Inaugural launch of the cross-institutional Federated Student Chapter connecting computing students across the Merseyside region.
Speakers
Nikki Cooper
Gareth Oakes
Chioma Ugwudi
Junior Usina
Agenda
2:00pm - Arrival & registration
2:15pm - Session 1 - Official Chapter Launch
2:50pm - Session 2 - Digital Inclusion Workshop
3:50pm - Session 3 - Industry Panel and Refreshments
4:35pm - Session 4 - Student Voice Survey
4:50pm - Networking
5:00pm - Event close
Synopsis
The BCS Merseyside Branch is establishing a regional Federated Student Chapter to connect computing, digital, and technology students from Higher and Further Education institutions across the Merseyside region.
This inaugural launch event is a coordinated cross-institutional initiative.
The event will feature a formal Chapter Launch Address, an interactive Digital Inclusion Workshop, and a 45-minute Industry Panel titled "What Employers Actually Want", where professionals will share insights on graduate hiring, in-demand skills, and career readiness.
Attendees will have the option to participate in a voluntary Student Voice Survey, as well as opportunities for informal networking with peers, academic staff, and industry guests over refreshments.
All disciplines are welcome, and no prior BCS membership is required to attend.
About the speakers
Chioma Ugwudi - Business Development Manager, University of Huddersfield
Chioma Ugwudi is a dynamic Business Development and Knowledge Exchange professional currently serving in the Research, Innovation & Knowledge Exchange department at the University of Huddersfield. With a strong focus on strategic collaboration, she is dedicated to bridging the gap between cutting-edge academic expertise and commercial business opportunities. In her role, Chioma is instrumental in fostering sustainable partnerships between industry leaders and the institution, ensuring that academic research translates into real-world innovation. Her active engagement in the international research community is highlighted by her involvement in strategic initiatives, including the GREENET Brokerage Event for Horizon Europe (HE) Cluster 5 in early 2026.
Junior Usina - Senior Business Consultant, Netcompany. Senior Business Consultant at Netcompany, specialising in digital transformation across government services. Previously a Business Analyst at Capita and WSP, delivering complex change initiatives. Former Welfare Executive Officer at the University of Manchester Students' Union, where I helped secure £5.3m in student rent reductions and led a £400,000 support fund, demonstrating strong leadership and impact.
Gareth Oakes - Lead Solution Architect (Data, AI, Cloud), Rolls-Royce SMR
Gareth Oakes is the Lead Solution Architect for Data, AI, and Cloud at Rolls-Royce SMR. With over 20 years of extensive industry experience, Gareth is a seasoned technology leader specialising in digital transformation and strategic consulting. His robust career spans a variety of dynamic environments, from agile startups and scale-ups to large-scale enterprise operations. Beyond his deep technical acumen in data, artificial intelligence, and cloud architectures, Gareth brings significant, hands-on expertise in talent acquisition and technical leadership. He is highly passionate about building high-performing teams and sharing candid insights on what employers look for in today's evolving tech landscape, making him an invaluable voice for students preparing for their careers.
Nikki Cooper - Key Account Advisor, People Services, Amey
Nikki Cooper is a Key Account Advisor with a focus on data analysis at Amey, supporting the business within Group Business Services. She combines strong people advisory expertise with analytical insight to improve HR processes, data quality, and decision-making. Nikki works closely with managers and stakeholders across the employee lifecycle, delivering clear, practical and compliant advice. She is passionate about using data to identify trends, drive continuous improvement, and enhance the overall employee and manager experience.
Our events are for adults aged 16 years and over.
This meeting is conducted in accordance with the BCS Code of Conduct for Meetings.
BCS is a membership organisation. If you enjoy this event, please consider joining BCS. You’ll be very welcome. You’ll receive access to many exclusive career development tools, an introduction to a thriving professional community and also help us Make IT Good For Society. Join BCS today
Please note, if you have any accessibility needs, please let us know via groups@bcs.uk, and we’ll work with you to make suitable arrangements.
BCS privacy notice: your data will be processed by BCS in accordance with our data privacy notice.
Photography: by attending this event, you may be photographed or filmed. Please speak to a member of staff if you do not wish to be included.
For overseas delegates who wish to attend the event, please note that BCS does not issue invitation letters.
This event is brought to you by: Merseyside branch
