Chesterfield is a place built on long-standing and far-reaching partnership networks, which are underpinned by a shared commitment to put our communities first.
We work together effectively to make a difference to the lives of people who live, work, study, visit and do business here – and are well positioned to make the most of the opportunities in front of us now, and in the future.
It was this shared vision, commitment, and drive to make things happen, that has been at the heart of our successful UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) story. In spring 2022 Chesterfield Borough Council secured a total of £2.693m to deliver a range of priority projects from December 2022 to March 2025. The programme was then extended for another year until March 2026, with a further £1.1 million allocated.
Our aspirations were set out in our investment plan to Government under the three key themes of the UKSPF initiative:
The council was identified as the lead authority for delivery – and we moved quickly to assemble key partners to form the UKSPF External Partnership Board, and ensure joint working was at the centre of our approach.
Together we joined forces with a whole host of other local partners from the public, private, business, community and voluntary sectors, to bring our shared plans to life and make a real difference on the ground.
Under the communities and place theme, we have supported our people and encouraged places to thrive, with grassroots projects that have touched lives across all generations and within some of the most deprived areas in our borough – reigniting a sense of community and connection.
From budding business brains taking the first step to making their dreams a reality, to long standing local entrepreneurs building on existing success, our UKSPF business-focussed initiatives have helped drive growth, jobs, skills and innovation across the borough – building a lasting legacy for success.
And at the heart of our work under the people and skills theme is opportunity; providing tailored employment and skills support to break down the barriers to work or offer support to cultivate career aspirations for the future.
It was a great privilege to act as Chair of this partnership. Here we reflect on the success of all of our collective achievements over the past few years, following the UKSPF programme ending in March 2026.
The power of the partnerships we formed will make a lasting impact on the borough. I am proud to say that since the beginning of the UKSPF programme in 2022 to its close in 2026, £3.794 million has been allocated to a variety of worthwhile and inspiring businesses and community organisations, as well as individuals that have each been able to build and develop in a range of positive ways.
Councillor Tricia Gilby Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Chair of the UKSPF External Partnership Board.
| Making a difference, together - Chesterfield’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund Achievements 2022 to 2026 |  (PDF 2.68 MB) |
