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New Climate Strategy agreed in Chesterfield

A new Climate Change Strategy was agreed at Chesterfield Borough Council’s full council meeting last night (22 February 2023) setting out the council’s strategy to reach carbon neutrality by 2030.

Deputy Leader Councillor Amanda Serjeant proposed the new strategy in front of councillors and members of the public, emphasising the council’s ongoing commitment to tackle the climate emergency.

The updated strategy is building on the success of ambitious work already underway to help the council become a carbon neutral organisation by 2030, and to lay the groundwork for Chesterfield to become a carbon neutral borough by 2050.

In 2019, the council declared a Climate Emergency – and with support from members of the local community created its first Climate Change Action Plan. This plan is now coming to an end, and the council has reduced emissions by around a third (32%) from when it declared the climate emergency in 2019 to the end of the financial year 2021/22.

Chesterfield Borough Council  has achieved a lot in the last four years including a securing £1.5million of funding to improve the energy rating of private rented sector and privately owned homes, making sustainability and climate change a central theme of the latest Local Plan, ensuring all of the council’s energy comes from renewable sources and planting almost 6000 trees.

The new strategy will direct how the council works with industry in the future, ensuring sustainability and climate change a central theme of everything it does.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We’re working hard to do all we can to ensure we meet our targets for Chesterfield borough. We’re now moving to the next phase of these plans and this updated strategy will underpin our ongoing efforts to achieve our robust targets – ensuring we continue to act now, to safeguard our future.

“Climate Change is the biggest and most important challenge humanity faces globally, as well as in the local area. Carbon reduction is vitally important, and the new Climate Change strategy we have introduced will help towards making significant changes in our progress towards becoming a carbon neutral organisation by 2030”.

The strategy was developed using an extended evidence base, including a consultation where residents, businesses and community groups were invited to comment on the new strategy late last year. All the feedback received has been considered and helped Chesterfield Borough Council to finalise the document.

For more detail on this you can access the consultation summary report and the strategy document on the council’s website.

You can also find out more about the council’s progress to tackle climate change, and sign up to the Climate Action Now newsletter, on the council’s website.

PV installation Custom Solar

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Chesterfield is open for business as Council approves new growth strategy

An ambitious plan which sets out a long-term vision for economic growth – including a focus on quality jobs for local people, access to higher level skills, and environmental sustainability – has been approved by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The new four-year Growth strategy (2023 – 2027) represents a long-term commitment from the council to make Chesterfield a thriving borough by strengthening local skills provision, supporting local businesses and further cementing Chesterfield’s role as a visitor destination.

It builds on the success of the last decade which has seen the creation of more than 2000 new jobs and more than 500 new businesses operating in the area, along with significant regeneration and investment across the borough.

The strategy – which was approved at a meeting of the full council on Wednesday 22 February – also has environmental sustainability at its heart, supporting the target of becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2050.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This strategy is vital to ensuring our borough remains a thriving place to live and work, where everyone has the opportunity to boost their skills, and has access to quality jobs.

“It’s also crucial that we build environmental considerations into our long-term plans, as part of our ongoing commitment to create a sustainable borough for future generations and ensuring we do all we can to reduce carbon emissions.

“The plan builds on our successes over the last ten years including the creation of more than 2000 jobs, and with over 500 new businesses operating in the area.”

The strategy includes five key objectives, which are:

  1. Help businesses to grow and secure new business investment in the borough.
  2. Build a competitive place infrastructure that accelerates employment and housing growth.
  3. Strengthen the distinctive character and vibrancy of our town centres
  4. Develop Chesterfield’s role as a visitor destination and as a base for exploring the surrounding area.
  5. Ensure local people have the right skills to support progression in the labour market and benefit from future employment opportunities.

Councillor Gilby added: “Despite the ongoing economic challenges which are facing towns and cities across the country, Chesterfield is not standing still – we are an ambitious borough and this strategy reflects that. It focusses on higher value growth while balancing our commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.”

Within each of the strategy’s objectives, several key activities have been developed. For example, to help encourage growth the current Innovation Support Programme will continue to run for the benefit of local businesses.

Projects like the Derbyshire Rail Investment Vehicle (DRIIVe) and Construction Skills Hub – both of which are being funded through the Staveley Town Deal – will help deliver new training facilities to ensure local people can develop the skills to access high quality careers.

