My First Year as a BA (Hons) Criminal Justice with Offender Management student

Posted on 13th February 2020 by Emma

Debbie Ball is a Level Four student on our Criminal Justice with Offender Management degree. She has written a blog piece explaining why she chose to study with us and how the degree will help her career.

In September 2019 I became a mature student of the Criminal Justice with Offender Management course (CJWOM). I have worked for several local agencies for over 10 years across the city. I have worked for many years for a drug treatment service and in the housing sector working to find suitable accommodation for newly released prisoners. I have been privileged to have worked closely with the local prisons, probation service and other third sector agencies in my professional career.

My decision to apply for the CJWOM course was influenced by a female probation officer that I worked closely with to house a vulnerable gentleman with complex needs. This proved to be a difficult task due to his criminal record and complex needs, unfortunately before we managed to find housing for the gentleman he sadly passed away. This experience had a profound effect on me, I felt that I wanted to be able to make a real difference and had a passion for rehabilitation and supporting people wanting an opportunity for change. Working in the public sector can be very rewarding but also very sad, the clients I have worked with have been my greatest teachers over the years but felt that it was now the right time to cement my experiences into academic knowledge.

The Course Leader, Louis Martin, spoke at the open day for the course about gaining experience in the criminal justice sector as he felt that this would help build skills and gain experience. Due to my working relationship with the female probation officer I had previously worked with, I contacted her regarding returning to university and she encouraged me to apply to work at the national probation service approved premises as a sessional worker.

A sessional residential worker is paid employment and you are required to cover shifts for sickness, annual leave or general staff absence. The role includes supporting people with every day requests, general admin and a close multi agency approach with the police, probation and PPU (Public Protection Unit) and more.
An approved premise is for high risk offenders who been assigned to live at an address owned by probation services as part of a licence agreement on their release from prison. Some residents can be released to the premises as part of a ROTL (release on temporary licence) short stay, an alternative to a recall to prison or a longer stay to ensure integration back into society. There are several approved premises located across the west midlands and by becoming a sessional worker I could choose my location, hours and days to fit around my university studies.

The application and clearance/vetting stages are both lengthy processes which I began in June 2019 and finally received my clearance in October 2019, the process includes a DBS and background check. I completed a number of shadow shifts as requested by the approved premises manager over a number of weeks for training purposes and to get a feel for how the AP operates before I was able to complete a shift as a full sessional worker.

I have been at the AP now for 3 months and really enjoy it, it can be challenging and complex at times and I am sure there are a lot of misconceptions regarding violence and the environment but in my own experience I have not found this to be the case. Working at the approved premises has given me a good insight to the probation service but I still have a lot to learn.

An international survey into the analysis and interpretation of microscopic hair evidence by forensic hair examiners

Posted on 7th February 2020 by Emma

Congratulations to Dr Claire Gwinnett and Laura Wilkinson (PhD Researcher) who have had their paper published, ‘An international survey into the analysis and interpretation of microscopic hair evidence by forensic hair examiners’

“This investigated global approaches to forensic hair examinations in criminal casework – something that has not been done before in this manner and this sets the current scene in the perceptions and methods being used in forensic hair examinations by forensic hair experts. This comes post global scrutiny of such evidence and highlights still the need for change and better standardized objective methods for interpretation.”

Placement in Germany: Germany Evofinder Training

Posted on 6th February 2020 by Emma

Symon Dowell, an MSci Forensic Science student, tells us about his exciting placement in Germany.

In my final year of my Forensic Science MSci undergraduate degree it is a requirement to conduct a three-month placement. This can be in research, a work placement, or a mixture of the two, inside or outside of Staffordshire University. My placement, in ballistic imaging, is to develop a database for statistical modelling and forensic firearm identification. The placement will consist of using the ScannBi Evofinder to image fired test samples sent by firearm experts from all over the world.
In order to conduct my placement Dr Rachel Bolton-King and I travelled to Lübeck, Germany, to conduct training on the Evofinder, being taught by the company, ScannBi. A huge thank you to everyone at ScannBi but especially to Aleksandr Skvortsov for being an excellent trainer. The ScannBi Technology company was founded by a group of specialists in different fields to create an effective tool for ballistic expertise.

