4 minute read
Social and Environmental Justice
Policing and Criminal justice
Through engaging more deeply with our social partners, our work cuts across a wide range of disciplines, particularly in Criminology, Sociology, Anthropology and Law. We provide ways for students, professionals, employers and policymakers to connect in order to tackle complex problems facing the justice system. We are making a difference locally, nationally and globally.
For example, in 2019 we launched a new Policing Lab in partnership with Devon and Cornwall Police which draws together our extensive research expertise in the field with leading police practitioners to frame and promote rigorous evidence-practice in policing. Research by Dr Abi Dymond in our department of Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology on Taser use in England and Wales has led to the development of safer and more transparent policing through a new national reporting system.
Dr Dymond was invited to join a police-led strategic review into the reporting of all types of force used in policing and her recommendations on a single, standardised reporting mechanism have now been adopted across all 43 police forces in England and Wales. Dr Dymond has subsequently worked with the Omega Research Foundation, a UK NGO which researches the manufacture, trade, and use of military, security and police equipment to develop a new practical guide for the effective monitoring of weapons and restraints in places of detention which has been adopted by the United Nations Sub-Committee.
The guide is widely acknowledged as an important development in the prevention of torture around the world.
Read more at exeter.ac.uk/dymond
It is our intention to question the norm. We draw energy and ideas from our diverse community of staff and students and continue to push boundaries in the ever-changing landscape of social science research.
The combination of our people, our culture and our leadership lend themselves powerfully to problem-solving which is both dynamic and engaging.
Working in partnership with our stakeholders, we will achieve results that would otherwise not be possible on our own.
“Innovation is one of Reed Smith’s core values, and exciting initiatives such as these bespoke LLB courses with Exeter and Queen Mary form a key part of developing our next-generation of lawyers, with a well-rounded view of legal practice, innovation, available technologies and improved service delivery, all focused on a deep understanding of clients’ needs.”
Lucy Dillon, Chief Knowledge Officer at Reed Smith LLP
Getting Football Onside
Football Onside is a pioneering bystander intervention programme which trains participants to notice and intervene to Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in football and sport.
Led by Dr Rachel Fenton at the University of Exeter the project is a collaboration between University of Exeter Law School, Exeter City Community Trust (ECCT), Public Health England, Devon County Council, Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services and the Hollie Gazzard Trust.
The programme has just been delivered to staff at Exeter City Football Club and Community Trust and is being rigorously evaluated by researchers at University of Exeter.
The Football Onside programme takes as its premise the idea that anyone can be an ‘active bystander’ – anyone can intervene positively in potentially harmful situations, if given the right training. Crucially, and as research demonstrates, when one person intervenes it changes the ‘group norm’ – it shows others that it’s okay to speak-up and deters would-be perpetrators from harmful behaviour since they fear being pulled up on it.
Our staff are in contact with over 50,000 young people across the South West and our coaches are often seen as important role models by the young players they work worth – training up coaches to model positive bystander behaviour is a great way to contribute to the kind of culture change we’d like to see in football – one of mutual respect where violence and abuse, including the jokes and comments that go along with it, become unacceptable.
Jamie Vittles, Chief Executive of Exeter City Community Trust
Neil Pattinson, Deputy Head of Police Powers Unit, UK Home Office
Outstanding Education
Our Initial Teacher Education has been consistently graded as outstanding in all areas by Ofsted and ranked third amongst university providers of teacher training in the Good Teacher Training Guide 2017.
We work in partnership with over 250 schools in the south west where our trainee teachers spend two-thirds of their training year, putting into practice what they have learnt on the taught course. Our PGCE is uniquely characterised by innovative research-led teaching informed by professional practice and academic excellence. All our tutors have real-world experience as teachers, senior managers or Ofsted inspectors. They also lead and innovate, developing the latest ideas in teacher education, leading research, writing textbooks, leading subject networks and advising government.
“Strong collaboration between all members of the partnership produces highly employable teachers who confidently apply theory to practice in class. Every trainee receives the individual personal and academic support they need to achieve their best and reach their full potential.”
Ofsted Inspection Report 2017