Regeneration within Chesterfield town centre, including the Stephenson Memorial Hall renovation and Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will continue to contribute to strengthening the town’s position as a visitor destination and to meet the needs of residents. These are complemented by the HS2 Station Master Plan, the £340 million Chesterfield Waterside scheme and the major PEAK resort development which promises to be a landmark tourist destination within the borough.

The full strategy is available to read on the council’s website here.

town hall drone shot

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Traders invited to book a market stall for Medieval Fun Day in Chesterfield

Bookings are now being taken to allocate market stalls at the forthcoming Medieval Fun Day on 25 July. The popular event will take place in Chesterfield town centre from 10am to 4pm and will include a range of entertainment for all the family.

Traders looking to book a market stall at this popular event are able to register online by completing this online form. Tuesdays are not a regular market day, so this event is in addition to Chesterfield Borough Council’s usual market schedule.

The council is encouraging a variety of stall holders to get in touch that sell a range of products including crafts, food, cakes and clothing amongst other things, as well as charities who would like to promote their organisations.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Chesterfield’s Medieval Fun Day is a real highlight on our events calendar and always draws large numbers of visitors into the town centre. Attending the fun day is your chance to step back in time and see a range of reenactors bringing the middle-ages to life. There will also be a fun fair, a variety of market stalls and activities for children provided by the museum team.

“This is a great opportunity for retailers to trade on a market stall, particularly if you are new to Chesterfield or haven’t had a stall for a while, this will be a great introduction to what it is like on an event day in the town centre.”

Organisations are also invited to get in touch using the email address below who may be interested in doing demonstrations such as willow weaving, hedgehog house building or any woodland arts and crafts.

The cost to book a market stall is £25 if you are a charitable organisation or £35 for other traders. To find out more information contact markets@chesterfield.gov.uk

To find out more about the range of exciting events and activities coming up across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

Medieval Fun Day 2022

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Chesterfield community heroes recognised at BrightLife Champions Against Loneliness Awards

Several people and organisations from across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire were recently recognised for their work in combatting loneliness and isolation across our town, in a glamourous ceremony at Casa Hotel.

The BrightLife Champions Against Loneliness Awards 2023, held on Friday February 17th, was a huge success as over 130 guests from the local business and charity communities came together to recognise and celebrate seven BrightLife Champions Against Loneliness.

BrightLife is a local charity dedicated to preventing loneliness and isolation occurring amongst older people living in Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire.

Hosted by Phil Tooley, commentator on Chesterfield FC’s 1866 Sport radio station, the awards ceremony opened with the BrightLife Champion Young Person – an award won by Luke Briddon for his work with the Senior Spireites at the Chesterfield FC Community Trust.

Luke’s nominator for the award, Oliver Barnes, a Wellbeing Officer at Chesterfield FC Community Trust, commented: “People might be isolated, lonely, they might have lost a significant other, but Luke’s always there to put a smile on their face. I don’t think he realises how much impact he has on their lives, and that’s why we’ve nominated him for this award”.

The final award to be presented on the evening was that of the BrightLife Champion Award, as sponsored by Hammond & Co. This award was presented to Farida McGann, who was nominated by Mel Dorna, a health and wellbeing coach for Derbyshire County Council.

Farida’s work to prevent loneliness and isolation began during Lockdown when Farida felt compelled to want to support a neighbour. Following her experience of offering companionship and support to her neighbour Mrs McGann was inspired to start a community group.

The one community group then grew into two and Mrs McGann now runs a number of community groups on a weekly basis.

Mel Dorna, who nominated Mrs McGann for the award commented: “Over the last year Farida has developed groups and now runs a weekly mental health support group, a health and well-being group, a group exclusively to support men….she welcomes everybody through the door.”

