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Civic Awards

The annual Civic Awards Reception was introduced in 2024 and is a special event designed to recognise and celebrate brilliant staff and community members who make a real difference to Derby and Derbyshire. 

Award nominations are now open and close at midday on Thursday 4 June 2026

All the nominations will be peer reviewed by the Civic Awards Panel to select the winner. Winners will be invited to the University of Derby Annual Civic Awards Reception at Derby Theatre, on Thursday 2 July 2026 to celebrate their awards.

Details of each award of the award categories and links to the nomination forms can be found on this page. If you have any questions or require the information in a different format, please email civic@derby.ac.uk

A video capturing the 2025 Civic Awards Ceremony

View Civic Awards Video video transcript

A University civic event, with people smiling and picking up refreshments

Civic Hero

You are invited to nominate a person, or group, who has undertaken an incredible civic act. The Civic Hero Award was introduced in 2024 by the Civic team at the University of Derby, designed to recognise and celebrate brilliant staff and stakeholders who make a real difference.

Click here to nominate Click here to nominate
David Walsh stood in front of a University of Derby backdrop holding a Civic Award certificate

Civic and Community Leader of the Year

This award, sponsored by Derby Theatre and In Good Company, recognises and celebrates Civic and Community Leaders and creatives on the ground across Derby and Derbyshire, who have been doing crucial work to strengthen and support local people and communities.

Click here to nominate Click here to nominate
Baggy Shanker and Catherine Atkinson

Intergenerational Volunteer Award

This award, supported by Catherine Atkinson MP and Baggy Shanker MP, designed to recognise and celebrate volunteering initiatives and groups that benefit the community across Derby and Derbyshire.

Click to nominate Click to nominate
A smiling man receiving a certificate at a civic awards ceremony

Lifelong Learning Award

This award, supported by the UK Network of Learning Cities, recognises and celebrated individuals and groups from across Derby and Derbyshire who support the lifelong learning initiatives and goals of the region.

Click here to nominateClick here to nominate