Staff profile

Dr Denise Baker


Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the College of Health, Psychology and Social Care

Denise standing by the balcony at the University's Kedleston Road campus in the atrium. She is wearing black rimmed glasses and a blue sleeveless top.

Subject

Health, Social, and Community Work

College

College of Health, Psychology and Social Care

Department

School of Allied Health and Social Care

Campus

Derby Campus

Email

D.Baker@derby.ac.uk

About

I am Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the College of Health, Psychology, and Social Care at the University. I am a registered diagnostic radiographer and joined the University of Derby in 2013. I have worked in a mix of educational and clinical roles throughout my career. I became Head of Allied Health and Social Care at the University in 2018 and subsequently acted as Head of the School of Psychology and Deputy Dean. I previously managed pre-qualifying healthcare and our foundation degrees/higher apprenticeships. I was awarded my doctorate in 2022.

Professional interests

I have worked with the Nursing Degree and Nursing Associate Trailblazers to develop the apprenticeship standards and End Point Assessments for both. Following on from this, I have been invited to support the Department of Health and Social Care, Health Education England, and the Nursing and Midwifery Council to support apprenticeship development. I am a lay visitor for the Nursing and Midwifery Council. I am a public governor for the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton.

Research interests

I am currently studying for a professional doctorate exploring how apprenticeship policy is being implemented in the National Health Service.

Membership of professional bodies

I am a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)-registered diagnostic radiographer and member of the Society of Radiographers. I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA).

Qualifications

Recent conferences

Experience in industry

I worked as a radiographer in the Midlands for over 20 years. My particular area of practice was large bowel imaging but I practiced as a general radiographer.

In the media

Recent publications

Student working in clinical skills suite

With the 75th anniversary of the National Health Service and the recently-announced NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, Dr Denise Baker, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean of the College of Health, Psychology and Social Care at the University of Derby, discusses what measures are needed to ensure the longevity of the NHS. 

A student nurse in a medicine cabinet

Denise Baker, Head of Pre-Qualifying Healthcare at the University of Derby, discusses Jeremy Hunt's announcement to increase trainee nursing places.

radiographers with a patient in an imaging suite

Denise Baker, our Head of Allied Health and Social Care, speaks out on behalf of our allied health professionals and the vital and varied roles they play in caring for the nation.

A woman laying in a hospital bed with her hands folded over her stomach

Denise Baker, Head of the School of Allied Health and Social Care at the University of Derby, discusses how the compassion and courage of the NHS, combined with acts of kindness from society towards the workforce, is helping the country to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

Two nurses chatting over hot drinks at a table.

Denise Baker, Head of School of Allied Health and Social Care at the University of Derby, argues nursing apprenticeships should not be overlooked.

Nurses at Derby

Denise Baker, Head of School - Allied Health and Social Care at the University of Derby, discusses how online apprenticeships could help revolutionise the NHS workforce.

a radiography nurse with an x-ray machine

Denise Baker, Head of School for Allied Health and Social Care at the University of Derby, explores what the future for the NHS looks like.

Nurse

Denise Baker, Head of School: Allied Health and Social Care at the University of Derby, discusses whether the health sector skills shortage can be tackled with apprenticeships.

People in hi vis in hard hats

Denise Baker, Head of Pre-Qualification Healthcare talks about apprenticeships and how they are seemingly becoming unpopular to employers and why.

Screen showing heart rate

Denise Baker, Head of Pre-qualifying Health Care at the University of Derby, explains the role of Nursing Associates and the impact on other Band 4 workers.