Chris Derbyshire, Partnerships Manager in the Widening Participation team, has won the prestigious NEON (National Education Opportunities Network) Contribution to Widening Access Award. The award was announced at a special ceremony held at the Palace of Westminster on Wednesday 3 June and presented by Gareth Snell MP.
The NEON Awards celebrate excellence in widening access to higher education, and this national recognition reflects the significant impact of Chris’s work.
Chris said: “It should go without saying that this award is reflective of the collective input and brilliance of many colleagues, stakeholders, and organisations whom I have had the privilege to work with across the years. I respect the value of the award and am very pleased to receive it – but just a massive thank you to all I have worked with."
In his role, Chris supports young people to make informed decisions about their education. His work spans a wide range of initiatives, including projects for young people with experience of care, ‘at risk’ boys, and young carers. He has also contributed to work supporting trainee teachers to develop a more nuanced understanding of class-based demographics, alongside delivering widening access activity across primary, secondary and tertiary education.
A key feature of his portfolio is the GTRSB (Gypsies, Travellers, Roma, Showmen and Boaters) pledge - Sussex’s flagship commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment in which GTRSB students can thrive. The award win for Chris coincides with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month - find out about the work the Widening Participation team is doing to mark this in June.