The seven category award winners were:

  • Champion Young Person (Sponsored by 1866 Sport) – Luke Briddon
  • Champion Charity (Sponsored by Aztec Oils Ltd) – Chesterfield FC Community Trust
  • Champion Business (Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors) – Magnavale Ltd
  • Champion Neighbour (Sponsored by Heron Publications Ltd) – Rachael Mullen
  • Champion Carer (Sponsored by Age Care Bathrooms) – Sandra Bower
  • Champion Volunteer (Sponsored by Hastings Freight Ltd) – Lynda Lewis
  • Champion – (Sponsored by Hammond & Co) – Farida McGann

Chesterfield FC’s Community Trust, Casa Hotel, Banner Jones Solicitors and Heron Publications support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Champions against loneliness awards

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Partnership between Derbyshire Voluntary Action and University of Derby recognised by Student Nursing Times Awards

Derbyshire Voluntary Action’s partnership project ‘Community Chesterfield’ has been named as a finalist for its work with the University of Derby in the upcoming Student Nursing Times Awards.

The Student Nursing Times Awards is the largest student and nurse education awards in the country, and will take place at the end of April.

It recognises the work of individual student nurses, and the organisations and groups that help them excel. The finalists have been named, and now have to present to the judges to see who will be named the winner at the awards in Mayfair, London.

DVA’s Community Chesterfield project won the award last year, and the team is hoping to retain the title in 2023.

The partnership between Derbyshire Voluntary Action and the University of Derby is a great example of how charity organisations and universities can come together to have a positive impact on healthcare.

Daniel Jones, Marketing and Communications Officer at DVA commented: “Our partnership project being recognised as a finalist in the upcoming Student Nursing Times Awards is a testament to its success. We hope to impress the judges next month to win for the second year running.”

The collaboration between the two organisations has enabled nursing students to gain access to free training, placements, events, and opportunities to meet and network with community groups and experts, giving them invaluable experience in the healthcare sector. The university’s support for the charity’s work has also helped to strengthen relationships within the local community, helping to provide essential resources to community groups throughout Derbyshire.

This partnership is an inspiring example of how university-charity connections can have a meaningful impact on healthcare education as well as the ability to prepare future healthcare professionals for success.

Derbyshire Voluntary Action and the University of Derby support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

team community chesterfield

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Tinchy Stryder and A1 among the exciting acts confirmed for Chesterfield Pride 2023

Chesterfield Pride has confirmed a host of exciting new acts for the 2023 festival, including 90’s boyband A1 and rapper Tinchy Stryder.

The festival returns this summer to Stand Road Park on Sunday July 23rd, and organisers say they have a huge event planned.

The festival which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and is one of the largest of it’s kind in our region, will host two stages packed with entertainment, market stalls, fabulous food vendors and more.

Headlining the University of Derby Main Stage will be 90’s boyband A1. They head a stellar line up including Tinchy Stryder, Stooshe, Alex Party and Lolly, with more acts still to be announced.

Over on the Kranlee Cabaret Stage, the festival has confirmed it will be headlined by Lawrence Chaney, who was the season two winner of Ru Paul’s Drag race.

The Cabaret Stage will see amazing performers from tribute artists, drag queens and the best of unsigned local artists including Sammy Murdock, Poppy-Mai and Alfie Darlin.

Organiser Dan Walker commented: “I am so excited for this summer’s event. This is our biggest ever line up of artists. We have some amazing talent performing from artists who have sold millions worldwide to amazing local performers.

“There is so much going on throughout the day. We have amazing food vendors, our brand new KidsZone, market area and lots more. We are proud to be a community event open to everyone”

The annual event is open to everyone with tickets starting at just £5 (+booking fee). Under 16’s are free entry but must be accompanied with an adult. There are a limited amount of Van Dyk VIP passes remaining for the event. Tickets available through Skiddle or by visiting chesterfieldpride.co.uk

Find out more about the great range of events and activities taking place throughout Chesterfield this Summer at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/

Chesterfield Pride

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City Taxis agrees tasty partnership with Eat in the Park Festival

City Taxis has announced a partnership with Chesterfield’s new food and music festival, Eat In The Park. 

The festival is set to make its debut in Chesterfield this August, after holding a string of successful festivals since it’s 2020 launch in Buxton.

Set to take place over the weekend of August 5th and 6th in Queens Park, the festival promises to be a fun-packed family-friendly weekend, with live music from top tribute bands, delicious food including Chesterfield favourite, Fat Pig BBQ, and locally sourced drinks from Buxton Brewery.

