Derby hosts international health and social care conference with key focus on diversity and inclusion

Issues of diversity and social inclusion within health and social care will be addressed internationally at an upcoming conference being hosted by the University of Derby.

A key way in which the Consortium of Institutes of Higher Education in Health and Rehabilitation in Europe (COHEHRE) meets its aims and objectives is through an annual conference.

The University of Derby’s College of Health and Social Care will host the COHEHRE Conference for the first time. This includes a dedicated student conference from Monday, April 11 to Friday, April 15, that will focus on the issues of diversity and social inclusion in health and social care.

A staff conference will also run from Wednesday, April 13 to Friday, April 15, with a theme of: ‘Learning and Practising Respect and Solidarity for All.’ Academics will explore a number of topics across the week, including: innovative methods for teaching, evaluating student professional behaviour in practice and, becoming an inspiring coach.

Dr Jamie Bird, Head of the Department of Therapeutic Practice at Derby, said: “The College of Health and Social Care is honoured to be hosting the COHEHRE Conference for the first time. This prestigious week of workshops, keynote lectures and events is key to raising awareness of the issues of diversity and social inclusion in the sector.

“Over 100 academics and 50 students from across Europe are expected to visit Derby, allowing us to showcase the city’s strengths, engage them in future opportunities and build new relationships internationally.”

Professor Kath Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor, and Dr Paula Crick, Dean of the College of Health and Social Care at the University of Derby, will open the conference. Mid-Derbyshire MP Pauline Latham will close the proceedings.

Several academics at the University of Derby will deliver workshops and lectures throughout the conference, which will also accommodate a number of international keynote speakers, including:

• Karen Van de Putte, Head of Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and, Griet de Smet, Head of Bachelor of Audiology, at Artevelde University College
• Eti de Vries, Lecturer and Researcher for the Institute of Engineering at Hanze University of Applied Sciences
• Aija Ahokas, Senior Advisor for International Relations at Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
• Professor Mark Johnson, Emeritus of Diversity in Health and Care at De Montfort University Leicester.

Dr Paula Crick added: "Our staff and students are delighted to be taking part and hosting the COHEHRE Conference this year as it provides a great opportunity to showcase the wealth of knowledge the University and, Derby as a whole, has in the health and social care sector.

“We’ll also be highlighting the fantastic work our students and the College does, particularly around the issues of diversity and inclusion.”

COHEHRE will take place at the Enterprise Centre in Bridge Street, Derby.