The Strategic Partnership between Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA) and the University of Derby provided a robust framework for collaborative working, enhancing and formalising our already strong relationship. This collaboration leveraged the strengths of both organisations to create meaningful impacts in the community and support mutual growth.
Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA) was established in 1991 to provide specialised infrastructure support to the health and social wellbeing-related voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sectors across North Derbyshire. For over three decades, DVA has actively represented communities and the work of Derbyshire’s VCSE organisations to work collaboratively with Public Health, NHS and others to improve the health and wellbeing of Derbyshire’s residents. DVA is a beacon of inclusiveness, openness, and trust, actively engaging with and supporting a diverse range of member organisations. Working with over 350 VCSE organisations across Derbyshire, from small, volunteer-led self-help groups to larger regional charities, DVA's community-focused efforts benefit numerous Derbyshire residents.
Partnering for impact
This collaboration enhanced our engagement with DVA, leveraging DVA's role as a significant contributor to multi-agency work and a strong advocate for the voluntary and community sector at strategic levels. As such, DVA was a signatory on the Civic University Agreement, which reaffirmed our ongoing commitment to playing a part in the prosperity and wellbeing of the city of Derby and the county of Derbyshire.
Student experience
The partnership provided DVA with access to academic resources and research support, amplifying their impact on community health and wellbeing. The University benefited from strengthened community ties, increased research opportunities and a higher profile in civic engagement initiatives whilst students gained exposure to real-world challenges.
One notable collaboration was on the Integrated Care Strategy for Chesterfield and North-East Derbyshire, where DVA partnered with Chesterfield FC Community Trust on the THR1VE project, a young people's social prescribing initiative. This collaboration provided students with hands-on experience in integrated care strategies and allowed researchers to study the effects of social prescribing.
DVA also engaged in legal and policy assistance projects, facilitating student placements within the third sector that enabled students to apply their academic knowledge whilst DVA accessed fresh perspectives and legal expertise to navigate the complex regulatory environment of the voluntary sector.
Through the partnership to date, DVA has coordinated placements for eight Occupational Health Nursing students at East Midlands Housing Care and Support and placed Mental Health Nursing students at organisations like WORTH. Jacob Hall, who was on a final year placement, expressed his perspective on this experience.
"The placement gave me access to a range of community services and voluntary sectors. Even with my limited exposure to these sectors, it was extremely evident to me that there are some highly motivated, empathetic, and person-centred individuals who really push the service forwards. Seeing people who enjoyed working and selflessly made the extra effort at every opportunity was extremely refreshing!"
Angela Pereira, Mental Health Student Placement Lead, highlighted, "Because of the partnership, student mental health nurses are gaining valuable experience within the community and voluntary services that we had found hard to access previously, ensuring that mental health nurses of the future do not miss out on these valuable experiences."
Facilitating research
Research initiatives were another critical area, such as the exciting collaboration with ReThink, a local mental health charity. This collaboration consisted of an internship led by Dr Dolapo Fakuade, Security and Disaster Management Postgraduate Programme Director. A final year student, Zuzan Kloudova, expressed how this internship impacted her both academically and personally.
"Working with Rethink Mental Illness has been rewarding, as I contributed directly to meaningful mental health advocacy and support. It allowed me to engage with a diverse range of professionals and community members, fostering a collaborative environment that is crucial for addressing mental health challenges. This partnership also provided invaluable experience in understanding the complexities of mental health care provision, building connections, and developing practical solutions that benefit both the university community and the wider public."
Learning and collaboration
DVA promoted volunteering opportunities and training sessions, such as about managing money and neurodiversity in the workplace, that enriched students’ educational experience and equipped them with essential skills. DVA also created opportunities for shared learning and collaboration, including walks for unpaid carers and student nurses to learn from one another, as well as a workshop exploring the challenges of demonstrating impact in the VCSE which attracted funding from the Voluntary Sector Studies Network.
DVA also sourced up to 30 high-quality, relevant, and impactful Experts by Experience (ExEs) each year to speak to students on various topics. Feedback from these sessions included comments like, "It was great to get an insight into the patient's experience, and the ways that we as future nurses can have a positive impact on someone's life," and "It was useful hearing from a patient themselves and how we as a profession could improve. Hearing from a patient themselves made it more impactful." DVA worked with the Law and Business Schools to further integrate ExEs into their programs, enhancing the students' learning experiences. Additionally, the partnership was recognised by the Students Nursing Time Awards.
Accelerating growth
The partnership fostered growth in several critical areas. Collaborative efforts in module input and curriculum design led to the development of new academic opportunities, such as the revalidation of the MBA program and the delivery of public health modules to nursing students in Chesterfield. These initiatives ensured that the university’s curriculum remained relevant and responsive to community needs, providing students with contemporary and applicable knowledge.
Innovation and research were also significantly accelerated through this partnership. DVA introduced community-based projects, creating opportunities for joint research and potential publications. These collaborations not only contributed to academic knowledge but also addressed pressing community issues, benefiting both the university and the local population.
Success stories
Several success stories emerged from the strategic partnership. The Community Chesterfield project, for example, was shortlisted for the Business Charity Awards and supported the University’s re-accreditation for the Small Business Charter. These accolades enhanced the University's reputation for community engagement and social responsibility.
Additionally, Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA) and the University of Derby won the Partnership of the Year award at the Voluntary Sector Awards 2022 for their Chesterfield Community Partnership. Despite the pandemic, Community Chesterfield exceeded expectations, fostering meaningful collaborations between the University and grassroots volunteer groups. Daniel Jones, DVA's Marketing & Communications Officer, highlighted the partnership's success in training, research, and shared learning, bringing together students, professionals, and community members. Daniel noted, “Our link with the University of Derby has been a huge success, not just for DVA, but for the whole community we speak for. By combining our expertise, we’ve created a unique partnership in innovation, learning, and shared growth, allowing us to share resources, bring fresh perspectives, and create change. Together, we have responded to challenges and shaped a stronger, more informed, and healthier future for students, staff, and voluntary and community groups across the county.’’
Presentations at major conferences, such as PraxisAuril, and numerous successful student placements underscored the positive outcomes of this collaboration. These achievements highlighted the tangible benefits of the partnership for students, who gained valuable experience and insights, and for DVA, which leveraged academic support to enhance its community impact.
Overall, the partnership demonstrated the powerful synergy between academic institutions and community organisations. By working together, they created opportunities for growth, innovation, and mutual benefit, ultimately contributing to the betterment of society.
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