Kate Beswick, Client Relationship Manager at City Taxis said: “I am delighted to be collaborating with Eat in the Park and am confident it will be a great addition to the town centre.

“Having been and enjoyed the festival the last 2 years in Buxton, it has the full festival feel that all the family can enjoy, for a very reasonable price.”

The inaugural Chesterfield event will also comprise:

– Live music across two stages
– VIP area – private bar, luxury loos, viewing platform, magicians and more
– Tribute artists and local talent
– Vendors serving cuisines from around the world
– Kids entertainment – Face painting, Bubbles Away, Disney Performers, Roaming acts and more.

Co-founders of Eat in the Park, George Darbyshire and Jake Burnham, commented: “We are extremely excited to be partnering with City Taxis for Eat in the Park Chesterfield in Queens Park.

“Our partnership with City Taxis will ensure that festival goers can take advantage of their great service and get to and from the festival safely!”

As the official taxi partner to the festival, City Taxis will be introducing an official taxi pick-up and drop-off point at various key locations, enabling festival goers to get in and out of the park safely and conveniently.

With thousands of people set to attend the event, passengers are being encouraged to pre-book their taxis ahead of the event. As ever with festivals, the demand for taxis will be high at the close of each day, but there are plenty of options in Chesterfield town centre to continue your evening.

Find out more about things you could be getting up to in the evening here in Chesterfield: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/places-to-visit/night-out/

To pre-book your taxis, please call City Taxis on 01246 222 222 or download their free booking app: https://lnk.to/VykGaN

Festival tickets are available here: https://lnk.to/VcLM2zsM

City Taxis supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Eat in the Park - Buxton 2022

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Chesterfield Museum collection to inspire local students

Students in the Art and Design Faculty at Chesterfield College are using Chesterfield Museum’s collections as part of a new project for the spring term.

On Friday 3 February the museum team took a beautiful example of a traditional celebratory ‘Posset Pot’ into the college for students to study and then use as an object of inspiration for their own work during the next term.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It’s fantastic to see our museum team working closely with Chesterfield College. Whilst the Museum remains closed for a multi-million-pound renovation it’s important that we work with our partners and explore alternative routes to help ensure local people can connect with our shared history.”

Dating back as far as the 1400s, Posset Pots were a traditional decorative ceramic to celebrate special occasions.

Posset, a popular hot spiced drink made of milk curdled with wine or ale, was shared between guests and everyone drank from the Posset Pot. It was brought out at Christmas or anniversaries, but most often the Posset Pot would be used at the celebration toast of weddings, which is why most of the examples in the Museum’s collection are decorated with the names of the happy couple.

Tracey Heyes, Art and Design Lecturer at Chesterfield College, said: “The students are looking forward to working with Chesterfield Museum in this capacity and are excited at the prospect of using the Posset Pot as a starting point for their individual projects.”

Chesterfield Museum is closed for a multi-million-pound renovation that aims to create an enhanced visitor experience, but whilst it is closed the museum team are working with partners ensure the collection can still be enjoyed by the community.

Outreach cases featuring some fascinating objects from the collection are being displayed at different Borough Council sites around the borough (Visitor Information Centre, Market Hall, Town Hall, Queen’s Park Sports Centre and Staveley Healthy Living Centre). The museum team will also be attending and hosting activities at public events happening throughout the year and is working with partners, including Chesterfield College, to present exhibitions, workshops, and events in the future.

The ambitious renovation of Stephenson Memorial Hall which houses both Chesterfield Museum and the Pomegranate Theatre will bring together an extended theatre, a reconfigured museum, new gallery space, a café bar, and education and community facilities. The work will also protect the Grade II listed building, improve accessibility, to ensure that it remains part of the borough’s heritage for many more generations to come.

Funding for the project has been secured through the Government’s Levelling Up Fund with additional funding from Arts Council England.

Find out more about the plans for Chesterfield Museum by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revitalise

Posset Pots from the Museum collection

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Chesterfield’s Oasis Studio brings local housing development to life with immersive digital experience

A Chesterfield company which specialises in creating immersive digital experiences has worked to bring a local housing development to life.

Oasis Studio’s EyeSiteView brand creates immersive & interactive CGI for property marketing and sales, with the technology recently being implemented to showcase the William Davis Homes’ Skylarks development in Dunston.

