News

New Partnership to Deliver Cutting-Edge CPD Courses for Business Executives

Written by In Professional Development | 14 March 2024

This strategic collaboration combines the academic excellence of the University of Derby with the innovative training solutions provided by In Professional Development, providing individuals and organisations with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving job market.


This integration will ensure that those who attend the courses are equipped not only with academic qualifications but also with practical skills that are highly sought after by employers.

The collaboration will extend beyond the classroom (face-to-face and virtual), offering tailored professional development solutions to organisations seeking to upskill their workforce. Through workshops, seminars, and customised training programmes, employees can enhance their expertise in key areas such as leadership, project management, digital marketing and more, driving organisational growth and success.

The partnership combines the University’s expertise in industry-focused teaching and state-of-the-art facilities, with In Professional Development’s experience in delivering executive education and its reputation as one of the largest providers of Chartered Management Institute (CMI) qualifications outside of universities.

The first course to launch will be the Executive Leadership Programme, designed to help business leaders unlock potential through transformative leadership for Executives.

As the partnership develops, more courses will be added, including industry-specific options.

The new partnership is the first step in the creation of a residential hub for CPD in Chesterfield, where the University has a teaching site. Courses will also be delivered at the University’s sites in Derby, with a conference for School and Academy leaders planned in June.

Commenting on the partnership, Samantha Deakin, Head of Enterprise at the University of Derby, said:

“Our partnership with In Professional Development is a strategic boost to our already strong offering in executive education. Our range of CMI-accredited degrees, from undergraduate Business Management to MBAs, along with our successful business-to-business training initiatives, sets a strong foundation for this collaboration.

“This move is about enriching the way we educate business leaders. The partnership will blend In Professional Development’s extensive connections and industry insights with our academic and research expertise, offering a unique and relevant learning experience. It’s about taking our commitment to top-quality education to the next level and adapting to the changing needs of the business world.”

Marc Davis, Executive Director of In Professional Development, said:

“We are excited to partner with the University of Derby to deliver high-quality professional development solutions that meet the evolving needs of individuals and organisations. By combining our expertise in training and development with the University’s academic resources, we aim to create a seamless pathway for individuals to enhance their skills and achieve their career goals.”

This partnership underlines the shared commitment of both institutions to fostering lifelong learning and empowering individuals to reach their full potential in the workforce.

For more information about the University of Derby, visit https://www.derby.ac.uk/