Chesterfield Borough Council

Our strategic partnership

The University of Derby and Chesterfield Borough Council (CBC) have formalised a strategic partnership to drive growth, innovation, and community development in Chesterfield.

The collaboration focuses on enhancing education, boosting economic growth, and addressing local challenges, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering positive change in the region.

About Chesterfield Borough Council

Chesterfield Borough Council is dedicated to promoting sustainable growth, improving public services, and enhancing the quality of life for local residents. Through strategic initiatives and partnerships, CBC has long worked to build a thriving community, elevate local businesses, and improve educational opportunities.

As part of its broader vision, CBC has worked closely with University of Derby, to create a more prosperous, well-educated, and skilled workforce that can contribute to the region's continued success.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said:

I am looking forward to seeing the positive impacts of this partnership as we work together to support skills development and improve outcomes for the people and businesses of Chesterfield and the surrounding area.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said:

I am delighted to have signed this agreement with the University of Derby, on behalf of Chesterfield Borough Council. This agreement sets out our joint ambition to establish Chesterfield as a University town. Strengthening higher level skills and education across the borough will bring with it further opportunities for residents, businesses, and support for wider economic growth.

Working with our partners across the borough we are also ambitious to establish opportunities for world-leading research and world-class facilities to drive innovation and bring inspirational opportunities for our communities and entrepreneurs, helping everyone to reach their potential. I look forward to working closely with the University of Derby over the coming years to help achieve our ambitions of being a thriving borough and improving the quality of life of local people.

Partnering for impact

The University of Derby and Chesterfield Borough Council aim to strengthen education, workforce development, and community engagement through their partnership. A key focus is establishing Chesterfield as a university town, creating opportunities to enhance higher-level skills and education for residents and local employers. By working together, the goal is to position the town as a hub for education and innovation.

The partnership also seeks to drive innovation by fostering collaboration between academia, business, and the public sector. Plans include supporting local entrepreneurs through access to research, facilities, and tailored platforms to help them thrive. Additionally, the organisations aim to raise aspirations and provide career guidance, skills training, and resources to empower individuals and contribute to a prosperous community.

Student and graduate opportunities

The University of Derby and Chesterfield Borough Council aim to enhance the student experience and support graduate opportunities while strengthening the local workforce. The partnership focuses on key areas such as health and care workforce development and career advancement initiatives.

By collaborating with local organisations, the partnership seeks to address skills shortages, provide work experience opportunities, and connect students with career pathways. These efforts aim to equip students and graduates with the tools and experiences needed to succeed while benefiting the wider community.

Accelerating growth

The strategic partnership between the University of Derby and Chesterfield Borough Council aims to drive regional growth through community development and economic expansion. Key initiatives include a focus on social value in procurement, boosting local spending, jobs, and business engagement.

As part of their commitment to fostering a supportive workplace culture, Chesterfield Borough Council participated in the Mental Health and Productivity Pilot, a programme focused on reducing workplace absence and presenteeism linked to mental health./p>

This programme focused on reducing workplace absence and presenteeism linked to mental health, identifying measures to improve wellbeing underpinned by the six Mental Health at Work Core Standards. These efforts supported the council’s achievement of the Thrive at Work accreditation, a workplace commitment providing guidelines on promoting employee health and wellbeing.