Bucks New appoints new head of health and social care school
Professor Jermaine Ravalier has been appointed as Buckinghamshire New University’s new head of School of Health and Social Care Professions, where he will oversee some of its nursing courses.
Professor Ravalier, who is currently at Bath Spa University as a professor in organisational psychology and social justice, will join Buckinghamshire in January next year to take up his new post.
“To me, there is no more important profession or role than those who support us when we’re ill”
Jermaine Ravalier
The School of Health and Social Care Professions is home to specialist postgraduate courses on district and community nursing, public health nursing and general practice nursing.
Courses on offer at the school include BSc (Hons) Specialist Community Public Health Nursing, a Postgraduate Certificate in General Practice Nursing, MSc Advanced Clinical Practice and more.
The university has a separate School of Nursing and Midwifery, which provides pre-registration courses on adult, children’s and learning disability nursing, as well as midwifery.
In a statement announcing his appointment, the university described him as passionate about diversity and inclusion and finding practical ways to support the wellbeing of public service workers.
Much of his current role involves applied research, working with NHS staff or social workers to find out how their jobs can cause mental health problems and what can be done to address them.
Speaking on his appointment, Professor Ravalier, said: “To me, there is no more important profession or role than those who support us when we’re ill, those who help us to recover from illness, or those who play a part in supporting the most vulnerable in society to live their fullest lives.
“As such, I’m proud to be joining a school whose principal aim is to train the next generation of these professionals, whilst making a difference through research, impact, and public engagement,” he said.
He added: “From a personal perspective I’m also dedicated to making a difference. In the last year, I have had a very close family member spend over six months in Wycombe hospital, where we have so many students from the school that are training, alumni that are practising, as well as academic colleagues continually learning.
“As such, I am extremely proud to join a school which plays such an important part in our society,” he said.
Deputy vice-chancellor Professor Damien Page said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jermaine.
“With a track record of excellence in research, teaching and leadership, I look forward to seeing the School of Health and Social Care Professions achieve even greater success and impact under Jermaine’s leadership.”
Professor Ravalier will be replacing Professor Ricardo Khine, who left in October to become deputy director and director of education for the Institute of Health Sciences Education in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at Queen Mary, University of London.
