University of Derby and Chesterfield Borough Council sign new partnership agreement

The University of Derby and Chesterfield Borough Council have signed a new strategic partnership agreement to establish a closer working relationship and recognise shared ambitions between the two organisations. 

The agreement was officially signed by Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, and Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, at a ceremony in Chesterfield Town Hall.

The strategic partnership agreement sets out three joint ambitions:

• To establish Chesterfield as a University town – delivering higher level skills and education for its people and employers
• To work jointly with business partners, education providers and the public sector to deliver world-leading research that drives innovation; provide world-class facilities to meet the needs of the community; and establish a platform to help entrepreneurs reach their potential
• To use combined assets, within community partnership across Chesterfield, to raise people’s aspirations through delivering effective core skills, careers information, support and advice 

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

“As Derbyshire’s only university we take our role working with communities and organisations very seriously, and this Strategic Partnership Agreement underlines our commitment to driving ambition and positive change. 

“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.” 

The strategic partnership agreement also sets out a series of high level outcomes to which both organisations are committed over the next three years, focusing on the themes of:

• Health and wellbeing, community, skills and resilience
• Innovation and research
• Experiential learning and curriculum design
• Brand profile and awareness
• Assets and investment

To achieve these ambitions and outcomes a delivery plan is being developed which focuses on the assets of the University and within Chesterfield borough. It will also identify the resources both organisations can contribute to achieving the ambitions laid out in the partnership agreement.