The scheme is designed to contribute to the further development of policing in Northern Ireland by sponsoring research studies. An award of a bursary will enable recipients to develop their personal experience and competence but also, through their research, contribute to improvements in the police service as a whole. In summary, the aim is “to build on the past and invest in the future” by facilitating police officers and staff to research a subject and make recommendations which are relevant to today’s policing problems.
The Foundation‘s Board of Trustees and the PSNI Chief Constable encourage eligible PSNI officers and support staff to consider applying to the scheme if they have a project or innovation which would benefit from support from the award of a bursary.
Each year applications are sought from PSNI officers and staff who seek a bursary to fund a potential project which relates to specific themes identified by Foundation and the PSNI. Normally an award will be offered to one single applicant, but where benefit is shown; a joint award may be considered where more than one person is collaborating on an issue. A sponsoring PSNI department should be identified – ie. one that supports the research being suggested. Following a paper sift exercise, short listed applicants are invited to present their project at an interview arranged by an Award Panel consisting of Foundation Trustees, a PSNI representative and an academic/ subject expert.
The Award Panel carry out both a further sifting phase (numbers dependent) and then an awards phase where relevant applicants are asked to present more information on their proposal to the panel. The successful candidates may be required to vest copyright of the work in the Chief Constable.
The successful candidates are required to complete their study within 18months. During the research period, if required, they have access to an academic coach from the Ulster University to assist their study. On completion of the work the recipient must deliver a written report and presentation to the Foundation and PSNI sponsoring department. Also, at key milestones as appropriate the sponsoring department will receive updates so as to enable the organisation to consider and/or adopt key learning as the research develops.
Five PSNI officers were successful in the 2015/16 Scheme . At a ceremony during May 2017, they were presented with their certificates by the Chairman of the Foundation and Chief Superintendent Noble.
Applications are now sought for the 2017/2018 scheme.Application Form for RUCGC Foundation Bursary 2017
