Uni scoops award for increasing the diversity of retailer’s security operations

The diversity and inclusion programme at the University of Northampton (UON) is paying dividends after its Criminal Justice team scooped an award along with the security arm of a high-street retailer.

During the 2024 Fraud Awards at the King Power Stadium in Leicester on Thursday 3 October, lecturers in UON’s Criminal Justice department stepped up to receive The Retail Risk Diversity and Inclusion Award along with Zinc Systems.

Zinc Systems are a Northamptonshire based software and security firm which manages intelligence and crime fighting for the DIY retailer B&Q. As a local firm they have taken on several UON graduates.

According to the Security Industry Authority (SIA) men heavily outnumber women in the security sector by seven to one and Zinc have been working hard with B&Q to increase the diversity of their workforce.

Alexandra Baxter, a graduate of the UON Criminal and Corporate Investigation degree, is now a Junior Crime & Intelligence Analyst for Zinc.

She was anxious about finding work in a male dominated industry but added: “Nothing could have prepared me more for my career as a Crime and Intelligence Analyst than the dedicated staff in the Criminal Justice Studies department at the University.

“It is my greatest pleasure to see the close partnership between Zinc Systems and the University of Northampton has been recognised for its achievements.

“In the past five years, the University has produced five successful analysts who have worked in the Crime Centre, and I’m confident we’ll see many more graduates with us in the years to come.

“The wealth of knowledge and practical skills the Criminal and Corporate Investigation course provides is unparalleled and I have everything to thank for it.”

Steve Haycroft, UON’s Lecturer in Criminal Justice Studies was one of those who received the award and said diversity and inclusion is not just about fairness and equality, it is also about driving forward innovation and growth.

He said: “We have great debates and discussions in the classroom because we have people from all backgrounds, different genders and ages, and those for whom English is a second language. All those different perspectives bring something unique to the classroom for lively and insightful discussions.”

Jo Bloomfield, Head of Crime Centre at Zinc Systems, said the Criminal Justice team at the University of Northampton has been exceptional in preparing graduates—particularly women—for the traditionally male-dominated sector.

She added: “Their inclusive approach not only equips graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge but also empowers women to thrive in this challenging field.

“This dedication to diversity and inclusion is vital for shaping a workforce that mirrors the communities it protects, and it is encouraging to see such progress in an industry that benefits from varied perspectives.”

Anyone thinking about a career in policing, or the security and corporate investigation sector, can browse courses within the Criminal Justice department webpage. Or find out more about UON’s approach to closing performance gaps on its Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion webpage.