This summer Jisc are looking to fund students who have new ideas on how to use technology to improve university life.  Any student registered at a UK university or college can submit an idea. If the idea proves popular then Jisc will consider it for funding.  Jisc are looking for small, practical projects that can run over the summer with £5,000 available for successful ideas. So if you have a brainwave, come and join them for a summer of student innovation. 

Students who join the Summer of Innovation will get the chance to the chance to create real technology solutions, have the technology they create adopted by universities and join events where they can meet the other student teams as well as technical experts.

Once an idea has been submitted to the Summer of Innovation website, people will be able to vote if they like the idea. People can vote once per idea but can vote for as many ideas as they like. Once the voting period closes on the 17^th of June, Jisc and partners will evaluate every idea that reaches 150 votes from at least 3 different universities and select those that will receive funding. This crowd sourcing mechanism will allow us to fund ideas that are likely to offer benefits to students and to universities.

 The combination of crowd sourcing and small agile projects allows ideas to be focused tightly on solving a particular problem that is experienced by many students at a range of higher and further education institutions. It also enables experimentation with new ideas and technology that appeal to a large group of people while keeping costs and risks low.

For more information and funding details, please see the website: http://elevator.jisc.ac.uk/.

The Summer of Student Innovation has emerged from the pilot Jisc co-design programme. This programme has enabled Jisc, RLUK, RUGIT, SCONUL, and UCISA to work together to identify a selection of strategic innovations that could benefit the HE sector. The Summer of Student Innovation has been designed as an experiment to see if students can develop technology that can improve the student experience.

Job Title: Graduate Technical Implementation Consultant

Location: Yeadon, Leeds

Salary: £19,000

 

Are you a talented and ambitious graduate with a computer related degree looking to make your mark in a fast moving and progressive working environment? Are you ready for the ever changing world of IT? If so, read on….

We are looking to recruit a Graduate Technical Implementation Consultant to join our existing team.

Do you have an understanding of-:

• Windows Server family
• Database management
• Troubleshooting
• Web servers
• Proxy servers
• Networking infrastructure
• Including routers
• Firewalls
• WAN, LAN, VPN
• Remote working

The role is to provide implementation and upgrade services for EMIS’s flagship products. Working in a highly focused team you will be responsible for upgrading databases and servers. Your tasks must be carried out to a very high standard and within the deadlines set.

Hands on experience implementing technical applications, particularly the installation of database and proprietary software applications as well as an understanding of issues relating to installing and managing applications in a production environment are a distinct advantage

 

The working hours are Monday to Thursday 2pm to 11pm and Friday 10am to 1:30pm.

We want you to really enjoy working for us, which is why we think there’s no better place to progress your career than at EMIS.

About us

EMIS is the UK’s leading IT supplier in Primary Care – Over 50 per cent of GP across the UK use EMIS software. This equates to more than 39 million patient records entrusted in EMIS systems.

Established for 25 years and with more than 1200 employees (and counting), EMIS has the infrastructure and experience to support our expanding workforce. Join for the personal and professional development and stay for the friendly culture and great working environment

With award winning products, services and training – we work with the latest technologies and like to keep ahead of the game, which means that you can learn from the best.

It is not all work and no play though! There are regular nights out, team meals and a number of departmental sports teams to get involved with. We also do a lot for charity too including Give and Gain Days and dress down Friday for those who want to take part.

Choose a career at EMIS and help deliver systems and solutions that clinicians trust to look after over 39 million patient records – a place where you can develop your potential, learn from the experts in the field and make a real contribution to UK healthcare.

What we give you

• Extensive training programme
• Excellent career progression
• Discounted gym membership
• Share incentive plan (after qualifying period)
• Pension scheme
• Excellent holiday entitlement
• Childcare vouchers
• Discounts on Citroen Cars
• Free eye tests

To apply for the role, please download the application form from the following website (http://www.emis-online.com/careers) and send to recruitment@e-mis.com

The Company

Haigh Consultancy Services (HCS) is a leading IT consultancy firm providing IT services and products. Its clients include some of the largest mailing houses and postal operators in the UK as well as major companies from the Financial Services, Utility and Leisure Industry sectors.

The company was formed in 1998 and specialises in Hosted Billiing Solutions, ebilling, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), Archive & Retrieval, Data Workflows and Processing and Hybrid Mail. HCS is based in Leicester, with two satellite offices in the Ukraine.

