• Strike action

UCU have called for two days of strike action next week. LSE Director, Howard Davies, outlines the School's position on pay, pensions and job security.

• Japan earthquake and tsunami

• Francesca Harding

Francesca, moves and logistics manager for Estates, is half Italian, enjoys her amateur operatic society, and once played Eliza Doolittle in a production of My Fair Lady.

• The Woolf Inquiry

On 3 March 2011, LSE's Council asked Lord Woolf to conduct an independent external inquiry into the School’s relationship with Libya and Saif Gaddafi, and into related matters.

The terms of reference for Lord Woolf’s inquiry are:

'An independent inquiry to establish the full facts of the School’s links with Libya, whether there have been errors made, and to establish clear guidelines for international donations to and links with the School. Lord Woolf is to make recommendations to the LSE Council as soon as possible. He is to have total discretion as to how he conducts the inquiry, and as to the matters on which he is to report.'

Lord Woolf, former Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, will conduct his inquiry with the assistance of Emily Neill, a barrister at Blackstone Chambers, and with other independent support staff as required.

A website for the inquiry has been set up - woolflse.com.

The inquiry invites those who may have relevant information to make submissions in complete confidence to the inquiry’s secure email address: submissions@woolflse.com or in writing to:

Lord Woolf
c/o Maggie Stevenson, secretary to Lord Woolf
House of Lords
London SW1A 0PW

• UCU strike action

Following two ballots earlier this year, UCU have called for two days of strike action on 22 and 24 March 2011. The Tuesday 22 March strike relates to changes to the USS pension scheme. The Thursday 24 March strike relates to those changes as well as the 2010 pay award and job security.

I last wrote to you in January of this year to announce the implementation of the 0.4 per cent pay settlement and to set out the School's position on pensions and job security.

The 0.4 per cent settlement was the maximum affordable for the sector, was agreed by all higher education trade unions apart from the UCU, and was kept in place despite the dramatically worsening funding environment.

Job security is an issue nationally, but here at LSE we have a strong record on taking all steps to avoid compulsory redundancies.

On pensions, USS needs to remain sustainable, attractive and affordable for all: employers and members, current and future. Pressures on USS have arisen from issues prior to the volatile investment market, including increasing life expectancy and pay increases over the last decade.

Representatives from the Employers Pensions Forum, UCU and the Trustee Board played pivotal roles in finalising moderate changes of benefit to all. These changes were approved by the USS JNC in July 2010, and then by the USS Trustee Board, both of which have involved full UCU representation. Since then UCU has repeatedly failed to engage in the established process for agreeing scheme changes.

Last week's proposed changes to public sector pension schemes in Lord Hutton's report emphasise still further that the package of reforms to USS represents a good deal for members.

The higher education sector faces unprecedented challenges on fees, on funding models and allocations, and on its ability to attract staff and students from overseas. It is more important then ever that we work collaboratively in this period of challenge and change.

All staff will receive an email outlining the arrangements for notifying HR if you do intend to take part in the strike, and how this will be dealt with by the School. You can also access the information via this link.

More information on the USS pensions changes is available at www.employerspensionsforum.co.uk and www.uss.co.uk.

• World's leading academics show esteem for LSE

The first ranking of global universities based on their reputation among senior academics places LSE 37th in the world and fifth in the UK.

The World Reputation Rankings, compiled by the magazine Times Higher Education, surveyed more than 13,000 experienced academics from 131 countries. Compilers say it is the most comprehensive assessment of university reputations ever carried out.

US universities dominate, occupying seven of the top 10 places, with Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology first and second respectively. The UK is the second highest-rated, with Cambridge and Oxford in the top 10, Imperial College 11th and University College London in 19th equal.

LSE's place is significantly higher than its position in the annual THE World University Rankings (86th).

Stuart Corbridge, pro-director for research, said: 'The esteem of hard-headed academics with many years' experience in higher education is not easily won, and I'm pleased that our global reputation for research and teaching is high. We have long argued, and produced the evidence to back our arguments, that LSE does not perform well in most world university rankings in part because the metrics used in these rankings are more appropriate for the natural sciences than the social sciences. The fact that we are almost 50 places higher in this table than in the THE World University Rankings suggests that many academics agree with this judgement.'

• Student activities manager takes on the 'toughest footrace on earth'

On 1 April, LSESU student activities manager Jarlath O’Hara (pictured) will be travelling to Morocco to run the 2011 Marathon des Sables, to raise money for his two chosen charities - Cardiac Risk in the Young and Facing Africa.

Known as the ‘toughest footrace on earth,' the Marathon des Sables is an endurance race across the Sahara Desert. It covers 151 miles, run over six or seven days, the equivalent to five and a half regular marathons. In addition, competitors have to carry everything they will need for the duration (apart from a tent) on their backs in a rucksack (food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bag etc).

