Bev bows out – but leaves a lasting legacy

Earlier this month, Bev Crighton retired from her role as a lecturer at the University of Derby. She has been a familiar face to many in the Marketing Derby Bondholder community over the years, regularly attending its events and leaving a lasting impression on all who have met her – particularly her students. As that Bondholder community wishes her a long and happy retirement, here, in her own words, she reflects on her career.

Hi, Bev. Firstly, tell us a bit about yourself and your career.

I am a proud Essex girl who was told by her careers teacher at school to marry well as you are not very bright – red rag to a bull!

I had to prove them wrong and – despite my dyslexia – I am happy with what I have achieved.

From an early career in banking (the only place that would pay for the equivalent of a first degree) to newspapers (a temp job that lasted over 20 years) to now 20 years in higher education, including private and public sector universities, my theme has always been supporting people to be the best version of themselves.

I also believe in asking for forgiveness not permission, and love to watch others thrive, particularly young people.

You’ve spent many years working in the education sector – what are the positive changes you’ve seen?

Education should be for all. It’s the route out of poverty and opens doors to opportunity.

When I wanted to go to university I couldn’t afford to, so one positive change would be access for all.

Other things are that universities have become aware that academic skills are not enough, practical application and business engagement were dirty words when I started – now they are the norm and that’s so helpful for students who need employment.

It is also good that universities are recognising that neurodiversity is not a disability but a superpower in many cases.

I was told that because of my dyslexia, I would never be able to teach (I can’t write on a board) but I have won awards for my teaching, where I get others to write on the dreaded board and it encourages engagement, allowing those who feel shy about their tendencies to feel supported.

Bringing the worlds of education and business together is seen as vitally important in preparing our young people for the ‘real world’ of work. What work have you done in this area?

When I first came to Derby I was seconded to a mythical role – go out and connect students to businesses however you can.

It was so much fun. Every business is a business (sounds obvious) so I could talk to anyone (I am not backward in coming forwards where talking is concerned!) and convince them that they wanted to work with students in curriculum or take them on for internships or just talk to them to support them.

We devised Network of Entrepreneurs, An audience with … etc – all events that got businesses into uni and students to mix with them.

It never felt like work! Some days I was at a breakfast meeting, then a lunchtime networking event and an evening awards ceremony. Most weeks 60 hours was the norm.

I took students to events (sometimes buying them dinner jackets) and my boss called me the honest broker.

The key was always to make sure that the businesses got as much as the students did out of any work we did.

The ability to network is a key skill – how important has Marketing Derby been in supporting this?

I could not have done my job without Marketing Derby and the team.

My boss stood at a Marketing Derby event that first year and asked me how many of the businesses I knew. I said about 30.

He then set my objectives: Year 1 – know 50% of the Bondholders, Year 2 100%.

He also said I had to get a student on Dragons’ Den and one on The Apprentice. I said ‘no’ to the latter, but we did get Ed Hollands on Dragons’ Den.

I took students to so many Marketing Derby events, got them integrated with the businesses.

I could catch up with people without having an actual appointment – and meet any new business that came to town.

On the subject of Marketing Derby, explain what your experience has been like of the Bondholder community and the events.

The word I would use is ‘supportive’. If I wanted a student to get specific support, the Bondholder community were always there.

Bondholders came to my events; sometimes paying for sponsorship when I had no budget.

If there are any words of wisdom you could impart to young people today preparing for their careers, what would it be?

I should not say this as an educator but it’s not what you know it’s who you know.

Tell us about your work with Derby County Community Trust.

I have always loved the trust and the work they do. So, when the chance of working there came up, I was very excited.

The education department is all about what I really value – education for all.

From 16-plus, the trust offer education with a football and sport connection for those who may not have had the best opportunities – I love that ethic.

While I am now only doing an hour a week with one student, I still see the impact they have.

It’s magical to see a young person who has struggled in a regular school environment go through FE and HE and come out as a qualified coach with a degree and a good chance of a job .

Why are you retiring?

That’s a bit sad really. Those who know me know that I am/was extremely close to my mum, holidaying with her and going down south every three weeks to be with her.

We had planned that she would move here to the Richmond retirement village, and I was retiring to spend more time with her.

Sadly, we lost her in February. She was my role model, independent, resilient and entrepreneurial.

So, a very different retirement beckons. I will be having some holidays and doing some gardening – I do love my garden!

I will also be carrying on with my board/trustee roles for Upbeat Clean, Sinfonia Viva and Erewash Partnership, as well as an ambassador role for Safe and Sound.

I will also be calling in all those coffees that people have said they will get me – now I am a pensioner!

And who knows – there may be another sparkly thing in the corner that catches my eye. I do like a sparkly thing to get my teeth into!

What will you miss the most?

The students – they are what I do it for. I love watching them blossom, they make my heart sing. I will also miss the amazing people I have worked with over the years there – too many to mention but they know who they are!

WHAT BONDHOLDERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT BEV

“Thank you, Bev, for making my last year in Derby such an exciting time. Whether it was taking me to events, showing me the best way to network, or teaching me what it means to truly care about the people you are responsible for, your example and passion for your job were infectious and have stayed with me since that time.”

— Jordan Wilkey, University of Derby Alumni

“Bev has offered support to so many as a business connector, her abilities have allowed for many businesses to develop across the city. Bev’s value as a friend and an ear to bend has been priceless.”

— Claire Twells, Smith Partnership

“Bev is an inspirational and skilful operator. Her breadth of business experience and superior level of connections is matched only by the kind generosity of her heart.”

— Pete Ellse, Cosy Direct

“Bev has the rare ability of combining genuine encouragement with constructive challenge, and at the same time building genuine relationships wherever she goes.”

— Michael Gladwell, Upbeat Clean

“I will be forever grateful to Bev for her wisdom, encouragement, connections and kindness that she showed me when I set up my business. Bev was a constant cheerleader for me and my business, and I wish her joy in her well-deserved retirement.”

— Sarah Loates, Loates HR

“Auntie Bev just made me feel welcome in the Derby business world from the off, always giving me the direction and support needed. We love you Auntie Bev!”

— Dean Jackson MBE, HUUB