It was an absolute pleasure to join my colleague Amanda Solloway MP at the launch of the ‘Levelling Up Impact Report’ by the University of Derby and the Purpose Coalition, a cross-sector group of UK universities, businesses and public sector organisations who have purpose at their core.
Following the launch, I toured the University's STEM building which houses electrical and electronics engineering.. I got to play with cool trains and robots, build a cable tester and spend time in an acoustic testing room used for developing sound effects, and which was used to help create the headphone experience for Grand Theft Auto 5.
The report highlights a number of areas of best practice where the University is leading the way in spreading opportunity. These include:
- Successful School Years - the University’s Progress to Success project is a sector-leading long-term outreach initiative to raise the awareness and attainment for those from under-represented backgrounds. The multi-intervention approach ensures sustained contact with the University and local school children.
- Positive Destinations Post 16 - the University of Derby shows best practice in its outreach to under-represented communities and makes the transition to university as easy as possible. This includes specific induction programmes for different groups and financial support for those from low income backgrounds.
- Extending Enterprise - the University’s Invest to Grow programme supports private sector businesses in the region to innovate, grow and create jobs. Since its launch in 2016, the programme has invested nearly £30m and created over 2,000 jobs.
I would like to thank Justine Greening, former Education Secretary and Chair of the Purpose Coalition, and University of Derby Vice-Chancellor Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE, for their important work on levelling up and for their leadership on social mobility. I look forward to working with them to deliver equal opportunity across Derbyshire, especially in Bolsover.
