Derby’s Director of Public Health has been awarded an Honorary Doctor by the University of Derby for her outstanding contribution to the city throughout the pandemic.

Dr Robyn Dewis, Director of Public Health at Derby City Council will receive the honorary award from the university alongside 7,000 students who will be graduating this Autumn.

Robyn, and her team, have worked tirelessly over the last 18 months in an effort to help protect our city and keep Derby residents safe from the COVID-19 virus. She has been involved in the setting up vaccination and rapid testing centres across the city and worked with colleagues at Derby City Council to help spread the messaging of the ‘Let’s do the right thing for Derby’ campaign.

Robyn has also become a local celebrity during the pandemic, being involved in endless radio, TV, and press interviews to provide vital updates to Derby citizens.

The face-to-face graduation ceremonies for the class of 2020 and 2021 will take place across 19 ceremonies between Wednesday 10 November and Thursday 18 November at Derby Arena.

Councillor Roy Webb, for Adults, Health and Housing at Derby City Council, said:

We’re absolutely delighted that Robyn is being honoured in this special way. Her work for the city has been exceptional, particularly over the past 18 months during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a city and a Council, we have a lot to thank her for and we’re thrilled that the University of Derby has recognised the vital work she’s undertaken for Derby citizens.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said:

We are delighted to be hosting our first in-person graduation ceremonies since before the first government restrictions were implemented in March 2020. We will also be celebrating the achievements of our new honorands and recognising the positive impact they and their work has had on the region and beyond. Our honorands provide inspiration for the thousands of our graduating students who are about to embark on their careers or further academic study. Congratulations to all.

Robyn will receive her award from the University at a ceremony in November.