College of Policing CEO awarded honorary doctorate
The College of Policing’s chief executive officer Andy Marsh has been awarded an honorary Doctorate of Laws for his commitment to the education and professional development of future officers.
The award from the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) recognises his work at both Avon and Somerset Constabulary and the College of Policing.
He received his award alongside policing graduates during a graduation ceremony at Bristol Cathedral on Thursday (July 27).
Mr Marsh was instrumental in shaping the future of policing in Bristol when serving as chief constable of Avon and Somerset Constabulary, where he led the force with introducing recognition for new recruits through the Policing Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF) entry routes.
In turn, he supported the development of a “robust, ambitious and well-crafted partnership” with UWE Bristol, to deliver accredited police training, which continues to go from strength to strength.
For example, Avon and Somerset’s Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) programme, which partners with UWE Bristol to deliver academic classroom-based theory and learning, has just been ranked 75th in the Department of Education’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Providers list, in recognition of the outstanding commitment to apprentices.
As well as recognising Mr Marsh’s work towards the commitment of the education and professional development of future and serving officers, the honorary doctorate also honours his long service in supporting and serving the communities of Bristol and the wider region.
Mr Marsh said: “It’s a real honour to be recognised for this doctorate, and especially to be receiving it alongside the policing graduates who are the future of the service and have worked incredibly hard to reach this milestone in their careers.
“I have many warm memories from my time as a police officer and latterly chief constable in Avon and Somerset, so to be receiving this award in a city which means so much to me is very special. As crime adapts and advances alongside the modern world, education and professional development is essential in ensuring a service that is not only capable, but also innovative in the ways we tackle crime and keep the public protected.”
Professor Sir Steve West, UWE Bristol vice-chancellor, said: “As one of the most senior figures in British policing, Andy Marsh is making important strategic decisions which have the potential to shape its future for many years to come.
“Importantly, his leadership is underpinned by a strong personal ethos: he leads with empathy, probity, and pragmatism.
“His values-based leadership approach to this vital work aligns with our own values here at UWE Bristol; as such, we are proud to confer this honorary degree on him for his continued and exceptional public service.”