Miniaturised aerial view of Lübeck

The training started from the very basics of the Evofinder system teaching us how to use the system, and what every single icon does on the software and when we would need to use them. A cassette is used to hold the bullet or cartridge case in place and is inserted into the Evofinder. There are many different adaptors available to hold the samples in place and we were taught which component to use with different types of samples. We also got to have plenty of hands on practise with the Evofinder, imaging some samples which were in good condition with easily identifiable impressions to other samples with very little visible impressions or were just fragments of a bullet, which were interesting to image but required more skill with the equipment to image them properly.

This was my first experience of being taught outside the UK and working in a technology company environment. Although I was nervous, I was also very excited to learn about their technology and to be able to use it confidently and hopefully competently. It was very interesting listening and speaking to both the ScannBi owner, their employees and Rachel regarding ballistic examination around the world.
The training took place during normal working hours, 9am to 5pm, meaning all other time outside of this was ours. This allowed us to travel around the wonderfully colourful German Christmas markets, of which there were many, with a variety of different stalls, with the main theme of food, drink (some alcoholic of course!) or crafted objects, or a mixture of the three. Every lunchtime we would walk to the same café which served some amazing food, and, in the evenings, we would dine on food from the Christmas markets. Except, after the first day of training the ScannBi Company kindly invited us out for a very delicious meal.

Conducting this training has not only given me the skills to be able to use the Evofinder competently but has given me the confidence to be able to travel to a new environment and be taught by professionals, learning new information, developing existing and new skills.

‘The ScannBi Technology company was founded by a group of specialists in different fields to create an effective tool for ballistic expertise.’

I chose to apply for this work placement with Rachel because I wanted to do something that would be fun and interesting, and I did not have a clear idea as to what I want to do after my university degree. Therefore, I decided to go for an area where I have little experience in. The requirements for this placement were to have good attention to detail and to be able to carry out repetitive work sticking to operational guidelines, but it was not necessary to have a vast knowledge of ballistic examination.
The alternative option

for conducting this training would have been for Rachel to attend the training alone and to teach me at the start of my placement in January. This would have given me a free week back in December to go on holiday, relax and enjoy the start of the Christmas break not conducting any work. However, this was never an option for me, I wanted the experience of traveling to a new country and to learn new information. I am glad I went to Germany, as I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the trip and would recommend to anyone else in this situation to conduct the training first-hand instead of the alternative.

My advice to anyone who is currently on the Forensic Science/Investigation MSci course or anyone looking at changing to the MSci course or doing a placement year apply for something different, potentially out of your comfort zone as you may never of thought of doing that area in the future but after doing your placement that’s exactly what you could be doing. Also, like myself, you may get the chance to travel abroad and receive training, or conduct research, and add a new experience to your CV.

Tribunal rules, that Ethical Veganism is a philosophical belief.

Posted on 5th February 2020 by th26

Abdul Muhid (student)

A vegan is a person who does not eat or use any animal products, including dairy and eggs. Ethical vegans go one step further and try to negate use of all forms of products which have ingredients that trace back to animals. They also tend to avoid wearing or purchasing clothes made from wool or made by companies which use animal testing.

The Equality Act 2010 protects employees from discrimination based on their religion or belief. In a landmark legal case, Jordi Casamitijana claimed he was sacked by the League Against Cruel Sports due to his belief of ethical veganism. However, his former employer states that his dismissal was due to gross misconduct.

Mr Casamitijana (55) claimed, that he was fired after he had told his fellow employees about some information, he had discovered regarding the charity’s investment in pension funds in firms which have relations with animal testing.

Before he informed his work colleagues about the information, he mentioned it to his boss and they did nothing, therefore he decided to inform his peers at work which resulted in his dismissal.

His employer stated that it is factually wrong for Mr Casamitijana to link his dismissal to his veganism.

The judge ruled that people with ethical veganism beliefs, should have access to the same legal protections in British workplaces as those who have religious beliefs. Mr Casamitijana said he was happy with the ruling (which is ongoing), he also added that he wants his fellow vegans to benefit from this.

