Civic Awards launched to recognise outstanding contributions by community

As part of the ceremony, two Honorary Civic Awards were presented to Catherine Cleary MBE and Dai Larner for making outstanding contributions to their community.

Catherine was given the award in recognition of her commitment and services to people with eating disorders. In 2004, she set up the award-winning charity First Steps Derbyshire to help others after struggles with anorexia and bulimia almost killed her.

She was recognised for her commitment to the cause and work in developing the charity so that it now has scope to support students from the University.

Dai, meanwhile, was celebrated for his achievements in driving forward several projects in the High Peak and Staffordshire Moorlands that have helped to transform lives, businesses and amenities.

One of his most notable achievements was in 2019 when Dai connected local partners and resources to find innovative solutions during the Toddbrook Dam Emergency. 

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

“As a Civic University, we aim to make a positive impact on society, creating opportunities for, and supporting the ambitions of our local communities and the voluntary sector.

We launched the Civic Awards to celebrate those who are making a difference, to give them the recognition they deserve, and to hopefully inspire others to become changemakers in their community.”

The awards follow the launch of the University’s Civic Agreement in June 2022, which reaffirms the ongoing commitment to playing a part in the prosperity and wellbeing of the city of Derby and the county of Derbyshire by the University.

Other winners included Debbie Kemp, Operations Manager at DHU Healthcare, who was awarded the Civic Hero Award for her commitment to charitable causes.

One of Debbie’s most memorable challenges saw her carry a 22lb-tyre on her back while completing a half-marathon, raising funds for community-based fitness and running club AAJ, and Cancer Research UK.

Fourteen members of staff were awarded gold badges in recognition of their work upholding civic behaviour and culture in various departments throughout the institution, while five students picked up an accolade for being Civic Student Champions for volunteering outside of their studies to assist with the University’s community projects.

Meanwhile, six individuals and organisations were announced as winners of a newly-launched Civic Funding Grant which offers seed funding to projects that align with one or more of the University of Derby’s five civic goals.

They are Derby poet Dan Webber, youth project Baby People, Social Fuse Festival, Exploring Identity and Cultural Heritage Through Drum Rhythms, and children’s mental health service provider Bridge The Gap.  

In addition, University alumni Kid Karam – a world leader in the sport of Breaking and an Olympic hopeful – was acknowledged as the first external recipient of the Civic Champion badge.

Dr Rhiannon Jones, Associate Professor (Civic Practice) at the University, added:

“We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to celebrate staff, students, stakeholders and community partners.

As a civic institution, we are committed to ensuring the prosperity and wellbeing of our people and place, and we could not do this without the support of our colleagues and local community heroes.”

The awards ceremony took place on the evening of the University’s annual CivicLAB Conference, which sold out for the fourth year in a row. It was guest-chaired by placemaking consultant and researcher Dr Cara Courage and featured a lineup of speakers from across the country. 

Both events form part of the University’s public engagement strategy and align with its goals as a civic institution. 

Find out more about the Civic University Agreement

Find out more about the University’s Civic activity