Sue Riley - Volunteering Case Study
Sue Riley (pictured above, 4th from right), who graduated with a degree in Criminology in 2025, tells us about the voluntary work she completed at Merseyside Police during her final year of study as a Victim Update Volunteer in the Marsh Lane Protecting Vulnerable Person’s (PVP) Unit.
Why did you want to do voluntary work?
In my final year, I completed two 'Criminology at Work' modules (6218CRIM & 6219CRIM), which required me to identify, negotiate, and secure a work-based learning opportunity to enhance my employability. I deliberately chose these modules to gain practical experience and insights into working within Merseyside Police. My aim was to build valuable networks and strengthen my future job applications within the criminal justice sector.
Where did you find out about the voluntary role?
At the end of my second year, I received an email from the Student Futures Team highlighting the opportunity to apply for a weekly volunteering opportunity as an ‘Investigations Volunteer’ with Merseyside Police at their Protecting Vulnerable Person’s (PVP) Unit. I immediately recognised how valuable this would be in relation to the 'Criminology at Work' modules I had selected for my final year, so I took the initiative to apply and secured the experience in advance.
Describe the role and your main duties:
The main duties of a Victim Update Volunteer are to ensure compliance of VCOP (Victims Code of Practice). This ensures that all victims are contacted at a minimum of every 28 days regardless of whether there is a current update or not. This keeps the line of communication open between police and victims, allowing the victims to feel valued, able to ask questions and encourage them to stay on board with proceedings right through to trial. This can be a lengthy process so it is vital to keep the communication flowing, whilst at the same time, freeing up time for the detectives to continue their all-important investigations.
What did the application and selection process involve, and how did you prepare for each stage?
The original application required a 200-word statement describing myself and why I would be a good fit for the role. With experience in professional writing through various career roles, I chose to keep my application simple, honest, and to the point. I made sure to highlight my enthusiasm for the opportunity, along with the transferable skills I could bring to the position.
What relevant work experience, skills, volunteering or Student Union activities did you use during the selection process?
Communication skills were the most important transferable skill for this role, as it required professional interactions with police officers at all levels, as well as sensitive and adaptive communication with a wide range of victims at different stages of investigation. The role demanded the ability to convey both confidence and empathy, along with strong active listening skills and an assertive, proactive approach to work.
What advice would you give to other students to improve their employability?
Communication is key—whether speaking on the phone or sending emails, it’s essential to remain professional and courteous at all times. I approached each day as if it were a job interview, knowing that everyone around me could be a future reference. I also made the most of every opportunity to observe and experience other departments, even those I didn’t initially think I was interested in. You never know who you might meet or what opportunities could arise. Each day presented the potential to learn, grow, and take a step closer to a future career in the sector.
As a result of my volunteering experience, I was honoured to be invited to an evening celebrating and recognising volunteers in policing. The event was attended by the High Sheriff of Merseyside, the Deputy Chief Constable, and the Merseyside Police & Crime Commissioner. I was proud to receive an award for my contribution as a volunteer. Since then, I have graduated with a degree in Criminology and have recently accepted a position at Merseyside Police Headquarters as a Custody Validation Officer. I believe this opportunity is a direct result of the experience, skills, and professional connections I developed through my placement.
Would you do anything differently in terms of your employability if you were a first-year student again?
If I were a first-year student again, I would look for a volunteering role as early as possible. Starting earlier would have allowed me to gain longer-term experience, take full advantage of development opportunities, and raise my profile within the organisation over a sustained period. It would also have helped me build professional relationships and a clearer understanding of potential career paths much sooner.
Have you faced any challenges making the transition from university into work and if so, how did you overcome these?
I have been very fortunate in being able to secure a job with Merseyside Police through the opportunities presented within my volunteer role. However, this has not been without its challenges. As a mature student and mother of a 5-year-old, I have had to juggle a lot to be successful in my endeavours, including full time work at night whilst attending LJMU and looking after my son. It has not been an easy few years but it has 100% been worth the hard work. Merseyside Police have been very supportive throughout the whole term of my volunteering. They have been flexible and encouraging at every opportunity, very communicative and have absolutely gone above and beyond in allowing all volunteers to experience the many areas within Merseyside Police, making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Is there any other advice or experiences you would like to mention?
The only additional advice I would offer is that small details really matter. From how you communicate with your supervisor, to dressing appropriately, and following instructions carefully—these things don’t go unnoticed by senior staff and help shape their impression of you. If you’re ever unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask.
Support from the Student Futures team
If you want to talk about potential careers options with your degree, need help finding opportunities or want support with your CV, application forms or preparing for an interview, you can get advice and guidance by booking a 30-minute 1-2-1 careers meeting with a Careers and Employability Adviser from the LJMU Student Futures Team. You can also come along to a Careers drop-in or CV Café which take place weekly at the Careers Zones for quick careers queries.
If you are thinking about starting a business, freelancing, pursuing a side-hustle or have an idea that you want to explore further, email the Start-up Hub and a member of the team will be back in touch, or visit the Start-up Hub website.
For help finding part-time, temporary or casual you can fit around your studies, email the Unitemps team or visit their website.