Last month, Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon & Somerset Police, Clare Moody, came into Weston College Sixth Form to deliver a guest lecture to our A Level Criminology students regarding her experiences and journey into the police.  

Clare has an extensive background in politics, working as a Member of the European Parliament in a range of committees, from Security and Defence, to Industrial Strategy, Research and Energy, and Gender Equality. She was also the Co-Chief Executive Officer at Equally Ours where she worked to combat equality issues. Clare has had many high-profile roles responding and resolving political issues and crisis before she became the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Avon & Somerset Police in 2024. 

During the guest lecture, Clare covered a wide range of key police issues including the priorities set out in the Police and Crime Plan, highlighting how her office works to ensure local policing reflects the needs and concerns of the community.  

She described her role as the Police and Crime Commissioner as the public voice of policing, acting as a bridge between the community and the police. She ensures the police are following rules, keeping the community safe, and supporting victims of crime, as well as guaranteeing the performance and strategic direction of policing to improve the criminal justice system. 

Additionally, Clare ensures that the force is held to account through independent panels and oversight of the Professional Standards Department. She also discussed her commitment to improving the police response to domestic violence, sharing that she has funded a detailed review into how Avon & Somerset Police handle these cases, with the aim of identifying and driving forward meaningful change. 

This invaluable insight gave our students a more in-depth look into a career in the police, giving them a better understanding of the protocols, roles and responsibilities, and plans for future improvements within the constabulary. 

Guest lectures are a great way for students to connect with employers and ask more specific questions to industry professionals. They allow students to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world events and listen to first-hand recounts of experiences within the role. This gives them a better idea of their options after completing their course and the qualifications and pathways required to achieve their goals. 

A big thank you to Clare Moody for taking the time to visit our students and share her experiences, acting as an excellent example of perseverance and resilience. 

This guest lecture forms part of the Sixth Form Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.  

Progress to the next level in Criminology and Public Services! At University Centre Weston (UCW) our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. Click here! 

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