Colleges and departments
College of Science and Engineering
College of Science and Engineering Industry Advisory Board

College of Science and Engineering Industry Advisory Board (IAB)

What we do

The Industry Advisory Board (IAB) plays a vital role in shaping the College’s teaching, research, and strategic direction. Comprised of senior industry professionals, the board ensures our academic offer remains relevant, attractive, and aligned with developments in key STEM sectors.

The IAB contributes by:

Sharing insights on industry expectations for graduate skills and attributes.
Helping shape curriculum content through real-world projects and experiences.
Creating local career pathways and opportunities for our graduates.
Supporting professional body events and working groups.
Informing industry partners about university initiatives and knowledge exchange.

View the Industry Advisory Board's full Terms of Reference.

College of Science and Engineering Industry Advisory Board Terms of Reference

1. Overall purpose

To directly inform the College’s vision and planning by ensuring the currency, relevance and attractiveness of the teaching and research academic offer.
To inform strategic decisions through positive challenge, made by the College are fit for purpose and align to the direction of travel in key industrial sectors allied to STEM.

2. Principal duties

Members to share their expectations of graduate attributes, skillset and knowledge to ensure University of Derby students are taught to fulfil industry requirements.
Board members to collectively work together to create opportunities and careers for Derby graduates to ensure the knowledge and expertise stays in the Derby and Derbyshire region.
Board members to inform the curriculum through the provision of real-world experience, projects and data that the students can engage with.
The College to support industry partners through Knowledge Exchange initiatives that provide connections and links to wider expertise and knowledge in the University and Derby/ Derbyshire region.
Members to feedback into their companies on college activity and plans as necessary.
Board members to support at Professional body events and ad-hoc ‘working groups’ that are based upon specific tasks e.g. infrastructure changes, student employability developments or advancement of research impact.

3. Reporting arrangements

The Board will be Chaired by an Industry partner and Co-Chaired by the PVC/Dean of the College.
The work and activity of the Board will be reported into the College Executive Team and the College Leadership Team via the PVC/Dean. The respective Head of School will inform their School Leadership Teams accordingly.

4. Membership

Members of the Board primarily consist of industries and businesses based in and /or with operations in the East Midlands. Members representing industries and businesses outside of the East Midlands to be agreed by the Chair / Co-Chair.

5. In attendance

Representation from the University of Derby and members of chartership awarding professional organisations (by invitation).

6. Secretary

College of Science and Engineering Support Officer.

7. Frequency

Board meetings to be scheduled quarterly to align with the University’s Academic Year.

8. Minutes

The unconfirmed minutes will be circulated to the membership within one month of the Board meeting taking place.

9. Review

Terms of Reference and membership to be reviewed on an annual basis.

Richard Penn

Director and Founder of Penn Engineered Solutions Ltd

Industry Chair of the College of Science and Engineering IAB

I have spent thirty years in automotive and chemical engineering. I’m also a chartered engineer and Fellow of the IMechE.

I became a member of the IAB to help provide industry perspectives and insight on the industry requirements from graduates and apprentices. I’m involved in skills projects across public and private sectors and I’m passionate about developing the next generation of scientists and engineers to take on the challenges of decarbonisation, energy security and resilience.

Penn engineered solutions

Person in red and blue checked shirt, standing at an angle and smiling at the camera

Dr Sarah Everton

Research and Technology Programme Manager and Apprentice Cohort Co-ordinator at ITP Aero UK

I’ve worked in Advanced Manufacturing Research since graduating with a Master's in Mechanical Engineering from University of Nottingham, in 2009. I have spent much of my career specialising in developing additive manufacturing for aerospace, achieving an Engineering Doctorate in Manufacturing Engineering in 2017.

I am committed to the development of future engineers and take pride in contributing to their growth. Supporting STEM through knowledge-sharing and mentorship is a responsibility I value highly.

ITP Aero

Steph Marshall Power

Sales and Marketing Manager, Pektron

I have been working in technology, engineering and manufacturing industries since graduating from the University of Derby in 2001 and involved in governing education locally since 2016.

Part of my remit at Pektron involves engaging with external stakeholders to enhance the design and development of advanced electronics. On the IAB, I connect industry and academia, bringing an electronics focus to the University’s curriculum, and highlight rewarding opportunities for both students and employers. Derby is an innovative city with a thriving university where we are all committed to creating awesome engineers of the future.

Pektron

David Moss

Lead Mechanical Engineer, Lubrizol

A Mechanical Engineer and Project Manager with extensive experience in R&D based bespoke capital projects across highly technical industries. I take the projects from sales thorough to installation and commissioning and provide training on using the equipment too.