'I enjoy running and love a challenge but I’ve never done anything quite on this level before,' said Jarlath. 'I’ve run a few marathons - two years ago I ran seven marathons in seven days, partially as preparation for this event. But running the equivalent of six consecutive marathons over constant sand dunes is going to hurt, especially when I have to carry all my kit in temperatures that may exceed 50°C. And then there's the potential peril of sandstorms, scorpions and poisonous snakes and spiders.'

Jarlath is running this event with two friends and is aiming to raise £5,000 for the charities.

'My friends and family have been very generous and I hope other people will sponsor me if they can. Even a few pounds will make a huge difference and mean these fantastic charities can continue their invaluable work.'

• New health database in the Library

The Library has purchased access to CINAHL Plus, a full text comprehensive nursing and allied health research database. The database has full text coverage dating back to 1937, making it a powerful research tool.

In addition, the database offers access to health care books, nursing dissertations, selected conference proceedings, standards of practice, educational software, audiovisuals and book chapters.

The Library has also recently purchased access to:

• Scopus, the extensive abstract and citation database of peer-reviewed literature.
• Global Insight's World Markets, a resource full of data, reports and intelligence on the health, telecommunications, energy, and automotive markets, with extensive country analysis.
• Global Health, a specialist bibliographic, abstracting and indexing database dedicated to public health research and practice.
• Environmental Impact, a comprehensive bibliographic information resource on climate change and other influences of humans on the biosphere.

• Take part in the Rosebery Hall orchard planting day

LSE Residential Services are holding a planting day for Rosebery Hall’s first orchard.

In response to resident demand, Residential Services is taking action to create more sustainable and enjoyable 'green living' spaces within LSE Halls of Residence.

Staff, students and local community members are invited to get involved with planting LSE’s first orchard at Rosebery Hall in Islington on Sunday 20 March from 1pm to 3pm.

Developed by LSE staff and funded by Capital Growth, the orchard will support local biodiversity, as well as provide a green escape for those living at Rosebery, and some edible treats on a seasonal basis.

The next project at Rosebery Hall, which is supported by the Islington Community Chest grant, is to design a green roof. Green roofs provide a haven for wildlife, help to maintain roof surfaces, and can even reduce heavy rain run-off and high temperatures.

• Department of Accounting bake for Comic Relief

Earlier this week, LSE's Department of Accounting held a cake sale in support of Comic Relief, raising over £160.

The cakes were baked by the Department's admin team and bought by staff and students from around the School.

The Department would like to thank everyone that was involved.
 

• Social policy professor to lead government fuel poverty review

LSE social policy expert Professor John Hills (pictured) has been appointed by energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne to lead an independent review of the fuel poverty target and definition.

A household is currently classed as being in 'fuel poverty' if it would need to spend more than 10 per cent of its income on fuel to keep their home warm enough.

Professor Hills, who is director of the Centre For Analysis of Social Exclusion at LSE, said: 'Many households have been under pressure from their heating bills this winter, some severely so because of their particular needs or difficulties in keeping their homes warm.

• LSE academic presents evidence to select committee

Dr Edgar Whitley (pictured), reader in information systems in LSE's Department of Management, recently presented oral evidence to a House of Commons public administration select committee inquiry.

The inquiry was looking at how the government uses, and procures, information and communication technology.

A video of the committee meeting is available on the Parliament UK website.
 

• Academic abroad

Dr Chaloka Beyani (pictured), senior lecturer in law in LSE's Department of Law, addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday 7 March in his capacity as special rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons.

He drew attention to climate induced displacement, internally displaced women, the protection of internally displaced persons in camps and settlements, and strengthening the international framework for protecting and assisting internally displaced persons.

Dr Beyani also spoke at a side event opened by the high commissioner for human rights, Dr Pillay, on Wednesday 9 March, together with the former holders of his mandate, Dr Francis Deng and Professor Walter Kalinin. More

• Japan Earthquake and Tsunami: university support

The School expresses its sympathy to, and concern for, students, staff and their families who may have been affected by the devastating events in Japan.

Details of support available can be found at Japan Earthquake and Tsunami: university support.

• Tell us what you think - Staff News feedback survey 2011

The Press Office has put together a short survey for you to let us know how you feel about Staff News. It will be an important way for us to find out how we can improve the newsletter for you.

The survey is open to all staff and should take no more than five minutes to complete. To take part, visit www.survey.bris.ac.uk/lsewebsite/staff_news_2011.

• The great LSE staff bake off

On Monday 11 April, LSE will be having its first ever School-wide bake off.

