Jackie Brocklehurst
SUSAN AMBLER: We now come to our honorary award. These awards are given by the University in recognition of somebody who has made a very significant contribution in their particular field. I now have great pleasure in inviting Professor Neil Fowler, Provost (Learning & Teaching), to give the commendation for the conferment of an Honorary Master of the University to Jackie Brocklehurst. Professor Fowler.
PROFESSOR NEIL FOWLER: Vice-Chancellor, His Majesty's Vice Lord Lieutenant of the County of Derbyshire, High Sheriff of Derbyshire, Mayor of Derby, Honoured guests, Graduates and Graduands of 2026, and all our guests here today, it gives me great pleasure to be presenting Jackie Brocklehurst for the award of Honorary Master of Science.
Jackie has recently retired from a distinguished 43 year career as a registered nurse, working across a wide range of health and social care settings in acute and community services in the Midlands. Her outstanding contribution to the profession demonstrates a deep commitment to patient care, professionalism, the advancement of the nursing workforce, and a lifelong dedication to improving opportunities and outcomes for others.
Jackie was born and grew up in Nottingham. On leaving school, she studied for a Certificate in General Nursing at Nottingham School of Nursing, completing this qualification in 1985, setting her on a pathway to a career with the NHS in frontline clinical roles and managerial positions across Nottinghamshire.
Jackie progressed her studies, completing a BSc (Hons) in Community Healthcare Nursing (District Nursing) here at the University of Derby, followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Inter-Professional Learning, Mentoring and Assessment, enjoying her graduation at the Assembly Rooms. So today marks her first Pride Park experience and celebration.
She progressed into a series of senior workforce development roles, including working for Health Education England. There she established the East Midlands Collaborative Network, which brought together 22 employers and four universities and successfully led to the application to become a test site for 300 trainee Nursing Associates.
During the Covid 19 pandemic, she provided clinical leadership across the Midlands to support the deployment of nursing students to meet the workforce pressures in the NHS. This resulted in Jackie leading the Long Covid Nurse Education Programme for Health Education England.
At the point of her retirement in 2025, Jackie held the role of Assistant Director of Clinical Leadership & Education (Nursing & Midwifery) for NHS England. In this role, she promoted innovation across the region, and ensured that NHS services had an inclusive nursing and midwifery workforce with the knowledge, skills and values to deliver compassionate, high-quality care.
In recognition of her commitment to high standards of care and continuous improvement, Jackie was awarded the prestigious Queen's Nurse Award in 2017, a mark of excellence within community nursing.
Jackie has supported many developments within our nursing programmes here at the University and has strengthened our connections, most recently facilitating a visit from the Chief Nursing Officer for England. She remains a true advocate for the University of Derby and a valued friend.
Beyond her professional achievements, Jackie has made a considerable civic contribution to the region as well. For almost 40 years she has volunteered with Girlguiding, promoting the empowerment of girls and young women and fostering the attributes of leadership, confidence and resilience so important to both the nursing profession and wider society. Her service as Deputy Chief Commissioner for the Midlands and Trustee for Girlguiding Midlands reflect her enduring commitment to community and to nurturing of future generations.
Joining Jackie to celebrate today are her husband Clive, mother Elsie, and son and daughter Nicholas and Laura.
Vice-Chancellor, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to nursing and her enduring support for the University, we are delighted to award Jackie Brocklehurst, the honorary degree of Master of Science.
JACKIE BROCKLEHURST: Vice-Chancellor, High Sheriff of Derbyshire, His Majesty's Vice Lord Lieutenant of the County of Derbyshire, Mayor of Derby, honoured guests, Graduates of 2026 and all of our guests, I am extremely honoured to be here to receive this award.
I'd like to thank the University of Derby for believing in me, your encouragement and support during my time as a student in Derby helped to shape my NHS career.
I began my nurse training in 1982 working at Nottingham City Hospital. My first post in 1985 was a rotational post across medicine, surgery and health care the elderly. At the time, I was disappointed not to have been given a fixed ward. However, I later appreciated the clinical experience this opportunity gave me in preparation for working in the community setting.
I was the first in my family to attend university at the age of 33, with two young children under ten and a full time community nursing role. I could have not done this without the support of my husband and my family around me. Thank you.
I returned to the University to complete my studies to become practice teacher, which secured my interest in education and training. Nursing has given me a wonderful career. I have met some amazing people and had some wonderful opportunities and some challenges too. I have travelled across the UK and further afield, and I've been involved in some key workforce projects at both national and regional level.
I quickly learned the greater the challenge you face, the greater the reward and outcome at the end. Not everything may go right, but the learning that you have on that journey is what matters.
The establishment of the Nursing Associate role across the East Midlands is one of my proudest achievements. I learned so much as we developed the new role from an initial concept with Health Education England to being a regulated professional role by the Nursing & Midwifery Council. I'd like to thank the University of Derby for being my critical friend during this period, and supporting the implementation of the role.
Education, training and learning in the clinical setting has been a passion and a golden thread in every role I have held. There is no better feeling than the strive for improvement and to support others to develop.
Graduates of 2026, congratulations on your achievement. Enjoy your day to day with your family and your friends. Celebrate your achievements. Find your passion and follow it. See every challenge as a learning opportunity. I wish you all the best in your careers.
I would like to congratulate the University on your recent recognition of University of the Year following positive student feedback. A wonderful and well-deserved award.
Finally, earlier this year, I lost my father, who was one of my greatest advocates. He supported me throughout my career and despite never really understanding what I did in my more senior roles. Thank you for this award of Honorary Master of Science, I would like to dedicate this award to my father, Norman Peet.
SUSAN AMBLER: Thank you so much for that speech and for the messages of the importance of lifelong learning and of continued connection to the University.
Jackie Brocklehurst's commendation video
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