Religion or belief is in the category for “protected characteristics” covered in the Equality Act 2010. Judge Robin Postle referring to the act, ruled that ethical veganism satisfies several tests of the Equality Act, allowing it to qualify as a philosophical belief. He described ethical veganism as “important” and worthy of “respect” in a democratic society.

At the Staffordshire University Legal Advice Clinic (SULAC), students offer free legal advice on discrimination in the workplace and a number of other issues to members of the public. SULAC is currently open and offers appointments at Stoke and Stafford. For more information, or to book an appointment please contact: SULAC@staffs.ac.uk or call 01782 294800 

‘Ill-treatment’ of disabled lawyers in the workplace

Posted on 2nd February 2020 by th26

Faye Henderson (Student)

New research shows that over half of disabled people working in the legal sector lawyers have experienced discrimination, bullying and ill-treatment related to their disability while at work. The report was published as part of The Disability Research on Independent Living and Learning Programme (DRILL). The report was following a study consisting of approximately 300 survey responses and 55 interviews.

Findings from the report Legally disabled? The career experiences of disabled people working in the legal profession shows that 60% of legal professionals who were questioned have experienced ill-treatment in the workplace due to their disability. Approximately 37% of those questioned also stated the ill-treatment was never reported.

These professionals had been subjected to ridiculing or demeaning language and exclusion or victimisation. The research also showed that the ‘psych-emotional’ effects of bullying had serious impacts, with regards to their mental health and wellbeing, often resulting in psychiatric support and counselling. In addition to this 54% of respondents were left feeling that their promotion prospects were ‘inferior’ compared to their non-disabled colleagues. It was also reported that 60% experienced inaccessible working environments resulting in their career opportunities being limited.

This is an issue that needs addressing, the report states a “zero tolerance policy” is needed alongside clear disciplinary policies and reporting procedure. This is not a new issue being explored. In 2018 the legally disabled? Project found aspiring lawyers were struggling to enter the profession and being blocked due to “poorly equipped” recruitment processes.

Staffordshire University Legal Advice Clinic (SULAC) offers free legal advice on employment matters to members of the public. SULAC is currently open and offers appointments in Stoke-On-Trent and Stafford. For more information, or to book an appointment please contact: SULAC@staffs.ac.uk or call 01782 294800.

How to complain successfully

Posted on 27th January 2020 by th26

Ellen Henderson (Student)

Now we’ve had the highs of Christmas shopping, some of us may be experiencing the lows of disappointing products.

Don’t despair, remember you’re a consumer…

Be empowered and know your rights

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 will be your new best friend in these kinds of situations.
The legislation states that the item must be fit for purpose, satisfactory quality, match the description provided, and last a reasonable length of time.

Make a folder

Set up a folder (on-line or actual physical folder) designated just to this issue
Keep a record of the name(s) of who you spoke to, the date of that conversation /email and what the outcome was – even if they didn’t answer the phone or respond to the email.
Keep any receipts, invoices, delivery notes, or marketing material in this folder too.

What is your complaint about?

Why are you unhappy with this product? Know what your complaint is about – take photographs (if you can).
In just a few words, bullet point each issue and use this when you are communicating with the business.

What do you want out of the situation?

Have an ultimate goal in mind – it might be an apology, a repair, a replacement or a refund. Be honest and realistic with yourself.
Know what you are willing to settle for, as you may need to compromise.
Ask yourself, ‘how far am I prepared to take this’?

Keep calm and focus

Give the situation some claim consideration before complaining – don’t act impulsively in the heat of the moment.
Don’t lose your temper, it will only muddy the waters and divert from what you really want out of the situation.
Keep calm and stick to your bullet points.

Win them over

Make it clear you’re not complaining about the person you are speaking to, but about the business because of the service or product they have provided.
Remember that you want the person receiving the call or email to do something for you i.e. take it seriously, work with you, escalate the matter, make you an offer.
You have more chance of achieving your ‘goal’, if you can win them over and make get them understand your disappointment.

Escalate your complaint

If you’re not getting anywhere with customer services, go higher by asking for their line manager or head office. If that does not work ask for their formal complaints procedure.
Write a letter of complaint using your bullet points. Include the record of your attempts to resolve the issue with the company and make it clear what you want.

