The University Court

» Councillor Les Allen, Former Right Worshipful Mayor of Derby (2011/12)

Les is an elected local councillor for Littleover Ward in Derby City and has served the Council in a variety of roles including Cabinet Member for Education, and Deputy Leader of the Council. He was elected as Mayor of the City of Derby for 2011-12. He is also the vice-chair of Derbyshire Fire Authority. Following a short career in the civil service Les gained his teaching qualifications at Bishop Lonsdale College, one of the founder colleges of the University. Spending all of his teaching career in Derby he has also served as a staff and parent governor in addition to representing Derby South Deanery on the Derby Diocesan Board of Education. He contributed to schools extra curricula activities as a qualified Amateur Swimming Association teacher, and a Football Association school coach. On retiring from teaching Les continued his interest in education and young people through Derby City Council. He is a patron of Derby Kids Camp which provides camping holidays for disadvantaged young people. Les was an Advisor to the Bishop of Derby on church tourism and commissioned research by the university. He is a former member of the university's governing council. Les was educated at Chesterfield Grammar School and has spent his whole working life in Derbyshire. He is married with one son.

» Peter Allen Director of Marketing, University of Derby

Peter was appointed as Director of Marketing at the University of Derby in November 2005 and heads up a team of 30+ covering central marketing campaigns, advertising, press, pr, web and publications, market research, education liaison, alumni and community relations. For 4 years prior to this he was Agency Director at the advertising agency Riley in Nottingham working with a number of education and local government sector clients. Before this, Peter was Head of Marketing at Aston University and Development Manager at Leicester University. Over the last two years, the Marketing Department was won 5 Heist (higher education marketing) awards and been shortlisted for several others. Peter is originally from Lancashire but now lives in Leicester with his wife and three children.

» Emeritus Professor Michael Allwood

» Peter Allwood MA (Cantab) PGCE

Peter Allwood retired from his positions as Headmaster of Lichfield Cathedral School and member of the Governing Council at the University in 2011. Previously, Peter was Director of Music at a number of well-established independent schools including Oundle School, Northants, Christ's Hospital and the Bluecoat school in West Sussex. He was educated at a grammar school in Kingston and was a choral scholar at King's College, Cambridge before undertaking teacher training at Durham. He has been closely with the National Youth Music Theatre as a Musical Director Composer and member of the Governing Board. His music theatre compositions include Bendigo Boswell, Les Petits Rats (Sadlers Wells Theatre) and Pendragon (London and Broadway). His major sacred work is The Dream of the Rood written for the 12^th Centenary of the foundation of St Alban's Abbey. He was President of the Music Masters' and Mistresses' Association and is presently Chairman of the Lichfield Festival Association. He is keen to promote the arts in the wider community and has links with a music school for disadvantaged children in Calcutta.

» Stuart Almond Managing Director Almond Associates

» Susan Ambler BA ACA Staff member of Governing Council

Susan Ambler is Head of Financial Accounting & Control within the Finance department. She has responsibility for budgetary control, financial accounting and taxation within the University along with reporting to HEFCE & HESA on financial matters. Susan trained at a small audit practice and then qualified as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG where she worked as an audit manager for small business clients. She then worked as a Finance Director for a small private sector firm before moving to the University in 2003 where she has held a series of roles within Finance. Susan outside interests include walking, swimming and running and she also holds a Level 2 British Sign Language qualification.

» Dominic Anderson UDSU Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Member of Governing Council

Dom is the Vice President Academic Affairs for the Students' Union. He is taking time out from his degree study of BA (Hons) History. Dom hopes that after completing his undergraduate degree he can go and study politics at Master's level. Dom was re-elected to the position of Vice-President Academic Affairs in March 2012.

Dom is passionate about widening access to Higher Education and has vowed to always keep this on the agenda as he believes that education has the ability to empower people and change people's lives and outlook for the better. This is why he got involved with the Students' Union. Dom has been involved in politics on a local level campaigning for the Labour party during the Parliamentary elections and local council elections and hopes one day to run for a council position himself.

» John Anfield

John Anfield was Head of Planning for the Peak District National Park from 1978-2002. In retirement, John is a National Park Ranger, Trustee of the Council for National Parks and a member of the East Midlands Regional Committee of the National Trust. He was a Governor of the former High Peak College in Buxton and he is on the Board of Buxton Festival. He is also a church organist.

» Brian Ashby Hon DBA FRICS

Brian Ashby founded Viking Property Group in 1970 and with his son, Duncan Ashby, formed Norseman in 1988. He has developed commercial investments in England, USA, Canada and Europe but has always retained his head office in Derbyshire. Brian Ashby's lateral thinking has provided a number of innovations to property development and investment. He invented a fail safe system for building on shock absorbers above railway tracks. He was the first person to offer decennial insurance for commercial development in Britain. He introduced to US, Canadian and British governments a formula for a financial package enabling them to purchase on a deferred basis, both office buildings and non-commercial public buildings such as art galleries and museums. He founded and chaired the Ashby Charitable Trust for 25 years before converting it too the Ashby Fund within Derbyshire Community Foundation in 2004. The Ashby Fund's purpose includes supporting young entrepreneurs in conjunction with the Princes Trust. He was chairman of Derbyshire Community Foundation from 1996 to 2005 when he was appointed to his present role of President. He was the Home Secretary's representative in Derbyshire for the Police Selection Committee from 1994 to 2000. He has also served as a Director of National Bus Property Board, as Chairman of Derbyshire Family Practitioner's Committee and as a Governor of Trent College. He is Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Faculty of Business Computing and Law at the University of Derby. He is currently Business Champion for the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. Brian has published several books and he enjoys driving and racing classic cars.

» Professor Nick Antonopoulos, Faculty of Business, Computing & Law

» Councillor Tony Ashton

Tony Ashton was elected a Councillor of High Peak Borough Council in 2003. In 2008 he became Council Leader in the Alliance with Staffordshire Moorlands District Council. Tony has been married for over 40 years and has three married daughters and four grandchildren. He left school at 16 and was employed in a sales office and ran a market stall on Saturdays. He has been self-employed since the age of 18 and for the past 36 years he has run a business manufacturing and distributing work-wear. Before becoming involved in politics his main pastime was sport. He is a qualified football referee and hockey umpire and he is honorary vice-president of Teamside Junior Football League.

» Peter Ashworth DL

Peter Ashworth was senior partner at Geldards law firm in Derby and Nottingham. He was HM Coroner for Derby and South Derbyshire for some 18 years and has recently retired. He was a founder member of Walbrook Housing Association and of the Derbyshire Community Foundation. He was a Trustee of Relate and of other charitable trusts. He was Deputy Chairman of Governors at Landau Forte College and became Chairman after the tragic death of Baroness Brigstocke who was also a member of the Court.

» Dr Ruth Ayres, Dean of Learning, Enhancement and Innovation

Dr Ruth Ayres was formerly Director of Learning Development at Salford University. Prior to her current role at Salford University, Dr Ayres was a Learning & Development Adviser in the Learning and Development Centre at the University of Warwick, where she was responsible for leading the Accredited Programmes in Academic and Professional Practice. She is interested in various aspects of higher education research, including the research-teaching nexus and non-traditional learners and their experiences of learning and teaching. She has been involved in evaluation projects and was invited by the University of the Basque Country to advise on the teaching and assessment of Ecology as part of the project Innovation of Teaching Ecology: Bologna 2010.

» Alan Baines

Born 1948 and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1970. Was Senior Partner of BDO Stoy Hayward, East Midlands Region and from 2002-2004 was a Partner in Grant Thornton. These two firms of Chartered Accountants are the 5^th and 6^th largest firms of business advisers in the World. During his career he has specialised in developing growing businesses and working on a large number of strategic and corporate finance assignments for clients active in a wide spectrum of market sectors. Since 2004, he has been active as a freelance consultant working with a small number of private companies and since October 2008 he has been Chairman of Derbyshire Mental Health Services NHS Trust, a healthcare business with £100 million annual revenue employing 2000 people from more than 100 sites in the County. In March 2009, he was appointed as Independent Observer of the Bar Standards Board overseeing the professional complaints system against barristers.

» Emeritus Professor Ray Baines

A PhD graduate in from the University of Manchester (UMIST) with 30 years experience of industry and Higher Education institutions. He was made a Professor in Manufacturing Systems in 1993 and employed recently at the University of Derby initially as Associate Dean (Faculty of Science and Technology) & Head of Engineering. He later became Dean of Engineering for 7 years and then Dean of Computing & Technology. On retiring from the University in 2004 he has set up his own consultancy and works with a number UK Universities and on committees associated with University Education.

» Emeritus Professor Peter Baker

Peter Baker is an active researcher in Palaeobiology within the Faculty of Education, Health and Sciences. His research interest is the early ontogeny and phylogeny of micromorphic brachiopods. In 1989 he was invited to join a team of 46 international experts for the purpose of revising the Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology, part H (Brachiopoda).The six volume, 3226 page Revision was published in 2007. He is currently working in collaboration with Dr S.A. Carlson of the University of David, USA and Professor A. Logan of the University of St. John in New Brunswick, Canada. In a report to be published, they have been able to improve the phylogenetic understanding of the Thecideida through careful comparison of the ontogeny of Jurassic and Cretaceous genera and the ontogeny of modern juvenile forms recently discovered living in submarine caves.

» Simon William Baker BEd MBA

Simon Baker is Joint Chief Executive of Staffordshire Moorlands and High Peak Borough Council. He was born in 1956 and lived most of his early life in Harlow and Taunton, before completing a Bed in physical education at Bradford University in 1980. During his subsequent career, Simon has worked in a variety of roles at different local authorities and in 2001 he became Chief Executive of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council. In 2007, Simon was approached by High Peak Borough Council to act as their Chief Executive and he has been the joint Chief Executive of both Councils since May 2008. Simon has a wide variety of interests including being a keen golfer as well as rock climbing and cycling.

» Catherine Baraniak OBE HonPrD

» Professor Elizabeth Barnes, Pro Vice-Chancellor

Liz first joined Teesside Polytechnic in 1987, lecturing in Sport and Exercise. She later transferred to the physiotherapy section, becoming Programme Leader of the BSc (Honours) degree in 1993. In 1998 Liz became one of the University's first two Teaching Fellows and was appointed Deputy Dean in the School of Health and Social Care in 2000, before becoming Dean of the School of Social Sciences & Law five years later. In 2010 she joined the University of Derby as Pro Vice-Chancellor where she is responsible for two faculties; Art, Design & Technology and Education, Health & Sciences along with the Learning Enhancement and Innovation Department and Marketing. Liz has retained contact with Teeside joining their Students' Union Board as a Trustee and is also a QAA Institutional auditor, and through this experience has gained a wide knowledge of quality assurance and enhancement, and developments across the sector.

» William Barron MBA

William Barron's original connection with the University of Derby was as an HND Mechanical engineer with Rolls Royce Apprentice in the mid 1960's, when it was called the Derby and Derbyshire College of Art and Technology. He spent his initial career in Brazil - Salvador, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo - before returning to Derby in 1985 where he set up his own corporate clothing business Cathedral Clothing. After selling the family company in 1999 he has been working as a Business Coach and Mentor in the SME market. In parallel to his work he has been actively involved in the community as past Chair of Derby Heritage Development Trust, past Governor of Mackworth College, past Member of the Advisory Board for Common Purpose, an active Acredited Coach of the Association for Coaching and is Chairman of Transition Derby. At present he is very active in setting up the Derby Carbon Institute at Derby College.

» Sir John Bather KCVO HonDUniv Retired Lord Lieutenant of the County of Derbyshire

John Bather was born in Lichfield in 1934, an only son with two sisters. His father died when he was only 10. He was called up for National Service in 1952 and served with the Rifle Brigade before being commissioned in the South Staffordshire Regiment. After National Service, John Bather attended the National Foundry College to train for the foundry industry. He joined Chamberlin and Hill in a junior position in 1959. By 1976, John Bather had become Managing Director of Chamberlin and Hill, a position which he held for over 20 years. He married Elizabeth née Longstaff in 1960 and they lived at Walton-on-the-Trent for ten years before moving to the Grange at Longford where they live to this day growing magnificent crops of vegetables in a beautiful kitchen garden.

In 1990/1991 John Bather was appointed High Sheriff of Derbyshire. He formerly chaired the Derby Diocesan Strategy Working Party and he has served as a member of Derby Cathedral Council for many years. He served as Lord Lieutenant from 1994 to 2009. As Lord Lieutenant he organised, greeted and hosted royal visits to the County on numerous occasions. He is president or patron of several organisations in the voluntary sector and he is also active in a national cancer charity. He was appointed KCVO in June 2009.

» Russell Beck

Russell Beck was appointed lecturer in biology at the former Derby and District College. He had research interests in insect biology and investigated the mating behaviour of crickets. When the former External London Degree courses were closed down, Russell Beck became the first Programme Leader of Earth and Life Studies in 1977. This was one of only four degree courses at Derby Lonsdale College of Higher Education at that time. He subsequently proposed and planned a degree programme in Biological Imaging which ran successfully for several years.

» James Beckett President UDSU and Member of the Governing Council

James Beckett is the President at the University of Derby Students' Union. He has gained a BA Honours degree in Architectural Venue Design and Digital Innovation with upper second class honours. After his Officer Trustee role he plans to complete an MSc Degree in Sustainable Architecture and Healthy Buildings. James also has a passion for music and film. During his time at the University of Derby, James has been actively involved in the Students' Union. He started by playing for the American Football team and then went on to hold positions of Vice President, then President of the team and he also served as Sports Officer. He received the Students' Union Sports Personality of the Year award in 2010. James has an ambition to go into teaching so that he can share the knowledge he has learnt during his time at the University of Derby and also the professional expertise he gained while working as a designer at an interior design company GMP Design Associates where he delivered projects from concept to completion. James was re-elected President of the Students' Union in March 2012.

» The Rt Hon. Margaret Beckett MP

Margaret Beckett is Member of Parliament for Derby South and former Foreign Secretary in Her Majesty's Government.

» Gerry Beetles HonDUniv

Gerry Beetles is Executive Chairman of Davis Derby Ltd, an industrial electronics company with 75 staff. He is also Chairman of The Greater Nottingham Partnership, a sub-strategic partnership of the East Midlands Development Agency and he represents the East Midlands Business Forum on the East Midlands Regional Assembly. Gerry is a former Chairman of the East Midlands CBI Regional Council, the East Midlands CBI Environment Committee, Nott's & Derby's Branch of IoD and the East Midlands Competitiveness Partnership. He also served for 10 years as a Non-Executive Director of North Midland Construction p.l.c.

