Derby has a university that is delivering the ‘gold’ standard

Education was a key theme for this year’s London Embassy, which fittingly took place against the backdrop of the Victorian neo-gothic grandeur of the Guildhall’s Old Library.

Among the keynote speakers this year was Professor Keith McLay,  provost (learning and teaching) at the University of Derby.

In his speech he talked about the university recently being awarded overall ‘gold’ in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023, a national scheme run by the Office for Students.

The scheme aims to encourage higher education providers to improve and deliver excellence in the areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

As well as achieving overall gold, the University of Derby was awarded gold for student experience and silver for student outcomes.

Professor McLay told the Embassy: “The University of Derby has a student and civic responsibility and contributes to the city’s tradition of civic humanism.

“We are only one of two institutions in the East Midlands that was awarded a gold standard in the Teaching Excellence Framework.

“We are in the top 20% for teaching excellence. That shows the University of Derby’s commitment to the civic activity within this city.”

It was just over a year ago when it was announced that Derby had been accepted as members of UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC), following a successful application submitted by Derby City Council, the University of Derby, Derby County Community Trust and the Derby Opportunity Area Board as was.

Some of the key benefits of GNLC membership include Derby becoming internationally recognised as a city of learning and an example to other cities across the world.

Derby’s successful application referenced a number of areas of strength, including the fact that it effectively uses its resources in every sector to promote learning, from basic to higher education for all.

Speaking at last night’s Embassy, Dr Waters, the University of Derby’s principal adviser to the vice-chancellor, said: “The status recognises and gives us an opportunity to extend our good work when it comes to lifelong learning and the city’s track record of positive impact from policy and practice initiatives.

“Our vision for Derby as a Learning City is that we will value learning in all its forms – both formal and informal, and for the young, adults and our older generation – and ensure that the city collectively promotes learning as a force for improved personal, social, civic and economic change.

“We have an exciting opportunity to deliver genuine impact for the people of Derby.”