to training. The fitness levels of hundreds of untrained volunteers were measured before and after five months of training.
The response in VO2max - a measure of aerobic capacity and performance - was enormously varied. Some individuals improved by less than 5% whilst others improved by 30%. Bouchard identified genetic variants responsible for this difference.
Genes clearly play a big role in determining ideal body size and muscle fibre types for different sports, such as basketball, rugby or gymnastics but recent research shows that genes have another influence.
Sports scientist Ross Tucker suggests that certain genes are associated with injury. He argues some people could never reach 10,000 hours because of their susceptibility to injury at only, say, six hours per week of training.
An interactionist approach
When is comes to talent, more and more experts now believe that the original genetic differences between us may be relatively modest but practice and psychological factors do the rest. There is a complex interaction at play.
Athletes who show an innate ability realise they are good at something and consequently intensify their playful practice, enjoying their superiority. Their appetite and success thus continues on an upward trajectory, particularly if they are fortunate in having the right motivational environment and opportunity to thrive with a good coach.
Helen Glover's rapid rise to gold demonstrates that a strong work ethic and the necessary psychological characteristics can combine with potent effect as long as the athlete has the right physical requirements in the first place.
This article was adapted from Ben Oakley’s piece on BBC World Olympic Dreams.
(2 votes)
Looking back at an amazing sporting summer in 2012, Ben Oakley, Senior Lecturer in sports studies explores the implications of rower, Helen Glover's journey to gold in only four years for a new OU module on athletic development being produced as part of the BSc Sport, Fitness and Coaching. Four bestselling talent developments books - Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, The Talent ...
NEWBIE SEEKING CONSTUCTIVE ADVISE
Hi all, due to embark on the very new voyage of discovery that is the OU, on the first of March with a short taster module Understanding Heath. Last formal education ,was back in 1979,so any useful tips or advise would be most welcome. thanks in advance!! STEVE M.
Hi all, due to embark on the very new voyage of discovery that is the OU, on the first of March with a short taster module Understanding Heath. Last formal education ,was back in 1979,so any useful tips or advise would be most welcome. thanks in advance!! STEVE M.
OU Business School appoints new Professor in Public Leadership
The Open University Business School is strengthening its research and teaching in public leadership and management with the appointment of Professor Jean Hartley as Professor in Public Leadership.
Professor Hartley joins the OU Business School from Warwick Business School where she was Professor of Organisational Analysis and a co-founder of the School's Institute of Governance and Public Management.
Her core discipline is organisational psychology but most of her research is cross-disciplinary and focused on public leadership and management.
Her special interests are in leadership with political astuteness, and innovation and organizational change in public services.
Professor Hartley said: “I am pleased to be joining the OU Business School at a time when it is actively strengthening its presence in public leadership and management. In this respect we share the same vision.
"Even in a period of austerity, public services remain a significant part of the economy and society, contributing to wealth and well-being, and will play a key role in recovery.”
For more information see the OU's media release here.
More about The Open University Business School
- Business and Management qualifications - undergraduate
- Business and Management qualifications - postgraduate
- The Open University Business School
(3 votes)
The Open University Business School is strengthening its research and teaching in public leadership and management with the appointment of Professor Jean Hartley as Professor in Public Leadership. Professor Hartley joins the OU Business School from Warwick Business School where she was Professor of Organisational Analysis and a co-founder of the School's Institute of Governance and ...
An alternative approach to love and Valentine's day
Dr Meg Barker, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the OU, talks about how an alternative approach to love and Valentine's Day could benefit all.
Dr Meg Barker will be online this Valentine's day - join us on Facebook for further debate and discussion and help OU Research to change the world. Visit facebook to get involved.
Posted: 12 February 2013
(5 votes)
OU research into relationships reveals that society's preoccupation with a certain kind of romantic love over all other kinds can be damaging. Dr Meg Barker, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the OU, talks about how an alternative approach to love and Valentine's Day could benefit all. Dr Meg Barker will be online this Valentine's day - join us on ...
Teen pregnancy gap widening in areas with ‘good practice’
Changes in teenage pregnancy rates in some parts of England are accompanied by some unexpected factors, new research shows.
A study by the OU and Durham University looked at trends in the gap between local teenage pregnancy rates and the national average. A fall in the gap was found in areas with a higher proportion of black and ethnic minority populations and a rise was revealed in areas where standards for commissioning services had been assessed as excellent or good.
