Derby City Council

Since 2018, Derby City Council has invested over £1 million in developing its current and future leaders through management and leadership apprenticeships delivered in partnership with the University of Derby. More than 100 employees have taken part in programmes ranging from Level 3 to Level 7, helping build a strong internal pipeline of skilled and confident leaders.

“This investment reflects our long-term commitment to developing our people and preparing the organisation for the future. Apprenticeships have helped us unlock talent and build strong, leadership at every level aligned to our strategic values.”

Sarah Poyser – Apprenticeship Engagement Officer, Derby City Council.

Leadership and management

In partnership with the University, Derby City Council offers employees a range of apprenticeship development opportunities at management and leadership levels including:

• Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship
• Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship Standard (Level 5)
• Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship
• Senior Leader Apprenticeship Level 7

“We’ve worked closely with the City Council to align apprenticeship delivery with their leadership framework and organisational goals. It’s a model of what effective collaboration between employer and training provider can achieve.”

Andy Dowling - Senior Relationship Manager, University of Derby.

Impact and progression

The structured approach to development has enabled clear progression routes for staff. Many individuals who started on the CMDA have since moved into more senior roles, while those completing the Senior Leader programme are contributing at a strategic level.

“The CMDA gave me the confidence and tools to lead more effectively and to step up when new opportunities came along. It’s been genuinely career-changing.”

Douglas Monaghan - Arboricultural Officer, Derby City Council.

“I was encouraged to do the Level 7 Senior Leader apprenticeship by my line manager; it felt like the right step to take for my professional growth.”

Thomas Hay - Commissioning Manager for the Home to School Travel Service, Derby City Council.

COVID-19 adaptation

In 2018, Derby City Council’s Organisational Development (OD) Team selected the University of Derby as its delivery partner for the Council’s leadership apprenticeship programmes. The partnership offer included dedicated support for every workplace mentor, complemented by the opportunity to gain an academic qualification.

In 2020, twenty Derby City Council colleagues who were mentoring leadership apprentices successfully completed the Certificate in Professional Development (Mentoring Learners in the Workplace) – Module one: Mentoring Learners at Work. Following this success, the Council was encouraged to establish its own Mentoring Support Network (MSN), which continues to thrive today.

The first group of mentors found real fulfilment in guiding and supporting apprentices, helping them to develop self-determination, confidence, and reflective practice throughout their learning journey. The ongoing success of the MSN is reflected in the number of former apprentices who have since chosen to ‘give back’ by becoming mentors themselves. In some cases, the Council now proudly supports ‘third-generation’ mentors, continuing this positive cycle of growth and development.

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, programme delivery continued thanks to flexibility and joint working between Derby City Council and the University of Derby. Learners were supported through remote learning, virtual workshops, and ongoing mentoring.

“Through the emotions and turmoil of the pandemic and onwards, the MSN has gone from strength to strength, all thanks to the initial foundations laid down by the University and their ongoing support.”

Helen Davenport - Organisational Development Adviser, Derby City Council.

Strategic value of the Levy

Before the Apprenticeship Levy, Derby City Council had limited budget for widespread leadership development. The levy provided a vital opportunity to invest in staff and create sustainable, career progression pathways.

“The levy has allowed us to offer high-quality development that previously wouldn’t have been possible at this scale. It’s helping us future-proof our workforce.”

Sarah Poyser – Apprenticeship Engagement Officer, Derby City Council.

Future impact

The long-standing partnership between Derby City Council and the University of Derby continues to demonstrate the power of apprenticeships to drive performance, build leadership capacity, and support organisational transformation.

“This collaboration is a great example of how apprenticeships can meet real workforce needs and provide meaningful, career-boosting opportunities for learners.”

Andy Dowling - Senior Relationship Manager, University of Derby.