Tanya Miles-Berry Nichola Cadet LCCJ

Context University employability strategy Revalidated degrees Ad-Hoc/informal engagement with employers

Where were we?  Practitioners in the staff group  ALs  1 module where students could gain credit for their experience (as special constables)  volunteer/employability fair  Staff precious about contacts?  Diversity of "the sector"

Where did we need to be?  Employability embedded throughout the degree  Strategic partnerships with key partners established  Consistency and credibility in the field  Meaningful engagement for students

What did we need to do?  Identify what the market is  Ascertain the level of interest  Collaborate within the subject group and across the department  Identify appropriate resources  Identify a wider range of potential partners

Group discussion  Where are you at?  Where do you need to be?  What do you need to do to get there?

What have we done? Identified 7 key strands where employers were needed throughout the course: 1. Developing simulation modules (at L5& 6) 2. Delivering 1-off, content specific lectures within modules 3. Offering "placement" opportunities/recruiting and training volunteers 4. Delivering career mentoring/assisting with enhancing employability skills 5. Describing career journeys 6. Delivering talks to the Hallam Criminological Society 7. Offering "prizes" at graduation

What's in it….. For us?For them?  Up to date knowledge of the CJS and their associated agencies  Value added to the subjects  Opportunities for students to consider employability from Level 4  Enhanced skills development  Access to the next pool of graduate "talent"  Better partnerships to aid the delivery of their organisational goals  Cold, hard cash!

Successes to date:  Networking event  Practitioners signed up to deliver elements of simulation modules  Students aligned to "placement" opportunities for which they can gain academic credit  Increased interest in career mentoring  Offers of help for developing interviewing skills and techniques  Site visits to local CJS agencies, e.g. HMP Doncaster

Challenges that remain….over to you!  Resourcing this area year on year  Developing simulations  Ensuring academic quality of practitioner involvement  Removing duplication of effort  Ensuring that students develop "professional" as well as academic skills  Staff support to develop, maintain and grow employability partnerships at strategic and operational levels  Maintaining the integrity of the student experience  ……….any others we've not anticipated?

Draw your own conclusions!