Gloucestershire Police Sergeant Dan Wood is awarded Honorary Fellowship

Dan Wood, a serving Police Sergeant with Gloucestershire Constabulary, has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship today by the University of Gloucestershire.

On receiving the award at the second of the University’s six 2024 Graduation Ceremonies, Police Sergeant Wood said: “After 20 years of policing across three forces and not an accolade to my name, this came as a complete surprise.

“To be recognised so unexpectedly, and in such a way, is a humbling experience. The fact that the recognition comes from outside of policing makes it all the more special to me. 

“I’m hugely grateful to the University for even considering me for this and for reaching the decision as they have. Looking at the list of previous recipients, I’m truly honoured.”

Sergeant Wood is currently working within the learning and development department of the Constabulary, and through this has developed a strong connection to staff and students at the University of Gloucestershire, particularly those studying the Professional Policing degree.

Having held a variety of policing roles, including in neighbourhood teams, response roles and as a custody sergeant, Sergeant Wood said: “I felt I could put that experience to good use by moving into our training department.

“I have always enjoyed developing others and helping people achieve their goals and this move has allowed me to work closely with partners like the University of Gloucestershire, where I’ve had the privilege of supporting students embarking on their journey toward a career in policing.”

Over the last two years Sergeant Wood has worked with staff and students at the University to support those on the Professional Policing degree as well as students studying other degrees who want to develop a career in the police force.

He said: “The students and staff at the University are fantastic – thoughtful, welcoming and accommodating.  Being able to work in partnership like this has been refreshing for me and the opportunity to work with students who want to learn and develop has been considerably rewarding. 

“The University of Gloucestershire has been so friendly, and working with staff and students has been a total pleasure.”

Sergeant Wood’s passion for collaborating with and supporting students made him instrumental in developing an official partnership between Gloucestershire Constabulary and the University.

This has created countless opportunities for students to gain an insight into the reality of policing, such as visits to the force, practical learning sessions, implementing a mentoring scheme and discovering the many roles that are available through a career in policing.

Not only does Sergeant Wood’s work support students in preparing them for a long and successful career in the police, it assists the police service in attracting individuals who are a good match for this demanding yet rewarding career path.

Sergeant Wood offered the following advice to students and graduates at the University’s Graduation Ceremony: “How you make people feel is how you will be remembered – be kind, be genuine. 

“Be true to your values; if something isn’t right, take a stand and have the courage to call it out – kindness and weakness are not synonymous. 

“As someone once said to me when I left home, the first step in any journey is always the hardest. Have the confidence in yourself that you can achieve anything you set your mind to, approach that first step with determination. 

“I wish all of you the very best for your futures and a huge congratulations to you all.”

Image: Police Sergeant Dan Wood giving a speech at the 2024 Graduation Ceremonies