University announces honorary degree recipients

A leading Derby child protection expert and the founder of a charity supporting vulnerable women are among those set to receive honorary degrees from the University of Derby.

The university’s winter awards ceremonies are due to take place at Derby Arena on 15 and 16 November.

In addition to the hundreds of students being awarded their degrees, the university is honouring four people who have made a significant contribution to the university, city or county.

A specialist in child protection and therapeutic work, Janet Foulds has been involved in social work in the region for almost 50 years and was instrumental in setting up Derby City Council’s Child Sexual Abuse Unit.  She will be made an Honorary Master of the university.

Also receiving an Honorary Masters degree will be Dionne Reid, founder and chief executive of Women’s Work.

Established in 2003 to help women from the most deprived and challenging backgrounds, the charity works with key organisations across the city and helps up to 1,000 women each year.

Martin Baxter, the deputy chief executive of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, the global membership body for sustainability professionals, will be made an Honorary Doctor.

And receiving the same accolade will be Derby-born geologist Professor Chris Jackson, whose research focuses on understanding the development and structure of some of the Earth’s most important geological environments.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, vice-chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “Celebrating the successes of our graduates is one of the highlights of the year for us at the university.

“It is also a great privilege to honour individuals who have contributed so much to our university, city and region, whether that is supporting vulnerable women and children, contributing to the transition to low carbon, or promoting and communicating the vital importance of science.”