Annual Review 2017/18: Community Engagement

Continued investment into the community

Five years on and our Community Fund continues to be a roaring success, granting over £13,000 to 12 schemes across Derbyshire this year. The fund, which was set up to inspire projects that benefit local communities, has helped an elderly support group, contributed £800 towards St George's Primary School library refurbishment, and funded activities for two Armed Forces education and awareness family days. Hannah Hallam, Development and Alumni Relations Manager at the University of Derby, said: "We are proud to be part of a fantastic city and county and we are always looking for innovative ways to invest back into the community."

Volunteering Framework Pledge

To build on the University's commitment to supporting the community, we have pledged that 25,000 hours of volunteering will be given back to the community through the launch of a Universitywide Community Volunteer Programme. This comes off the back of our new Strategic Framework, which launched in June and encourages staff to work as a community, trusting and supporting one another, while building positive relationships that go beyond our teaching and researching.

E-Bike scheme launches

Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, staff and region. We are the first university to take part in the UK's largest electric bike sharing scheme, in partnership with Derby City Council. Thirty docking stations, 12 of which are based at our University, are home to 200 bikes available to students, staff and the general public. This scheme allows people to conveniently travel around the city on a sustainable, low-cost method of transport. The benefits are plentiful, and tie in with Derby City Council's aim to introduce a Clean Air Zone by 2020, improving air quality, people's health and the economic growth and development of our society.

Fun-filled Community Day

Our animal kingdom-themed Community Day was a huge success this year, with 3,500 people turning out to see what fun-filled activities we had to offer. There were plenty of things to keep all ages entertained, including climbing walls, inflatable assault courses, a scavenger hunt, robotics and 3D printing. Visitors had the chance to meet various tropical animals, try out different sports and get creative with crafts.