» Nik Bessis BA, MA, PhD, MIEEE, FBCS, FHEA

Nik Bessis is currently a Head of Distributed and Intelligent Systems (DISYS) research group, a Professor and a Chair of Computer Science in the School of Computing and Mathematics at University of Derby, UK. He obtained a BA (1991) from the TEI of Athens, Greece and completed his MA (1995) and PhD (2002) at De Montfort University (Leicester, UK). Prior to his appointment at Derby, Nik joined the University of Bedfordshire, UK as a Lecturer in 2001 and promoted to a Senior Lecturer and a Principal Lecturer in 2004 and 2009 respectively. His research interest is in the area of distributed data technologies with a particular focus on grids, clouds and social networks and their applicability for the benefit of various virtual organisational settings including disaster management. He is involved in funded projects worth of more than 2 millions. Nik has published around a 100 papers, is the editor of three books and the founding Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Distributed Systems and Technologies (IJDST). He has also been invited as a keynote speaker and served as a conference and workshop organiser and chair.

» Bob Betts

Bob Betts is the Managing Director of Smith of Derby Limited, responsible for maintaining the company's leadership on the world time map. As part of Bob's commitment to the growth of his home City of Derby, Bob is also Chairman of Marketing Derby, working to attract investment and City development and Bob also sits on the Board of QUAD, the City's newly built arts and gallery facility. Bob's role at Smith of Derby is to re-engineer the company to aggressively pursue new markets and clients through innovation and product development in the world of exclusive timepieces, tower clocks and important public art fabrication. He took up this exciting challenge at the start of 2007, returning to Derby following 19 years with IBM Corporation, based mainly in London. Bob was IBM UK's Sales Director for their small and medium business division. Throughout his time with IBM, Bob held various line and executive management positions, including European product management and marketing roles. Graduating from Nottingham with a 2:1 in Construction Economics, Bob has a Diploma in Marketing and was business and leadership trained at INSEAD France.

Before his management career, Bob sailed the world as an Officer in the Merchant Navy with Blue Star Ship Management Ltd. He is a young 49 year old, married, with 3 energetic boys!

» Helen Bishop Head of Community Relations, Rolls Royce

» Andrew Bingham MP

Andrew Bingham is Member of Parliament for the High Peak constituency. He is a former student of High Peak College which merged with the University of Derby in 1998. Andrew spent over 20 years as director of a small family business which distributed engineering equipment. He served for 12 years as Councillor on High Peak Borough Council and he stood for Parliament in 2005. He was elected MP for High Peak in 2010.

» Professor Sebastian Blackie

Professor Sebastian Blackie has been running the MA programme in Art and Design (MA ADAPT) at the University since 1999. He is a ceramic specialist and researcher, which in the last few years, has taken him to Denmark, Japan, Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand. He has published a book that muses on contemporary ceramic practice and regularly contributes to specialist journals. His recent research outcomes include exhibitions at the Fu Li International Ceramic Art Museum China, The Museum of Modern Art Boston Mass, Sofa New York, Mint Museum North Carolina and the Galerie Besson London. He is Trustee of East Northants Cultural Community Partnerships.

» Brian Blissett

Brian Blissett was Chief Executive of Southern Derbyshire Health Authority from 1985 until his retirement in 1998. He served as member of the Governing Council between 1989 and 2001 and was Vice-Chair from 1998 to 2001. He was the first Chair of QUAD, Derby's centre for art and film and he is Chair of Cultural City within Derby City Partnership.

» Brigadier Tom Blyth M Phil FCMI FCIPD FRSA

Tom Blyth served with British Army, Royal Logistics Corp. He was commissioned in 1965 and retired in 2000 with the rank of Brigadier. He was Chief Executive of the St John Ambulance for Derbyshire from 2000 to 2003. From 1996-2000, he served as Governor at East Riding College of FE. From 2002-2005, he was a member of the Derbyshire Learning & Skills Council. He has been Chairman of DEFLOG VQ Trust Ltd since 2000 and he has worked for the Association of Charity Funding Solutions Ltd since 2003. In 2006, he became editor Bannister Publications Ltd. He is currently a member of Humberside Training and Enterprise Council and a member of Council at Hull University.

» Margaret Boissier

Margaret Boissier is retired. She was Justice of the Peace for 33 years and Head Orthoptist at the DRI from 1961 to 1993. She was appointed High Sheriff of Derbyshire in 2000/2001.

» Martin Boissier DL

Martin Boissier is retired. He served in the Royal Navy from 1943 to 1958 at sea as a watch-keeping officer and as a pilot (fixed/rotary wing) in the Fleet Air Arm. He was High Sheriff of Derbyshire in 1978/79 and was appointed Vice Lord Lieutenant from 1992 until 2001. He is a former Director of Whessoe plc and he has served on East Midlands Board of Central TV (1980-91). He was Chair of the Family Health Services Authority (1988-1996) and President of the Arkwright Society (1996-2006). He is currently President of the Royal School for the Deaf (1988-present).

» Roger H Boissier CBE

Roger Boissier was Chairman of Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Co Ltd from 2000 -2007. He is a former director with British Gas, Severn Trent, T& N, Ley's Foundries & Engineering and Aiton & Whessoe. He is a former Chairman of Kalon Group and Pressac. Roger Boissier was appointed CBE in 1992 and was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Technology at Loughborough University in 2003. He served as High Sheriff of Derbyshire in 1987-88.

» Gordon Booth

Gordon Booth is now retired. Formerly he was Vice-Principal and Head of Department at Derby College of Art before later becoming Assistant Director and Dean of Faculty at Derbyshire College of Higher Education. He was the first Vice-Chairman of the Design and Art Committee of the Technician Education Council and also served as a member of the National Advisory Board Committee for Higher Education in Art and Design.

» Mick Booth BA

Mick Booth has three main roles within the University. Firstly, he is a teacher, lecturing on business and finance related modules to both FE and HE students based at the Buxton campus. Secondly, he is a quality co-ordinator with responsibility for quality initiatives across the FE curriculum. Thirdly, he is Branch Chair of both the Derby & Buxton based branches of NATFHE (National Association of Teachers in Further & Higher Education). He also leads the Trade Union side (NATFHE & UNISON) on the University Joint Consultative Committee (JCC).

» Paul Bridges

Paul is Clerk to the Governing Council and Head of Research at the University. He was appointed Lecturer in Geology at Derby College of Art and Technology in 1972 and he lectured in palaeontology and sedimentary geology until 2000. He was Programme Leader in The BSc Honours Degree programme in Earth and Life Studies from 1983 to 1992. He chaired the planning team which developed the Joint Honours Scheme in 1990-1991 and was Dean of Modular Studies from 1993 to 1997. He changed his research field to education in 1996 and published works on subject related marking behaviour. Paul has a particular interest in the use of academic credit to recognise student learning and is Chairman of the UK Credit Forum. He was co-editor of Making Sense of Credit and Qualification Frameworks in the UK which was published in December 2010. He is Vice-Chairman of the Cathedral Council and the Multi-Faith Centre. His leisure interests are running, philately and gardening.

» David W Brown OBE

David Brown has over 30 years experience in Public Relation and Funding Management in the voluntary sector. He worked for Barnardo's for 15 years and The Children's Society for 16 years, taking early retirement from the post of Executive Officer in 2003. The work focused on funding management, strategic and structural planning, organisational image and profile, high level patronage and networking across the UK, in particular with members of the Royal Family. Since retirement he has undertaken numerous voluntary consultancy roles across the UK and in Indonesia. David was awarded The Order of The British Empire for Services to the Voluntary Sector in 2010.

» Professor Stefan Buczacki HonDUniv

» Steve Brown Chairman Spacenow Ltd

Steve Brown was formerly member of the Governing Council and was a key member of the Finance Employment and General Purposes Committee during the period 2001 to 2008. He was Vice-Chairman of the East Midlands Development Agency before it was dissolved.

» Brett Butcher

Brett Butcher is Founder of Datapath Ltd and various other businesses. He was formerly VP of Engineering at E.A. Games. He is now engaged in new internet start up and consulting. He is a former student of Derby College of Art and Technology and a Rolls Royce graduate apprentice.

» James Byrne Partner Edward Geldard

» Neil Calvert, Headteacher, The Long Eaton School, Member of Governing Council

» Professor Neil Campbell BA MA PhD

Neil Campbell is Senior Research Fellow and Programme Leader of American Studies with special interests in the contemporary American West. He is engaged in writing a trilogy of books on the subject, The Cultures of the American New West (2000), The Rhizomatic West (due 2008) and a new work just under-way Post-Westerns. His other interests include the cinema, travel, gardening and painting.

» Fiona Church

» Christopher Charlton OBE HonDUniv

Dr Christopher Charlton has dedicated over 40 years of his life to the conservation and restoration of the industrial heritage of the Derwent Valley in Derbyshire. In 1993 become full time director of the Cromford Mills Project; a role he kept until he retired in 2008. In 1996, he became a member of the working party on Industrial Heritage established by the Prince of Wales. It was through the influence of this working party that the law on the disposal of government owned Listed Buildings was changed. Hitherto, the Treasury rules required such buildings to be sold to the highest bidder. Subsequently, the decision regarding the buyer could take account of the proposed future use and the conservation of the architecture. When Prince Charles established the Prince's Regeneration Trust, Christopher was appointed a trustee. In 2001, following a very intensive campaign by the Arkwright Society and its Local Authority Partners for UK Government support led UNESCO to inscribe the Derwent Valley as a World Heritage Site. He was appointed Officer of the British Empire in 1997 for his services to the conservation of the built environment. In April 2009, Christopher was surprised and delighted to be listed in the Independent on Sunday's list of 100 people who make Britain a better and happier place to live.

» Andrew Cochrane MA

Andrew is Under Sheriff of Derbyshire. He was born in Chesterfield and lived in Matlock until 2007 when he moved to Derby. He graduated from the University of Aberdeen with an MA in Politics and International Relations in 1988. He went to Law College in Chester before joining Flint Bishop in 1990. He is now Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at Flint Bishop specialising in Licensing of pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels. He serves as Local Authority Governor of Reigate Primary School at Mackworth, Derby. He was appointed Under Sheriff of Derbyshire in 2011.

» Michael Cockerton

Michel Cockerton is a solicitor. He graduated from Imperial College with a degree in mechanical engineering. His first degree was followed by training with Davy United Engineering Company Ltd of Sheffield. Subsequently, he attended the College of Law in 1971. He qualified as a solicitor in 1973 and becoming partner in 1974 in the firm now known as Cockertons situated in Bakewell. He has been a manager and governor of Bakewell Methodist School, St Anselms Preparatory School and Lady Manners Comprehensive School all located in Bakewell. Currently Michael is chairman of two almshouse charities and one educational endowment fund charity. He is married with three sons and five grandchildren. His recreational interests include golf and skiing

» Pat Collings OBE BA FRSA

Mrs Pat Collins is former Head Teacher at Sinfin School, Derby and a member of a leadership consultancy for Head Teachers. She is passionate about learning and the Arts.

» Roy Collis Managing Director, GF Tomlinson Building Ltd

» Jeff Counsell MBA, CMCILT, Eng. Tech, MSOE, MIRTE

Jeff was born in Manchester in 1958. Following an uninspired secondary school education he left school to take up an engineering apprenticeship with a local bus operator in 1974 at the age of 16. Working life proved highly enjoyable and employment in an area of interest provided the springboard for further education through part time courses at college and later university. He joined trent barton in 1999 as Engineering Director and became Managing Director of trent barton and Kinchbus in March 2009 with responsibility for a fleet of 340 buses and around 1,000 staff. He has three grown-up children and one grandson and interests outside of work include walking and golf, but not necessarily in that order!

» Ken Cook CBE DL Co-opted Member of the Further Education Governance Committee

» George Cowcher Chief Executive, Derby shire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce

» Professor John Coyne, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby; Member of the University Court Advisory Group

Prior to joining the University of Derby, John was Pro Vice-Chancellor of De Montfort University responsible for academic operations. He was also Chairman of De Montfort University South Africa and a board member of FTMS De Montfort in Malaysia. He spent three years as Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law and seven years as Head of the Business School. He held the Bass Professorship of Business as the founding Head of the Leicester Business School. Professor Coyne is an economist by original discipline, but has worked extensively in the fields of Small Business, Business Policy and Human Resource Management. His early career was at the University of Nottingham, where he was variously a member of the School of Management and Finance and the Department of Industrial Economics and Warden of Cripps Hall. He was a founder and Co-Director of the Centre for Management Buy-out Research and has consulted for a diverse range of companies, banks, venture capitalists and institutions.

» Maxwell A J B Craven MBE FSA HonMUniv AMA

Maxwell Craven is an author, historian, conservation lobbyist and graduate of the University's predecessor, Bishop Lonsdale College. He was with Derby Museum 1974-1998 as Education Officer, Assistant Keeper of Archaeology and for eighteen years, Keeper of Antiquities. He is a former chairman of Derby Conservation Area Advisory Committee, the Civic Society and the Friends of Derby Museum, a member of the Cathedral Fabric Committee, the Council of Management of the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust, the Board of Derby Cityscape, the Georgian Group, the Ancient Monuments Society and a Trustee of the Derby Bridge Chapel. In 1983 he married Carole Middleton at Derby Cathedral and they have one daughter, Cornelia. He is the author of numerous books mainly on architecture, biography and local history, including a monograph on John Whitehurst FRS. He was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and appointed MBE in 1999, three years after having been awarded an honorary degree by the University. He was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters in January 2013.

» Honorary Professor Mike Cullen

» The Venerable Dr Christopher Cunliffe, MA DPhil The Archdeacon of Derby: Member of the Governing Council

Christopher Cunliffe was installed as Archdeacon of Derby on Saturday 29th April 2006. Christopher began his ordained ministry in the Diocese of Derby when he was Assistant Curate at St Mary and All Saints Church in Chesterfield (the famous Crooked Spire) from 1983-1985. He worked alongside his wife who was also a Curate at the church in one of the first job-share arrangements in the Church of England. In 1985 he became Chaplain of Lincoln College, Oxford, until 1989, when he became Chaplain of the City University and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London. In 1991 he took a post in the Church of England's Advisory Board of Ministry, Westminster, which involved co-ordinating vocation and selection conferences for people seeking ordination. From 1997-2003 he was Director of Ministry in the Diocese of London and has been Chaplain to the Bishop of Bradwell in the Diocese of Chelmsford since 2004. Christopher's wife, Helen, is currently an Archdeacon in the Diocese of St Albans and the couple are the first husband and wife Archdeacons in the Church of England. They have two grown-up children, Edward and Jacob. Christopher is a keen historian, with a doctorate in the subject and a continuing interest in research and writing. He also has an interest in African history and culture, stimulated by recent visits there. To relax, he enjoys reading fiction and poetry, listening to music, and watching sport.

