Making Policing Fit For the Future – PCC Emma Wools’ ‘Summer Placement Training Programme’

Making Policing Fit For the Future – PCC Emma Wools’ ‘Summer Placement Training Programme’ Ensuring the Workforce Truly Reflects the Communities We Serve

South Wales Police Crime and Justice Plan Priority 5: Policing Fit for the Future – Positive Action Summer Placement Training Programme  

Congratulations to Rayhana and Ali, two of our amazing Summer Placement Training Programme Alumni!  

Delivering the Vision 

One of the key priorities of PCC Emma Wools’ vision to deliver a safe, just and inclusive South Wales for all, PCC Emma Wools committed to the ‘Summer Placement Training Programme’ a scheme for young people from our communities, to come and experience working within South Wales Police over the Summer.  

The Placement Programme gives young people across our communities a unique insight into the role and responsibilities of their Police and Crime Commissioner, it also equips them with vital work experience and the opportunity to push forward their career opportunities in the future.  

Core to the PCC’s belief and commitment to the people of South Wales that the workforce truly reflects the wonderfully diverse communities we serve, the PCC’s Placement Programme is an invaluable scheme which highlights the different entry routes into South Wales Police, aiming to inspire, encourage, and prepare young people from diverse communities with the long-term aim of increasing the diversity of our workforces, helping to enhance the capability and capacity of delivering a high-quality performance for our diverse communities in South Wales.  

The Commissioner welcomed two Students into her team over the summer months, who both had opportunities for personal and professional growth, to network with different departments, students, and stakeholders, build their knowledge of the OPCC, policing, and roles within policing, and participate in community events led by their interests.  

All 13 students in the Programme received input on the Commissioner’s responsibilities, her story, background, & drivers, and were invited to attend a development session on her Children and Young Person’s Police, Crime and Justice Plan, the first of its kind across England and Wales.  

Ali and Rayhana said:  

“I gained a clear understanding of the PCC’s role, built skills in research and communication, and grew in confidence while contributing to projects that support local communities. We had many days where we had the opportunity to go out in different communities in South Wales which gave me a clear understanding of the importance of this role.”  

“During my placement, I learned that the responsibilities of the PCC go far beyond community engagement. Each time we met with different teams working on Emma’s priorities, they actively invited our thoughts and opinions on their ideas and proposals. This made me feel that our voices genuinely mattered and highlighted their commitment to engaging with communities of all ages, races, and backgrounds”.   

The Commissioner said:  

“Firstly, I want to thank Rayhana and Ali for their amazing contribution of working in my office over the Summer, it was truly inspiring to see their commitment and dedication to learn and experience the world of work over their summer holidays! Congratulations both, we’re all very proud of you!  I’m committed to using my role as your PCC to support children and young people to strive and achieve their potential, the Summer Placement Programme is exactly the type of scheme I want to develop to ensure our Police Force truly represents the communities we serve. Crucially, I also want to ensure young people from across our communities in South Wales can apply, learn and experience what working for South Wales Police is all about. Furthering their knowledge and understanding and gaining vitally important experience for their own personal journeys.”