The Open University

The UK government may have rejected menopause protections – but workplaces are more supportive than ever

8 February 2023

Jo Brewis is Professor of People and Organisations at The Open University Business School. She is the co-author of the 2017 government report The effects of menopause transition on women’s economic participation in the UK and an independent panel member for Menopause Friendly Accreditation. Here she discusses the progress made by some UK work places to […]

New research finds the biggest predictors of future wealth

11 January 2023

Are you a saver or a spender? Do you plan financially for the future? According to new research, your planning capabilities and attitude towards money are two big drivers when it comes to accumulating wealth. Drawing on data from more than 90,000 UK adults, the paper titled Money attitudes, financial capabilities, and impulsiveness as predictors […]

Report uncovers several areas that urgently need addressing in the investigations of rape and other sexual offences

16 December 2022

Findings from Operation Soteria Bluestone, a report launched in 2021 as a response to the government End-to-End Rape Review, have revealed several areas that urgently need addressing in the investigations of rape and other sexual offences (RAOSO). The report has been published as part of the Home Office’s pledge to increase the number of rape […]

‘The OU MBA paved the way for my career success’

21 November 2022

Tillmann Henssler from Germany says The Open University has created so many opportunities in his award-winning career at pharmaceuticals giant Pfizer. “The MBA at the OU was one the best things I have done in my life,” says Tillmann, now 55 and living in Berlin. “I started studying while working as a junior manager. After […]

New OU research finds future of small bakery businesses at risk

9 November 2022

The research, conducted by Emma Bell, Professor of Organisation and Leadership at The Open University Business School, found that the rising costs of flour and energy pose some serious challenges to bakery owners, and that support is needed for this sector to maintain its important place in local communities. Professor Bell’s research, which was conducted between […]

FBL Student and Alumni Awards huge success

27 October 2022

For the first time in three years the Faculty of Business and Law (FBL) was able to hold its annual Student and Alumni Awards in the flesh – without covid restrictions – and organisers called it an ‘inspirational’ event. It was held on campus in Milton Keynes and offered the chance for many students and […]

‘My OU MBA has given me a voice’ says charity CEO

27 October 2022

Maria, 54, is the CEO of sustainable clothing charity TRAID and credits her Open University MBA qualification with helping her boost her career even further. She’s now focused on using her skills to encourage the next generation of CEOs to champion environmental issues. Maria shares her story so far: “I went to a comprehensive school […]

Honorary degree for David Harrison as first digital Harrison Centre opens

24 October 2022

The graduation ceremony took place at the Harrogate Convention Centre in Yorkshire where MBA alumnus David Harrison received his award. He was nominated for the ‘exceptional contribution’ he has made to highlighting the need to improve public understanding of personal finance – an area of work that is of special educational concern to the OU […]

Education key to busting menopause myths says leading OU expert

12 October 2022

A long awaited report by an All-Party Parliamentary Group into the menopause has finally been published and it is calling for more urgent help for women. Commenting on the final report of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Menopause’s inquiry published today, Jo Brewis, Professor of People and Organisations at The Open University, said: “Alongside […]

OU/BBC: The Big Green Money Show returns

12 October 2022

Eco-friendly podcast The Big Green Money Show is back, examining the way some businesses are becoming greener. Presented by Dragons’ Den’s Deborah Meaden, the 11-part OU/BBC series will be tackling questions such as, ‘can capitalism ever be green’ and ‘how to have a greener funeral’ amongst many others. The programme airs weekly on Radio 5 […]

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