|
Around 100 investors and business leaders gathered at our Invest in Derbyshire Innovation and Opportunity Summit 2026 held at Toyota in Burnaston yesterday to showcase how much our fantastic county has to offer investors.
Neil Crittenden, our Chief Executive, pictured, set out Derbyshire’s unique position at the forefront of UK industry, innovation and sustainable growth, marking the start of a concerted effort to build on Derbyshire’s reputation as a home for industries critical to the future of the regional and national economy.
📸Alex Wilkinson Media.
Key changes to Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet team have been officially announced today (Friday 8 May).
County Council Leader Councillor Alan Graves has unveiled his new Cabinet team, with some new faces and also changes to some of the Cabinet portfolio titles.
The changes to the top team come one year after the Reform UK group won control of the administration of the county council following local elections.
Councillor Graves remains as Leader of the Council and has a new Deputy Leader, Councillor Stephen Reed, who replaces Councillor Rob Reaney in the deputy role.
Councillor Graves said: “We have been running the council for one year now and have overseen many changes which I believe will benefit the people of Derbyshire. The new faces on my Cabinet team will help us to take this good work forward, and the changes to some of the portfolios better reflects our focus and priorities."
All the changes announced will come into effect on Monday (11 May).
This Foster Care Fortnight, which is from Monday 11 May to Sunday 24 May, we’re celebrating the vital role our carers play in transforming young lives.
One of our foster carers who is sharing her story to raise awareness of fostering and encourage more people to consider opening up their homes is Hayley.
She said: “The biggest win is when a child starts to listen to you and takes on board what you’ve been saying.
“I’ve had a long-term foster daughter for 10 years and after she moved out she told me: ‘You were right about everything'. And that, as any parent knows, is just amazing.”
Lee also shared his pride of seeing a young person grow in confidence:
“Our first lad joined a local rugby team, and I remember him playing a match where he was captain, he was roaring everyone on and leading the team. It really made me smile.
“You hope that one day they’ll look back on those times – the matches, the car journeys, the experiences – and remember that there were people there who cared and wanted to help.”
Maybe you’ve been inspired to think about fostering? To find out more visit Foster for East Midlands Councils or call 03033 132 950.
|
One of our personal assistants at Derbyshire County Council, who is also an RAF reservist, has been deployed for four months to carry out full-time duties for her squadron in Lincolnshire.
 Gina has worked for us for 11 years and is currently a PA to our cabinet members.
She joined the 2503 Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadron as a reservist in 2021, based at RAF Waddington and, after completing basic training and initially starting as RAF Police, Gina switched trades to become an HR People Specialist.
Mum-of-three Gina, who has the rank AS1, (Air Specialist Class1), has been carrying out her RAF duties at weekends and during annual leave. She also uses two weeks' special leave granted annually as part of our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces.
Completing phase 2 of her training in 2022, Gina had the honour of being selected with other members of her squadron to be part of the procession at the Coronation of King Charles III in London in May 2023.
She has now been mobilised for four months to support her Sergeant with HR duties for the squadron.
Gina has been praised for her reservist role by our Council Leader, Councillor Alan Graves and our Armed Forces Champion Councillor Tony Wilson.
If you're exploring the Peak District this weekend – or any time – please remember that barbecues and fires of any kind are banned.
Only last week there was a large wildfire on moorland near Snake Pass. Nine fire crews were needed to get it under control.
The Peak District National Park landscape is of global environmental importance, with large expanses of moor, blanket bog and upland heath. We all have to do our part to protect these moorlands from damage by wildfires, which are now increasingly common throughout the year.
Barbecues, disposable barbecues, stoves or any form of open fire and flame are not allowed in parks or the open countryside anywhere in the Peak District and Derbyshire Dales.
Wherever you're visiting in the Derbyshire countryside, avoid the risk of starting a wildfire by leaving the barbecue at home and taking a picnic instead.
|
Did you know you can boost your skills, confidence and wellbeing at work with the help of our Derbyshire Adult Education Service (DACES)?
Learning at Work Week takes place from 18 to 24 May 2026, and this year’s theme, Many Ways to Learn, celebrates the idea that learning can happen anywhere, at any pace and in many different forms.
It’s a national campaign that encourages people to explore new skills, build self-assurance and take positive steps in their personal and professional development.
Local employers can also strengthen their workforce with DACES workplace learning.
Across Monday 18 to Sunday 24 May, we'll be sharing a programme of tasters, workshops and opportunities designed to support adults, employees and small businesses.
|
Thanks to everyone who has so far taken part in our consultation to have their say about a proposal to close Glossop Household Waste Recycling Centre and a range of other cost-saving options at all Derbyshire recycling centres.
If you haven’t yet given your views – don’t worry. There’s still plenty of time to fill in our questionnaire before the closing date on 23 July 2026.
You can fill in our questionnaire online, print off a paper copy, pick one up from any Derbyshire library or call 01629 533190 for a copy to be posted to you.
In partnership with Derby City Council we've concluded a procurement process to appoint a contractor to fix and operate Derby and Derbyshire waste treatment centre, and no contract will be awarded at this time.
Companies Biffa and Thalia were invited, as suitably qualified providers, to progress to the Competitive Dialogue phase of the procurement in March last year.
This marked a significant step in the joint project with Derby City Council to secure a long-term waste management solution for Derby and Derbyshire, with a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and value for residents.
Both companies engaged constructively throughout the process, working with us to clarify, develop and refine their proposals to repair and operate the existing facility on Sinfin Lane.
Feedback from the process indicated that the technology at the facility is viable and that the site could be rectified. However, it was not possible to reach agreement on the commercial terms of the contract and neither bidder submitted a final tender.
As a result, we've decided not to extend the procurement process or continue further dialogue and the process will now be formally closed.
|
