Crime Commissioner champions colleges campaign

Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen signalled her support for #CollegesWeek2024 in a visit to the college today.

Criminology and Uniformed Services students are pictured with (left to right) Principal/CEO Shaun Hope, PCC Strategic Partnerships Manager Nicola Appleby, HE and Criminology Course Co-ordinator Katy Dixon and Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen.

Ms Allen met a group of Criminology and Uniformed Services students and staff, including Principal/CEO Shaun Hope, to discuss her education and career and highlight work experience opportunities within the force.

She also took part in a Q&A during the hour-long session, where she was asked about causal factors for crime including the cost-of-living crisis leading to increased shoplifting and how to apply for positions in the police service.

A huge champion of the further education sector, the former Tudhoe Grange Comprehensive pupil is herself a former college and university student. Hailing from Bishop Auckland, she has held a number of public sector roles in both local government and the emergency services.

Colleges Week (Monday February 26 to Friday 1 March) is focused on influencing, engaging and celebrating ahead of this year’s local, Mayoral and general elections.

The annual celebration of further education by the Association of Colleges (AoC) is calling for next week’s Budget to close the pay gap between school and college lecturers, extend the 16-18 tuition fund and reimburse VAT for colleges to start the journey to the introduction of the Advanced British Standard (ABS) in 2033.

Whoever the next government is, the AoC wants to make sure they are focused on ensuring colleges play an even bigger role in an inclusive, tolerant, welcoming, strong society and a growing and productive economy.

This week Bishop Auckland College and South West Durham Training will be supporting the campaign, with a series of visits from politicians, also including Sedgefield MP Paul Howell and the Bishop Auckland Labour Parliamentary Candidate Sam Rushworth.

We will also be hosting local business leaders as we showcase the work of the Bishop Auckland College Group and its ongoing efforts to boost the regional economy.

#CollegesWeek2024 #LoveOurColleges