I became a member of the IAB to help bridge the gaps between industry and academia on topics such as knowledge, skills and course content. I actively engage on other STEM-based activities as I enjoy helping others fulfil their potential and develop into successful engineers.

Dr Joanne Morrissey

Workforce Strategy Lead

NPCC Forensic Capability Network

I have worked in Forensic Science for over thirty years and have a Professional Doctorate in Forensic Science and a MSc in Fire Investigation.

I worked for the Metropolitan Police Service for 17 years as a Crime Scene Examiner and Fingerprint Examiner. In 2008 I became a Police Forensic Manager in North Carolina. In 2013 I returned to the UK and became an academic. I have worked with the FCN as a Workforce Strategy Lead since 2021.

I am passionate about partnership and I became a member of the IAB to share my knowledge and experience.

Forensic Capability Network

Close up of Jo looking into the camera in front of a blank wall

Stuart Smith

Senior Business Development Manager, Morgan Sindall Construction

Stuart leads sustainable growth across the Midlands from the Nottingham office. With over 27 years’ experience and a Civil Engineering degree, he forges values-led partnerships and supports regional frameworks helping public sector clients achieve efficient procurement, social value, and net zero goals.

Previously part of the construction team behind the National Space Centre, he mentors University of Birmingham students and serves on advisory boards for Derby and Nottingham Trent Universities. Stuart was appointed to the Constructing Excellence Midlands Board in 2023.

Morgan Sindall Construction

Stuart smiling into the camera in front of dark background

Andy Barkwith

Associate Director of Operations, British Geological Survey

Principal Numerical Modeller, British Geological Survey

I have over 25 years’ experience developing and applying numerical models for geoscientific research. I drive strategic operational improvements at BGS that support science delivery and lead international research on water security, environmental resilience, and social vulnerability.

I also work with Early Career Researchers and became a member of the IAB to provide insight into how graduates could be better prepared for delivering operational research and national public good.

British Geological Survey

Jim Campbell

Freelance Forensic Scientist and Toxicologist.
Team Manager at Morley Life Sciences - Former MD SureScreen

Starting with a Home Office forensic team, I founded SureScreen, developing lateral flow tests, environmental DNA analysis, electronic monitoring of offenders, and I undertook forensic investigations and court visits.

The University of Derby was instrumental in developing my career. I’m particularly keen to be a voice to the many smaller businesses benefiting from University collaboration. A future Britain needs great engineers, scientists, inventors. Students need the latest technologies, the best business skills, the right foundation, and the confidence to succeed. I’m enjoying guiding the University to educate leaders of the future.

Surescreen

Patrick Kniveton

Visiting Professor, Fellow of the IMechE and Chartered Engineer

I bring wide-ranging senior experience across SMEs and blue-chip companies including Nuclear Power, Aircon Systems, Electronic Signage and Observatory Telescopes. I very much enjoy continuing to develop and mentor students, engineers and managers in engineering, business, finance and emotional intelligence.

I believe strongly in the enterprise and development of UK SMEs and larger businesses and have key connections in the UK and internationally.

Patrick looking into the camera and smiling in front of navy blue wall

Dr Lucinda Sweet

Director, Brindle and Green Ltd

With over 15 years in environmental consultancy, particularly in ecological services, I’m passionate about supporting staff and expanding technical departments at Brindle and Green.

My doctoral research in biodiversity underpins my specialisation in protected species mitigation, biodiversity assessments, and habitat restoration within planning and development. I joined the IAB to ensure graduates are equipped with the necessary skills and are aware of the evolving ecological standards in the industry.

My expertise includes environmental impact assessments, habitat management, and data-driven conservation strategies, all of which are advancing through technical innovations in the coming years.

Brindle and Green

Luke Parker

Managing Director, Acres Engineering

I lead Acres Engineering, delivering bespoke production support solutions across aerospace, defence, automotive and nuclear sectors. With over 15 years’ experience and degrees from the University of Derby culminating in an MSc (Distinction), I’m passionate about innovation, design-for-manufacture and continuous improvement.

As a Deputy Lieutenant of Derbyshire, I champion skills and our People First Pledge, supporting apprenticeships and STEM outreach. Joining the IAB allows me to share real-world industry insight, help shape future talent, and strengthen links between education and manufacturing.

Acres Engineering

Structure and reporting

The Board is chaired by an industry representative and co-chaired by the College’s PVC/Dean. Meeting quarterly, the IAB reports into the College Executive and Leadership Teams, ensuring actions and recommendations are fully embedded across the College.

Contact us

For more information about the IAB or to enquire about joining, contact COSEandIOES_support@derby.ac.uk .