Whether you fancy being a judge, a competitor, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, there's ways for everyone to get involved. You can:

• Be a competitor and enter your baking creations into one of the four rounds: cupcakes, sponge cakes, tray bake cakes and fruit inspired cake

• Sign up to be a judge

• Come along to Houghton Street between 12-2pm on the day to try some of your colleagues' creations and donate money

All proceeds from the competition will go to the charity Médecins Sans Frontières.

• Frederick Bonnart-Braunthal PhD scholarship

The Frederick Bonnart-Braunthal scholarship programme, coordinated by the LSE Centre for the Study of Human Rights, is aimed at combating intolerance. It supports research to this end, from any academic discipline.

Current PhD students working in areas relevant to religious, racial and cultural intolerance, from any academic discipline, are invited to apply. Preference is likely to be given to new applicants or those currently in the first year of their research.

In addition to joining the academic department of their supervisor, the successful recipient will be invited to become a junior research associate of the Centre for the Study of Human Rights.

• Riding the Tiger - the liberal experience of coalition governments

The Library Archives Department are holding their third seminar held in collaboration with the British Liberal Political Studies Group and the Journal of Liberal History.

The event takes place on Saturday 26 March in the Wolfson Theatre, New Academic Building. The cost is £15 and includes morning and afternoon refreshments.

To book a place call Archives on ext 7223 or email document@lse.ac.uk. Further information, including the programme, can be found here.
 

• 72 hours. 72 ideas. A more inclusive world

Six postgraduate students at LSE have started a movement for a more inclusive world, where ideas are created and selected through community contribution.

They are calling on all LSE students and staff to share ideas on what you consider an inclusive world to be and how it can be achieved.

The team want to hear your ideas, thoughts or rants - you could write a line, a paragraph, post a link to an image or even a video.

Online submissions will open on Thursday 17 March at 5am (GMT) for the limited time of 72 hours. Submissions will close on Sunday 20 March at 5am (GMT).

For more information, visit www.72ideas.org. Alternatively, follow the team on Twitter or Facebook.

• Research opportunities

• Research e-Briefing

• Latest opportunities from LSE Enterprise

LSE Enterprise offers you the opportunity to undertake private teaching and consultancy work under the LSE brand. We help with bidding, contracts and other project administration, enabling you to focus on the work itself. To see the latest opportunities click here or visit http://twitter.com/lseenterprise.

• LSE Spring Concert

On: Tuesday 22 March at 7.30pm in St Clement Danes Church, Strand, London WC2R 1DH

The orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto and Sibelius's Symphony No 6. The choir will perform Handel's Zadok the Priest, Schubert's Mass in G and Rachmaninov's Bogoroditsye Dyevo.

This event is open to all but a ticket is required. Tickets are £5 and on sale via the LSE E-Shop and at the SU shop on Houghton Street.

• Upcoming LSE events include....

US Energy Policy and International Security
On: Thursday 24 March at 6.30pm in the Sheikh Zayed Theatre, New Academic Building
Speaker: Senator Lindsey O Graham (pictured)

Media and African Democracy
On: Monday 21 March at 6.30pm in the Old Theatre, Old Building
Speaker: Professor Adebayo Adedeji

The International Insertion of Uruguay in the World
On: Tuesday 22 March at 5pm in the Wolfson Theatre, New Academic Building
Speaker: Luis Almagro

• LSE Chill - session three

LSE Arts’ next performing night for staff, students and alumni will be held this Friday (18 March), from 5.30pm in the 4th Floor Café bar, Old Building.

The line up for the evening is as follows:

• 6.15-6.45pm Daniel Print
  Daniel Print is celebrating ten years as a solo singer-songwriter this year. He will be playing a selection of his own songs, some from his days on the London open mic and acoustic gig circuit and some new songs, which he'll be playing for the first time at LSE Chill.
• 7-7.30pm Chris O'Brien
  Making a return to LSE Chill, Chris is a third year LLB student and will be performing a selection of covers and self compositions.
• 7.45-8.15pm The Plains
  The Plains will be making their debut band appearance, performing an eclectic mix of bittersweet acoustic covers and originals.

Save the date - the next LSE Chill session is scheduled for Friday 27 May. Details to follow soon.

Not a performer? That doesn't matter. If you enjoy listening to music and want somewhere to relax or catch up with friends, then think about coming to the LSE Chill sessions.

• ReLove

Monday 21 March, 10am-4pm, Parish Hall

Staff and students are invited to the next LSE ReLove event. ReLove is a re-use program where items are donated by staff and students over time and then resold at discounted prices to the LSE community. The revenue from the sales then goes back to promote sustainability at the School.

