Bedfordshire Police

Bedfordshire Police cover 477 square miles, serve a population of around 550,000 and employ in the region of 1,260 Police Officers, 950 police staff and 120 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).

The Police workforce also includes many dedicated volunteers, including 225 Special Constables and Cadets, who play a major role in helping to police Bedfordshire.

Vanessa Hollis, Head of Workforce Development said: “Here at Bedfordshire Police, our aim is "fighting crime and protecting the public" and we believe well trained staff are essential to achieving that aim.”

“We work with a number of educational facilities such as North Hertfordshire College, Barnfield College and Bedford College to ensure we can provide a comprehensive and effective training programme to our staff. We are also an accredited Centre with City & Guilds and the Chartered Management Institute which enables us to progress vocational and management qualifications.”   

Bedford College has worked with Bedfordshire Police to deliver a number of training courses.  The focus here is on NVQ level 4 Diploma in Business and Administration and the benefits to the individual and the organisation as a whole.

Philip Chandler (Planning and Performance Co-ordinator) explained that his role was integral to working with Bedford College to develop and deliver this training within Bedfordshire Police:

What is the value of training to the organisation?

Recognised qualifications are key to professionalism within the organisation, equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to do their jobs to the best of their ability.  Ultimately a well trained workforce means better performance.

Why did you choose Bedford College for the training?

We are keen to create links with local Colleges and this seemed an ideal opportunity to use Bedford College’s expertise to providing training.  It links to our aspiration to continually improve the skills of our professional workforce.

What was your experience in working with Bedford College?

Communication was excellent.  The training had to be organised quickly to meet deadlines and communication and information throughout was good.

How did your organisation benefit from this training?

The NVQ Level 4 Diploma offers individuals the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills to enable them to carry out their responsibilities with professionalism.

What has been the impact of this training on staff/your organisation?

A professional, well trained workforce that is supported by the organisation for their current and future roles at Bedfordshire Police.

Would you use Bedford College for future training?

We have had a good working relationship with Bedford College and we would consider using them again for this training if we were in a position to do so.

Tracey Wiles (Estates and Resources Officer) gained NVQ Level 4 Diploma in Business and Administration, after completing a course of study with Bedford College.

Tracey works in the Estates & Facilities Management Department of Bedfordshire Police, which manages the force estate and its operation. Her role covers a wide range of responsibilities including budget monitoring, processing of all invoices and assisting the tendering process for contracts. Additionally, she line-manages the force store-keeper.

The training offered flexibility of learning, with coursework completed at work (to meet the specific skills requirements of the job) and at home.

What did the training include?

Most of the training was coursework, with seven mandatory units and four chosen units.  This meant that I could concentrate on specific areas of my job, such as tendering, where I shadowed a colleague to gain knowledge and experience.

The reason I decided to study for the Diploma was to gain more knowledge about the tendering process.

Why did you choose Bedford College for this training?

I had already completed NVQ Level 2 with Bedford College and in studying for Level 4 was delighted that I retained the same tutor, Nicky lay-Flurrie, She was excellent.

Did the training meet your objectives?

I was keen to undertake this training and I had the support of my manager.  The skills I have learnt have widened my job responsibilities - a real benefit to the organisation.

I learnt a lot and it means that I now have a professional qualification that has enabled me to develop the responsibilities of my role.

What is the value of the training to you?

It gives me an additional qualification that is directly related to my job at Bedfordshire Police.

Do you have plans for future study?

I may consider a specific route such as Finance or Procurement.  Both are part of my current role but I may decide to specialise in one of these areas and that will mean undertaking further study.

Would you recommend Bedford College?

I know people who have undertaken NVQs with other training organisation and they have not had the positive experience that I have had with Bedford College.