Annual Review 2017/18: Our Honorands

Dame Margaret Beckett

Honorary Doctor of the University

Dame Margaret Beckett has been the Member of Parliament for Derby South since 1983. She was the first woman to hold the post of Foreign Secretary and only the second to hold one of the Great Offices of State. She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of her commitment and achievements in public service, both regionally and in the national political arena.

Kenneth Clarke

Honorary Doctor of the University

Kenneth Clarke CH QC has been the Member of Parliament for Rushcliffe since 1970. During his political career he has held several senior ministerial offices including Home Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer. Kenneth was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his commitment to public service and his support for its change of status from college to university in 1992, when he was Secretary of State for Education and Science.

Duke of Devonshire

Honorary Doctor of the University and Honorary Master of Arts

His Grace the Duke of Devonshire KCVO CBE DL was installed as the University's third Chancellor in October 2008. Peregrine Cavendish is the 12th Duke of Devonshire and custodian of the Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire. The Duke was presented with an Honorary Doctorate in appreciation of his service to the University of Derby and in recognition of his many other public and charitable works. In March 2018, the Duke was also awarded an Honorary Master of Arts, marking his contribution to the world of art as a collector and conservationist of important national and international works.

Daniel Hanson

Honorary Master of the University

Daniel is a clothing and textiles designer and professional design consultant. In 1989, he established his company 'Daniel Hanson' in Nottingham, which is now an international brand with a reputation for producing the best nightwear in the world. Daniel, who studied fashion design at the Derby College of Art and Technology, was made an Honorary Master of the University in recognition of his contribution to fashion and his international success as a textile designer.

The Rt Revd Dr Alastair Redfern

Honorary Doctor of Laws

Alastair held the position of Bishop of Derby from 2005 to August 2018. During this time he led the Diocese of Derby through significant changes and established a range of key partnerships between the Church and the community. He was a member of the House of Lords and the Church of England's spokesman for international development and is committed to the fight against modern slavery. He was made an Honorary Doctor of Laws in recognition of hisfight against modern slavery and his commitment to the University and the wider local community.

Jonathan Joseph

Honorary Master of the University

Jonathan, who was born in Derby and began playing rugby at Derby RFC when he was 10 years old, currently plays for Bath Rugby and represents England on the international stage. He toured with the British & Irish Lions in New Zealand last year and took his place in the England squad for this year's Six Nations. In recognition of his services to sport and his outstanding success as an international professional rugby player, Jonathan was awarded an Honorary Master of the University.

Kathryn Stone OBE

Honorary Doctor of Laws

Kathryn has enjoyed a 40-year career in public service. She recently became Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, an independent officer of the House of Commons overseeing the code of conduct and rules for MPs. During her career she spent 11 years as Chief Executive of the charity Voice UK, representing the rights of people with learning disabilities who were victims of abuse and crime. She was awarded an OBE in 2007 for her services to people with learning disabilities. Kathryn was made an Honorary Doctor of Laws for her outstanding contribution to public service.

Stephen Page

Honorary Doctor of the University

Stephen Page is Chief Executive of independent publishing house Faber & Faber Ltd, one of the world's leading literary publishers. He has done much to professionalise recruitment to the publishing industry and his support for the University's development of its MA Publishing programme has been invaluable. In recognition of Stephen's contribution to publishing education and the creative industries, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate.

Alan Gifford

Honorary Master of the University

Alan has worked in welding and quality management for over 40 years at International Combustion Ltd in Derby. He was made an Honorary Master of the University in recognition of his achievements in the field of welding and quality, his impact on manufacturing and his voluntary work in the region.