BCoT students learning from the experts

Public Services students from Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) are getting the opportunity to learn from even more industry experts this year, after the college welcomed a new member of staff to the teaching team.

Martha Allbutt, who joined the college as a Public Services lecturer in September, was previously a Detective Inspector in Merseyside Police and is utilising her skills and experiences to ensure students get the chance to learn everything about careers in the police force.

After beginning her career with the police in 2009 as a Uniformed Response Officer in Liverpool city centre, Martha was transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department working in intelligence-led policing. In 2014 she was promoted to Detective Sergeant where she worked in a number of different roles including protecting vulnerable people.

After becoming a Detective Inspector in 2017, Martha was soon responsible for a whole team of Detective Sergeants and Constables. Her role included investigating murders, threats to life, sexual offences, kidnap and firearms investigations.

Martha’s experience has already proved invaluable to the students at BCoT. As part of their Extended Diploma in Public Services, the students recently investigated a mock crime scene where Martha guided the students through similar training that trainee detectives in the police force receive as part of their Initial Crime Investigators Development Programme (ICDIP).

Anthony Bravo, Principal of BCoT, said: “We are proud to have teaching staff who come to the college with a wealth of knowledge and experience within their chosen industry. Lecturers, such as Martha, ensure our students are given an expert insight into future careers within their industry, and ensure they are able to leave the college ready to progress to employment, university or an apprenticeship.”

BCoT’s Public Services courses are designed to prepare students for a future career in the emergency services or armed forces, with students getting the chance to spend work experience with Hampshire Police, the Ministry of Defence and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.