The university is the 26th best university in the UK, according to the Guardian University Guide 2020


Just over a year ago we launched our Strategic Framework


2018-2030, a blue print that frames the university’s activity and ambition around three pillars – Game Changers, Positive Impact and Opening Doors – and provides the foundation on which we will continue to impact positively on our students and our community for years to come. There is a clear ‘civic’ strand running throughout the


framework; a commitment to raising aspirations and skills, to positioning our city and county on the global stage, to supporting social mobility, and to driving the economic, social, cultural, educational and environmental prosperity of our home. That aspiration, prosperity and opportunity is not just


what we want for the thousands of students who choose to study at Derby, but also for the thousands more people who live and work here. Surveys conducted by the Civic University Commission


show that people living in university towns and cities are largely proud of their local higher education institution, but would struggle to say how their university engages with the local community. We want to change that perception, but we can only do


that through meaningful interaction, which has impact and makes a difference. We are already ‘civically engaged’ and do much to support local communities, organisations and businesses, through volunteering, funding, innovation and knowledge exchange. We are a major sponsor and supporter of arts and culture in the region, and we are already training health and social care professionals to help


‘We want to know what the needs and priorities of Derby and Derbyshire are, as well as the biggest challenges facing our communities’


our vulnerable residents, teachers to work in our schools, and police officers to keep our communities safer. Derby is a leading institution for social mobility, as


highlighted by our ranking in the HEPI Fair Access Table, with 21% of our students coming from the lowest higher education participation neighbourhoods, students who are often the first member of their family to go to university. A similar proportion of black and minority ethnic (BME) students make up our undergraduate body. As an applied university, we are preparing all of our


students for the workplace by connecting with local businesses and employers to generate work experience and placement opportunities, so they can apply their knowledge to the industries and professions they want to work in. Through our academic and students frameworks we are


providing our students with the best possible experience of higher education and the skills they need, and employers require, to begin their career journey. But we believe we can have an even greater impact, so in


June we launched our Derby Civic University Agreement Consultation to the public. We want to know what the needs and priorities of Derby


and Derbyshire are, as well as the biggest challenges facing our communities. We are also keen to find out how people think the University of Derby could make a positive impact. At the time of writing, the consultation is still open, but it


is exciting to think that we are beginning a process which could develop new solutions to age-old issues by collaborating and connecting with local people, organisations and businesses. One of the other advantages we have as a university is


our geography. We are located not only in Derby, but in Buxton and Chesterfield too - three very different areas of the county, given their industrial bases, transport links and environment.


business network July/August 2019 65


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