‘The students here make no day the same and continue to amaze me with their individuality, ability and ambition’

Here, we talk to Chloe Atkins, Lecturer in Policing and Designated Group Tutor for Year 1 and Year 2 Policing.

When did you join Bishop Burton College as a student, and what did you study?

I was a student in 1999, and studied Interior Design.

Describe your time as a student at the college.

It was amazing fun, I was taught by Andy Hampel, who always made lessons really engaging and interactive.

I remember working on design briefs, and we even had an international trip away to the Netherlands to examine the art and architecture over there, which was a fantastic experience.

I also spent a huge amount of time on campus through equestrian activities, participating in The Pony Club rallies, evening lessons, competitions and camps. My mum, sister and uncle were all involved in British Eventing, and we’d have numerous trips here as a family with our horses to compete.

At the time of my Interior Design course, my horse was on loan to the college for the students to enjoy.

What made you return as a member of staff?

I actually didn’t finish my full qualification at Bishop Burton, and instead completed some independent travel.

This is something I talk openly to current students about now, as it cost me dearly, and I later went on to have to complete an Access to HE course in Sociology to be able to pursue the career I wanted.

I later went on to obtain a first-class honours Degree in Criminology with Police Studies and a Master’s Degree in Criminological Research. I continued to complete a professional qualification as an IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advocate) and subsequently supported hundreds of victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

The immediate years before coming over to Bishop Burton College as a Lecturer were spent leading in both criminal and civil courts with matters surrounding domestic violence, and then managing the North Yorkshire Police-commissioned domestic abuse service central risk assessment HUB.

Part of my role was to also educate professionals. I’ve trained numerous courts, judges, police officers and social workers on the subject of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

This then led to being a casual academic at two Yorkshire-based universities, lecturing in Safeguarding, Child Protection, Domestic Violence and Law in Action, from Level 4 to7.

For me, it got to the point where the teaching was the real difference-maker in my working week, as I argue education is the golden key to unlocking future change with many socio-criminological issues.

Having already taught at Higher Educational level alongside studying for my PhD, I felt I could make a bigger difference to Further Education, helping shape the next generation of policing and uniformed public services.

Bishop Burton felt like home to me as it was so familiar, and when I saw an advert for a Lecturer in Policing, I couldn’t wait to apply!

How different is it as a member of staff, compared to being a student?

The main change is that I see and understand now what my teachers would have seen when I was a student, and through this I have a greater appreciation of ability, effort, application and the challenges students face.

I feel passionate about teaching and can relate to the efforts my Lecturer applied back in 1999.

But much remains the same by the way in which staff are valued as much as students and everyone is one big team.

The support is incredible, with Bishop Burton currently continuing to support me to complete both my PGCE and my Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Awards.

What makes Bishop Burton special?

The people and the environment we share!

I’m very lucky to have amazingly supportive colleagues around me from a range of backgrounds, so willing to share best practice and empower each other as well as students.

The students make no day the same and continue to amaze me with their individuality, ability and ambition. The beautiful diverse environment is the icing on the cake.

Having just returned from taking 17 students to South Africa to complete volunteering and community work, I’m feeling incredibly lucky to work here and to be part of the life-changing opportunities available to us all here at Bishop Burton.

I’ve found somewhere that is a perfect match for my creativity and passion to come to life.