Our Criminology and Public Services students recently took part in two interesting guest lectures with the Avon & Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody, as well as Greta – an expert in Radical Criminology.
The guest lecture with Clare Moody covered a wide range of key police issues. During her visit, Clare outlined the priorities set out in the Police and Crime Plan, highlighting how her office works to ensure local policing reflects the needs and concerns of the community.

She explained her role as the voice of the public in policing, ensuring that the force is held to account through independent panels and oversight of the Professional Standards Department. Clare also discussed her commitment to improving the police response to domestic violence, sharing that she has funded a detailed review into how Avon and Somerset Police handle these cases, with the aim of identifying and driving forward meaningful change.
The course also had a guest lecture with Greta, who taught them about Radical Criminology. This lecture covered a range of viewpoints from academics and how this could be applied to what the students are currently working on. For example, she showed a practical understanding of how these theories can be converted into solutions and policy approaches to tackle crime, deviance and anti-social behaviour.

This guest speaker particularly tied into the class’s Conflict, Cohesion and Society module, while also being relevant for the Criminal Justice and Policy & Organisation modules of coursework. These guest speakers form part of the subject Careers Excellence Hub. At University Centre Weston our approach goes beyond the traditional classroom setting. Through industry speakers, workshops, employer projects, and more, we equip our learners with the real-world experiences and insights that set them apart in the competitive job market. It’s not just about getting a job; it’s about standing out from the crowd when they embark on their job searches.
To find out more about Criminology and Public Services, click here!