Don’t lose the momentum

Don’t be tempted to put your head in the sand, there are often deadlines to complaining.
Often companies will be hoping that you’ll go away. Ignoring you can be a deliberate tactic they deploy.
Stay focused and determined, keep escalating until you find somebody who hears the issues you are raising.

Taking the matter further

Trading Standards – If you have a complaint about goods or services.
The Ombudsman covers some services e.g. Energy, Communication, Financial, among others. Generally, you can’t use an ombudsman until you have exhausted the internal complaints procedure.
Mediation – A mediator can help both sides work out an agreement. Sometimes this can be quicker and cheaper than going to court.
County Court – Apply to a county court to claim money you’re owed by a person or business (claim form N1): Example Costs:

Claim amount up to £300 cost:£35 (paper) or £25 (online)

Claim amount between £5,000.01 to £10,000 cost:£455 (paper) or £410 (online)

Legal advice

Some house or car insurance policies include a free legal helpline where you can get advice on your rights and how to pursue a complaint.
Citizens Advice Bureau
Or make an appointment with SULAC for free legal advice
Contact: 01782 294800 SULAC@staffs.ac.uk

Let’s keep it civil! New law allows heterosexual couples to become civil partners.

Posted on 21st January 2020 by th26

Hannah Lewis (Student)

The New Year brought with it a new change to the law surrounding marriage and civil partnerships. As of New Year’s Eve mixed-sex couples in England and Wales have begun to enter into a civil union that will benefit from the same legal and financial protections offered to married couples. Until this, only same sex couples could enter into a civil partnership.

The campaign to have the law changed was spearheaded by Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan who will be among the first couples to have a heterosexual civil partnership. After being turned away from the registrar’s office five years ago, the couple decided to bring a judicial review arguing that the Civil Partnership Act 2004 breached Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights because it discriminated against mixed sex couples. The couple won a landmark victory in the Supreme Court in June 2018 when it was agreed that the legislation was indeed incompatible with human rights law. This led to Theresa May, the Prime Minister at the time, amending the Act which came into force on December 2^nd, 2019.

So, what is a civil partnership? It is a legally recognised relationship with the same legal and tax benefits as a traditional marriage. As with marriage, couples who wish to enter into a civil partnership must “give notice” at a registrar’s office 28 days before the union. There must be a registrar and two witnesses to the signing of the partnership but there is no stipulation for the couple to make vows to one another. Essentially, there is no practical difference between marriage and civil partnerships except a person’s personal beliefs that they are entering into a partnership without any religious associations.

The government estimates that as many as 84,000 ceremonies will be conducted within the first year as couples take advantage of a right originally legislated for LGBTQI couples. Unlike couples who choose to cohabit rather than marry, civil partners are entitled to the same property, pension, inheritance, tax and next-of-kin rights as married couples. Cohabiting families are the fastest growing family type, with 48 percent of children being born to unmarried couples in 2017. This change in legislation may encourage those who see marriage as an antiquated institution to benefit from the same protection as a married couple.

SULAC offers free legal advice on all family matters. We hold surgeries in Stoke on Trent and Stafford. Please call 01782 294800 for an appointment.

Family Lawyers Welcome ‘no-fault’ Divorce – Latest Development

Posted on 13th January 2020 by th26

Elisha Poole (Student)

After two previous false starts, the long-awaited reform of divorce swiftly returns to end ‘the blame game’. The legislation reform will make an appearance in the next session of parliament. The Divorce, Separation and Dissolution Bill, first introduced in June 2018, came to a stand-still twice after the general election but has finally made its reappearance. The bill intends to introduce ‘no-fault’ divorce into legislation.

The current grounds for divorce require on one of the five facts: adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion, two years’ separation (if the other spouse consents to the divorce), or five years’ separation (no consent required). The new bill, if passed, does not require these allegations to be proved, thuis permitting a “no fault” divorce. To be granted a no-fault divorce, one spouse must simply state that the marriage as irretrievably broken down.

Family lawyers welcome the latest development of the bill after Justice secretary Robert Buckland said: “The institution of marriage will always be vitally important, but we must never allow a situation where our laws exacerbate conflict and harm a child’s upbringing. By sparing individuals the need to play the blame game, we are stripping out the needless antagonism this creates so families can move on with their lives.”

