Social events

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  • Based on the feedback from the staff survey in 2018, a range of social events have been introduced to enhance the staff experience across the University. They aim to improve colleagues’ wellbeing and support a sense of community and fun in the workplace. 

    You can also join a number of staff networks and forums which aim to connect and support staff, based on shared identity or experience. These networks can assist in personal and professional development and organise events and activities throughout the year. 

    For all upcoming events and activities keep an eye out on Staff Communications Hub latest and the University event pages. 

    Social Events


    Annual Events:

    Black History Month

    October

    Each year in October we mark Black History Month. Events during this month and beyond celebrate and promote knowledge and awareness across all communities of the experience and contribution of black people of African and African Caribbean heritage to British and global society.

    The programme, which is open to all, includes public lectures, performances, workshops and creative projects.

    Black History Month

    Disability History Month

    November

    We are proud to be part of the annual celebration of Disability History Month, joining universities, schools, local authorities, voluntary organisations and employers, with a programme of events and activities organised by the Staff Disability Network and Equality Diversity and Inclusion team.

    Disability History Month

    Feel Good Festival

    January

    We believe wellbeing is fundamental to a positive staff experience; whether you want to learn something new, get active or find some calm at the start of the new semester, the Feel Good Festival provides an ideal opportunity for you to take stock of your overall wellbeing and try something new.

    Feel Good Festival

    One World Week

    Feburary

    Brookes is a diverse community, with students and staff coming from a huge variety of backgrounds, cultures and faiths. Join us for a week of internationally-themed events which celebrate this cultural diversity. All events are free and open to both staff and students. These range from sports to speakers, film screenings, demonstrations, food to sample and many more events throughout the week organised by staff and students. Read all about the staff international bake off 2019.

    One World Week

    LGBTQ+ History Month

    February

    We are proud to be part of the annual celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month, joining universities, schools, local authorities, voluntary organisations and employers, with a programme of events and activities to highlight the history and achievements of LGBT+ communities and perspectives on LGBT+ inclusion.

    Discover the LGBTQ+ History Month programme 2018 here.

    LGBTQ+ History Month

    Professional Services Staff Research Showcase

    February

    The Professional Services Staff Research Showcase aims to highlight the research undertaken by colleagues in non-academic roles, the significance, value and relevance of which is often less visible across the University. Read about the showcase on Onstream.

    Research Showcase

    Founders Day

    May

    The annual Founders’ Day event is a legacy of our anniversary celebrations, timed to mark the first days of teaching in our predecessor institution, the Oxford School of Art, in 1865.

    It recognises the visionary group of philanthropists who formed the School, the extraordinary people who founded our like-minded predecessor organisations and, of course, our modern founder, John Henry Brookes.

    Founders Day

    Staff Yoga

    Mondays and Wednesdays

    Every Monday and Wednesday at midday you are welcome to join the Staff Yoga Session, located in the Garden Room, Ground Floor Buckley Building, Headington Campus.

    The (Vinyasa) Yoga is an exercise using slow movements and stretching. It is good for increasing flexibility and balance, and relieving stress. The session is run by Brookes Active as part of their Fitness Class Timetable and booking is essential.

    Staff Yoga

    Seasonal Events:

    Staff Christmas Event

    December

    All staff at the University were invited to the Staff Experience Christmas event on Friday 14 December 2018. Around 110 colleagues joined in the festivities and were surprised by a full roast dinner with all the trimmings at the Terrace Restaurant, Headington Campus.

    It was an evening of celebration and connection, not to mention Christmas jumpers! Read the full Christmas Onstream story here.

    Staff Christmas Event

    Staff Christmas Quiz

    December

    The quiz was back for a second year and attended by around 200 members of staff in 21 teams. It took place simultaneously at Headington, Harcourt and Swindon campuses and competitors on each site checked in from time to time to see how the others were faring.

    There were some great team names including The ReinBEERS, the Grumpy Monkeys (alias Primate Conservation) and We Noel Nothing. All teams were in it to win it so competition was fierce to be the ones to raise the coveted Star trophy for their campus. For more details read the Onstream roundup of the quiz.

    Vice-Chancellor Professor Alistair Fitt, who attended the quiz in a splendid reindeer jumper, said: "The Staff Christmas quiz was a great way for colleagues to kick off the festive period. I was pleased to pit my wits in what was a competitive and enjoyable evening."

    Staff Christmas Quiz