HCS is an ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 accredited software house, maintaining rigorous software development quality systems and has vast experience in developing and maintaining data solutions for transactional print and direct mail.

The Role

HCS requires a bright, innovative candidate to design the interfaces for two main products – Aurora (an archive & retrieval solution) and Data Workflow Manager (a data processing and workflow tool).

The candidate must have excellent written and verbal communication skills as they will be required to write technical specifications and liaise both internally (with developers and management) and externally (with customers). In addition, the candidate must have external presentation skills to allow them to demonstrate their designs and proposals.

HCS wish to ensure the longevity of their products and continuous improvements to the design of the interfaces is critical to this.

The candidates will be expected to:

• Re-design the interfaces for tablets and mobile devices
• Re-design the admin interfaces
• Write technical specifications to support this

Excellent Photoshop and Illustrator skills are required to support their designs.

Salary is £18k – £22k depending on the candidate

To apply for the role please contqact jstanhope@haigh-cs.co.uk 

The closing date is 30th June 2013.

Hi everyone!

To cast your vote for the 2013/14 Executive, click your pointy finger here.

Make sure you’re a Compsoc member! We’ll be checking student IDs! Voting is open until midday on Wednesday the 15th of May 2013.

Good luck to all candidates!

 

Presidential Candidates

Alex Dransfield

As the President of CompSoc I will lead the society through its best year yet.

In the role, I will primarily focus on careers, ensuring that all members have access to information about graduate roles and internships in a variety of Computer Science related industries. I feel that the existing careers support in place at the moment works well, but there is a lot of room for improvement. As well as holding the annual careers fair, I will invite companies to the school on an individual basis to give presentations throughout the year. I will also ask alumni and members of the society who have undertaken internships to provide an insight into their placement and offer advice to other members.

Socials are another aspect of the society that I wish to improve. Upcoming events will be announced months in advance where possible, so to ensure that they do not clash with other events and that members are given as much notice as possible. I understand that not all members take an interest in bar nights, so I will ensure that we host a number of “non-alcohol” socials, including national trips (Bletchley Park, anyone?), cheap events in the school and activities such as bowling and paintballing that everyone can get involved with.

Finally, I want to get as many people involved with CompSoc as possible. Members are what make the society, but not everyone feels that they can get involved with what goes on in CompSoc. The largest group of students which is frequently left out is the Postgraduate students. In 2013/14, I will ensure that all students are given the opportunity to get involved with what we do and meet members of the society.

Vote Alex Dransfield for CompSoc President 2013/14. It’s the right choice.

 

Caitlin Nortje

Having served on the CompSoc Executive Committee for the past two years, I have learnt what doesand doesn’t work for the society. I have also spent the last two years getting to know you, deliveringthe trips and socials that you wanted such as the gadget show, the boat party and the gamingtournament. Although I think the Society has started to take steps in the right direction, there ismore that can and should be done.
If you elect me as President, I will make CompSoc even bigger and better by securing additional sponsorships and by arranging more social events and trips.
I will work hard and strive to personally invite people to participate, including the postgraduates andinternational students, so that everyone has the opportunity to get involved and have their voicesheard.
I will ensure everyone knows what’s going on through better organisation of announcements andevents and better management of our funds so that we can provide you all with greater discountsand even more free pizza!!!!
As President I will also introduce a weekly social at a bar or pub of your choosing so that everyonecan get together more frequently to socialise and to get to know each other better. I have also beentold that you want more football training sessions next year so I will make sure that this is betterorganised for you guys.
I will always be willing to listen to what you, the members of the society, want. I care about eachand every single one of you as it is you that makes the society what it is.
I believe that with your help I can ensure that CompSoc develops and grows. Vote for me if you want CompSoc to change for the better.

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Vice-President

Gaetano Santaniello

Experience. Commitment. Guts. Passion. This is what it takes to succeed and be successful. I’ve got all 4 and I want to put these into making CompSoc a bigger and better society than it already is.

I’ve been involved with the society since joining university – going to socials and events in first year, while being a fixed figure within the football team. Then going on to be the most successful SportSec in CompSoc’s history winning the league and getting us promoted. I promised to get make the team more successful and to get kits, and I did. Just one example of the promises I make, and keep.

In my last year at University I still want to promote and improve CompSoc. If you vote for me I will guarantee to help CompSoc to get the ever illusive SU Gold star. As I will be looking for graduate jobs myself, I want to make sure that the society provides to the members options and support for future careers and internships.

