Aidan Goundry
A University of Worcester graduate whose work has taken him across the globe, from international policing fact-finding visits to humanitarian aid missions, has been named the winner of the International Impact Award at the inaugural University of Worcester Alumni Awards.
Aidan Goundry, who studied Sociology and Politics, with a focus on criminology, at the University of Worcester between 2010 and 2013, was recognised for his contributions to international policing, professional development and global community engagement.
“The Award was completely unexpected and is valuable external recognition for the work my team has done, and a strong endorsement of all of their efforts,” he said.
Following his graduation, Aidan, spent eight years working as a Police Community Support Officer with West Mercia Police. During that time, he developed an international profile through regular travel that involved delivering presentations on UK policing in Estonia and attending police training courses and gaining accreditation in Germany and the USA. He has also built relationships with policing professionals in numerous countries that are rarely visited by tourists, including having been the first serving British police professional to visit the International Police Association (IPA) in Kazakhstan.
Aidan’s extensive international policing involvement led to him being nominated for a College of Policing Award for Professional Development and receiving an International Police Association UK Presidential Award. One of his proudest moments was when he was invited to present on his IPA experiences to HRH Princess Anne.
Alongside his professional development, Aidan has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to international humanitarian causes, sending equipment to the Ukrainian Police and leading two internationally crewed aid missions. These missions involved more than 50 emergency services personnel on each occasion, delivering much-needed ambulances, fire engines, and life-saving equipment to The Gambia in East Africa.
Aidan believes his time at the University of Worcester helped him to develop the skills and confidence that have proved invaluable in his career so far.
“I became used to engaging with and speaking to people from all walks of life, which proved invaluable in Community Policing,” he said. “Also, being involved in running societies, including chairing a children’s activity club in my second year, really helped to develop my skills in managing an organisation.”
He also highlighted the impact of studying abroad during his degree, which helped shape the international outlook that would later define much of his focus.
“Studying in the USA at Worcester State University for a semester further developed my passion for international learning and showed me the value of sharing international perspectives,” he said.
“The sense of community that came from being at a ‘smaller’ university led to me meeting people with a wide range of different interests and making friends that I’ve kept to this day,” he added.
The inaugural University of Worcester Alumni Awards celebrate graduates who are making an exceptional contribution in their professions and communities.