University stages first ever civic awards ceremony

The University of Derby has staged its first ever Derby Civic Awards to recognise and celebrate the individuals and organisations making a positive impact on the community.

As part of the ceremony, which took place during the university’s CivicLAB Conference, 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 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, 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 its ongoing commitment to playing a part in the prosperity and wellbeing of Derby and Derbyshire.

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

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.

Among them was 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.