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Lancashire Police celebrates DFN Project Search supported internship 

Lancashire Police is celebrating its third annual DFN Project Search graduation event, after seven learners completed the year-long academic programme for young adults who have additional learning needs, such as an autism spectrum condition or learning disability. 

DFN Project Search is an international 'Supported Internship' programme which was set up for young people aged 16-24 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Lancashire Constabulary have been part of the programme since 2022, when the Constabulary made history after becoming the first Police Force to introduce the project. 

As the host business, Lancashire Constabulary has once again, for its third year, partnered with Preston College and Lancashire County Council, to welcome a cohort of interns into the organisation. This year they were also joined by local businesses, Hickory’s Smokehouse and Lexus Preston – Vantage Motor Group, who offered external placements to interns as part of their learning. 

The programme recognises that hands-on, practical work in a supportive environment is extremely beneficial to those with additional learning needs and supports young people to transition from education into the world of work whilst gaining competitive, marketable and transferable skills. 

Over the academic year, each intern spends approximately ten weeks in three different departments across the host business and is supported by an on-site team, including a Tutor and Employability Coach, to provide structured, in-work job coaching, with a view to them becoming more employable. 

This year, the interns experienced a variety of different roles at Lancashire Constabulary such as working with our Security Team, Vehicle Maintenance Unit, ICT department, Clothing Stores, and Safer Roads Unit. Their other placements also included working as front-of-house staff within Hickory’s Smokehouse Preston restaurant and in Customer Services and Administration at Lexus Preston – Vantage Motor Group. 

Chief Operating Officer Gillian Routledge from Lancashire Constabulary said: “DFN Project Search is a great opportunity for the interns as the number of young people with disabilities in employment across the UK is low, so we are proud to provide this opportunity to the communities of Lancashire. It is also a great way for our staff and officers to work with some really talented individuals who are different from themselves and learn more about the challenges they face every day. 

"This year has seen another successful intake, and I have been hugely impressed by their passion and commitment, watching their confidence, competence and expertise grow. The culmination of their hard work and dedication has meant these interns have embarked on a journey that will shape their futures in profound ways, some successfully employed here at Lancashire Constabulary.” 

Sophie Temple, of the Culture and Inclusion team, who runs the project, said: “We’re proud to have already been able to support 3 of out 7 of this year’s intake to secure meaningful, permanent employment and even more delighted that for two of them – it’s with us! James is staying on in a workshop role within our Vehicle Maintenance Unit and Rhianna has secured a role within Data Cleansing. We wish them long and happy careers here and we know they’ll be supported throughout”. 

Intern Rhianna, aged 20 from Leyland, spent time within ICT Connect Data Cleansing for her second placement, during which time, she learnt of a vacancy within the team and was successful in applying for the position. During Rhianna’s first placement, in the Culture and Inclusion team, she created a series of pictorial flash cards with the aim of making communication more accessible within custody suites. These flashcards have now been rolled out across the force allowing detainees who cannot easily communicate through verbal English to express their needs. 

Similarly, James, aged 23 from Preston, began his first placement within the Vehicle Maintenance Unit and took to his new role so attentively that the departmental manager requested he complete all three rotations with the department. James, who has a clear natural ability for working with mechanics, was all too happy to oblige and when a position became available within the department, successfully applied and interviewed for the role.  

Speaking of James, his mentor at VMU said “Once a shy young man, James is now a lot more confident with his communication, listening and learning. 

“This programme has given James the ability to step out of his shell and express himself while also learning about real life in the world of work. He is an asset within the VMU, and I hope he can prosper further as time goes on”. 

Another intern, Jacob, aged 19 from Hesketh Bank was also successful in securing paid employment with Hickory’s Smokehouse after a positive placement there. 

Jacob’s mentor from his first rotation in the Clothing Stores department said “Jacob is such a happy, friendly, and welcoming person to have in the workplace. He is a hard worker and always gives 100% effort. 

At a graduation ceremony for the learners held at Lancashire Constabulary’s Headquarters building, the project team announced their plans to increase the number of places available for applicants in the next academic year from 7 to 9. They hope the growth of the project can help even more young people to experience work placements that lead to paid opportunities.  

You can learn more about DFN Project SEARCH at www.dfnprojectsearch.org