Information for Placement Providers

General Information

Placement learning offers valuable benefits not only to students but also to professionals and the organisations that support them.

At the University of Derby, the terminology used to describe individuals who support students on placement may vary depending on the programme. You might hear terms such as assessor, supervisor, mentor, or educator. For clarity and consistency, we will use the term educator throughout this information to refer to all of these roles.

Placement educators play a crucial role in student learning and development. They support and guide students, model professional behaviours, and create a safe and inclusive environment where students can build the skills they need for their future careers.

We value the contribution of our placement educators and consider them an integral part of our educational community. To support you in this role, we offer training, regular updates, and ongoing guidance. We also carry out quality assurance through workplace audits and student feedback after placements, helping us work collaboratively with you to create the best possible learning experiences for everyone involved.

Support For Educators

Reasonable Adjustments

At the University of Derby, we value equality, diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, and are proud of our diverse community. We recognise that everyone brings their own strengths, experiences, and needs, and we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive. To find out more about our commitment and the work we do in this area, please visit our Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing webpage.

Under the Equality Act 2010, placement providers and supervisors have a legal responsibility to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, particularly where a student may be at a substantial disadvantage. Adjustments may relate to communication methods, the physical environment, or other aspects of practice depending on the individual’s needs.

Some students may have a Student Support Plan, Occupational Health Report and/or Risk assessment, which outlines the adjustments they may need to fully participate in their placement. We encourage placement providers to ask students to share these documents at the start of their placement so you are aware of any support they may require. We also have an initiative called ‘This Is Me’, which is a student placement introduction form that encourages students to set out their learning needs, highlight how best they learn, and open conversations around placement opportunities.

PebblePad and MYEPAD

For help with PebblePad or MYEPAD, we have a dedicated support page containing guidance and frequently asked questions. Access support via UoD PebblePad+ support.

Raising Concerns

If you need to raise a concern about a student on placement, please contact the School of Health and Social Care Placement Team.

If you have reason to suspect a student feels unsafe, has been discriminated against, or is a victim of sexual misconduct or violence, you can report this using the Cause for Concern Reporting Form.

Celebrating Success

Each year, we host our Recognition of Excellence in Practice Awards, giving students the opportunity to recognise individuals in practice who have made a meaningful impact during their placement experience.

Nominations may highlight exceptional pastoral support, outstanding teaching, or the creation of an inclusive and inspiring learning environment. These awards are a way to celebrate the dedication and commitment of those who go above and beyond to support student learning and wellbeing.

We encourage all students to take part in the nomination process and help us shine a light on the excellent practice happening across our placement settings.

Fine Art Graduate Diana Pinhão receiving the Deans Award