» Professor Guy Daly Dean of the Faculty of Education, Health and Sciences

» Emeritus Professor David Davies

» Professor Huw Davies Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Design and Technology

Professor Huw Davies is the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Design & Technology at the University of Derby, a post he has held since 2007. Prior to that he held senior academic positions at a number of Universities in the UK and USA, including 13 years at Edinburgh Napier University, where he was Head of the School of Arts and Creative Industries. As a filmmaker and photographer his work has been extensively exhibited, published and broadcast over the last 25 years and has included commissions for the Arts Council of England, Scottish Screen, BBC and the Discovery Channel, recently winning festival awards at Barcelona, Houston and Rome. In 2004 he established the Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival in England's most northerly town and is its co- Artistic Director and Chair of the Board. Closer to home, he is currently on the steering group for the Format International Photography Festival and on the Board of QUAD.

» The Very Revd Dr John Davies DL MA (Oxon) MPhil (Cantab) PhD

John Davies has been Dean at Derby Cathedral since September 2010. He was previously Vicar of Melbourne, Director of Ordinate in Derby Diocese and a member of General Synod. From 1994-9 he was Chaplain, Fellow and Director of Studies in Theology at Keble College Oxford and Admissions Officer for the Theology Faculty at Oxford. He is a graduate of Oxford, Cambridge and Lancaster Universities. He enjoys a good car, a good glass of wine and walking in Wales.

» Olivia Dean BA Dip Ed Management, Member of the Governing Council

Olivia Dean was Strategic Director at the Joseph Wright Centre and Clerk to the Corporation at Derby College from 2004 until her retirement in 2006. During 2006-7 she served as Acting Assistant Dean and Head of Further Education at the University of Derby Buxton. Olivia gained a Teacher's Certificate at Homerton College of Education, Cambridge before taking a BA degree with the Open University and a Diploma in Education Management at Derbyshire College of Higher Education. She taught at Olive Eden School, Lees Brook School and Hatton School between 1968 and 1989 before taking a series of Assistant Principal posts at Derby Tertiary College, Wilmorton. In 1997 she became Clerk to the Corporation and was also employed by Derby PRIDE Limited and Derby City Council. Olivia was a member of the Derbyshire Learning and Skills Council from 2001 to 2005 and has served as a representative on two national examination boards. She has also worked for the voluntary sector as a board member of the Padley Group and a board member of the Community Education and Training Association.

» Her Grace the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire HonDUniv

» The Duke of Devonshire KCVO CBE DL Chancellor of the University

The Duke of Devonshire was educated at Eton and Exeter College Oxford, where he received an Honours degree in Modern History. After leaving Oxford he spent one year studying farming and agriculture and then went to work in the book publishing industry where he remained until his early thirties. Since then he has devoted the greater part of his time to his family businesses, including assisting in the management of the family estates in Derbyshire, Eastbourne in Sussex, Lismore in Ireland, and Bolton Abbey in North Yorkshire. In 1967 he married Amanda Heywood Lonsdale and they have three children. The Duke is Chairman of the Devonshire Arms Hotels, which includes the Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel at Bolton Abbey and the Devonshire Fell Hotel at Burnsall, both in Yorkshire; and the Devonshire Arms in Beeley, Derbyshire.

The Duke was appointed a Trustee of the Sheffield Galleries and Museums Trust in 2006, and was appointed a Trustee of the Wallace Collection in London, the Storm King Art Centre in New York. He has been a Patron of the Sheffield Botanical Gardens Trust in 2007. In 1980 the Duke was elected to the Jockey Club and served as Senior Steward [Chairman] for 5 years from 1989. In 1997 he was made Her Majesty's Representative at Ascot Racecourse, a position he still holds. He was made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for services to racing in 1997. At the request of the Federation Equestre Internationale, the Duke chaired the International Eventing Safety committee during 2000, which produced a number of significant proposals for the improved safety of horses and riders in Three-Day Eventing. He has held the position Deputy Chairman of Sotheby's since 1996. The Duke of Devonshire works with many charities and organisations both local to the Estates and nationally. The Duke was appointed a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) for his services to the Crown in the New Year's honours (2009).

» Dr Peter Dewhurst Stategic Director University Derby Buxton

Dr Peter Dewhurst's academic career began in 1987 following a period of self-employment, when he joined the then named Manchester Polytechnic as a Research Assistant specialising in Visitor Attraction Management. In 1992, Peter went on to become a Lecturer in Leisure Management at Warrington Collegiate Institute, before moving on to Leeds Metropolitan University, where he became the Tourism Programme Leader. In September 2000, Peter moved to Wolverhampton University's School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure (SSPAL), where in 2002 he was promoted to the post of Assistant Dean with responsibility for Research and External Income Generation. During his time at Wolverhampton, Peter was responsible for the establishment of a number of spin-out and spin-in businesses, he also helped secure a number of patents and oversaw a significant growth in SSPAL's income from 'third stream' activities.

Peter joined the University of Derby in September 2007 as Assistant Dean and Head of the HE School in Buxton. He began by undertaking an extensive review of the curriculum offer that led to a focusing of the HE provision around a core, visitor economy focused, proposition. In July 2009, Peter was confirmed as the Dean of University of Derby Buxton with responsibility for both the HE and FE provision within the Faculty. Since that time he has worked to develop a high quality product offer that addresses the needs of the learners and employers, whilst also working to maximise the synergies between 'town and gown'.

Peter's vision is for the University of Derby Buxton 'to deliver the highest quality of student centred experiential learning, providing all students with an opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills within real working environments'. This vision is summarised in the Faculty's strap line of 'Real World Learning'.

Peter's research work is in the field of tourism and comprises tourism policy and development, economic regeneration and enterprise, and visitor attraction management. He is actively involved in advisory committees relating to the Visitor Economy in the Peak District and Derbyshire, including for example, Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Local Strategic Partnership, Derbyshire Economic Partnership's Rural Affairs Forum and Rural Implementation Group, as well as the Peak District Rural Action Zone LEADER Local Action Group. In addition, he is on the Board of Business Peak District and the Destination Marketing Partnership.

Peter can be contacted at p.dewhurst@derby.ac.uk

» Dr Hardial Singh Dhillon

» Councillor Lance Dowson

» (George) Martin Du Sautoy

Martin Du Sautoy was educated at Ashby Boys' Grammar School, the University of Liverpool (BA Honours, English) and the University of Manchester (PGCE). During his teaching career he taught at Long Eaton Grammar School, Herbert Strutt School, Belper, St Thomas More RC School (Derby) and St Benedict RC School (Derby). He is now retired. He was member of Derby City Council from 1982 to 2002 and Chairman of Planning and Leader of Conservative Group at various times. He is a Board Member of Derby Playhouse and Derby City Transport. He follows the fortunes of Derby County and Derbyshire Cricket Club.

» George Dutton Managing Director, George Dutton Ltd

» Professor James Elander

Professor James Elander is Director of the Centre for Psychological Research at the University of Derby. He is a National Teaching Fellow and Chartered Health Psychologist, with special interests in pain coping and pain management in chronic illnesses, and in student writing and student assessment.

» Robert Faithorn Chairman, The Arkwright Society

Bob Faithorn joined the University in 1990 as Head of the School of Humanities and helped to implement the new undergraduate Credit Accumulation Modular Scheme. He became Assistant Vice-Chancellor and then Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) with wide ranging responsibilities including research. As a historian who maintained a commitment to personal engagement with teaching, he has sustained a strong interest in the Arkwright Society over many years.

» Deborah Fern OBE

Deborah is an entrepreneur. She started her first company in 1991 with £4.00 and a lot of hope! Fern Training and Development built up over 15 years to £20m turnover and 450 employees. In 2006 Deborah semi-retired and whilst continuing fund raising for a number of charities, she embarked upon fulfilling a lifelong ambition to study further. In 2009, she gained a BA Joint Honours Degree. In 2008 Deborah was awarded an OBE for her services to charity. In 2011 Deborah launched a wedding venue and conference centre at her beautiful stately home at Stancliffe Hall in Darley Dale. From 2006 until 2012 Deborah was a non-executive director at Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Chair of the Charitable Funds Committee.

» Andrew Flack

Andrew Flack served as Director of Education for Derby City Council from 1^st June 2000 and as Corporate Director for Children and Young People in the city from 1^st January 2006 until his retirement in April 2010. As Director he held responsibility for all of the City Council's education and children's social care functions and for ensuring that all partner agencies worked together effectively to improve outcomes for the city's children and young people. Andrew continues to provide advice and support on children's services matters.

» John Forkin BA

John Forkin is Managing Director of Marketing Derby which attracts inward investment into the city. Last year the company created 1,160 new jobs and was awarded International Trade 'Team of the Year'. In 2012 Business Insider magazine identified John as being in the top 25 most influential people in the midlands. Previously, John was managing director of a regeneration company that worked across the UK, executive director of a Chamber of Commerce and non-executive director of City Challenge. John served as Chairman of the United Nations Association Youth Council for the UK and was an executive member of the International Student movement for the UN, based in Geneva. John has a BA (Honours) in Politics and Government from the City of London Polytechnic (1981) and is a graduate of the UK Leadership Forum at Oxford University (1995) and the Columbia University Business School Executive FMDA programme in New York City (2001/2). John's passion is the development of cities and he has led Urban City Tours of Baltimore, USA; been Project Leader on a World Bank entrepreneur initiative in Bosnia and has given keynote presentations on city development across Europe. John enjoys city travel and holds a season ticket for Derby County, which he has done since the age of nine.

» Professor Dawn Forman

Dawn Forman was employed by Derbyshire College of Higher Education and subsequently the University of Derby between 1991 and 2006. She was appointed Dean of School/Faculty from 1995, and conferred a Professor in recognition of her academic leadership in 2001. Dawn became Adjunct Professor at Auckland University of Technology in 2005. She currently national consultant to a number of further and higher education institutions and she is an Associate of the Leadership Foundation in Higher Education. Dawn is Vice-Chair of the Centre for the Advancement of Interprofessional Education and was recently elected as European representative to the Network Towards Unity for Health. The Network TUFH is a global non-Governmental organisation in official relationship with the World Health Organisation (WHO).

» Stuart Gillis

Stuart Gillis is Head of Derby Museums. Since 2009 Stuart has been leading the city's museums transformation programme - developing historic buildings and major collections; establishing the Derby Museums Trust; always seeking to inspire people to be part of a living story of world class creativity. Stuart's assertion is that Derbyshire's Derwent Valley is one of the most historically and culturally significant landscapes in the UK. Stuart has instigated heritage developments in Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Cheshire and is the former Director of the National Waterways Museum. Stuart now lives in Bakewell with his wife and three sons, and amongst other activities struggles to maintain a limited amateur cricketing involvement and coaches his local junior football team.

» Janette Godfrey

As Director of J A Godfrey and Associates, Janette provides marketing and event management services to a diverse range of businesses. A major interest of mine, has been supporting women in setting up their own business, or wanting to pursue a career in marketing and events, particularly those returning to work after having time off to raise a family - something for which she is able to draw on from her own experiences. Previously, Janette held positions with Rolls-Royce that included; the management of global customer conferences, customer engine training and editor of internal and external publications. Janette is a proud mother of two children, an avid reader and member of a local book club.

» Ian Forrest BSc MBA

Ian Forrest is Chair of NHS Derbyshire County, the body responsible for leadership of the NHS in Derbyshire, having previously been a Non-executive Director. He is a member of the Governing body of Anthony Gell School in Wirksworth having been Chair for over 10 years. He sits on the Independent Review Mechanism for Adoption and Fostering. He worked for British Coal for 25 years in personnel and then commercial management; latterly he managed the privatisation of the industry. He lives in Alderwasley, near Wirksworth and is married with two adult boys. His interests range from the obvious professional ones of Health and Education through to golf, hill walking, photography and classical music. He has a particular love for the remoter parts of the Western Isles of Scotland.

» Elizabeth Fothergill BA MA, Vice Chair of Governing Council

Liz Fothergill gained an honours degree in Library and Information Studies in 1974 and an MA in Management in 1982. She is Managing Director of Pennine Healthcare Limited, one of the UK's leading privately owned manufacturers of single use sterile disposable healthcare products. The company has a wide ranging sales base, including the majority of the UK hospitals and an extensive export market, with sales to over 70 countries world-wide. The company employs over 300 people and has recently moved to a new purpose built factory at City Gate, Derby. Liz joined the Governing Council in 1999 and was Chairman of the Further Education Governing Council from 2006 to 2012. She has also served as Vice-Chairman of the Governing Council since 2006. Liz is also a council member of the Associate British Health Care Industries. Liz Fothergill's other interests include the Archaeological Society; Opera and classical music.

» Jennifer Fry BSc Former Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Derby

» Peter Gadsby HonDBA

Peter Gadsby was born and brought up in Ashbourne, Derbyshire. In the 1970s he played as a professional footballer in the United States but a serious injury put an end to his promising career in football. Peter resumed his education. He took an HND in Business Studies at Derby College of Art and Technology and gained a place at Hull University. However, before he could take up his place, he was tempted by a business opportunity and took up a marketing position with Northern Foods. He was highly successful and became Marketing Director of Northern Foods. He subsequently accepted the position of Marketing Director with the international dairy company Kerrygold Foods. Peter's ambition and entrepreneurial flair took him into fashion retailing and then into residential and commercial property development. Over the years he has created a number of property and investment companies each with a particular focus. Radleigh Homes builds residential housing in the East Midlands while Miller Birch, in which he has a 50% stake, specialises in commercial property schemes. Cedar House Investments was created in the mid-1990s to develop property on Derby's Pride Park while Ark Capital loans money to his other business. When Peter developed new property scheme on the site of the former Nestlé factory at Ashbourne, he named one of the streets after his father Bernard Gadsby Way. Peter joined the Derby County in 1991 and as Vice Chairman he spearheaded the club's successful move to Pride Park. In 2006, Peter led a consortium of local businessmen which purchased the club to rescue it from debts of over £50 million. In the following season the Rams won promotion to the Premier League and the financial situation began to stabilise. He stepped down from the chairmanship in October 2007 to concentrate on his core businesses. Peter was an original Board member of the East Midlands Regional Development Agency and he has served on the board of the regeneration company Cityscape. He has also raised over £100,000 for charities and in 2009 completed a trip cycling across the Sinai desert for the British Heart Foundation 'Little Tickers' campaign.

