Gap year company 'Frontier' marketing at the university

Dear Mr Carroll

Thank you for your request made under section 1 (1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

I am today contacting the relevant department at The University of Manchester with details of your request and will contact you again as soon as I receive a response.

Best regards

Lisa Crawley

Dr Lisa Crawley
Records Officer
Records Management Office
Room G011, John Owens Building
The University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester M13 9PL

Tel: 0161 275 8400
Fax: 0161 275 8402
Email: [email address]

Dear Mr Carroll

Thank you for your request for information dated 21 January 2010.

I am writing to inform you that I have contacted the University's Central Finance Department, the International Office and the School of Environment and Development and the information you requested relating to "Frontier Ltd" and the "Society for Environmental Exploration" is not held.

If you believe that the University of Manchester holds such information, please would you write back to me and direct me to the area within the University that you believe the information is held and I will contact them on your behalf.

Best regards

Dr Lisa Crawley
Records Officer
Records Management Office
Room G011, John Owens Building
The University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester M13 9PL

Tel: 0161 275 8400
Fax: 0161 275 8402
Email: [email address]

Dear Mr Carroll

Thank you for your email dated 25 January 2010 regarding the company 'Frontier'. I have contacted all the areas you suggested and reply as follows.

The Careers Service has had limited contact with an organisation named 'Frontiers Ltd' consisting of the following:

Frontier was included in overseas voluntary opportunities on development and conservation on the Careers website and via email. These brief adverts were drafted from Frontier's promotional literature (brochures, posters and fliers). Careers note that there had been no "verbal or written contact with anyone from the organization. The names and email addresses of some of the staff responsible for posting the literature have been recorded."

Careers also note that Frontier, the conservation, development, volunteering abroad company attended the graduate fair in June 2009 and held a company presentation in 2007.

The following is a vacancy statement for Frontier for the Graduate Fair, June 2009:

"An international non-profit conservation and development organisation based in London, running successful projects worldwide for nearly 20 years. We are dedicated to conserving the world's most endangered wildlife and building sustainable livelihoods for marginalised communities in the world's poorest countries.
For graduates we offer internships as well as staff and field positions, all providing valuable experience in the competitive fields of conservation and research. These positions include research development, project co-ordination and marketing. Furthermore our volunteering projects are a great opportunity to take an active part in creative initiatives aimed at conserving the environment and helping impoverished communities. Vacancies based in London, head office or in the field.
www.frontier.ac.uk; [email address]"

Frontier attended the University Voluntary, Not for Profit and Public Sector Fair in 2009. They have requested to attend this year's event although their attendance has not yet been confirmed.

Frontier are also advertising their gap year opportunities abroad to our students as well as internships largely at their head office. Please see below

'Furthermore, for graduates we offer internships in the London Head Office, as well as staff positions both in London and the field, all providing valuable experience in the competitive fields of conservation and research. These internship positions include research and development, project/volunteer co-ordination and marketing and events.'

I trust the above completes your request and please get back to me if I can be of any further assistance.

Best regards

Lisa Crawley

Dr Lisa Crawley
Records Officer
Records Management Office
Room G011, John Owens Building
The University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester M13 9PL

Tel: 0161 275 8400
Fax: 0161 275 8402
Email: [email address]

Dear Mr Carroll

Please see the response below from Careers to your email dated 16 February:

1. Thank you for your reply. I am curious: I was told in an email from
the Careers Service that Frontier would be attending the fair. Are
the they now reconsidering in light of the student direct article
published yesterday? http://www.student-direct.co.uk/2010/02/...

Answer - Full list of exhibitors at this event is still under the process of confirmation.

2. Furthermore, is anyone able to clarify how Frontier were able to
attend the fair last year and a talk in 2007 without an exchange of
correspondence? The Careers Service also say that the relationship
with Frontier began in 2003. Are they certain that the fair and
public talk are the only points at which Frontier have visited the
university?

Answers - Careers service can only confirm activity Frontier arrange through the careers service, not all activity that might take place on campus. It is quite possible that they have worked via other entities eg Student Union
- Frontier have advertised opportunities via our web site since 2003. They have attended the Alternative/Not for profit event in 2005, 2006, 2007,2008 and 2009
- Example of vacancy: Working on projects helping to save critically endangered wildlife and ecosystems, volunteers will gain experience in research and conservation. Students can also undertake dissertation or thesis projects under supervision, and can study towards a BTEC in Tropical Habitat Conservation or Expedition Management. Fundraising guidance is provided.
In addition, the organisation is offering salaried positions and conservation apprenticeships.

I trust the above now completes your request. Please get back to me if I can be of any further assistance.

Best regards

Lisa Crawley

Dr Lisa Crawley
Records Officer
Records Management Office
Room G011, John Owens Building
The University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester M13 9PL

Tel: 0161 275 8400
Fax: 0161 275 8402
Email: [email address]