University of Wolverhampton rewarded for developing international links

The University of Wolverhampton is celebrating two awards given in recognition for its international links. The awards were given by the Wolverhampton International Links Association (WILA) and presented by the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Cllr Christine Mills at an exclusive reception held at the Mayors parlour. The first award was given in recognition of the partnership between the University of Wolverhampton and University of Tuymen. For over 20 years, this relationship has provided great opportunities to both cities with colleagues and students from the institutions benefiting from exchange opportunities for study and research.

The second was presented to Principal Lecturer, Desmond Mahony, on behalf of the Centre for International Development and Training (CIDT) a self- financing, not-for-profit centre within the University of Wolverhampton. For 40 years CIDT have been committed to working with others around the world towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals of poverty reduction and sustainable development. Head of CIDT, Philip Dearden said “We are delighted to be presented this WILA award by the Mayor of Wolverhampton. CIDT has been recognised internationally for many years but it’s very special to have our international work recognised locally and regionally in our home city. The staff of CIDT all feel deeply honoured.” This is the first time the WILA have organised an awards event which celebrates the work of various organisations and individuals across the city who are building strong links with international partners that benefit the City. WILA aim is to promote and support links between the city’s communities, schools, businesses, health bodies and parallel organisations in various regions across the globe.

Training of Trainers in Independent Forest Monitoring in Cameroon

Sarah Thomas has recently returned from Cameroon where she facilitated a 2 week Training of Trainers course in Independent Forest Monitoring, in partnership with the Cameroonian NGO ‘Forests and Rural Development’ (FODER). The training was part of the CIDT-managed ‘Strengthening African Forest Governance’ project, financed by the EU. The course was attended by 18 participants and was intended: to enhance the knowledge and awareness of key Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Cameroon about their role in monitoring implementation of Cameroon’s Voluntary Partnership Agreement on timber legality with the EU ; to increase their contribution to improving forest governance by identifying and reporting illegal forest activities; and to develop a cadre of trainers able to cascade practical training on independent observation to other CSOs and community stakeholders.

The course included a 1 day field trip to a rainforest logging site where participants gained practical experience in the use of GPS and digital cameras as tools for documenting illegal logging activity. They then drew on this experience to design training courses for other stakeholders in order to further develop the network of civil society and community monitors and promote greater accountability in the forest sector.

Professorship for International Development Expert

Philip was awarded the title of Professor in International Development at a graduation ceremony at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre on Thursday, 4 April 2013. Philip Dearden has worked at the University’s Centre for International Development and Training (CIDT) for over 25 years.

The professorship was awarded in recognition of Philip’s distinguished record in innovation, enterprise and Knowledge Transfer including consultancy in international development work.

Philip said: “I am really pleased for CIDT as the professorship is recognition of the Centre’s work around the world as much as my own contribution.

“We have plans to further expand the Centre’s work, so I’m sure this honour will help us achieve that.”

Professor Dearden has worked at the University since 1986 and has worked in over 40 countries including Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Nepal, Pakistan, Rwanda, Syria, Sri Lanka, Uganda and Zimbabwe. His role has included working as a project manager, consultant and a trainer in sectors such as, enterprise, environment, governance, rural livelihoods, education and health. 

CIDT welcomes partcipants  on the Building Capacity to Implement Timber Legality and Assurance Systems Course 2013

This is the first time the University's Telford Campus will host the 3 week training course and partcipants wil come from Cameroon, Ghana, Liberia, Guatemala and Honduras.

The EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) comes into force on the 3rd of March 2013; it aims to entirely eliminate illegal timber from the European market by setting up a new culture of control and responsibility in the private sector. It is therefore important to ensure that relevant stakeholders in Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) countries are aware of the EUTR and have the necessary knowledge, capacity and skills required in ensuring that the timber they intend to put on the EU markets complies with the EUTR.

To address this need a 3-week training course has been developed for participants, primarily from the private sector, including both the formal and informal sectors and the small-medium enterprises. This course is also relevant for participants from civil society and community based organisations, particularly those that will be involved, and potentially have an audit function, in monitoring the implementation of the VPA. The course is designed to strengthen the knowledge and skills of mid-level staff from private sector forestry and wood-processing companies, and monitoring organisations to enable them to implement the monitoring, audit and technical application of TLAS systems. This will enable the participants to effectively contribute to VPA implementation activities in their countries.

It is structured to initially deepen participant’s knowledge of key issues and approaches, then to develop auditing skills, and in the final week ensuring participants the skills to train others in these approaches.

The course includes IRCA Auditor Training and examination: the benchmark internationally recognised qualification for auditors. Candidates who successfully pass the examination will receive

IRCA accreditation.

Learning Objectives:

• By the end of the course participants will: Be capable of conducting an audit in a professional manner
• Have the skills required to plan, conduct, report and follow-up an audit in accordance with ISO 19011 and internationally recognised Forest Management and Chain of Custody Standards
• Have knowledge of other standards used for TLAS assessment
• Demonstrate effective facilitation and communication skills in the delivery of training
• Be capable, with appropriate support, of training others in TLAS and associated monitoring and auditing approaches