» Lucy Gannon MBE HonDUniv

» Councillor Jean Gemmell FRSA former Mayor of Amber Valley

Councillor Jean Gemmell was elected a councillor for Kilburn, Denby and Holbrook ward in May 2006, representing the borough on the AV Housing Board, AV Community Transport Board and ACE East Midland Arts.

She retired from full time employment as chief executive of the Derby based education trade union, Professional Association of Teachers (PAT now VOICE) in December 2005. She joined as Senior Professional Officer in January 1999, becoming Deputy General Secretary in April 1999 and General Secretary in June 2001.

Prior to PAT, Jean Gemmell was Head Teacher of Fernwood Comprehensive School in Nottingham. A teacher of physics and mathematics for 34 years, she was Deputy Head of John Flamsteed School in Denby and Friesland School in Sandiacre before taking up the headship at Fernwood, which achieved Beacon School of Excellence status in 1998. Jean was a council member and area convenor for the Secondary Heads Association (now ASCL).

Jean is married with three grown-up children. Her hobbies include antiques, interior decoration and entertaining. She is Artistic Director of Present Company and is well known in the Midlands for her work in musical theatre. Jean is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and received a Derby City Council Civic Award in May 2003 in recognition of her contribution to performing arts in the city. She is Deputy Chair of Governors of Djanogly City Academy, Nottingham and a former trustee, now patron of the Teaching Awards Trust.

» Ian Gibbard BSc Econ ACMA, Member of the Governing Council and Chairman of the Finance, Employment and General Purposes Committee

Ian Gibbard graduated from the London School of Economics in 1971 and qualified as an accountant whilst working for the Ministry of Defence in London, where he became chief accountant of an engineering business. He joined The Post Office initially as head of finance in East Anglia before relocating to Derbyshire in 1986 to manage a number of IT change programmes, including the automation of the UK's 17,000 post offices. Ian was subsequently appointed as a Director of Royal Mail IT organisation, where he had responsibility for business strategy, finance and HR before taking the commercial lead on a £2 bn outsource of the company's IT services in 2003. He has subsequently provided consultancy on business transformation and IT strategy. Ian is a non-executive director of an NHS Primary Care Trust and a trustee of the High Peak Citizens Advice Bureau.

» The Hon Hugh Gibson DL Hon MUniv Managing Director Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Ceramics

Hugh Gibson is Chairman and Chief Executive of The Royal Crown Derby Porcelain company. He has spent the whole of his working career in the ceramic industry. He first joined Royal Crown Derby as a trainee in 1969; at that time the company belonged to S.Pearson and son. In 1972, Pearson acquired Royal Doulton, and he went on to work in many of the company's factories and in many functions from advertising manager to inventory planning. He was appointed to the main board of Royal Doulton in 1983. In 1985 he became Managing Director of the Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Company Limited and, in 1987, of Minton Limited. In 2000 he led a buyout of Royal Crown Derby from Royal Doulton, and became its Chief Executive and majority shareholder. He is also a director of Royal Crown Derby Japan, of the British Pottery Manufacturers' Federation (Trustee) Ltd., of Gibson & Gibson Ltd (farming) and of Millbank Financial Services Ltd. He is chairman of The Works Trust (conservation), and of the Royal Crown Derby Museum Trust, and a founder trustee of The Parwich Hospital Trust (care centre for the elderly). He is Vice President, Cerame Unie (The European ceramic industry association) and member of its Board of Presidents. He is a former Chairman of FEPF (European Federation of Porcelain Manufacturers), and a former President BCMF (British Ceramic Manufacturers Federation) 1993/94. He is a Deputy Lieutenant for the County of Derbyshire, and an Honorary Master, University of Derby.

» Richard Gillis

Richard Gillis is a solicitor and is Managing Director of the family investment business in Dundee. He is married to Ruth J P Garden. Richard was the first Clerk to the Council & Company Secretary of the University of Derby (1995-2002). He is a Trustee, Priory of England and the Islands of the Order of St John and he was formerly Trustee of St. John Ambulance (1999-2003). He was awarded the OStJ in 1999. He was appointed Honorary Life Member of the University Court in 2003 and a member of City University Court in 2007.

» Richard John Gregory OBE Chair, Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS FT

Richard Gregory is a non executive director of National Australia Group Europe Ltd which includes the roles of Yorkshire Bank chair, director of Clydesdale Bank PLC and a member of the groups audit and risk committees. He is chair of Science City York and chair of Yorkshire Innovation, the regional science and industry council. He was elected to the FTN board in 2010. Richard had a 22 year career in ITV culminating as managing director of Yorkshire Television which he left in 2001. He is a former chairman of Sheffield Hallam University, former deputy chairman of Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency, former non executive director of Business in the Community Ltd and former senior non executive director of Chesterfield based Imagesound PLC.He was awarded an OBE in 2004 for services to Yorkshire.

» Simon Groom BA HonMUniv

Simon Groom was born in 1950 and brought up on farms at Holloway and Dethick. He attended Herbert Strutt School before entering the University of Birmingham to read English. He trained for a career in teaching and between 1973 and 1976, he taught at Woodville and Long Eaton Schools. But this did not fully satisfy his sense of adventure and he moved to London where he worked as a DJ. In 1978 he was given the role of presenter on Blue Peter. He joined fellow presenters John Noakes, Lesley Judd and Goldie (a golden retriever). Simon regarded this as the best job in broadcasting. Simon travelled to many parts of the world including, America, Canada, Egypt, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Japan and Australia. In 1984 Simon reported on the Ethiopian famine. Simon also reported from Cambodia following the fall of the Pol Pot regime. In 1986 Simon left Blue Peter and started making a range of documentaries including A Steamy Affair, the story of the Flying Scotsman for Channel 4 TV, George Oliver: A Man for All Seasons, a profile of a Bedfordshire Gamekeeper for BBC Radio Four, and Lulu Goes to Prison, a documentary about one of Simon's Gloucestershire Old Spots pigs which he took to a Women's Prison in Derbyshire, where she was cared for by the prisoners. More recently Simon has joined Doug Smith and made several programmes for BBC 1's 'Inside Out' strand, including Bucking Mad, the story of an English rodeo rider and Alison Uttley, a profile of the local author. He has also produced corporate films for the National Health Service, Amber Valley Borough Council and for Smiths of Derby, the international Clock company. In 2005, Simon and his wife Gilly took over the 170 acre family farm at Dethick, where they breed Suffolk and Mule sheep. Gilly has a Bed and Breakfast business in the Elizabethan farmhouse, once the home of 16^th century Catholic Anthony Babington. Simon's parents live close by and continue to take an active part in the community.

» Annie H Hall

Annie Hall is Chair of Pickup Holdings Limited which is a group of Companies which is involved in the plastics industry and the provision and mooring of canal barges. She is also Deputy Chair and Senior Independent Director of Derbyshire Mental Health Services Trust.

» Michael R Hall DL HonDUniv FCA FCMA FCT

Michael Hall is former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of University of Derby with particular responsibility for provision of support services. He is currently Deputy Chair and Senior Independent Director of Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Chair of Derbyshire Community Foundation, Director and Chairman of Regional Audit Committee of the Learning and Skills Council, Director of both the British Chamber of Commerce Limited and the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce Limited.

» Anthony Hams OBE BSc MA HonDUniv

Tony Hams has honours degree in Geography (London) and Urban and Regional Planning (Nottingham). He practised as a town planner for a number of local authorities before working for 20 years, nationally and internationally, on sustainable development policy and advocacy for UK government and local government. He was Chair of the Green Alliance from 1985 to 2006.

He 'came home' to Derbyshire in 1998 and was appointed by government to the Peak District National Park Authority and was Chair of the Authority for 10 years until 2008. He was Chair of the Association of National Park Authorities from 2005 until 2008, a Countryside Agency board member from 2000 to 2006 and Chair of the East Midlands Committee for the Heritage Lottery Fund from 2005 until 2008. Tony was a board member of Natural England from 2005-2011. He is currently Member of the East Midland's regional sports board, Chair of Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and Director of the National Forest Company. He received an OBE for services to sustainable development in 1999, and an honorary doctorate from the University in 2009. He is passionate about his family, the landscapes of the Peak District, most things Italian and Liverpool FC.

» Emma Harrison CBE

Emma is an engineering graduate and a successful entrepreneur, having built the large international company A4e. Her work encompasses welfare reform, training and justice. She has held several key roles [and speaks regularly] at national level, contributing to policy and new initiatives - especially in the fields of enterprise, troubled families and women in business. In 2010 Emma was awarded the CBE for her contribution to unemployed people and the voluntary sector. Emma's Foundation for Social Improvement is the leading supporter of small charities in the United Kingdom. She is married to Jim (of Thornbridge Brewery fame!). They have four children and love to travel and to host parties and events at their home at Thornbridge Hall.

» Andrew Hartley Managing Director, University Derby Corporate

Andrew Hartley is currently Managing Director of University Derby Corporate. Andrew has responsibility for the University's three key strategic development initiatives which are the University of Derby Corporate, the University of Derby on-line and international development. Andrew joined the University in 2003 as Commercial Director with responsibility for the University of Derby Corporate the business to business operating division and the Business Development Unit which consists of student residences, catering, conferencing and business incubation. Prior to joining the University, Andrew worked for Beck & Pollitzer Engineering an engineering services contractor specialising in the installation and relocation of industrial plant and machinery He was both Business Development Director and Operations Director with a particular brief to develop the company's European and International operations. Andrew graduated from Nottingham University in 1986 with a BSc (Hons) in Production and Operations Management. Between 1987 and 1995 Andrew worked for a major third party logistics contractor, Transport Development Group plc, in a number of business and corporate development roles. He was acting pro vice-chancellor of the University during 2010/11.

» Lord Roy Hattersley HonDUniv

» Professor Dennis Hayes

Dennis Hayes is Professor of Education at the University of Derby and a visiting professor at Oxford Brookes University. Dennis is well known for his educational writing and has been a member of the editorial board of the Times Higher Education magazine since its inception. In 2006-7, he was the first (joint) president of the University and College Union, the largest post-compulsory education union in the world. He is also the Honorary Secretary of the Standing Committee for the Education and Training of Teachers (SCETT) and is the founder of the campaign group Academics For Academic Freedom (AFAF).

» Tina Heathcote Chair of FE Governance Committee

Tina was formerly Chair of the Corporation at Leek College of Further Education. As a consultant she specialises in business development and in stimulating business growth both in the UK and overseas. Other activities include The Plunkett Foundation of which she is a trustee; she also represents the UK on Rural Tourism International.

Tina was formerly Chief Executive of Farm Stay UK, a Secretary of State appointee to the Peak District National Park Authority. Chair of the East Midlands Development Agency People in Tourism project and a Director of the Heart of England Tourist Board. Married to a farmer, Tina lives near Buxton and has close links with many businesses and organisations in the Staffordshire Moorlands.

» Professor Des Hewitt BA MA PhD PGCE FHEA

Des Hewitt is Assistant Head of Teacher Education at the University of Derby. Under his leadership the Initial Teacher Education provision at the University of Derby has secured the highest outstanding grade in recent OFSTED inspections. He has been keen to support the wider teacher education sector at regional and national level. For example, he has led a group of 25 universities in the development of training of teachers for Special Educational Needs and Disability over the last five years. He now represents the sector at a national level in the Teaching Agency steering group for providers. Locally, Des is a founding Board member of the Burton Cooperative Learning Trust of 12 schools. He is also a board member of the Derby Schools Learning Partnership. In 2009, Des was made a National Teaching Fellow and in 2011 he was conferred with the title Professor of Teacher Education.

» Councillor Philip John Hickson JP

Philip Hickson has been a Derby resident all his life. He had a 30 year career in the Senior Civil Service and took early retirement from that role in 2000 to concentrate on his local political roles. He has been a councillor for 22 years and is currently leader of the Council. He has been a member of Derbyshire Police for 12 years and its Chair since 2010. Philip is a magistrate and a director of Marketing Derby Ltd. He enjoys theatre, travel, and eating out and speaks French and Spanish.

» Emeritus Professor Paul J Hill BSc PhD

Paul Hill was a member of staff in geology at the University and its formative colleges from 1970 until 2003 when he took retirement. He specialised in micropalaeontology and palynology and rose from lecturer to become Head of Earth Sciences and latterly Assistant Dean in the former School of Environmental and Applied Sciences. Paul was appointed Quality Consultant for the Faculty of Education, Health and Sciences from 2003-2006.

» Professor Paul Hill MBE HonDFA FRPS

Born in 1941 in Ludlow, Shropshire, Paul Hill worked as a newspaper reporter from the late 1950s until he became a freelance photographer in 1965. As a photojournalist he worked for the Birmingham Post & Mail, The Guardian, The Observer, The Telegraph Magazine, and the BBC, amongst others. He became a full-time lecturer in photography at Trent Polytechnic, Nottingham in 1974 where he was later appointed head of the Creative Photography course. Around this time Paul and his wife, Angela established The Photographers' Place - the UK's first residential photography workshop - at their Peak District home. He has exhibited regularly since 1970 throughout the British Isles, Europe, North America, Japan and Australasia and is co- author (with Thomas J. Cooper) of Dialogue with Photography (1979/2005), Approaching Photography (1982/2004), and White Peak Dark Peak(1990) and Corridor of Uncertainty (2010). His work is in the art collections of, amongst others, the Victoria and Albert Museum, London; National Museum of Photography, Film and Television, Bradford; Arts Council England; Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris; Museum of Modern Art, Stockholm; Australian National Gallery, Canberra ; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and Cleveland Museum of Art in the USA.

Paul was a member of the Arts Council's first photography committee in the 1970s, and helped set up the trend-setting Derby Festival of Photography in 1991. He was a director of East Midlands Arts for four years during the nineties. A major influence on contemporary British photography, he was made a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society in 1990 and, four years later, was awarded an MBE by The Queen for services to photography. Between 1995 and 2010 he was a professor at De Montfort University, Leicester, where he was joint leader of the MA in Photography course. Birmingham City Archives, which houses one of the country's major collections of photographs, acquired the Paul Hill/ Photographers' Place Archive in 2004. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Art by Derby University in 2011. 'Hill tackles life's big subjects but his approach is oblique, evocative, always pointing beyond, which is why he moves us. If a camera could capture poetry, this might well be what it would look like.' The Guardian (6^th September 2008)

» Paul Hilsdon LLB Hons.

