News - 09 October 2020

Derby crowned University of the Year at UK Social Mobility Awards

The University of Derby, a partner of D2N2, has won a prestigious national award for its commitment to social mobility.

The UK Social Mobility Awards (SOMOs) were announced via a virtual ceremony on Thursday afternoon (8 October), and Derby took the University of Year title ahead of entries from The Open University, City University of London, Exeter, Lancaster, and Worcester universities.

The SOMOs recognise and encourage action that will promote and increase social mobility within Britain’s companies and institutions.

They acknowledge best practice and innovation and elevate social mobility as a cause equal to the level of other diversity issues.

In its award entry, Derby highlighted its growing reputation as a leading institution for social mobility, demonstrated by its HEPI Fair Access Table ranking (2nd in the country), and its strong record in improving the life chances of people within and beyond the region by addressing barriers to access and student success through a number of innovative and inclusive activities.

In 2018, 24.3% of young undergraduate entrants (4th in the UK) and 28.3% of mature undergraduate entrants (3rd in the UK) to the University were from low participation neighbourhoods, and the number of mature undergraduate entrants has continuously increased (63% increase since 2015) through targeted professional programmes.

Derby also emphasised its focus on innovation and collaboration within its Strategic Framework, which structures the University’s activity and ambition around three Pillars – Game Changers, Positive Impact and Opening Doors.

UK Social Mobility Awards

Speaking about winning the award, Professor Warren Manning, Provost – Innovation and Research at the University of Derby, said: “I am delighted that the University of Derby has been named the University of the Year at the UK Social Mobility Awards. To be acknowledged as the leading institution for social mobility is recognition of the fantastic work our staff, students and stakeholders are undertaking.”

“At Derby, we firmly believe in the transformational nature of education and are committed to ensuring that everyone receives the high-quality education they deserve.”

“With the impact of coronavirus further widening the gap between the most and least advantaged, it is more important than ever that we continue to break down barriers, support achievement and create opportunities for all across our region and beyond, regardless of age, background or location.”

For more information about the University’s Widening Access work, visit the University of Derby website.

Keep up to date with all the latest news from D2N2 by signing up to our Newsletter.

Latest News & Events

19 July 2024

Local business support boosted with launch of Early Stage Angel Investment Fund

Read Article

21 June 2024

Spotlight on our Board: Scott Knowles, Chief Executive, East Midlands Chamber, on the D2N2 LEP transition and East Midlands devolution

Read Article

11 June 2024

The D2N2 LEP staff team joins the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA)

Read Article

07 June 2024

Becky Rix, Marketing Director at Roadgas, explains why Roadgas is a proud member of the East Midlands Hydrogen Consortium

Read Article

05 June 2024

Spotlight on our Board: D2N2 LEP Board Member Natasha Johnson, Director of Partnerships at Global Entrepreneurs UK

Read Article

05 June 2024

Free Expert Business Advice and Support available through East Midlands Chamber’s Accelerator Programme

Read Article

03 June 2024

Spotlight on our Board: D2N2 LEP Board Member Professor Edward Peck CBE, Vice-Chancellor and President, Nottingham Trent University

Read Article

24 May 2024

Focus on the East Midlands: our time is NOW!

Read Article

24 May 2024

D2N2 LEP CEO, Will Morlidge, shares our East Midlands Hydrogen ambitions at UKREiiF

Read Article

24 May 2024

East Midlands Freeport and Freeport East Sign Green Freight Corridor Initiative at UKREiiF

Read Article

Get in touch.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up
Address

D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership
8 Experian Way
Nottingham
Nottinghamshire
NG2 1EP

Social

Our Partners