News / UWE Bristol
Partnership renewed to power up police education and training
UWE Bristol and Avon and Somerset Police have renewed their existing partnership for another 10 years to continue delivering high-quality police education and training.
Since 2019, more than 1,200 student officers have joined through programmes such as the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship and the Degree Holder Entry Programme.
The partnership has continued to grow, with an expanding portfolio that now includes the Professional Policing Degree, the Applied Criminal Justice Top-Up and the new Diploma in Professional Studies, offering flexible and inclusive routes into policing careers.
is needed now More than ever
Professor Peter Clegg, dean of the school of social sciences at UWE Bristol, said: “This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration between higher education and policing.
The courses are aimed at preparing officers for the challenges of modern day policing – photo: Martin Booth
“Together, we are shaping the future of policing by equipping officers with the academic knowledge, practical skills, and ethical grounding needed to serve diverse communities.
“As both institutions look ahead, they remain committed to innovation, inclusion, and preparing the next generation of officers to serve with professionalism and integrity.”
Working together, Avon and Somerset Police and UWE Bristol have enhanced their programmes to maximise the time student officers spend on patrol, sharpen operational readiness and better integrate lived experiences from local communities.
The announcement follows the national launch of The RESPECT Project, a pioneering initiative aimed at transforming police training in the UK by incorporating the lived experiences of racism among children.
The launch in February, held at May Park Primary School in Eastville, was attended by representatives from Avon and Somerset Police and UWE Bristol academics, including lead researcher Dr Verity Jones.
The RESPECT project, which involved over 1,000 primary-aged children from diverse communities, highlighted perceptions of the police among those groups.
The carefully curated courses highlight key aspects of modern policing which includes community engagement. Leaders from both institutions reaffirmed their shared commitment to preparing officers for the challenges of modern policing through innovative and inclusive education.
Louise Hutchison, chief people officer at Avon and Somerset Police, said: “Renewing this partnership reflects our long-term investment in professionalising the police workforce through education and meaningful development.
“These programmes are not just about qualifications; they’re about building confidence, capability, and a culture that values continuous learning across the service.”
Main photo: Barbara Evripidou
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