Paul Hilsdon is a Solicitor and Partner with Geldards LLP in Derby and specialises in Commercial Property. He has spent many years advising public sector clients on property matters including Further and Higher education institutions as well as local authorities. He is also a Governor of Smallwood Preparatory School.

» Nicholas Hodgson Chief Executive, Derbyshire County Council

» Martyn Holden Director of Human Resources

Martyn has been Director of HR at the University of Derby since 2004. He has been responsible for setting a new 'People Vision' for the University, based upon clearly defined Values and Behaviours. The University's HR strategy sits very much at the heart of the institutions activities and has 3 core strands: Leadership, Staff Engagement and HR Delivery. By concentrating on these three primary levers, the University is transforming its operations and raising levels of performance in all its activities. Sticking to these principles in the future will be a challenge, but not doing so will be even more damaging to what essentially is 'the ultimate people-business'. Derby recently won the THE Leadership and Management Award for the Outstanding Leadership Team of the year and has previously won awards for its ground breaking work on Staff Engagement. Prior to joining the sector, Martyn had a successful career in the private sector, holding HR Director roles in a number of large international and UK based companies, including E,oN, United Utilities, Bechtel and Diageo. His philosophy is quite simple; get the 'people' bits right and the business will look after itself. After over 30 years in HR, he is still surprised by the number of organisations he comes across which are still failing to see the connection between 'staff engagement' and securing their 'discretionary effort', but also recognises that this means that he will always have something to do.

» Roger Hollick HonDBA

Roger Hollick retired in 1999 after 30 years with Derbyshire Building Society; 22 years as Chief Executive. He has held non-executive roles in several national bodies dealing with trade, policy, housing, training and regulatory affairs. He joined the Governing Council of Derbyshire College of Higher Education in 1988 and when the College became a University, he continued to serve as a University governor until 2001. He was a Trustee Director of Derbyshire Student Residences Ltd, a non-executive director of Derby Hospitals from 1999 to 2007 and he is a former Deputy Chair of Derbyshire Community Foundation.

» Melvyn Hopwood

Derby-born Melvyn Hopwood's 40 year career in the bus industry has all been spent at trent barton (formerly Trent Buses). The company is a mature management buy-out from 1986 and remains fiercely independent - one of the very few so to have done. In 1985 he became the company's first Marketing Manager where he devised and oversaw the pioneering research, development and marketing that led to Rainbow Routes, the quality revolution that saw organic market growth in local bus services for the first time in four decades. Shortly afterwards he was appointed to the company's management board, where now, in retirement, he still holds a non-executive seat. Through his passionate belief in destination marketing and the role played by buses in retail, he was also a founder member of Derby's City Centre Management Team and its Nottingham counterpart, responsible for the appointment of City Centre Managers at both. He was President of Derby's Chamber of Trade for 3 years, a member of Derby City Partnership Board and an original Director of the Association of Commuter Transport (ACT). A regular conference speaker, Melvyn has also been a regular guest lecturer at various Universities and is a founder and Steering Group member of the Industry's Ten Percent Club - dedicated to exploring retail best practice to grow bus markets.

» Richard Horsley President of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce

» Professor Keith Horton Dean of the Faculty of Business, Computing and Law

Professor Keith Horton is Dean of the Faculty of Business, Computing & Law, and Professor of Information Management. An expert in the field of social informatics, his research explores the socio-technical interactions between people and information technologies, particularly in public administration, in complex inter-organisational IT implementations, and in the area of digital identities. Keith was formerly at Edinburgh Napier University, where he was Director of Strategic Development and Corporate Intelligence following several years as Associate Dean (Academic Development) in the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Creative Industries.

» Professor Robert Hudson

Robert Hudson is University Professor in European History and Cultural Politics at the University of Derby, and Director of the Identity, Conflict and Representation Research Centre. A graduate of the School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University of London, he held a Yugoslav government scholarship as a Post-Graduate Fellow at the University of Sarajevo. In the 1980s he lectured at Exeter College of Art and Design and the University of Rennes (France). Robert is a faculty member of the EU-funded European Doctoral Enhancement Network (EDEN) in Peace and Conflict Research. He has re-visited Yugoslavia and its successor states frequently since 1995, and during the 1990s participated on six missions with the OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe) as an election supervisor. He co-edited Politics of Identity: Migrants and Minorities in Multicultural States (Palgrave/Macmillan, 2000), Different Approaches to Peace and Conflict Research (University of Deusto, 2008) and Peace, Conflict and Identity: Multidisciplinary Approaches to Research (University of Deusto, 2009). He is currently co-editing Land and Identity (to be published by Rodopi in September 2011), and he has a forthcoming edited book with Palgrave, entitled After Yugoslavia (May 2011).

» Chris Hughes BSc HonDLitt, Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council

Chris Hughes graduated in Chemistry from Sheffield University in 1971 and went to the BBC as a studio manager in the overseas services, from there he worked in local and network radio as a presenter and producer specialising in politics, finance and agriculture. Chris moved to Nottingham in 1980 as Programme Controller at Radio Trent and subsequently became Managing Director. He oversaw the growth of the company into Leicester then Derby and became a Business Development Director for GCap Media plc the country's largest commercial radio company, owners of Classic FM and over 50 local radio services nationwide. He is a director of Culture East Midlands, EM Media, Nottingham Community Foundation and he is on the East Midlands Board of Business in the Community. Personal passions include natural history particularly birds, travel, gardening, food and a commitment to the value of the voluntary sector being intimately involved with projects in welfare rights, drugs and sexual health.

» June Hughes University Registrar

June Hughes is University Registrar and Director of Student Support and Information Services (SSIS) at the University of Derby. This role spans all aspects of academic administration leadership, including student service support, across all sites. The early part of June's career was spent at the Halifax Building Society and subsequently Debenhams PLC. June has worked at the University (and its predecessor Derbyshire College of Higher Education) since 1987. She joined the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology as the Senior Administrative Officer with her career journey including posts of; Assistant Registrar Admissions, Deputy and then Academic Registrar, Director of Student Support and Information Services and most recently Registrar. June is qualified through the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators. She is a fellow and Council member of the Association of University Administrators, and a member of both the Association of Heads of University Administration and Academic Registrar's Council. Her leisure interests include horse riding, skiing, and heritage and history. She is also a keen football supporter of both Liverpool and Burton Albion.

» Mike Ingham MBE HonMUniv

Mike Ingham was educated at Long Row Junior School and Herbert Strutt Grammar School in Belper, Derbyshire. He graduated with an Honours Degree in Law. He became a sports producer with Radio Derby and then presenter of BBC Sport on Two and also presenter of Sports Report. He has commentated at seven World Cup Finals and was appointed Chief Football Correspondent at the BBC.

» Bryan Jackson OBE HonDBA Chairman East Midlands Development Agency

» Dianne Jeffrey CBE DL BA FRSA, former Pro Chancellor & Chairman of Governing Council

Dianne Jeffrey was Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of the University of Derby from 2002 to 2011.

She is Chairman of Age UK, the new charity for older people which was launched in April 2009. She is also Chairman, Digital Outreach Ltd, a start-up company which provides outreach services to help older and vulnerable people cope with digital technology, a Member of Heritage Lottery Fund East Midlands regional committee, and she serves on the Board of University and Colleges Employers' Association [UCEA]. She chairs the National Health and Safety Forum in higher education. Dianne served as an NHS Trust Chairman for 13 years, Chairman of the NHS Confederation from 2000 - 2003 and was Chairman of Anchor Trust for many years. She was appointed High Sheriff of Derbyshire in 2002/3 and is now a Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Derbyshire. Dianne's appointment as Honorary Colonel, The 5th (Derbyshire Cadet) Battalion, Derbyshire Army Cadet Force was approved by HM The Queen in 2003.

Dianne was educated at Badminton School, Bristol and Sheffield University. She has worked in clinical and industrial Psychology and has extensive experience in management training in the retail sector. Dianne was appointed CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in June 2011 in recognition of her public service.

» Keith Jeffrey Director, QUAD

Keith Jeffrey has led a wide and varied career over the last 25 years and has headed up some of the most innovative arts centres in the UK. Currently, Keith is Chief Executive Officer of QUAD, Derby's centre for art and film. QUAD is an £11m complex which opened in Sept 2008. It has two cinemas, galleries and workshops as well as the first regional BFI mediatheque. Now attracting 300,000 visitors a year, QUAD's opening programme has been wide and diverse including a major commission from Jane and Louise Wilson and establishing FORMAT as the UK's leading photography festival. Keith is also an Executive Producer of the QUAD Shorts Scheme and co-Director of Derby Feste, Derby's Festival of Street arts and performance.

» Ashok Kalia

Ashok Kalia was a Derby City Councillor for 16 years. He served as Cabinet member for the Environment and Direct Services between 1994-2000 and again in 2001-2002. He became Mayor of Derby 2000-2001.

» Joanne Kay , Member of the Governing Council

Joanne Kay is a partner with Freeth Cartwright LLP in Nottingham. She worked for Eversheds (London) and Nabarro Nathanson (London) before joining Freeth Cartwright in 1993. She was appointed partner in 2001. Joanne is a member of the Law Society, The Association of Women's Solicitors, The Industrial Society, The Employment Lawyer's Association and the Institute of Directors. She provides advice in the areas of employment law, equal opportunities, organisational change and change management. Joanne has a deep interest in education and is currently a director, trustee and governor of St Joseph's School in Nottingham.

» Asha Khemka

Mrs Asha Khemka took up her post as Principal and Chief Executive of West Nottinghamshire College in May 2006. It is one of the largest colleges in the country with 16,000 students and an annual budget of £45 million. With her 20 years experience, Asha has risen through the ranks of further education from humble beginnings. During this period she has been instrumental in the development of standards for further education nationally. She was a well-respected member of the OFSTED inspection team and one of the few part time inspectors to inspect leadership and management in colleges. At a national level, she has been a member of advisory boards committed to the improvement of both teaching and learning and the qualifications framework. Asha currently sits on the board of the national Institute of Learning Technology Association and is a Trustee of the Helena Kennedy Foundation Trust. She is also a board member of Experience Nottinghamshire and Mansfield 2020. In 2006, Asha was nominated for the Asian Woman of Achievement Award and in July 2007, she was awarded the National Jewel Award for Excellence in Healthcare and Education, in recognition of her professional achievement, personal dedication and contribution to the FE Sector.

» Brian King Chairman of Wellglade

Brian King left school at 17 and joined the operational team at a coach company in London owned by the international conglomerate BET. At 21 he was placed on the fast track BET Senior Management Training Scheme and posted to their North Western bus company in Stockport. BET later sold its UK bus businesses to the Government and Brian pursued a management career in the state owned bus sector in the North West, Yorkshire and the East Midlands which brought him to Derby in 1984 as Managing Director of the Trent Motor Traction Company.

In 1986 he led a management buy out of the company and he additionally became Chairman of Wellglade Ltd - the buyout vehicle in which around 150 employees took shares. In 1989 Wellglade acquired Nottingham based Barton Buses from the founding family. These businesses were rebranded trent barton and pursued a strategy of quality public transport services which have won many national awards but more importantly high levels of customer satisfaction. Wellglade has since made a number of strategic acquisitions and now employs 1,200 people throughout the East Midlands. It is also a member of the Tramlink Nottingham consortium which will build and operate the extensions to Nottingham's tram system as well as operate the existing Line 1. Wellglade is still owned by employees, former employees and their families. After 25 years as trent barton's MD Brian appointed his successor in April 2009 and now concentrates on his part time role as Wellglade chairman.

Brian chairs the Finance Committee of the Viva Orchestra in the East Midlands and is also chairman of the Burton branch of the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society. For many years he was a member of his industry's trade association council and vice chairman of the East Midlands Regional Assembly Transport Group He has been a member of the Court of the University of Derby since its formation.

» John Kirkland OBE HonDUniv

John Kirkland is Chairman of the privately owned Bowmer & Kirkland Group which comprises 27 construction, engineering and development companies with a combined turnover of £850 M. John is also President of four companies in the USA within the Homeland Securities field. He was Chair of Derbyshire Learning Skills Council from 2000-2008 and the LSC East Midlands Regional Board from 2004-2008. John was appointed OBE in 1999 for services to Derbyshire and awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Derby in 2001. John is a Governor of Landau Forte College, Derby and a National Literacy Trust Reading Champion. John is the longest serving Director of Derby County Football Club. He became President in 2006, leaving in 2008 following the change in ownership.

» Dr David Knibb BSc MSc PhD FIMA FBCS CEng CMath

David Knibb was employed at Derby as Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology and later as Dean of the School of Mathematics and Computing for a total of 11 years. On leaving Derby he worked for Westminster University on a Project in Nigeria for 18 months. He is a firm friend of Derby and Africa.

» Gordon Lammie Member of the University Court Advisory Group

Gordon Lammie has recently retired from his position as Regional Director of the Open University in the East Midlands. He served with the Open University for 38 years. He formerly chaired the Strategic Management Board of the LEAP AHEAD Lifelong Learning Network, which serves Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and is led by the University of Derby.

» Derek Latham Hon PrD

» Professor Jason Lee

» The Hon David Legh DL FRICS

The Hon David Legh is a Chartered Surveyor and a Partner in Fisher German LLP; he was Chairman from 2000 - 2009. He specialises in rural property, and combines his professional career with ownership of the Cubley Estate near Ashbourne. He was educated and Eton College and the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester. He joined John Germans as Senior Assistant land agent in 1979. He has served as a member of the Midland and West Regional Panel and a member of the East Midlands Regional panel of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and was a member of the Council of the Royal Agricultural Society of England between 1985 and 1994. In recent years he has served the Country Land and Business Association as member of the Council, Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the East Midlands Region. He has been active in local agricultural societies and was President of the Ashby de la Zouch Show (1985), the Derbyshire Show (1993-4) and the Wyaston Show (1995). Amongst his many interests he chairs the Governors of Abberley Hall Preparatory School in Worcestershire and a company which bought and restored The Abbey in Burton upon Trent, often regarded as the town's most historic property. David is currently Chairman of Governors at. David was High Sheriff of Derbyshire in 2006-7 and is a Deputy Lieutenant. David and his wife Jane have 4 children and two grandchildren. He is a lay member of the Chapter of Derby Cathedral. Jane was recently ordained Priest and serves as a non-stipendiary curate in the parishes of the South Dales.

