Conference centre backs university mentoring scheme

Derby Conference Centre has described how it has been giving back to the local community throughout the national lockdowns.

The hospitality sector has been hit hard by the pandemic but this has not stopped the venue and its staff from continuing to support the community.

Among the initiatives it has been backing is the University of Derby mentoring scheme, which allows students to speak with a professional who has experience in their desired career field, to assist and give advice.

The conference centre’s managing director, Matthew Hutchings, has been mentoring students via scheme.

After participating in a selection day, possible mentors and mentees get the chance to interview each other to ensure a perfect fit.

During the period of mentoring, Matt has supported his mentee through CV assistance, transitioning from a student to employee role and supporting through a dissertation which focused on hospitality and events.

Matthew said: “When I look back on my career, some great leaders supported me.

“I wanted to make sure that I used my experience to give something back and support the next generation coming through.

“Looking back, I’ve learned so much about myself, as well as experiences that I had forgotten about from years ago.”

The Derby Conference Centre has also been working hard to support its chosen charity, me&dee, which creates special moments and memories for both children and adults who have a life-threatening, life-shortening or terminal conditions.

Over the past two years, the staff have been raising money for the charity through various events such as comedy nights, celebratory speaker nights and staff events.

Matthew said: “Team DCC decided to support me&dee because they are a local charity supporting local people.

“Their story of creating special moments and memories to both children and adults who have a life-threatening, life-shortening, or terminal conditions resonated with the team who have lost loves ones over the past couple of years.

“This was also close to our hearts as one of our local contractor owners had been diagnosed with a life-threatening condition and me&dee was supporting his family at this critical moment.”