CompSoc has been a bit strapped for cash this year, so I want to help acquire more sponsorships to aid the growth of the society.

I promise to put CompSoc on the map through joint events with different and diverse societies throughout the University. I also promise to back, support and promote the sporting side of the society.

Make the right choice for your society. Don’t let laughs and gags get in the way of the right thing to do (LEAVE IT YEAH!). Vote for me, and let me make CompSoc the large, well known and great society it is dying to be.

Vote Right. Vote Guy.

 

Laurence E. Day

Quite frankly, I don’t know why I ever stopped being president. I think there is a massive flaw in this society; you fools stopped nominating me for roles I didn’t want. And the society has suffered for it. I can do a better job with one [REDACTED] than these pretenders to my throne can do with [REDACTED]. I need no further introduction. I am Laurence E. Day. Founder. Friend. Fellow* of Intel Research, Portland. Future Vice-President.
Peace.

*legal note: I’m a bigger fan of alliteration than I am of naming technicalities.

 

Tom Dunford

I’ll keep this short, as I’m not great at writing.
Most people probably won’t know who I am anymore, since I don’t think I’ve been inside the CS building since the beginning of March…
But I’d like to run for Vice President. I’m currently Vice President of Quidditch Soc, so I understand what the role entails, and am confident that I will be able to carry out the job.
As I’ll be on University Park next year I would hopefully be able to give our society some publicity over there and entice some non-CS members into our ranks (you never know, stranger things have happened).
And finally, I kind of like you guys…this society was one of the main reasons I didn’t want to leave Nottingham when I decided the course wasn’t for me. I want to be able to give something back to the society, and to the members. So if you’d consider me for your Vice President I’d be grateful.

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General Secretary

Craig Knott

As the current general secretary of HackSoc, I already have experience with the role of general secretary within a society, and what duties this entails. I love writing documentation (G51FSE revision guide, anyone?), and working towards goals (STARS training, I’m looking at you), and would love to help CompSoc prosper and grow, in my final year before I leave. I am actively involved in many of the school’s activities (open days, guru programme), am an approachable person, and love to offer help to others. As far as what I hope to achieve as general secretary; I will be looking to work toward a silver or higher STAR rating for the society (to allow us to receive more money from the SU for bigger and better events). This of course, will be second to the general running of the society, and making sure that everything is going as it should be. Also, I’d really like on of them green hoodies. Craig ¬ P.S. I would go more in-depth, but I know people don’t like reading. Feel free to come chat to me any time if you’d like to grill me on why I’d be a good general secretary. Otherwise, I’m just going to prey on you while you’re drunk at the AGM and harass you to vote for me.

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Treasurer

Dominic Chim

No Manifesto

 

 

Houman Brinjcargorabi

As an avid and outgoing member of CompSoc I want to give something back for the great experiences CompSoc has allowed me to have. As a first year computer scientist, I will be running for the role of treasurer as I want to make sure other CompSoc members have the same if not an even better experience.
Through CompSoc and the various events throughout the year I have managed to form valuable friendships with fellow members and other people in societies relating to ours. As the Graphics Sec for HackSoc, I think using the experiences I have gained from this and by using other’s knowledge, I’d like be part of the event creation process to enable other first year students to also form the valuable bonds that make the Uni experience that much better. I have understood my audience and I feel that subsidising costs will allow for more people to be part of CompSoc events. I plan to do this by liaising with more companies with the aim of acquiring more sponsorship. Through this, I’d also encourage greater networking events from companies and business professionals which will benefit not only first years but all years. I understand the importance and value of money therefore I will make CompSoc be financially stronger.
As a treasurer I will:

1. Manage the money to decrease event costs
2. Subsidise events
3. Encourage Atrium events such as gaming tournaments
4. Increase sponsorship and donations

 

 

Steve Butler

Why should you vote for me as Treasurer? Since coming to Nottingham I’ve been heavily involved in all things SU. I was probably one of the few people in first year who actually showed up to most of the societies I signed up for at Freshers Fair, so I definitely know my way around Portland building. I’ve also picked up a lot of knowledge and experience when it comes to society committees.

For the past year I’ve been president of Dark Celluloid. Since taking over the role I’ve increased membership numbers by around 20%, but more importantly I’ve hugely improved membership retention through consistent commitment and generally ramping things up a few gears. Most notably I decided to invest in a few decent assets which have already paid for themselves in building an image for the society.