» Bob Laxton HonDUniv

Bob Laxton was born at was Derby City Hospital, now the Derby Hospital, in September 1944 and has lived in Derby all of his life. He was educated at Quarndon C of E School, Allestree Woodlands Secondary School and the Joseph Wright College of Art and Technology on Green Lane. On leaving Joseph Wright he first delivered milk for the Derby Co-Operative Dairy then commenced an apprenticeship with the General Post Office, now BT plc, as a Telecommunications Engineer, where he remained in employment for the next thirty six years. In the early seventies Bob became an elected Trade Union Officer with the then Post Office Engineering Union, now the Communications Union, eventually becoming a regional negotiator for the CWU covering the East and West Midlands, Wales and the South West Region of England.

In 1979 Bob, who had by then, already been an active member of the Labour Party for many years, was elected onto Derby City Council representing Normanton Ward and was elected as Secretary to the controlling Labour Group on the Council. In 1986 he was elected by the Labour Group to become it's Leader, a position he he was to hold for the next eleven years and at the same time he became Leader of the Council again in 1986 through to 1988 and 1994 to 1997.

During his nineteen years on the Council Bob oversaw the development of Pride Park, was instrumental in the moving of Derby County Football Club from it's old site at the Baseball ground to it's present location on Pride Park. He was they key player in the establishment of the East Midlands Local Government Association created by the amalgamation of the sometimes waring factions of the five County Associations of District Councils and the five members of the Association of County Councils and out of this new East Midlands LGA the creation of the East Midlands Regional Assembly.

In 1996 alongside the late and much missed Sir Martin Doughty Bob helped ensure that Derby City became an all purpose Unitary Authority jointly creating with Martin a model for the disaggregation of multi million pound budgets between Local Authorities a model copied by Local Governments through England. In 1997 Bob was elected as the Member of Parliament for Derby North and in his first four year parliament he served as a member of the Trade & Industry Select Committee. In his second four year parliament Bob served as the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Rt. Hon. Alan Johnson MP in the Department of Trade & Industry where Alan was Industry Minister, in the Department of Education & Skills where Allan was Higher Education Minister, in the Department of Work & pensions where Allan was Secretary of State and joined the Cabinet and once again in the Department of Trade & Industry where Allan was Secretary of State. In his third five year parliamentary term Bob ceased working for Allan Johnson and became a UK parliamentary representative on the Council of Europe, based in Strasbourg and on the Defence & Security parliamentary Assembly based in Paris. In May 2010 Bob retired as an MP after well over thirty years as an elected representative for the people of our City.

In January 2011 Bob received The Degree of Honorary Doctor of the University of Derby for his work on behalf of the City and it's University. Bob remains an active walker and cyclist and continues with his life long interest in canals, narrow boats, international relations and politics.

» Dr Michael Leveaux DL

Dr Leveaux is a former Consultant Physician at the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary.

» Tom Levitt BA HonDUniv

Tom Levitt represented High Peak as a Labour MP from 1997 - 2010. In that capacity he was influential in securing the Buxton Campus for the University of Derby. Tom was an authority in Parliament on the Third Sector. Since 2010 he has established himself as a consultant and writer on charity and cross-sector issues and partnerships. He is author of Partners for Good published by Gower in June 2012.

» Councillor Andrew Lewer BA, Member of Governing Council

Andrew Lewer grew up in and around Ashbourne and, after taking his A levels at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in the town, went on to study History at the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and then Downing College, Cambridge. Upon returning to Derbyshire he worked in local history and also television and film history publishing. He was first elected to Derbyshire County Council in 2005, became Leader of the Opposition in 2007 and Leader of Derbyshire County Council in 2009. Andrew is currently the youngest County Council Leader in the country and has a particular interest in the arts and heritage. In addition to the County Leadership, he is a Derbyshire Dales District Councillor, Chairman of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site Partnership, a Director of the National Stone Centre, a Director of the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust and a member of the East Midlands Leaders' Board.

» Robert Lloyd Financial Controller at the University

» Professor Paul T Lynch

Paul Lynch is Professor of Plant Biotechnology at the University of Derby. His main research interest is in plant conservation biotechnology, particularly the use of cryopreservation. He is Head of Biology, Forensics and Sport and a member of the Biological Sciences Research Group. He chairs the University Research Ethics Committee.

» Derek Mapp DL HonDUniv

Derek Mapp was born in Warrington but he has lived in the East Midlands since 1981. He was formerly Commercial Director Mansfield Brewery (1981-91), CEO and founder of Tom Cobleigh plc (1992-97) and Chairman of emda (1998-2004). He was a founding director and Chairman of Leapfrog Day Nurseries (1998-2004) and Chairman of Sport England 2006-7. He is currently Non Executive Chairman of Informa plc., Salmon Developments plc., and Executive Chairman of Imagesound plc, Chairman of the British Amateur Boxing Association and a representative member of the British Olympic Association. Derek Mapp is a Deputy Lieutenant of Derbyshire and he has been a resident in Chesterfield since 1985.

» Frank McArdle Chief Executive, South Derbyshire District Council

» Roy Leslie McFarland Hon MUniv

Roy McFarland has devoted over 40 years to English Football as a player and manager. Roy McFarland was born in Liverpool in 1948, his family moved to Derby in the early 1960s. Football was his passion and he signed as a professional footballer with Fourth Division Tranmere Rovers in 1966. Roy experienced immediate success as his team was promoted to the Third Division. The following season, he transferred to Derby County which was then in the Second Division and managed by Brian Clough. Roy played in the position of central defender. Two years, in 1969, later Derby County won promotion to the First Division. The Rams now entered their most illustrious period, qualifying for the European Cup competition in 1971, winning the League Championship in 1972 and 1975 and reaching the semi-finals of the European Cup in 1973 and the quarter-finals in 1976. In a playing career of fourteen years between 1967 and 1981, Roy made 300 home appearances and played in over 500 league cup games for Derby County Football Club. Roy also had a sustained international playing career. He played five times for the Under-23 team and he gained 28 Full England Caps playing gracing soccer grounds around the world.

» Christopher McGraw BEd(Hons) NPQH

Christopher McGraw is Deputy Headteacher at Aldercar Community Language College, a high achieving dual specialist College in Langley Mill. From September 2008, the College will be an 11-19 provider and looks forward to increasing its partnership work with the University, allowing the students of the College to pursue their own learning pathways.

» Professor Aradhana Mehra

Aradhana Mehra is Professor of Environmental Geochemistry and Health. She has specialist expertise in the biogeochemistry of toxic elements in the water-soil-plant-human pathway.

» Sir David Melville CBE HonDUniv

David Melville is the Government Thames Gateway Skills Envoy. From 2001 to 2007 he was Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kent. Previously he was Chief Executive of the Further Education Funding Council, and before that he was Vice-Chancellor of Middlesex University. He was a member of the Tomlinson Review of 14-19 Curriculum and Qualifications, the Foundation Degree Task Force and the Foster Review of the Future of Further Education Colleges.

He has been Chair of Lifelong Learning UK, the Higher Education Statistics Agency, the Learning and Skills Council in Kent and Medway, the University Vocational Awards Council and Higher Education South East, and a board member of the Higher Education Careers Services Unit, The Place and the Council for Industry and Higher Education.

He is a board member of Edexcel, the IFS School of Finance, the Network for Black Professionals, South and West Kent College, London South Bank University and is patron of the 157 Group, Comprehensive Future, the Disabled Sailors Association and the Thames Gateway Young Chamber. He was educated at Sheffield and Columbia Universities.

» Duncan Meikle BA MPhil Headteacher, Lady Manners School

Duncan Meikle has been Headteacher at Lady Manners School, Bakewell in Derbyshire since January 2006. Prior to that, he was Headteacher at King Edward VI School, Lichfield from 1997-2005 and has also worked in schools in Northumberland and Cheshire. He was born in Liverpool, educated in Widnes and then at University College, London and the University of Manchester. Duncan Meikle's subject background is History and he has enjoyed over thirty years of teaching and involvement in education.

» George Mighty MBE HonMUniv Member of the University Court Advisory Group

George Mighty is a retired Advisory Teacher and Magistrate. He is Chairman of Derby West Indian Community Association and Chairman of Derby Millennium Network. He is also Vice-Chairman of Derby Racial Equality Council and VCS representative on Derby City Partnership Board.

» Brad Miller BSc DipSurv MRICS

As Managing Director of East Midlands Airport, Brad Miller is responsible for the safe and secure operation of ther airport with focus on sustainable growth. The Airport is veryproud of its contribution to the region and it strives to act responsibly in its activities. The industry is very dynamic and so East Midland Airport is confidently learning as an organisation. There is a strong focus on the development of the workforce.

» Dr H Morrow-Brown HonDUniv

Dr Morrow-Brown was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of the University in 2004.

» Stephen Munn MA

Stephen Munn is Director of Déda joining in September 2006; the organisation offers a programme that engages a diverse audience through performance, producing and participation; promoting and presenting a balance of work that is both accessible and challenging. Before arriving in Derby he was Director of Quay Arts on the Isle of Wight; a visual arts venue housing four galleries, artist studios and a performance space. Previously he was Head of Theatre Programme at Laban, a contemporary dance organisation based in South East London, and was part of the original client team responsible for the delivery of the new Laban Creekside building which opened in February 2003. The building was the recipient of the 2003 Sterling Prize for Architecture, building of the year. Stephen has an MA in Arts Management & Strategy from London City University.

» Professor Sir Howard Newby KB CBE BA PhD

Sir Howard Newby was born and educated in Derby. He was formerly Professor of Sociology at the University of Essex and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA. He was Chairman of the Economic and Social Research Council (1988-1994); Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton (1994-2001); Chief Executive of the higher Education Funding Council for England (2001-2006; Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West of England (2006-2008) and he is now Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool.

» Dr Mary Newlands

Mary Newlands formerly worked for Southern Derbyshire Health Authority in Child Health and obtained a doctorate by research into Sudden Expected Death in Infancy. Latterly she has worked as a Consultant Communicable Disease Control in the Department of Public Health in Southern Derbyshire Health Authority.

» Professor Michael Okoroh

Michael Okoroh is a Professor of Facilities Management and Programme Leader for the BSc (Hons) in Construction Management University of Derby. Michael Okoroh is a Professional qualified Quantity Surveyor and a member of the Chartered Institute of Building and British Institute of Facilities Management. Professor Okoroh has published widely and with over 60 national and international papers in the areas of Quantity Surveying, Facilities Management, Building Refurbishment, Construction Management, Energy Management and Sustainability and Project Management which reflects his areas of research activities. Professor Okoroh is also a member of the University of Derby Higher Degree Conferment Committee, a Eucharistic Minister and member of Our Lady of Lourdes Mickleover Pastoral Council.

» Jasper W D Olivier DL

Jasper Olivier is retired Director of Hambros Bank Ltd where he was employed from 1962 to 1992. Jasper was High Sheriff of Derbyshire in 2004-5. He is a Deputy Lieutenant of the County, Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of ironmongers and Chairman of Derbyshire Crimebeat 2008.

» Christopher Perkins Former Chair of Governors at Derby College

Chris has been interested and active in Education and Training in Derby at all levels for over 40 years. He was involved in the merger of Bishop Lonsdale College and Derby College of Art and Design that led ultimately to the institution becoming Derby University and was a former Governor of the University. He was Chair of Mackworth College Derby from its formation in1989 and subsequently became Chair of the merged Derby College until his resignation in 2009 due to business commitments. He was previously a member of Derby Borough Council, Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council representing them on local and national bodies including Director of East Midlands Airport, Chair of the Derbyshire Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) and board member of Derby Playhouse.

» Pollyanna Pickering NDD HonMUniv

Pollyanna Pickering is recognised as one of Europe's foremost wildlife artists and most published artist in the UK. She is Patron of The Wildlife Art Society International. Pollyanna is renowned for her expeditions to study and paint endangered species in their natural habitats.

» Dr Antonios E Platsas LLB LLM PhD PGCert FHEA Staff Member of the Governing Council

Antonios Platsas has been appointed as a Lecturer in Law at the School of Law and Criminology of the University of Derby in January 2008. Prior to this appointment he briefly acted as the comparative law tutor at Trinity College/ University of Dublin, where he conducted his main research for his doctoral thesis. Antonios has studied in a number of countries for his qualifications. These include the UK, Germany, Ireland and Greece. He holds a Ph.D. in law convergence methodology from Trinity College/ University of Dublin. He also has an LL.B. in European law from Coventry University and the University of Potsdam and an LL.M. in international business law from the London School of Economics. As a result of his education, his legal background is bijural in that he has studied both civilian law as well as common law in the countries in which he has attended higher education. Antonios is interested in a number of areas of legal research. These include: comparative law, European law, international law, law reform, legal sociology and legal theory. He also has a keen interest in the field of legal education and in the field of educational reforms which need to be taken in the discipline of law. In 2008-2009, Antonios acted as a Research Associate on Law and Globalisation under the 'Juan Celaya' Grant scheme for the International Institute for the Sociology of Law, Spain. Antonios Platsas participates frequently in conferences related to his field of research and is actively engaged with the writing of works related to comparative law and legal research methods. He was conferred with the title University Reader in Comparative Law in July 2011.

» Professor Philip Plowden, Pro Vice-Chancellor

Philip Plowden commenced his duties as Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University in July 2011. He has responsibility for two faculties, the enhancement of learning and teaching, research and international developments. He aims to make sure that the University continues to set high standards and meets the needs of its students. He is the University champion for online learning.

Philip was previously at Northumbria University where he was Dean of the School of Law. His first degree was in English and he worked for the Citizens Advice Bureau in London for a decade before qualifying as a solicitor. When he started at Northumbria he remained in practice and trained as a barrister specialising in human rights and public law. He remains a door tenant at Park Lane Plowden, a leading civil chambers in the North East. Philip was appointed National Teaching Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in 2005 and has been associated with the development of clinical legal education in the UK. He edited the Journal of Clinical Legal Education for many years. His research interests are in criminal law and practice and in legal education and pedagogic practice.

» Geoffrey Alan Pook

Geoffrey Pook was employed as a Solicitor in Local Authorities for 33 years, including 23 years in Derbyshire and Staffordshire. He was Chief Executive of Erewash Borough Council from 1995 until 2000.

» Michael Porter HonPrD

» Louise Potter DL FRSA HonMUniv FIH

Louise Potter ran The Old Hall Hotel, Buxton for 25 years. She did her General Catering Diploma at High Peak College, Buxton and worked with Grand Metropolitan Hotels in London. She was a Governor at High Peak College when it merged with the University of Derby. In 2001 she opened 6 The Square Tearooms Buxton. Currently she is on the board of The High Peak Theatre Trust, Chair of the Friends of Buxton Festival, Director of Vision Buxton Derbyshire representative for The Art Fund and a Co-opted Member of The Further Education Governance Committee. Her interests include art, opera, archaeology, gardening and travel.

