Five COVID customs which emerged during lockdown
I have been tracking how people are expressing beliefs and values using folkloric practices today. It seems that during these dark times they are being used to visibly brighten our communities. Many of us will have perpetuated these customs simply for something to do – particularly families desperate for ideas to occupy children.
Degree apprenticeships can’t be allowed to become elitist
A new report published recently by the social mobility charity the Sutton Trust, has claimed that higher-level apprenticeships are being snapped up by the middle classes and have become as sought after as a traditional university degree.
The UK’s leading entrepreneurial university is in Sheffield – what does this mean for the city and region?
The UK’s leading entrepreneurial university is in Sheffield – what does this mean for the city and region?
Audit keeps failing – here’s why a fundamental change is needed
A massive shakeup of the UK’s audit industry is on the cards. The Big Four, which audit all of the FTSE 100 and 21 of the FTSE 250, have been told by the accounting regulator to separate their auditing practices by 2024. It follows the collapse of Wirecard, a payments firm which recently admitted that €1.9 billion of the cash on its books probably never existed.
Investing in Yorkshire’s future
Dan Lally, Deputy COO at Sheffield Hallam University –one of the country’s largest higher and degree apprenticeship providers – discusses working with businesses and unlocking investment into Yorkshire through skills and training.
Seven ways social distancing will change restaurants
COVID-19 has had a devastating effect on the restaurant industry. While a few restaurants have found ways to provide takeaway and dine-at-home offerings, the majority of businesses have shut up shop during lockdown. From July 4, restaurants in the UK are permitted to open – but dining out will be very different. Here are seven ways in which social distancing and the wider impact of COVID-19 will change the restaurant industry.
I feel so proud to be part of such an inclusive university community
This time last week thousands of young people up and down the country were nervously awaiting their A-Level and BTEC results.
Why political decision-making is failing our urban green spaces
Green spaces in city neighbourhoods are critical for wellbeing. Policymakers know this, which is why they put local authorities under pressure to keep parks and green spaces open during lockdown. However, there is a large gap between what this research shows should be done to maximise the benefits of urban green space, and what is actually put in place in cities.
Black authors are still underrepresented in UK publishing
In response to Black Lives Matter protests, sales of books by black British authors, such as Reni Eddo-Lodge and Bernadine Evaristo, have topped the UK bestseller lists. Several recent prestigious awards have also been won by black writers, including Candice Carty-Williams who won book of the year for Queenie at the British Book Awards. While these firsts must be celebrated, they also shine a light on publishing’s systemic practices, which have maintained inequalities and under-representation for black, Asian and minority ethnic writers and diverse books.
Civic, Accelerated
Universities have never been under more pressure to demonstrate their worth. Not only to their students and funders, but also to their communities in the cities and towns where they are located.