Partnership with educational and conservation charity agreed

A partnership between the University of Derby and a charity that supports the economy, sustainability and development of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site has been agreed.   

The one-year strategic partnership agreement between the University and the Arkwright Society aims to increase collaborative working and build on the organisations existing relationship. Having previously collaborated on placement experience for students studying teacher training, hosted art exhibitions of student work and collaborated on renewable energy projects, this agreement marks a significant step forward in the partnership. 

Students at the TEF-Gold University will be given opportunities to work on projects and activities that will enrich their learning experience and enhance their employability. These range from projects on environmental sustainability, heritage research investigations, and the development of materials to support those with special educational needs and disabilities. 

The Arkwright Society, meanwhile, will benefit from support in developing its heritage tourism activities, educational programme and the ongoing regeneration of Cromford Mills; a key part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. This area of Derbyshire is of worldwide significance because of its role in early industrialisation of the cotton industry and in developing the factory system.  

Matthew Day, Deputy Dean of the University of Derby’s College of Arts Humanities and Education, said:

“As a Civic University, Derby is committed to initiatives that make a real difference to local communities – ones that open doors to opportunities, raise aspirations and transform lives.

“We look forward to working in partnership with the Arkwright Society, using our knowledge and expertise to contribute to the development masterplan being developed by the Society and providing our students with real world learning experiences in a range of sectors from tourism to heritage and education to environmental science.” 

Eilis Scott, CEO of The Arkwright Society, said: “We are delighted to be entering into a partnership with the University of Derby.

“As an educational and conservation charity, we put learning at the heart of our heritage offer and our work within the local community. I am excited to see how collaboration across a number of departments with students and staff alike can bring new perspectives to our engagement and education programmes.” 

The agreement further strengthens the relationship between the University of Derby and the Arkwright Society.  

In 2023, the charity received a £198,000 grant towards the reinstatement of renewable hydro energy at Cromford Mills, as part of The Green Entrepreneurs Programme; a partnership between the University and Derbyshire County Council.  

The energy project – made possible by supporters including the Green Entrepreneurs Programme Fund and Severn Trent Community Fund - features a new six metre diameter water wheel, a 15kWH hydro turbine and water source heating system.

Utilising the original watercourse, this system now generates approximately 20-25% of the site’s electricity.   

For further information contact  pressoffice@derby.ac.uk.