» Brian Powell BSc CEng FIE

Brian Powell was a main Board Director of Hepworth PLC, a leading supplier of building, heating and plumbing materials to the construction industry. He was Chief Executive of Hepworth Home Products Division and was either Chairman or Managing Director of each of the nine companies within the Division. Local business for which he had responsibility were Glow Worm Limited, Parkray Limited, Vernon Tutbury Limited, Abru Limited and the Creda Group of companies. Over the years he has served on several national committees within the construction industry, including NEDC. Brian is currently Chair of BARMA. In 2001, he was appointed a Council Member of the Learning & Skills Council, Derbyshire. He is currently Vice-Chair of Derby College. Brian's interests include golf, the gym and soccer.

» Emeritus Professor Jonathan Powers, DL, HonDUniv

Jonathan Powers is former Senior Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University and an Honorary Professor at Middlesex and Honorary Fellow at Sussex. Following retirement he Chaired Derby Playhouse, Derby Multi-Faith Centre and Derby Chamber Music Society. He also organised the Flamsteed Lectures and the Erasmus Darwin Festival. He has recently retired again to devote his time to writing.

» Harindra Punchihewa CDir Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director

Hari Punchihewa is a member of the University Executive team, He is responsible for all physical resources including the full estate, procurement and corporate finances. In addition he leads commercial, legal and business development activities and the Corporate Planning Process of the University. His key task is to make sure we are financially robust and the University is sustainable in the long term. Hari was the first Director in the University sector to be admitted as a Chartered Director by the Institute of Directors in the UK. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers. In his previous working life he was in the private sector, blue-chip companies mainly in the merchant banking and financial services sector. As a senior executive his experience ranges from corporate finance and business operations to acquisition and mergers, new company set-ups and leading company restructures in both the UK and Europe. Prior to joining Derby, Hari worked for Daimler Benz Group as Finance Director/Company Secretary responsible for a number of subsidiaries. Outside work he is a keen supporter of Northampton Saints Rugby and the county cricket team. He was appointed as a Magistrate and a Justice of Peace by Her Majesty's Court Service in 2006.

» Andrew John Pugh MBE DL Hon D Univ

Andrew Pugh is managing director of Derbyshire's oldest tourist attraction, the Heights of Abraham. He has been responsible for leading the restoration and development of this estate since 1974, He introduced its landmark Cable Car system in 1984 - the first of its kind in the British Isles. Andrew is actively involved in international project management assignments, advising, building and operating cable car systems in China, Jordan, and South Africa.

He co-ordinated the Anglo/French consortium that built the passenger capsules and the control technology for the London Eye and is currently involved with the same team building the i360 Tower on the West Pier in Brighton.

Andrew is Chairman of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire Tourist Board.

» Professor Colin Raban MPhil

Colin Raban retired from his position as Director of Quality Enhancement at the University of Derby in August 2010. He previously worked at Edge Hill University (1999-2006) and Sheffield Hallam University (1976-1999).

» Rt Revd Dr Alastair Redfern The Lord Bishop of Derby and Chair of the Multi Faith Centre Board of Trustees

» Brenda Remington BA Dip FE PGCE FRSA Member of the University Court Advisory Group

Brenda Remington is a former Chair of Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Prior to holding this position, she served for a number of years as a non-executive director of the DRI and Southern Derbyshire Hospitals Trusts. She was the first Chair of the Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust from 2004-2009. She had a career in teaching and management in secondary and further education and her last post was Principal of South East Derbyshire College. Following retirement she was actively involved in the community serving as a school governor, a member of Amber Valley Borough Council and a trustee of Amber Valley Community Transport. She was also a non-executive director of the Derbyshire Building Society. She recently served on the Quinquennial Review Group which evaluated the performance and effectiveness of the Governing Council.

» Dr Christopher Reynolds OBE

Christopher Reynolds is Head Teacher at St Benedict's RC School and has been a Secondary School Head Teacher since 1984. St Benedict's RC School has Performing Arts status and strong international links. Dr Reynolds is a Senior examiner for OCR and is Fellow of Chartered Institute of Assessors. He was appointed OBE in 2003 for his services to Education and the Arts.

» Gloria Rich

Gloria Rich began her career as a secondary school teacher from 1956 to 1963. She then joined Derby College of Technology as a part time tutor in 1964. She was a full time tutor when the institution became Bishop Lonsdale College of Higher Education in 1977 and she continued her service when the institution became a University in 1993. She was appointed Head of the Professional Development Unit and Chair of the Equal Opportunities Committee and she helped to start the University nursery. Gloria was a member of General Synod from 1975 to 1995. She was member of the Ministry Board and then the Education Board: She chaired the FE/HE Council from1990 to1994, the St. John's Theological College, Nottingham from1986 to 1995. Gloria was Head Professional Development Unit from1990 to 1993, and within the Church she has served as Senior Selector of Ordination candidates and Senior Inspector of Ordination Courses.

» Peter Richardson FCIB MBA, Member of the Governing Council

Peter was formerly Director and Chief Executive of The Derbyshire Building Society. He has spent his working life in building societies. He joined The Derbyshire in January 1997 as Operations Director, after holding several executive appointments with Nationwide. Then, two years later he was appointed Chief Executive a position which he held until he took retirement in 2008. In addition to his Masters Degree in Business Administration he has also attended Harvard Business School in the USA. Peter is Chairman of Derby Cityscape and Chair of Derbyshire 2012 Games Management Group. Peter is married to Avril and has two daughters - Clare - working at The Derbyshire and Jane who runs a fashion outlet. Peter is a member of Kedleston Park Golf Club and an active keep-fit jogger, marathon runner and cyclist.

» Andrea Robertson-Begg, Member of the Governing Council

Andrea Robertson-Begg is the Faculty Quality Manager for the Faculty of Arts, Design and Technology. Her role enables her to work with and along side a large cross section of colleagues within the University. She has responsibility for the management and implementation of quality, standards and enhancement activity within her Faculty. She plays a strategic role within the University by representing her Faculty at a number of University committees such as the University Quality Enhancement Committee, University Research Degree Ethics Committee and the Quality Managers Advisory Group. She has successfully supported colleagues preparing for a variety of internal and external QAA audits and Professional Body accreditations. Andrea graduated from the Royal College of Art in 1990 specialising in Holography. She was awarded the Global Award for Excellence in Holography. Early in her career Andrea was a freelance fine art photographer and holographer working as an artist in residence in a number of regional Schools and Colleges. She exhibited her photographic and holographic work both nationally and internationally (in Japan, Canada, Russia, Spain and France). She was the Chairman of Stirrup and Company for a number of years who were trustees of the John Downton Trust specialising in fine art consultancy. In recent history she was the Vice Chair of the Board of Governors and the Chair of the Quality and Standards Committee for the British Theatre Dance Association. Andrea has worked in both universities and colleges of further education as a lecturer and programme leader in Photography, Film and Video. She is the External Examiner for BA (Hons) Photography at Bolton University. Finally, she is a subject mentor (in photography and digital imaging) for the University CPD Post Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching.

» Professor Pat Robotham Former Dean of the School of Applied Sciences at the University of Wolverhampton.

» Martin Rogers BSc FCA, Member of the Governing Council and Chairman of Audit and Risk Committee

Martin Rogers is a chartered accountant and is currently Managing Partner for Mazars LLP, the accounting and business advisory firm. He is also a director of a number of other businesses. Prior to this he was a director of Ascot plc and the senior partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers in Derby. He chaired the Quinquennial Review Group which evaluated the performance and effectiveness of the Governing Council in 2010.

» Graham Rudd

» A R M Roulstone Director, Bracchium

» Sir Nigel Rudd DL HonDUniv

» Michael Gerald Ruhrmund BEd(Hons) MEd

Michael Ruhrmund was born and educated in Penzance, Cornwall. He attended St Paul's College, Cheltenham 1968-72. He started teaching in 1972 and completed a MEd degree at Birmingham University. He taught in Perryfields, Sandwell MBC; Sir Gilbert Claughton, Dudley MBC; Monks Dyke, Lincolnshire LA and he has been Headteacher of Friesland School, Derbyshire LA since 1995. His interests include history, all sports, current affairs and his family.

» Richard Sadler MA FRPS HonPrD

Richard Sadler trained in photography in Leamington Spa and subsequently held major photographic posts in the textile and aircraft industries in Coventry. Late 1960's he became involved with photographic education. At first, he had a part time position with Coventry College of Art and Design and then he took a full time post at Derby College of Art and Design. He became Senior lecturer in 1975 and course leader of the BA Honours Degree in Photographic Studies in 1984 at Derbyshire College of Higher Education. He is currently consultant and examiner working with several universities, Arts Associations, Photographic Festivals/Exhibitions and Collections. Richard is a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, was recently awarded a Fenton Medal by the Royal Photographic Society and an Honorary Doctorate in Professional Practice by the University of Derby. He is a practising photographer, judge and exhibitor. Examples of work are also in various collections including the Victoria and Albert Gallery in London and the National Portrait Gallery.

» Sushma Sehmbi Headteacher, Hardwick Primary School

» Shirley Shaw MBE

Shirley Shaw is Chairman of the Derbyshire Help the Aged Committee and also County President of the Derbyshire St John's Ambulance. She served for 9 years on a community NHS Health Care Trust as a non-executive director and still does work in the mental health area. She was appointed MBE in 2000 for services to consumer affairs which included being a state appointed member to the Gas Industry. She was also appointed to the NE Rail User's Consultative Council and helped to save the Settle - Carlisle Railway Line from being axed.

» Robert Shields DL BSc FGS CEng FIQ

Robert Shields is Chairman of Longcliffe Quarries Ltd (1985-); Chairman Vital Earth (Derby) Ltd (2006-), and Chairman Transcycle Ltd (1997-). He was Chairman Central Technology Ltd; Non Executive Director of ICP (UK) Ltd (1999-2008); Director of Central Chemicals (1998-2000); Non Executive Director of RAM FM (1995-1999); MD of Blubberhouses Silica Sand Co (1983-1989). Member CLA Derbyshire Branch Committee (1994-1996), Chairman Derbyshire Branch of BFSS/Countryside Alliance (1991-2000), Chairman River Deveron District Salmon Fishery Board (2000-2004). He is currently founding Chairman of the Deveron, Bogie & Isla Rivers Trust (2001-), Member River Deveron District Salmon Fishery Board (2000-) and Trustee of National Stone Centre (2006-). He served as High Sheriff of Derbyshire (2005-2006) and was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of the County on 1st June 2006.

» Professor David Sheffield

Professor David Sheffield is Associate Head of the Centre for Psychological Research at the University of Derby and a Health Psychologist. He has a particular interest in training students at postgraduate level. His research is focused on three areas: psychosocial aspects of heart disease, pain and psychophysiological responses to stress.

» Kultaran Singh

Kultaran Singh is a Local Chartered Accountant and is the Managing Partner in a public practice. He was previously on the Board of Derby Pride Ltd, the city challenge company set up from 1993-1998 to develop Pride Park. He has served on the Boards of Derbyshire Community Foundation and the Royal School for the Deaf.

» Lesley Smith HonDUniv Curator, Tutbury Castle

Lesley Smith has been the Curator of Tutbury Castle in Staffordshire and is essentially an English Reformationist Medical Historian. She has made more than 100 TV programmes, appearing as a historian and writes her own page each month for "Staffordshire Life". She also contributes articles on a regular basis to Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care for the Royal College of Gynaecology Faculty of Sexual Health. Lesley has recently been accepted within the Guild of Apothecaries of London and is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquities of Scotland.

» Beccy Speight

Beccy Speight is National Trust Director for the Midlands. Prior to joining the National Trust, Beccy worked in local government in Scotland. In 1993, she completed a part-time MBA from Heriot Watt University and was the winner of the KPMG Management Consulting prize. In 1994, she joined management consultants Smythe Dorward Lambert, based in London and Boston, USA and later became a company director. She left in 2000 to join the National Trust where she was Property Manager of the Stourhead Estate, the Trust's second most visited pay-for-entry property. In 2002, she was seconded for a year as a project manager to lead the Trust's behavioural change project. In 2005 she became the Regional Director for the Trust's East Midlands region and in 2010 became the Director for the new Midlands region. Since 2009, Beccy has been responsible for leading and championing the Trust's work on its sustainable food agenda on a national basis. She has also contributed to national steering groups on contemporary art in the National Trust, our work in the outdoors and engaging urban communities in our places. She is a member of the University Court for Derby University. Her other interests include cinema, walking and jazz singing.

» Peter Sterling, Partner, Cooper Parry

» Emeritus Professor Freda Tallantyre

Freda Tallantyre was formerly Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) at the University of Derby. After retirement in 2006, she became a part-time Senior Associate for the Higher Education Academy being the strategic lead for their national team for Employer Engagement and Workforce Development.

» Dr Ramsey Tetlow Headteacher, Highfields School

» Mark Todd

» William Tucker Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant for Derbyshire

William (Willie) Tucker was born in Port Glasgow Renfrewshire in 1945 but has lived in Derbyshire for nearly 40 years. He has lived in the village of Aston-on-Trent for 20 years. Mr Tucker retired in July 2005 after a career lasting 45 years with the cooperative Movement and at the date of his retirement he was Chief Executive of Midlands Cooperative Society. He is a former Chairman of Cooperative Insurance Society (CIS) and a former Director of the Cooperative Bank. Mr Tucker has been active in a number of charities in Derbyshire and was involved in Round Table in Derbyshire for 16 years. He was National Treasurer of the National Association of Round Tables from 1985-86. He currently serves as a Non-Executive Director of Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. He has been a serving Deputy Lieutenant of Derbyshire since 1993. Mr Tucker has been married to Jill for 32 years and they have two daughters.

» Rupert H Turner DL

Rupert Turner is a farmer on the Chatsworth Estate. The farm was formerly based on dairying but is now principally based on sheep. Rupert was High Sheriff of Derbyshire in 1993/4 and he is now a Deputy Lieutenant of the County. He was formerly a director of Derbyshire Student Residences Ltd which is now a subsidiary company of the University.