The proceeds of this event will go to the newly established Sustainable Projects Fund (SPF). The SPF is a student-run program which promotes sustainability awareness and engagement at LSE by funding staff and student sustainability projects. SPF recently announced three winning projects for this application year: a green roof, establishing bee hives, and supporting the new SU roof garden.

• Why Arabs Burn for Freedom

Monday 21 March, 6-7.30pm, CLM.D402, Clement House
Speaker: Rana Kabbani (pictured), writer and broadcaster

At this event, Rana Kabbani will be giving a personal account of her own generation's social and political experience, in light of the popular revolution presently sweeping her part of the world.

• Final lecture in this year’s World Stage: student and alumni lecture series

Monday 21 March, 6.30pm, Wolfson Theatre, NAB
Speaker: Rowan Harvey (pictured)

This is the last talk in the new series of events where prestigious alumni and current students share the stage at LSE.

The final speaker, Rowan Harvey, will reflect on her experience at LSE and how this influenced her career. Students will talk about their experience at LSE from their particular national, cultural and personal perspective and in discussion the group will look at ways to get the most out of the array of opportunities at LSE.

Rowan Harvey currently works as policy and advocacy officer for Plan International. In 2007, Rowan won public affairs achiever of the year at the Women in Public Life Awards which celebrates women leaders in society. She graduated from LSE in 2003 and is an LSE governor.

The talk will be followed by drinks and snacks where students and staff will have the opportunity to meet and chat informally.

• Korea and the Global Economy

Monday 21 March, 7pm, New Theatre, East Building
Speaker: Moon Kook-Hyun

The LSESU Korean Society present this lecture with Moon Kook-Hyun, president of the New Paradigm Institute, an economics think-tank in Seoul.

In 2007, Moon Kook-Hyun ran for president of South Korea as the leader of the Renewal of Korea party. He was elected to the National Assembly in 2008, serving until 2009.

This event is free and open to all. For more information, email su.soc.korean@lse.ac.uk.
 

• The Virtues of Violence and the Arts of Terror

Wednesday 23 March, 6.30-8pm, Sheikh Zayed Theatre, New Academic Building
Speaker: Professor Chetan Bhatt (pictured), professor of sociology in the Department of Sociology and director of the Centre for the Study of Human Rights at LSE.

The human bomber has come to symbolise a new kind of political violence, one that is aimed at civilians, is intended to cause fear and terror and is claimed to be linked to cosmic religion. What do the ideologies and activities of Al Qaeda and associated militia tell us about political violence in many contemporary societies? How do ideas about aesthetics and virtue work in Al Qaeda’s politics?  What might the momentous revolutions in the Middle East and continuing violence in South Asia mean for Al Qaeda's future strategies?

This event is free and open to all with no ticket required. Entry is on a first come, first served basis. For more information, visit the event webpage.
 

• Management Accounting Research Group conference

LSE's Department of Accounting will be hosting the 32nd annual Management Accounting Research Group (MARG) conference on Thursday 31 March.

The theme for this year’s London conference is 'Cost Management Strategies: shifting gears'.

This year's distinguished practitioner lecture will be given by Andrew Shilston, CFO of Roll Royce. Other speakers will include:

• Professor Zhang Xinmin, professor and vice-president of the University of International Business and Economics, Beijing.
• Robin Bellis-Jones, director at Bellis-Jones Hill and Prodacapo and chairman of CIMA’s research and development group.

• ‘A view of George Bernard Shaw’ - Library exhibition now on

Until Friday 15 April, The Atrium and the Director's Dining Room, Old Building

As part of the LSE Literary Festival, the Library has set up two displays across the School showcasing some of George Bernard Shaw’s photographs, letters, diaries and publications from the Library’s collections.

Items in the displays include a facsimile of the front page of the very first Beaver, dated 5 May 1949, which features a special greeting from the 92 year old George Bernard Shaw, plus a letter from Shaw to Sidney Webb, dated 24 March 1902, following an argument over who should pay for some of the fixtures and fittings in one of the early LSE buildings.

• Podcasts of public lectures and events

The Economic Future of the European Union
Speaker: John Bruton
Recorded: Monday 7 March, approx 86 minutes
Click here to listen

Why is the European Left Losing Elections?
Speaker: David Miliband MP
Recorded: Tuesday 8 March, approx 75 minutes
Click here to listen

Nicole wants to hear from you!

Do you have some news, an achievement, or an aspect of LSE life that you would like to share? If so, then I would love to hear from you, contact me at n.gallivan@lse.ac.uk or on ext 7582.

The next edition of Staff News is on Thursday 24 March. Articles for this should be emailed to me by Tuesday 22 March. Staff News is emailed every Thursday during term time and fortnightly during the holidays.