University of Derby News Team scoop double gold at PR industry awards

The University of Derby's News Team scooped double gold at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) PRide Awards 2016 on Friday (September, 30), winning Education Communications Campaign and Outstanding In-House Public Relations Team of the Year.

The CIPR PRide Awards is the UK’s most prestigious nation-wide awards scheme, recognising excellence in public relations and communications across Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and six English regions. The PRide Awards attracted more than 1,000 entries from public relations teams, consultancies and individuals across the UK.

The awards saw more than 250 public relations professionals across the Midlands gather at University of Birmingham’s Great Hall.

Commenting about the University of Derby’s News Team, the judges said: “The team has a clear and focused approach. They've thought carefully about the needs of journalists and been proactive in offering news and stories.

"This is a team that understands the importance of integrated external and internal communications and they have combined the two to excellent effect. The judges can see this team going from strength to strength.”

The Guide to Expertise, which was launched in 2015, was awarded gold in the Education Communications Campaign. The campaign brings together media-friendly experts from the University of Derby to provide comment on everything from zombies and daydreaming to law and politics.

The Guide also provides additional information about the University, its facilities and staff. Each expert is listed under the College or Department they work in, along with a short biography.

Alice Oliver, Head of News at the University of Derby, said: “I'm so proud that the team has been recognised by our industry in this way. We are working really hard to keep up with the needs of journalists in an ever-changing media environment and these awards are confirmation that we are succeeding in our mission.”

Bron Eames FCIPR, Chair of CIPR Midlands, said “The Midlands PRide Awards is a true celebration of talent, best practice and endeavour. There is real pride in being part of our dynamic, thriving Midlands PR community. The mix of channels that we all use might be evolving, but the importance of strong strategic thinking, intelligent creativity and a demonstration of return on investment remains constant.”