» Lesley Underhill Headteacher, Ecclesbourne School

» Professor Leslie Wagner CBE Hon DUniv Chancellor of the University from 2003 to 2008

Professor Wagner was installed as Chancellor of the University in November 2003, following his retirement as Vice-Chancellor of Leeds Metropolitan University. He is a champion of widening participation, lifelong learning and graduate employability and is a strong advocate for the central role of education in regional development. He has published widely and is a regular contributor to higher education media. His contribution to higher education was recognised with the award of The Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher Education (1996) and a CBE for services to higher education and the Jewish community in June 2000. Professor Wagner has served as a member of the HEFCE Employability Advisory Group, Chair of the University Vocational Awards Council (UVAC), Vice-President and former chairof the Society for Research into Higher Education, member of the Council for Industry and Higher Education, member of the Board of Leeds Business Services Ltd and Chair of the Advisory Group of Leeds Common Purpose. He was appointed by the Secretary of State for Education and Employment to the 19 member National Skills Task Force looking into themes of skill demand and supply and in 2003/04 chaired a task force on the future of foundation degrees. In 2003 he was appointed as the inaugural Chairman of the Higher Education Academy, and completed his term of office in July 2007. From 2004 to 2007 he was the Chair of Education Leeds.

» Sue Wall

Sue Wall runs her own consultancy business Ednaston Education. Sue began her working life as a journalist and then moved into education. She came to the University of Derby as Dean of Law, Languages and Humanities in the early 1990s and then worked for two years in Buxton overseeing the merger with High Peak College before going to Beijing where she became adviser to the Beijing Education Authority. Sue returned to England and established Ednaston Education butshe continues to work in China on a regular basis. Sue also undertakes consultancy and writing contracts with national and local companies in the East and West Midlands.

» Emeritus Professor Gwen Wallace

Gwen Wallace, married with two children, came into Higher Education in 1981 following secondary school teaching, an Open University Degree and a PhD at Aston University. She is committed to the enhancement of front-line quality in Education, Health and Social Care through the insights offered by Social Research methods. From 1987 to 1990, she was Hon. Secretary of the British Educational Research Association and she worked with Professor Jean Ruddock (Cambridge) on a major ESRC funded project into Innovation and Change in Education: the quality of teaching and learning, from 1991-1996. She has presented her research on local management of schools, at conferences in the US, South Africa and Jamaica as well as nationally and published widely in books and journals. Now retired, she actively campaigns for better mental health services and works at strategic and operational levels as a "stakeholder" consultant in the Derbyshire Mental Health NHS trust.

» Christine Walters BA(Open) JP, Member of the Further Education Governance Committee

Christine Walters is a retired Assistant Director of The Open University. She is also a Magistrate (High Peak Bench), a Friend of the Devonshire and Volunteer Guide and a Trustee of the High Peak Citizens Advice Bureau. Christine is a co-opted member of the Further Education Governance Committee of the Governing Council.

» Dawn Ward OBE

Dawn is Principal and Chief Executive of Burton College. She took up post on 1st November 2008. She was previously Principal of the Royal Forest of Dean College. When she was appointed in 2005 the college was deemed as failing in standards, leadership and management by OFSTED. In 2006 the college was re inspected moving 75% of its unsatisfactory provision to good. Prior to this Dawn was a Vice Principal at Warwickshire College and part of the executive team that took the College from good to outstanding and achieving beacon status for employer engagement. Dawn was one of the first ten Principals in the UK to successfully complete the Centre for Excellence in Leadership Principal's Qualifying Programme. In June 2008, she won the Centre for Excellence's Principal of the Year Award and in November 2008 she won the Network for Black Professionals award for her leadership in race equality. Dawn had a successful international career, is a published author and graduated from Oxford Brookes University. She was an active member of the UK team for World Skills Competitions having coached and secured a Gold and Silver Medal for the UK. In 2007 she was awarded an OBE for her services to education and skills training. She is a champion for UKSKILLS and actively encourages and promotes the benefits of competitive skills to the local economy. She is a member of the national work force race advisory group and a mentor for the back leadership initiative. Dawn is passionate about ensuring education, skills and training is available to every one and works tirelessly to remove barriers to learning and in ensuring colleges are at the heart of their local communities.

» Emeritus Professor Roger Waterhouse HonDUniv

Roger Waterhouse was Director of Derbyshire College of Higher Education (1989-1992) and then first Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby (1993 to 2005). He was educated at King Edward VII Grammar School Sheffield and took the degree BA Philosophy and Psychology at Oxford in 1961. In the 1960s he taught social studies in both the secondary and further education sectors but perhaps the most influential formative experience came from his time teaching at Ma'abarot Kibbutz High School in Israel. In 1972 Roger was appointed Principal Lecturer in Philosophy at Middlesex Polytechnic where he rose to become Dean of Humanities and Combined Studies. In 1986 he moved to Wolverhampton Polytechnic where he took up the position of Deputy Director with responsibility for Academic Planning. He was widely sought as a consultant on the implementation of modular systems and associated programme design. He also advised on the use of credit accumulation and transfer and student exchange in Belgium, Germany, France, Hungary, the Czech Republic and the Republic of Ireland. From 1978 until 1987 Roger Waterhouse served on various boards, committees and working parties of the Council for National Academic Awards (CNAA). In 1985 he was founder and first Chair of the South East Consortium for Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SEEC) a body that is still flourishing today.

On arrival at Derby the task ahead was considerable. The college had less than 6,000 students and only 5% of students were undergraduates. There were just four degree programmes. As Chairman of Academic Board, Roger infused the idea of offering highly flexible, accessible education which provided new opportunities for a wide range of students. He commissioned a credit based modular scheme as a vehicle for programme design. The College won taught accreditation from the Council for National Academic Awards and also satisfied a CNAA inspection of the research training provision. University status was confirmed in January 1993, the first direct promotion from college of higher education to University in the sector. In 1998 the University merged with High Peak College, Buxton a well respected provider of further education in the north of the county. The transfer of the further and higher educational provision from outside Buxton to the new Devonshire Campus in the heart of Buxton followed the bold decision to purchase and restore the former Devonshire Royal Hospital site. This project was completed in September 2005 and staff and students now teach and learn in excellent refurbished rooms.

» Stuart Webb

» Professor Paul Weller Cert Ed MA MPhil PhD DLitt

Paul Weller is Head of Research and Commercial Development and Senior Research Fellow in the Faculty of Education, Health and Sciences. He is also Professor of Inter-Religious Relations (1999-present), former Vice Chair of the Multi-Faith Centre at the University of Derby and a Visiting Fellow at the Oxford Centre for Christianity and Culture at Regent's Park College, University of Oxford. Paul is author of Religious Diversity in the UK: Contours and Issues (Continuum, London, 2008) and Time for a Change: Reconfiguring Religion, State and Society (T & T Clark, London, 2005) as well as editor of Religions in the UK: Directory 2007-10 (Multi-Faith Centre at the University of Derby, Derby, 2007) and its three previous editions (2001, 1997, 1993). He has provided consultancy and research on religion, equal opportunities and discrimination at local, regional, national and international levels, including for Engage East Midlands; the Inland Revenue; the Cabinet Office; the Department for Education and Science; the Home Office; the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister; and the European Union Socrates/Grundvig adult education programme. He is a member of the Academic Advisory Group for the Ethnicity, Identity, Language and Religion Census Topic Group of the 2011 UK Census.

» David Wheatcroft Chief Executive, Derbyshire Dales District Council

» Stephen Whiteley BEd MA

Stephen Whiteley is Principal and Chief Executive of Landau Forte College, Derby. He is a graduate of the University of Leeds and Nottingham Trent University with almost 30 years of secondary education teaching experience. He remains passionate about the education of young people. His interests include his family, travel and sport, especially rugby, football, cricket, golf and skiing.

» Professor Alan Wickens OBE

Professor Alan Wickens is Visiting Industrial Professor at The Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University where his present research interest is in vehicle dynamics. He was formerly Director of Research at the Railway Technical Centre, Derby and Director of Engineering Development and Research, British Railways Board. He was a member of the Governing Body of the former Derby-Lonsdale College and was made a Fellow of Derbyshire College of Higher Education in 1980.

» Councillor David Wilcox Cabinet Member, Derbyshire County Council

» Dr Roger Wilkes Headmaster, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School

» Adam Wilkinson BSc MBA PPBEng FCLOB FBEng

Adam Wilkinson has worked in Local Government for 27 years in eleven local authorities in London Boroughs, South Wales and Northern England. Most recently he has served in the City of York, Kent County Council and Rotherham as Managing or Executive Director. He is Past President of the Association of Building Engineers. Adam is married with four daughters. He enjoys singing, travel, off-road motor-cycling and he attends a gym.

» Brigadier Edward Wilkinson CBE TD DL

Edward Wilkinson opened his first career with the National Coal Board and ended as General Manager of Associated Heat Services Ltd in 1971. He opened his second career with Leigh Interests plc, in the West Midlands and retired in 1994 as the Group Services Director. He was Chairman of The Coal Industry Society in 1969. Following National Service in The Sherwood Foresters, Edward served for 35 years in the Territorial Army ending 1985 as TA Adviser to the Commander in Chief with the rank of Brigadier. He was ADC to the Queen (1981-1985). He was appointed OBE in 1977 and CBE in 1982. Edward was Chairman of the East Midlands T&AVRA (1985-1994) and Vice Chairman of the Council of TAVRA's (1990-1994). He served as Deputy Lieutenant for the County (1985-2007), and was appointed High Sheriff in 1996. He served as governor of Repton School from 1993-2007, Chairman of Repton Foundation 2000-2007 and Chairman of Derbyshire Crimebeat from 1997. He became Lay Canon of Derby Cathedral (2001-2007) and now is Lay Canon Emeritus. Edward has been a Member of County Cricket Club General Committee since 1998. He was Chairman of the Derbyshire Army Benevolent Fund (1976-2007), Trustee of Derbyshire Community foundation (1996-2007) and member of Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Fuellers, becoming Master in 1996. He is Freeman of the City of London and the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators.

» Nicolas Willens BA

Nick Willens studied Chemistry at St. Catherine's College, Oxford (1961-1965) and worked for the BASF group for 33 years (1967-2000), finally as Managing Director of their subsidiary, Elastogran U.K. Ltd, Alfreton (1990-2000). Since retiring he has taken an active interest in community affairs and is Vice Chairman of Blackwell Parish Council. He has been a member of the University Court since 1997 and is a member of the University Court Advisory Group.

» Ian Willgoose Director of Estates at the University of Derby

» Deborah Williams Head of Operations EM Media

» Neil Williams Director of Information Technology Services

» Emeritus Professor Mike Wiser

Mike Wiser was a Primary Headteacher in the Bahamas and in Derbyshire prior to entering Higher Education in Teacher Training at Matlock College of Education. Latterly, he was Dean of the School of Education and Social Science from 1994-97 and Director of University Programmes in Israel from 1997 to full-time retirement in 2001.

» Donald Wood

Donald Wood is a retired Chartered Mechanical Engineer. He was Director of Whessoe PLC, parent group which owned Aiton & Co. Ltd, Stores Road, Derby. He worked for the company for 30 years. Currently he chairs The Trustee Board of the Shaw Group UK Pension Scheme. The US based Shaw Group Inc. is the current owner of the Stores Road company. He served as governor of Derby College for several years after retirement.

» Alan Woods DL HonDUniv High Sheriff of Derbyshire

Alan Woods was Chairman of the Governing Council for twelve years from 1990 to 2002. He is now Treasurer and a member of the board of governors at Loughborough University. During his stewardship at Derby, the institution graduated from Derbyshire College of Higher Education to the University of Derby (1993) and became incorporated as a private company limited by guarantee (1995). Born in Leicester, Alan trained and qualified as a chartered accountant. After a period in practice in London, he moved to the Derby accountants Cooper-Parry in 1972. Just over a year later he became partner in the firm. In 1992 he led negotiations for Cooper-Parry to merge with Prior and Palmer Nottingham creating one of the largest and most successful independent accountancy practices in the East Midlands. Alan was appointed Senior Partner in this new firm. From 1994-8 Alan held the position of Non-executive Director of the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary during the time it became a Trust. In the business sector, Alan's activities have included Chairmanship of Derbyshire County Group CBI (1997-8) and membership of the East Midlands Regional Council of the CBI (1993-2002). Alan Woods has served as a member of the Chapter of Derby Cathedral (1999-2002) and he was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Derbyshire in 1997. He is also Deputy Chairman of Derbyshire Building Society.

» Jeffrey Worrall

» Professor Mike Wright BA MA PhD HonDUniv AIL FRSA

Mike Wright is Professor of Entrepreneurship at Imperial College Business School and Director of the Centre for Management Buy-out Research. He holds honorary doctorates from the Universities of Ghent and Derby, is a visiting professor at the University of Ghent and he is an Academician of the Academy of Social Science. He has published widely on private equity and entrepreneurship and was ranked number one worldwide for entrepreneurship publications. A member of the BVCA Research Advisory Board, he contributes extensively to the media and business conferences and teaches highly rated MBA courses on Venture Capital. He edits the Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal and is Chair of the Academy of Management Entrepreneurship Division.

» Professor Mianhong Wu BEng MSc PhD

Mianhong Wu is Professor of Intelligent Engineering and Systems in the Faculty of Arts, Design and Technology. He obtained his BEng and MSc degrees from Dalton University in China and he gained his doctorate from the University of Birmingham. His research interests are in the areas of intelligent engineering, industry robotics, manufacturing system development. He is a member of the International Working Group of the UK Engineering Professors' Council. He is a referee for three international journals and was the pre-chairman of the Chinese Automation and Computing Society of the United Kingdom.

» Michael York Head, De Ferrers Specialist Technology

» Professor David Young

David Young is Professor of Work-based Learning. He has been engaged in the development of award-bearing work-based learning since the mid-1990s and has significant experience in external examination, staff development and consultancy in the field in the UK and internationally. He has also presented extensively at local, regional and national conferences. David led the University of Derby team which won the Times Higher Education Award in 2006 for Most Imaginative Use of Distance Learning. David was awarded a coveted National Teaching Fellowship in 2007.

» Richard Gillis

Richard Gillis is a solicitor and Managing Director of the family property business in Dundee which celebrated its 50^th anniversary in 2012. He is married to Ruth J P Garden. Richard was the first Clerk to the Council and Company Secretary of the University of Derby (1995-2002) and was appointed an Honorary Life Member of the University Court shortly afterwards. He was a trustee of the Priory of England and the Islands of the Order of St John and a trustee of St John Ambulance (1999-2003). He was appointed OStJ in 1999. Richard will be installed as Prime Warden of the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers, one of the ancient livery companies of the City of London, in October 2013.