Staffordshire University Legal Advice Clinic (SULAC) offers free legal advice on all family matters to members of the public. SULAC is currently offering appointments at Stoke County Court and various locations around Stafford including Signpost Centre and House of Bread. For more information, or to book an appointment please contact: SULAC@staffs.ac.uk or call on 01782 294800.

Call for a Specialist Housing Court

Posted on 9th January 2020 by th26

Fiona Cursons (Student)

In November 2018 The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government requested feedback from court users, the legal profession and the public about whether there was a need for a court specialising in housing issues.

It is said that court, solely dealing with housing matters would reduce delays, make the process easier and make it quicker to get justice in such disputes. The request for this seems to be coming from private landlords, not social lenders or mortgage lenders. Private landlords only make up a small amount of possession cases that get to court so is there a need?

The Burns report commissioned by the ministry for housing stated that there were many factors and issues identified by tenants, as well as landlords, when dealing with possession proceedings. however, it did not advocate the need for a new specialist court.

In addition, the civil justice council responded saying that the creation of a specialist housing court would involve a large commitment of resources which could be better applied to the current process to ensure a satisfactory level of service to all users.

The Court system is already struggling to cope with all areas. Directing resources to one particular area, would obviously involve a diversion of resources from another area. It is difficult to find a valid reason for this when more resources are required across the board. Staffordshire University Legal Advice Clinic (SULAC offers free legal advice on housing matters to members of the public. SULAC is currently open and offers appointments at Stoke and Stafford. For more information, or to book an appointment please contact: SULAC@staffs.ac.uk or call 01782 294800

Staffordshire University Legal Advice Clinic

Posted on 6th January 2020 by Emma

At the start of every academic year in September, final year students of LLB Law at Staffordshire University embark on training to become the latest additions to the Staffordshire University Legal Advice Clinic (SULAC). Local solicitors’ firms come to the university to educate the students on matters including family law, domestic violence and mediation services. This is a term time service that offers confidential and free legal advice.

SULAC began this year at the Combined Court Centre in Hanley on Monday 7th October. Clients are interviewed by a team of two students under the supervision of a senior lecturer who is also a qualified solicitor. Once the interview is completed the students are tasked with researching the relevant areas of law and providing a letter of advice to the client within 14 days. SULAC can offer advice on most areas of civil law including: family, consumer, personal injury and housing. The service is unable to advise on criminal or immigration matters and does not offer debt counselling. Where SULAC cannot provide assistance, the students have the ability to refer the client to another organisation or agency that may help. Clinics are being held this year at the Combined Court Centre in Hanley, Signposts and House of Bread in Stafford; and until the dissolution of Parliament, Jeremy Lefroy’s office. The students will also be holding appointments at HMP Stafford, County Hospital, YMCA Hanley, a military base and the Royal Stoke University Hospital.

The clinic is aimed at providing students with a real-world application of the law they have been studying over the course of the three-year degree. In addition to this the service provides an opportunity for the university to give back to the local community, offering free advice services to members of the public who feel that they have no alternative but to seek support and guidance in matters that are affecting them.

The SULAC students have also enrolled on the LawWorks ‘Law School Challenge 2019-20’. Universities across the country have registered to hold charity events to raise funds in support of legal aid and pro-bono services. The LawWorks and Advocate Law School Challenge is a fundraising initiative designed to raise money for both charities as well as awareness of their work. LawWorks encourages the widespread involvement of law schools and their students in pro bono activity.

SULAC students travelled to the Law Society in London for the award ceremony

The 4th to 8th November 2019 was the 18th annual Pro Bono Week run by LawWorks to encourage and support lawyers and law students to volunteer to give legal help to those in need. Staffordshire University was shortlisted for ‘Best New Pro Bono Activity’ and ‘Best Contribution by a Pro Bono Clinic’ at the LawWorks Pro Bono Awards 2019. A selection of the SULAC students travelled to the Law Society in London for the award ceremony which was attended by Lady Hale.

~Hannah Lewis, LLB (Hons) student.

SULAC didn’t win ‘Best New Pro Bono Activity’ and ‘Best Contribution by a Pro Bono Clinic, but it was a fantastic and well deserved achievement to be nominated.

Congratulations all for your hard work!