Only a five-minute drive from Chesterfield, Skylarks is a development nestled in the Derbyshire countryside. William Davis wanted to invest in a virtual toolkit that drives engagement from their increasingly digitally-savvy customer base.

Oasis Studio is based just over a mile away from where the development is taking place. The content created by the firm is now being used across the William Davis website, social media and sales centre.

Tony Buck, Associate Director at Oasis Studio commented: “As technology continually evolves, we are noticing an increasing demand from developers and house-builders to be able to start selling their homes much earlier.

“However, to be able to achieve this, buyers also need to feel like they are able to make well-informed decisions in order to make a sizable financial commitment. So, that’s where we come in. Using a combination of VR, AR & CGI, we can allow house buyers to explore sites, houses and even customise their kitchens to fit their requirements, all before any bricks are even laid.”

Speaking on the local linkup with William Davis on the Skylarks project, Tony added: “Chesterfield is obviously the heart of where our business is. We have several employees here who live locally or who have been brought up in Derbyshire, so it’s very rewarding to be able to not only see these developments enhance our surrounding towns but also to be involved in the journey.

“From the initial CAD drawings, our talented team create amazing interactive experiences that really impact the sales of property, so to see all that hard work come to life is very satisfying.”

We are experts in guiding housebuilders through a digital transformation. By creating highly accurate ‘3D digital twins’ of developments before they exist, our 360 Virtual Tours, Active Siteplans and Home Configurators really help bring them to life. Ultimately, it allows house buyers the ability to make well-informed decisions more quickly, and increase those all-important off-site sales.

Find out more at: www.eyesiteview.co.uk or on our social media channels: @eyesiteview

Oasis Studio supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

skylarks eyesiteview

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Chatsworth announces signature events and new additions for 2023

An exhibition celebrating Chatsworth’s 500-year history of design and creativity leads a season of discovery across the house, garden and park of the Derbyshire estate this year. Mirror Mirror: Reflections on Design at Chatsworth opens 18 March 2023.

All the signature events are back, from the Chatsworth International Horse Trials in May to the three-day Chatsworth Country Fair in September with the show stopping festive season opening in early November. New for 2023 is a Celebration of Derbyshire Women for International Women’s Day.

As well as the popular annual events, a year of discovery awaits the curious with a carefully curated programme of activities from landscape drawing and gardening clubs to exploring literary gems in the library and getting a behind-the-scenes insight into the historic textiles conservation.

Chatsworth Farmyard and Adventure Playground: 11 – 26 February 2023

Chatsworth Farmyard

Opening for February half-term, there is plenty for children to enjoy from feeding the animals to learning all about the rare breeds thriving at the farmyard including the Suffolk Punch horses, Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs, Bagot goats and Cream Legbar chickens. The farmyard has Rare Breeds Survival Trust accreditation in recognition of its important contribution to the conservation of some the rarest livestock and equine breeds native to the UK, making it the perfect place to see these animals up close. There will also be crafty creative sessions under cover and tractor and trailer Discovery tours into Stand Wood.

International Women’s Day: 10 March 2023

Curated and hosted by the High Sheriff in Nomination 2023/24, Theresa Peltier, a celebration of Derbyshire women will take place at Chatsworth. The day will feature displays and a rolling series of talks, discussions and performances by women from a diverse range of backgrounds on topics as broad as running small businesses, creating art, or providing charity and other services to the communities of Derbyshire. This free to access, drop-in event is open to all and also features local singer songwriter Carol Fieldhouse; writer, poet and performer Seni Seneviratne; resident sculptor at Derbyshire Eco Centre, Sue Allanson; Derbyshire Lord Lieutenant Mrs. Elizabeth Fothergill CBE and charities such as Women’s Work and Adoption East Midlands.

Mirror Mirror: Reflections on Design at Chatsworth: 18 March – 1 October 2023

Chatsworth has been a centre for creativity and new ideas for more than 500 years. This exhibition brings the legacy up to date and introduces new works from 16 leading international artists to the house and garden. Contemporary pieces in the historic setting make unexpected connections with the architecture, interiors, furniture, ceramics as well as its essential materials of glass, stone, wood, and light.

