Fabian Henderson, Honorary Master of Science (HonMSc)
Fabian Henderson studied Law at the University and is now Deputy Director, Nursing Workforce, at NHS England. During a career involving multiple senior leadership positions in NHS national workforce strategy, Fabian has played a pivotal role in shaping policies that directly impact healthcare delivery and staff development.
He is committed to driving social mobility through equitable workforce policies in the NHS to shape the future of nursing and healthcare staffing in the UK. Fabian’s work directly impacts on the University in its role as a leading educator of the health and social care workforce regionally and nationally, and aligns with the University’s fundamental commitment to social mobility.
The University wishes to recognise Fabian’s significant impact on public health services and social mobility within the NHS.
Ceremony four
Sue Parkinson, Honorary Doctor of the University (HonDUniv)
Sue Parkinson is a retired occupational therapist, who has lived and worked in Derbyshire for more than 35 years. She has contributed extensively to an influential model of practice, (the Model of Human Occupation, or MOHO), by developing:
the validated outcome measure, the MOHO Screening Tool - translated into 18 languages;
the popular book, A Guide to the Formulation of Plans and Goals in Occupational Therapy;
and the widely-used intervention handbook, Recovery through Activity.
After a successful career as an international speaker, providing training to thousands of occupational therapists from around the world, she has recently secured a contract for the publication of another intervention handbook: Maintaining Our Health through Occupation.
The University wishes to recognise Sue’s outstanding contribution to occupational therapy practice and her impact on service users.
Ceremony seven
Bloc Digital, University of Derby Honorary Partnership Award
Bloc Digital is one of Derby’s leading innovation technology companies. Founded by Keith Cox and Chris Hotham in 2000, the company has been at the forefront of the digital revolution in data-centric engineering. It has pioneered cutting-edge techniques to create immersive experiences through advanced visualisation of physical assets and has grown into a nationally recognised leader in digital asset creation.
The University has proudly partnered with Bloc Digital since 2016 and in November 2022 the relationship was formalised through a Strategic Partnership Agreement. Through this partnership, Bloc Digital provides invaluable business insights, delivers live briefs and masterclasses, and shares expertise in pioneering immersive technologies such as Augmented and Virtual Reality. This ensures students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to lead in the digital economy.
The University wishes to recognise Bloc Digital’s long-standing collaboration, exceptional innovation, and unwavering support for its students.
The honorands for Derby July 2025
Ceremony one
Dr Rebecca Bennett, Honorary Master of the University (HonMUniv)
Dr Rebecca Bennett is a Higher Specialist Trainee in Forensic Psychiatry working in the East Midlands. Prior to starting her medical degree she had a successful career in the military as an Officer in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, operating in demanding environments both at home and abroad.
Rebecca has a special interest in supporting the psychological wellbeing of the Armed Forces Community and in 2024 she co-founded Sisters in Service, a support network for female veterans of UK Armed Forces currently working in healthcare.;
The University wishes to recognise Rebecca’s achievements in advocating for, supporting and empowering female veterans.
Ceremony two
Darren Moore, Honorary Master of the University (HonMUniv)
Darren Moore is a professional football manager and former player. He currently manages Port Vale Football Club and is often referred to as “the nicest man in football”. He has been associated with several major clubs over his 30-year career, including Derby County, and he represented Jamaica at an international level. He is an Honorary Patron for the charity Show Racism the Red Card and has undertaken a broad range of charity and community work in his career. He is an inspirational role model for players and managers alike, working with the football authorities to widen opportunities for black players.
The University wishes to recognise Darren’s significant achievements in football, his extensive charity work, and his status as a role model in the sport.
Credit: Port Vale Football Club
Ceremony three
Christopher Nieper OBE DL, Honorary Master of the University (HonMUniv)
Christopher Nieper is a visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist, and advocate for education and community development. As the Chief Executive of Alfreton-based family fashion business, David Nieper Ltd, Christopher has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to British craftsmanship, sustainability, and local regeneration. Under his leadership, the company has not only achieved commercial success but has also become a beacon of social responsibility, attracting the attention of royalty and government ministers.
In 2015, he founded the Christopher Nieper Education Trust, a pioneering initiative that reversed the fortunes of Alfreton’s only secondary school. He also founded the Christopher Nieper Foundation during Covid lockdown with a vision to lead the rejuvenation of Britain’s forgotten towns.
The University wishes to recognise Christopher’s outstanding contribution to manufacturing and education in the region.
Ceremony four
Willie Tucker CVO DL, Honorary Doctor of the University (HonDUniv)
Willie Tucker held the position of Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire from 2009 to 2020. Retiring as chief executive of Midlands Co-op in 2005, after a career spanning 45 years with the organisation, he was invited to serve as Her Majesty the Queen’s personal representative in the county. During his impressive tenure, Willie organised and hosted 44 Royal visits and was patron or president of 26 organisations or fundraising appeals in Derbyshire. He also served as the Lead Lord Lieutenant in Magistracy matters for England and Wales, overseeing the appointment of new JPs throughout Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire and the operation of the Magistracy in general.
The University wishes to recognise Willie’s outstanding dedication and commitment to public service through his role as Lord Lieutenant for Derbyshire.
The honorands for Buxton June 2025
Stephen Smith, Honorary Doctor of Business Administration (HonDBA)
Stephen is a strategic adviser, business leader and former Chair of the University’s Governing Council (GC). He is founder and former CEO of EMB Group, a leading economic development business services and accreditation company, which was a catalyst for significant change in the East Midlands and a contributor to the economic prosperity of the region for 15 years.
Stephen has been associated with the University since 2014 when he became an independent governor. He was Pro-Chancellor and Chair of GC from 2018 to 2023. He is currently a member of the University’s Business School Council overseeing the development of the new Cavendish Building in the heart of the city.
The University wishes to recognise Stephen’s outstanding achievements in business and his enduring support for the University.
Pauline Latham OBE, Honorary Doctor of the University (HonDUniv)
Pauline became a Derbyshire Councillor in 1987 and was elected the first MP for Mid Derbyshire in 2010, a role she held until stepping down in 2024. Her work has had a significant impact regionally and nationally. Through her role on the House of Commons’ International Development Select Committee, she campaigned for meaningful change in the aid sector to address issues of sexual abuse and exploitation and, in 2022, her Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act was passed into law, protecting children from arranged child marriages.
In 2018, Pauline tragically lost her son to aortic dissection at the age of 44. As a trustee of The Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust, she has been a relentless campaigner and is highly respected in the medical field for her work.
The University wishes to recognise Pauline’s outstanding achievements in public service, and her commitment to local politics, the University and the region.
