Lancashire Constabulary celebrates third DFN Project Search graduation

Lancashire Constabulary has marked its third annual DFN Project Search graduation, celebrating seven young adults with additional learning needs who completed the year-long supported internship programme.

DFN Project Search, an international initiative for 16–24-year-olds with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), helps participants gain practical, transferable workplace skills.

Lancashire Constabulary became the first UK police force to host the programme in 2022, working in partnership with Preston College and Lancashire County Council. This year, Hickory’s Smokehouse and Lexus Preston – Vantage Motor Group also provided external placements.

Each intern completed three 10-week placements, supported by an on-site tutor and job coach. Roles at the constabulary included positions in the Security Team, Vehicle Maintenance Unit (VMU), ICT, Clothing Stores and Safer Roads Unit. External placements offered experience in customer service, admin, and hospitality.

Three of this year’s seven interns have already secured permanent employment—two within Lancashire Police. Rhianna, 20, from Leyland, impressed the ICT team during her placement and successfully applied for a role in Data Cleansing. Her earlier project—designing pictorial flashcards for non-verbal communication in custody—has now been rolled out force-wide.

James, 23, from Preston, demonstrated exceptional aptitude in the VMU and completed all three placements there before securing a full-time position. His mentor said, “James is now much more confident and is a real asset to the team.”

Jacob, 19, from Hesketh Bank, also gained employment after his placement at Hickory’s Smokehouse. A former mentor praised his attitude, saying, “Jacob shattered preconceptions about disability in the workplace and proved just how much potential there is with the right support.”

“We’re proud to have helped three interns into meaningful employment—and even more proud that two of them will be staying with us.”

Sophie Temple from the Constabulary’s Culture and Inclusion Team, who runs the programme.

Preston College’s Jane Tudor added: “The results speak for themselves and are changing lives. We’re proud of our interns and everyone who’s made the programme such a success.”

At the graduation ceremony, the team announced plans to expand next year’s intake from seven to nine interns, offering even more young people the opportunity to gain vital work experience.

To learn more about DFN Project Search, visit www.dfnprojectsearch.org.

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