First cohorts of PEQF officers graduate from Bangor University

The first cohorts of North Wales Police PEQF students graduated with a professional policing qualification from Bangor University this week.

Launched in 2020, the collaboration between NWP and the university has allowed new recruits to combine academic learning with work-placed learning.

This dual pathway scheme provides formal recognition for the skills demonstrated by today’s police professionals and the demands placed on them by an increasingly complex working environment.

A total of 31 students have now completed their period of study, with many achieving exceptional grades.

Of this group, 17 individuals achieved a Distinction - which represents 55% of the graduating officers.

Representing North Wales Police, Chief Officers and senior police staff attended the group’s graduation ceremonies on Monday, 10 July and Tuesday, 11 July.

Monday’s ceremony saw 10 officers graduate, while Tuesday’s group comprised 13 officers split between individuals on Direct Entry Detective pathways and those on Special Constable to PC routes.

 

Images: Bangor University

Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said: “I would like to congratulate all our PEQF graduates on their excellent results and commend them for their hard work and commitment to learning.

‘‘These officers, who bring with them a variety of skills, will work with us to deliver the best possible service to our communities.

“Policing is all about public service and duty, and these officers will play an integral part in keeping residents across North Wales safe. I wish them all the best in their careers.

“Being a police officer is a varied and rewarding career and I’m sure these officers have a great future ahead of them.”

Julie Brierley, Head of Learning and Development for North Wales Police, said: “Seeing our first intake of both PCDA and DHEP officers graduate is a very proud moment for North Wales Police and Bangor University.

“They have achieved their qualifications and served on front line duties, despite the challenges of the global pandemic that impacted on everyone.

“They had to be very adaptable and resilient with their first years in NWP and this should be commended.

Policing is a dynamic service which operates in a complex and rapidly changing environment, it’s very important that our officers receive the best possible training to equip them for a career serving the public.

“The blend of operational and academic learning gives them a comprehensive grounding in all areas of policing.

“I know how much hard work and dedication has been required from these officers and I wish them all the very best in their new careers.”

Martina Feilzer, Dean, College of Arts, Humanities and Business said: “Congratulations to the first cohort of police constables graduating from the Police Education Qualifications Framework collaboration between Bangor University and North Wales Police.

“Our commitment to the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeships and Degree Holder Entry Programme has seen a step change in professional education and operational policing, recognising the skills and demands of today's police professionals.

“This collaborative partnership brings immense benefits not only to our organisations but to the communities we serve.”

Dr Tim Holmes, Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Policing at Bangor University, added: “We are proud of our first cohort of students to graduate from the PEQF programmes – their patience whilst we were developing the new degrees and hard work and commitment is a testament to their professionalism.

“We are also grateful for the good partnership working with colleagues in North Wales Police’s training department.”

Images: Bangor University