National Awards Finalists

March has been a huge month for us, and we wanted to shout about our achievements across a number of national awards. As a charity that works across Derbyshire, one of our core goals has always been to champion and strengthen volunteer and community groups across the region, and our success is only possible with the dedication and support these groups offer in return. So, whether you have been part of our journey from the start, or have only recently connected with us, thank you, and well done!

If you’re a business, community group, or charity that would like to collaborate with us, get in touch- we’d love to hear from you!

First of all, we are delighted to announce that our alliance with the University of Derby has been shortlisted as a finalist at the Student Nursing Times Awards 2023 in London for ‘Partnership of the Year’. We are honoured, as this is the largest student and nurse education award in the country and celebrates the achievements and innovations of individual nurses, organisations, and educators that support the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Since representatives from across the country submitted their cases earlier this year, those named as finalists were invited to present to the judging board in London last month to discuss the impact of what they do in further detail. The award recognises individual contributions from nursing students and staff, as well as awards for teaching innovation, best student experience (which we won last year!), as well as brilliant partnerships; such as our relationship with the University of Derby, and many more.

We feel privileged to be part of such an inspirational group of finalists and we were fortunate to have the opportunity to present our project in partnership with the University of Derby. Our story is one of exemplary collaboration and mutual benefit across the University, local community, volunteer groups, and the students themselves. In a true partnership, we help to raise the aspirations, skills, knowledge, understanding, and trust of all those we work with to deliver a better future for our nurses and communities through what we do.

Being named as a finalist puts us alongside other organisations, universities, and groups that represent the very best in the sector; those driving innovation and change to support the next generation of nursing. It’s an achievement worth sharing, and a group we’re excited to be a part of.

Being recognised as one of the best projects in the ‘Partnership of the Year’ category has enhanced our enthusiasm to continue our work with the University of Derby, and the communities and charities we work with, in Derbyshire and beyond. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication that goes into making the Community Chesterfield project a success, and we are excited for what the future holds. The winners will be announced at the end of April, and it’s a fantastic achievement to get this far once again.

We’re also excited to celebrate Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA) and the University of Derby being shortlisted for the Business Charity Awards for ‘Community Impact’. The awards showcase the remarkable partnership between corporate and not-for-profit organisations, such as our project.

Community Chesterfield is the partnership project between DVA and the University of Derby, and our position in the ‘Community Impact’ category recognises how students, staff, and community groups have, and continue to, work together to create meaningful connections with grassroots organisations, build relationships with local communities, deliver training programmes, and share powerful success stories. It celebrates how we have been able to use our resources and expertise to create positive change in Derbyshire.

Together, these honourable awards, which will be given at the national level, recognise the outstanding work done by DVA and the University of Derby in fostering leadership, education, and community service among students, volunteers, non-profit organisations, and businesses. Countless people's lives have been significantly impacted by their diligent efforts, which have also contributed to the development of stronger, more active communities around Derbyshire, will you join us in our continued success?