Researcher Professor Tim Blackman from the OU’s Faculty of Social Sciences reports his findings in the latest edition of the journal Social Policy and Society, published by Cambridge University Press.
The research
Blackman studied 27 out of 70 ‘spearhead’ local authority areas designated by the last Labour government as needing increased resources to tackle health deprivation and inequality issues. He looked at teenage pregnancy rates in each of the 27 areas between the years 2005 and 2009, when the latest data on teen pregnancy rates was available.
At ‘baseline’ in 2005, local rates varied from 38.1 to 85.0 conceptions per 1,000 fifteen to seventeen-year-olds, against a national average of 41.4. By 2009, the local rates varied from 41.0 to 69.4, against a national average that had dropped to 40.2.
In areas where the standard of commissioning services was assessed as high, the teen pregnancies gap actually increased. Blackman said this had been the most surprising finding of his research:
“Many people would expect to find that areas which had apparently excellent planning and commissioning would have done better at closing their teen pregnancy gap than other areas but this didn’t prove to be the case. In fact, the opposite was true and it appears to have made things worse.”
Research with professionals working in these areas revealed that this apparently good practice was accompanied by an increase in bureaucracy and process, which had taken time and attention away from actually getting things done. Where this was not in the way, the professionals said they were able to get on with the job of helping teens on the ground.
A suprise finding
In areas where the gap was narrowing and pregnancy rates were falling, Blackman discovered that there was a higher proportion of black and ethnic minority groups in the local population. He reports this was also a surprising finding as these had been among the areas which had previously struggled with rising rates of teen conception:
“The answer may be found in increased awareness of the risk of infection and rising educational aspirations and achievement among young black and ethnic minority populations. Out of the 27 areas we studied, 11 had a high proportion of black and ethnic minority groups in their population and 8 of these 11 had falling teen pregnancy rates and narrowing gaps. The areas where there was a low black and ethnic minority population all had rates that were either not falling as fast or actually rising.”
He also found that the areas with falling conception rates had a higher proportion of under 18s in the population. Blackman concludes that these areas are more likely to have a high level of services overall to help young people in many aspects of their lives, steering them away from vulnerability to early pregnancy.
Falling teen pregnancy rates were also found in areas where fewer people were being treated for drug addiction: low numbers of people being treated for drugs may indicate a lower prevalence of risky behaviours generally in that area.
The areas studied by Blackman have been kept anonymous as a condition of NHS ethics approval and to encourage truthful responses from individuals surveyed in the research.
Tim Blackman is the OU’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Scholarship and Quality. A Professor of Sociology and Social Policy, he was elected to the Academy of Social Sciences in 2004. He is a former Director of the Wolfson Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing at Durham University.
Find out more:
(12 votes)
Changes in teenage pregnancy rates in some parts of England are accompanied by some unexpected factors, new research shows. A study by the OU and Durham University looked at trends in the gap between local teenage pregnancy rates and the national average. A fall in the gap was found in areas with a higher proportion of black and ethnic minority populations and a rise was ...
Academics' new book highlights reproductive loss
While the study of human reproduction usually focuses on the struggle to achieve reproductive success, their book Understanding Reproductive Loss: Perspectives on Life, Death and Fertility looks at people's experiences when things don't go right.
Drawing on the latest research, the book examines reproductive loss in its widest sense, including termination of pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth and perinatal and infant death.
It also explores the sense of loss associated with infertility, and issues around assisted reproduction and the medicalisation of ‘high risk’ pregnancy and birth.
More information on Understanding Reproductive Loss is available on the website of the publishers, Ashgate.
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Medical sociologist Dr Sarah Earle and senior lecturer in Health Studies Dr Carol Komaromy, both from OU's faculty of Health and Social Care, are editors of a new book which adds to our understanding of human reproduction. While the study of human reproduction usually focuses on the struggle to achieve reproductive success, their book Understanding Reproductive ...
K101 or any with exam dates in September or October 2013
Hi there, does anyone know where to find exam dates or does anyone know what exam dates are for K101 in September 2013? Want to sign up for this in Feb but worried that the exam might fall in last week of September which clashes with something I can't get out of. Also is there anyway of checking exam dates or EMA deadlines for other courses? Gulp!
Hi there, does anyone know where to find exam dates or does anyone know what exam dates are for K101 in September 2013? Want to sign up for this in Feb but worried that the exam might fall in last week of September which clashes with something I can't get out of. Also is there anyway of checking exam dates or EMA deadlines for other courses? Gulp!