I also held 2 simultaneous positions on the committee of TEC PA & Lighting which involves a lot of budgeting for events and back in the day before the SU changed their minds, quoting reasonable prices based on knowledge and common sense for such events.

If elected, I will support the actions of the committee by negotiating sponsorships, budgeting events to maximise accessibility for everyone, and of course, I will ensure the overall society budget is maintained and we don’t end up going horribly bankrupt/owing huge debts to any Mafia(s)/mobs.

Finally, on a more practical note, I am first aid and fire safety trained (thanks SU!) so you can guarantee that if anyone accidentally sets themselves on fire on a social then has a heart attack I can safely extinguish the flame and resuscitate them, not necessarily in that order.

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Social Secretary

Paula Clerkin

CompSoc is a massively sociable society therefore in the position of Social Secretary, I would encourage a greater range of social activities for us all to do. Whether it be going to the cinema, bowling, meals out – there should always be events that everyone in the society would want to take part in. With the summery weather slowly blossoming, I plan to work together with our Sports Sec to start some fun team games and sports. These sorts of teambuilding activities will allow us to all bond and have a laugh no matter what gender, year or sporting ability. We should have a teambuilding event for first years to get to know each other as well as other events to merge everyone together.  It is important that there should be more socials which are not focused around alcohol therefore I propose more light-hearted ‘meet and greet’ type events throughout the year. I think the gaming tournament this year was a really good idea and I believe we should have them more often. Maybe, one large tournament with lots of games, even more than last time as well as a few other smaller tournaments throughout the year. These do not have to be limited to just CompSoc; I would like to work with other societies with similar interests to ours, HackSoc in particular, but also physics, maths, engineering etc. Getting more competitors for our gaming tournaments would be great especially as I know us guys are the best gamers around. Working with our Women’s Sec, I would encourage women’s coffee meetings where just us girls we can meet and get to know one another. I would like to look into having a greater variety of events such as the Gadget Show and CeBit so that those who cannot make those can attend others as these sorts of trips keep us experiencing the most recent technologies, keep us networking with business reps and also make us as a society, closer to one another. I think that our society is the best one around so in the position of Social Secretary I would like to strengthen and unite our CompSoc to keep it as popular as ever.

 

 

Arjun Sharma

Hi, I’m Arjun Sharma and I am running for Comp Soc Social Secretary.
Comp Soc is probably the most important Society you are all a member of while at University. Weall study Computer Science and have great social interaction with friends on our course. My missionas Comp Soc Social Secretary is to organise varied social events where we can all come together andhave some good Comp Soc banter! I would also like to bring everyone closer together and socialisewith people they normally wouldn’t – We all work together at some point during our course, weshould socialise together too.
My main pledges include:

• Biweekly Socials, without fail!
• Comp Soc Boat Party with Unlimited Drink.
• Return of free Pizza in Baa Bar.
• Joint Socials with other societies.
• Members having the option to suggest and share their opinions on Socials.
• Exciting new Social Event Ideas will be outlined in my speech.
• CeBit Trip 2014.

I have experience in Social event planning. I am currently a Rep for two Nottingham StudentClubbing Nights(Student Clubber events) . Within this role I have experience with ticket sales,organising events and liaising with clubs. If I become Social Secretary I will endeavour to use myexperience and links to get Comp Soc the best possible events and the best possible deals.
I believe my experience has given me many valuable transferable skills, which will be useful in a widerange of event planning, from the CeBit trip to the Comp Soc Boat party.
I am a friendly and approachable person, so if you see me about then please come up to me andhave a chat.
A vote for me is a vote for Comp Soc. Vote Arjun for Social Secretary!

 

 

Ryan Chapman

I volunteer as tribute for Social Secretary

What I offer:

• Organising fun, convenient events for CompSoc
• Approachable
• Social, have no issue speaking to anyone
• I like pizza

As Computer Scientists have a record for being unable to speak to anyone, I would aim at trying to draw out the more reclusive people to join in with the usual attendees.

I would organise a variety of different events throughout the year in accordance to what everybody wants, and on dates that are preferable for the majority of people.

Thank you!

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Publicity Secretary

Oluwatosin Afolabi

No Manifesto

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Sports Secretary

Ben Alexander

“Great moments are born from great opportunity” A great opportunity is what I have running for the sports secretary of CompSoc, and great moments are what I intend to create if I am elected into the position. I believe that I am the right pick to be the new sports secretary. I have been a member of the CompSoc football team for the past 2 years, playing in every single game this season. I want to build on the success of our league winning season this year and push toward bigger and better things, including other sports, such as rugby, tennis, or anything else CompSoc members want to play, I aim to always be open to suggestions. I am close friends with the current Sport Secretary, as well as the rest of the current Football team. I would love to represent CompSoc and lead them to another year of sport success.

