In October 2012, the old heliport, serving both St Mary’s and Tresco, ceased operations after almost 50 years; operators British International Helicopters cited rising costs and falling passenger numbers for the decision.

NHS England have asked local areas to draw up plans (Sustainability and Transformation Plans – STP) to integrate health and care services in order to treat people closer to home, better manage demand on NHS services and keep better controls on health budgets.

Derek has discussed the wide-spread concern of speeding in rural villages with Devon and Cornwall's Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez.

Following a drop-in surgery in St Ives in January 2016, Carbis Bay pharmacist Claire Field alerted Derek to the potential impact on independent community pharmacists of proposed changes to the funding arrangements for community pharmacy provision.

Late in 2015, members of the St Ives Coastal Community Team approached Derek, asking for support in their bid for Growth Deal funding to create a Workstation hub for the digital sector at the disused Malakoff building enjoying spectacular views of St Ives harbour.

The college’s dilapidated buildings, particularly on the Upper Site, have been a cause for concern for many years.