NEWS BACK TO SCHOOL


If you have ever wanted to study, with College of Policing Bursaries available now is the time to set your goals for 2023


If you have ever considered continuing your studies after your family or your force took priority, there’s no better starting point for your path to development than the College of Policing’s Bursary Scheme. Despite some common misconceptions, the scheme is open to everyone in policing – regardless of role or rank – and this year the college has approved its highest ever number of awards.


Since 2016:


• 59% of bursaries were awarded to PCs and sergeants


• 25% of those awarded bursaries were police staff


• 30% of successful applicants had never studied at degree level before


This year alone, support with fees - up to £4,000 – was given to 83 individuals drawn from forces across England and Wales to help them further their learning and carry out research into key areas of policing and crime prevention. Two of our previous bursary recipients, Jagwant Singh and Holly Bluck, have shared their stories to inspire others about how they overcame challenges balancing family, work, and study, and how their research is helping make a real difference to the people they serve day in and day out, on the frontline.


DS JAGWANT SINGH, Leicestershire Police, Police Federation Workplace Representative MSc in Police Leadership, Strategy &


Organisation, University of Derby


I wasn’t aware of the Bursary Scheme until I applied for my post-grad. As I had previously studied with colleagues from higher ranks, I felt it would be extremely competitive and that I would be disadvantaged somewhat due to my lower rank, which wasn’t the case at all. I encourage anyone considering further


study to apply for the scheme. Don’t see your role or rank as a barrier, as there is a wide range of criteria for eligibility. Undertaking studies with the support of a bursary will give you that extra bit of


separated from my husband a short time beforehand, I had to balance being a single parent with the demands of being a full- time police officer.


“This year alone, support with fees - up to £4,000 – was given to 83 individuals drawn from forces across England and Wales to help them further their learning”


confidence and financial reassurance, especially in the current climate we find ourselves in.


I focused on the effectiveness of e-learning in the workplace as part of my dissertation thesis. My learning and research have helped open opportunities for me, and I have been able to share my research with my force and the college. A year after completing my studies, I still have people approaching me about my research. This goes to show how much of an impact your work can have.


DC HOLLY BLUCK, West Midlands Police, BSC in Forensic Psychology, Open University


My main challenge was balancing study with a young child. Having George Barnsley


I had a lot of support from my family and friends and my line supervisor at the time helped me considerably. However, I had to be very organised and disciplined. I used annual leave throughout the academic calendar to ensure I had


study days at home and got very used to carrying study materials with me wherever I went, as even 20 minutes downtime during the day had to be used wisely. To anyone considering applying for the bursary, think hard about how your research links to policing and problem solving, and how you, as a practitioner, will add weight to knowledge.


Above all, be confident in your ability. As police officers, we often sell ourselves short and don’t always appreciate just how good we are at problem-solving and learning new things.


Applications open again in Spring 2023, so if you’re thinking now is the time to focus on your own professional development, consider what you would like to study and visit www.college.police. uk/research/support-research/college- bursary/before-you-apply


07 | POLICE | DECEMBER 2022


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