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BCU External Relations

Chancellor Ade Adepitan at graduation. He is smiling at the crowd and wearing graduation robes.

The External Relations team hasÌýseveral responsibilities but chief among them is promoting the work of the University. Whether it's ground-breaking research or the latest community project, we're usually involved. We also connect journalists with academics, handle crisis communications, and support a wide range of University events, from Open Days and Family Days to fashion shows, conferences, and exhibitions. WeÌýalso provide media training for staff, so if you work at BCU and keen to learn more, please email a member of the team.

BCU in the News

Take a look at some of the recent coverage we have generated for the University.

  • Ìý– 'Being kidnapped by police has shaped my career'
  • Ìý- BBC announces boost to creative diversity commitments
  • Ìý– Gallaghers could earn more from Oasis reunion than ‘they made in entire 90s’
  • Ìý– Are true crime documentaries inspiring a new wave of young female killers?
  • Ìý– How immigrant workers gave birth to British Bhangra
  • Ìý– Why it’s harder to get sexual healthcare if you practice consensual non-monogamy
  • Ìý– Women are having children later and it means they’re more likely to have twins

Contact us

Email:Ìýpress@bcu.ac.uk

Mobile: 07808200856 (External Relations Manager)

Post:ÌýExternal Relations,ÌýMarketing and Communications Department,Ìý̽»¨Ö±²¥, Joseph Priestley Building,Ìý6 Cardigan Street, ̽»¨Ö±²¥,ÌýB4 7XG

Meet the team

Phil Gordos

External Relations Manager

A former journalist with the Shropshire Star, ̽»¨Ö±²¥ Evening Mail and BBC Sport, has a wealth of experience in media and leads the External Relations team at BCU. Phil’s role focuses on media work, crisis communications and collaborating with the wider marketing and communications team to promote the University’s new strategy - 'Rooted in ̽»¨Ö±²¥, Reaching Beyond’.

phil.gordos@bcu.ac.ukÌý/Ìý07808 200856

Kieran Witsey

Senior Communications Officer

With over five years of media relations experience, Kieran is passionate about demonstrating BCU’s ongoing commitment to the West Midlands region, offering journalists access to a wealth of expertise spread across BCU’s faculties. Kieran can connect you to a host of academic experts with real-life industry experience, providing quick responses to evolving regional, national and international news stories.

kieran.witsey@bcu.ac.ukÌý/Ìý07709 720842

Shelly Hampshire

Senior Communications Officer (Research)

Sharing research that’s transforming industries and improving the lives of people and communities in ̽»¨Ö±²¥ and beyond. Contact Shelly to connect with BCU researchers, get their expert views on the latest news, and discover what’s driving innovation in the arts, healthcare, engineering, sports, law, and social sciences in the UK and internationally for a fairer society.

shelly.hampshire@bcu.ac.ukÌý/Ìý07442 394792

Phoebe Greggor

External Relations Officer

Being a journalist and BCU alumna, Phoebe has brought knowledge and storytelling skills to connect the university, academics and students to the media. Since joining the team in 2024, Phoebe has been getting staff confident in front of a camera or microphone, promoting exciting announcements about the university, managing media relations, and sharing academics’ expertise.

phoebe.greggor@bcu.ac.ukÌý/Ìý07935 341545

Anisah Vasta

External Relations Officer

Starting her career as a journalist, Anisah has brought her newsroom experience and media skills to the BCU press team. Through networking with academics as well as students she has shared stories with media raising the university's profile. As an alumna, Anisah has come back to her roots and been part of vital campaigns and announcements since joining BCU at the start of 2024.

anisah.vasta@bcu.ac.ukÌý