Chatsworth International Horse Trials: 12 – 14 May 2023

Chatsworth Horse Trials

World-class equestrian competition across the three disciplines of cross country, show jumping and dressage combine with the fun dog show, children’s entertainment and have-a-go dog agility to make for a memorable experience for all the family. Book before 30 April for early bird tickets.

Chatsworth Country Fair: 1 – 3 September 2023

Chatsworth Country Fair

One of Britain’s most spectacular annual outdoor events held in the 1000-acre parkland, Chatsworth Country Fair delivers three action-packed days of thrilling Grand Ring entertainment, inspirational cooking masterclasses, countryside crafts, interactive activities and a vintage fun fair. Book before 30 June for early bird tickets.

Christmas at Chatsworth: 4 November 2023 – 7 January 2024

Chatsworth Christmas_ Painted Hall. Credit DPC Photography

Chatsworth’s must visit Christmas season will see the house transformed from early November. While the theme is a hotly guarded secret until September, preparations are already underway for the show-stopping festive display.

In the garden

The ongoing work around the recently developed area of the garden known as Arcadia continues, with the glades now looking spectacular as the planting led by designer Tom Stuart-Smith has become established since it was planted. Other work includes 200 Rhododendrons being planted to repopulate the area around the Ravine and Grotto Pond. This year, there are more opportunities to engage with the 105-acre garden from landscape sketching and creative sessions for children to gardening clubs for all ages, as well as talks and workshops from the expert garden team.

In the park

Free to access all year-round with free parking until 16 March, and well-served by local transport links, the trails and paths in Chatsworth Park offer the perfect setting for enjoying the Derbyshire landscape. Three new waymarked paths have been created in Stand Wood above the house to make it easier to explore the medieval woodland located on the hill near the farmyard. For those who would like to find out more about the landscape, an expert from the park team will be running two hour walking tours focusing on the flora and fauna and sharing insights into what goes into managing the estate which includes 1,000 acres of parkland and the river Derwent.

For more events and activities taking place in Chesterfield throughout 2023, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

Chatsworth supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chatsworth House

Chatsworth House

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University of Derby named in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers for its commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion at work

The University of Derby, which runs courses from Chesterfield’s St. Helena’s Campus has been ranked in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers for the first time.

Compiled by Stonewall, Europe’s largest charity for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer rights, the widely anticipated list recognises employers who support LGBTQ+ employees to be themselves at work.

The University of Derby joins a number of construction firms and legal, health, finance and education providers who made it onto the list. In addition, the institution has also received the Stonewall Gold Employer Award for the second year running.

Over the past year the University has run a variety of campaigns and initiatives to help raise LGBTQIA+ awareness among its employees and to promote an inclusive environment across its campuses in Derby, Buxton and Chesterfield. These include mentoring and coaching programmes, staff training, and development of its LGBT+ Allies staff network.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “I am delighted that the University has been recognised by Stonewall for the continuing emphasis we place on supporting all people to be themselves. The Top 100 ranking and the Gold Employer Award reflect the work we have done to emphasise our commitment to inclusion, and demonstrate that our University is a safe and inclusive environment for our staff and students to work and study.”

Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers List 2023 is the UK’s leading ranking of employers from public, private and third sectors on how inclusive their workplaces are.

Nancy Kelley, CEO of Stonewall, said: “It’s been fantastic to see all of the work put in by the University of Derby over the past year to create a workplace where LGBTQ+ staff feel free to thrive as themselves.

“For many of us, the majority of our time is spent at work, so if we have to hide who we are it can take an enormous personal toll and hold us back from fulfilling our true potential. Creating environments where we can all feel comfortable makes our workplaces a safer, better and friendlier place for everyone and helps staff be proud of who they are.”

Stonewall’s Top 100 list is compiled through submissions to a free, voluntary benchmarking tool, the Workplace Equality Index. All submissions are then marked against thorough and standardised criteria and the Top 100 are picked out by Stonewall for their excellent work in creating inclusive workplaces for their LGBTQ+ staff.

Stonewall was founded in 1989 by a small group of people who wanted to break down barriers to equality. It continues to campaign on LGBT Equality, as well as work with employers and schools to create environments which allow LGBTQ+ people to thrive.

The University of Derby supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Univerity of Derby

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