Thank you for your time,

 

George Hallam

I personally feel that over the past few years sports sec has only been about the football team so this year I would like to offer you more. I realize a lot of computer scientists are not members of any sports teams as at university sports are taken very seriously and our degree involves large amounts of time. So, this year I would like to organize more fun sporting activities for computer science students only, such as games of rounder’s outside on sunny days, playing dodge ball, badminton and other sports with a lighthearted non competitive nature that everyone can take part in, have a laugh and not commit to. Along with this I would like to promote weekly fitness programs for students who want to be more active, lose weight or just get outside more! I would do this by organize weekly group short intense (HIT) training sessions, jogging around campus as well as help and advice. Fitness has helped me stay motivated, become a better more confident person and gives me large amounts of extra energy that I can apply to other areas of my life. Because of this, I would like to help other students by involving them in my experiences.

 

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Women’s Secretary

Paula Besson

No Manifesto

Hi Everyone,

I have been made aware of this opportunity with the BBC. Read on to see how you can get paid to study for a Masters.

Thanks,

Kathryn (Careers)

The BBC Technology Traineeship is a ground breaking technology scheme for new graduates. Supported by co-investment from government, the BBC is offering a two year contract to work and train in technology teams across the BBC. This scheme supports you while you study towards an MSc in Digital Broadcast Technology accredited by Birmingham City University, at the same time as gaining invaluable industry experience. You won’t have to pay any university fees, the BBC will pay you a Trainee’s salary of £20k pa while you build up an excellent CV. This will put you in a great position to apply for jobs at the BBC and across the wider broadcasting industry once you’ve completed the programme.

You will have a main BBC base, spending periods away on study or work placement. Through a series of academic modules and industrial experience the scheme will grow the next generation of Broadcast Engineers to help drive cutting edge innovation in broadcast technology. You’ll develop an excellent theoretical and practical understanding of operational and technical systems and equipment and their use in the fast-moving broadcasting industry.

Work Placements:
In year 1 you will be offered a range of work placements in technology teams right across the BBC which will get you working at the heart of the BBC in technology support and project roles. Many of these placements will be at your home base, others may be in other BBC centres across the UK.

In year 2 you will be elected to a “Home Team” where you will specialise in a specific area of the business.

Academic Study:
In year 1 you will be given a thorough grounding in all of the key technologies that support the BBC’s technical activities. These courses will be delivered at Birmingham City University and by the BBC Academy at the Engineering Training Centre at Wood Norton in Evesham.

The majority of your academic work in year 2 will be a business-related Major Project which will be linked to your home team.

Qualifications: About you:
As well as being passionate about how things work and solving problems, we are looking for people who are energetic team players and good with people. You will have a good honours degree (at least a 2:1 or equivalent) in Broadcast Engineering, Broadcast Technology, Electronics, Physics, Computer Science or a closely related subject. We will also need evidence that you have done something relevant to the role and have a proven interest in technology.

The scheme lasts for two years, starts officially on 30th July 2013 with a group Induction Day in London, and your teaching and placements start in Salford in early October.

There are opportunities based in:

• London
• Salford
• Birmingham

*How to Apply: Before you apply, make sure you read all the information on the trainees schemes’ website http://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/trainee-schemes/tech-trainees; it’ll give you a good idea of what we’re looking for, the role on offer, and the locations where you can work.

Step One
There will firstly be a series of short questions which generally require a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response from you. These are designed to assess your suitability for the scheme, such as your right to work in the UK and qualifications.

You will also have to answer four questions which will assess your motivation for applying and relevant experience, ability to work within a team, passion for technology, and communication skills.

Once you have completed all sections of the application form, you must submit before the closing date. Once submitted you will receive an acknowledgment email from HR Direct.

If successful at this stage:

Step Two
Once you have submitted your completed application form no later than the 20th May, we will then ask you to complete some online assessments. Full instructions will be sent to you with the test.

If you experience any difficulty accessing the assessment, require any reasonable adjustments or have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

If successful at this stage:

Step Three
You will be invited to attend a one-day assessment centre which will include an interview. Assessments will take place in early July.
If successful at the assessments, you will be contacted with an offer and will be required to attend an induction day on 30th July.