Through her dedication to the Deaf community, she has had many incredible achievements both locally and nationally.
Lisa joined Derby College Group in September 2004 as Operations Manager – Deaf Access, a newly created role at the time.
Over the next two decades, she would go on to build, lead and develop a service that has transformed access, inclusion and opportunity for deaf students across the college.
A Registered Qualified Sign Language Interpreter (RQSLI) since 1997 and a qualified Communication Support Worker (CSW) since 1996, Lisa has been a consistent and respected presence in deaf education and support both locally and nationally.
She has maintained her professional interpreter status throughout her career, an achievement she describes as one of her proudest.
During her time at DCG, Lisa managed a wide range of services, including the Deaf Access team, British Sign Language (BSL) curriculum and tutors, college counsellors, learning support specialist equipment, funding, and the bursary team.
She also gained teaching qualifications and served as Course Leader and lecturer on the CSW course, helping to train the next generation of professionals supporting deaf learners.
Colleagues giving Lisa a send-off
Her influence extended beyond the college. Lisa was a committee member of The National Association of Tertiary Education of Deaf People (NATED) from 2005, contributing to the development of national standards for Communication Support Workers, and served as a trustee of ADEPT from its inception in 2014 until its closure in 2019.
Lisa’s career began in 1993 at Wilmorton College, and she has been commuting from Loughborough to Derby for more than three decades.
Before joining DCG, she worked across several colleges in Derbyshire, progressing through roles to become Communications Manager and a member of the senior leadership team.
Reflecting on her career, Lisa said:
“I am proud to say I have managed the Deaf Access team for the full 21 years I have worked here.
“Qualifying as a Sign Language Interpreter in 1997 is still the achievement I am most proud of, and I’ve loved passing on everything I can to the teams who will take this work forward.
“It’s now time to move into a new phase of my life, one where I don’t need to set an alarm clock.”
One of Lisa’s proudest legacies at DCG is the team she leaves behind. Eight members of staff who joined her when she started in 2004 remain in post today, and she has spent recent months carefully handing over responsibilities to ensure a smooth transition for colleagues and students alike.
Aaron Denton, Director at Derby College Group, said:
“On behalf of the team and Derby College Group, I want to thank Lisa for her incredible dedication and long-standing service to DCG, and for her even greater contribution to the deaf community.
“Her passion, commitment, and unwavering support have made a lasting impact on countless lives.
“We are truly grateful for everything she has achieved and the legacy she leaves behind.”
Through her leadership, advocacy and deep understanding of deaf culture, Lisa has helped shape lasting improvements in access, standards and opportunity for deaf learners, not just at Derby College Group, but across the wider further education sector.
As she steps into retirement, Lisa is looking forward to a new chapter, but her impact on Derby College Group and the wider deaf community will continue to be felt for years to come.
