Global media leader offers advice to graduands about the changing world

DAWN Airey, an internationally acclaimed executive in the broadcast and media industries, has been made an Honorary Doctor of Arts at Edge Hill University.

Brought up in Preston and with a 33 year career to date, Dawn has run, managed or chaired leading TV channels in the UK including:- ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, and now leads Getty Images, the world leading creators and distributors of award winning still imagery, video, music and multimedia products.

In her speech to graduands, Dawn provided them with some invaluable advice about how they, as individuals, can help change the world we live in.

"Today is where the truly hard work really begins because the world rests on your shoulders, and the world needs:- educated, imaginative, collaborative, generous, kind people in it... You've got to go forth in your careers and break new ground, but not just break it, you need to smash it. You need to rip apart the world as we know it to create a more equitable, inclusive and loving society. The phrase from Gandhi that is very relevant is 'be the change you wish to see in this world' and remember as you trailblaze throughout your career, the relationships you will forge, and have already forged in this room, will help you build your network. Your network will probably be a key determiner of your success and happiness." said Dawn.

Dawn was nominated for this award in recognition of her international excellence in the field of broadcast media which initially commenced in UK domestic television, and latterly has taken in the technologically and globally driven digital media, and significantly also in recognition of her origins and roots in the North West Region.

With access to over 250 million images and having sight of the key search words hitting the Getty Images site, Dawn can see how the world is changing, as words such as inclusion, LBGT and disability are cropping up more than ever before.

"Narratives are told within and around images, and those narratives are the ones that are going to stick with us. Knowing the power a single image can wield, it's really important to consider the stories our collective visual culture is telling. I tell you this to remind you that in order to provoke change, you've got to choose more diverse and inclusive imagery as you move through life and you share your story."  said Dawn.

Police must grasp '1 chance' to take action for victims of hate crime

AGAINST a background of rising hate crime reported in recent years, Police Forces are urged by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services to prioritise the service to victims, in its 1st ever report into hate crime. The report emphasises the importance of the Police getting their response right 1st time and at the beginning of their contact with victims. Unless victims feel confident in coming forward and Police Forces ensure hate crime is recorded properly, there is limited opportunity to root out and proactively prevent hate crime from taking hold within communities.

The report also identified several forces where positive and innovative practice took place, amongst which:-

► Gwent:- used hate crime 'champions' to offer victims follow-up support and had in place a 'cyber community support Officer' as recognition that hate crime is increasingly taking place in online communities;

► Greater Manchester Police:- raised awareness and provided training, often in association with community organisations, to help Officers understand Policing in diverse communities.

► West Yorkshire:- used a multi agency risk management approach and involved local communities in scrutinising the Police approach to hate crime.

HMI Wendy Williams, who led this inspection, said:- "Hate crime is personal and pervasive; and the Police frequently only have just one chance to identify it. If the victim is given the right support further offending can be prevented, and a force and national picture of hate crime can be built, allowing wider preventative activity.  Ultimately, confidence in the Police and community cohesion can be strengthened by 1 well placed question to a victim about why the perpetrator acted as they did; or weakened by a missed opportunity to properly record that someone was victimised because of their personal circumstances. We found many examples of individual Police Officers and staff dealing professionally, sensitively and effectively with victims. We also found positive practice in the approach of the forces we visited, but this tended to be as a result of the dedication of specific teams or individuals. We need such good practice to be consistent, both within Forces and across all Forces. We make some recommendations our report, aimed at improving systems and processes. But most are about Police Forces supporting their Officers and staff so that they have the skills, confidence and professional curiosity to talk to victims and witnesses about all the facts and circumstances of a case."

A victim of hate crime said:- "It's very a depressing and demoralising feeling that you're left with, but you can't let these people see that they've affected you, you just try to get on with your life."

The inspection which took place in 2017, revealed that some forces:-

► Incorrectly flagged hate incidents and crimes.

► Did not gather comprehensive data about hate crime victims.

► Did not gather sufficient intelligence about hate crime.

► Did not always provide adequate information to hate crime victims.

► Did not consistently refer hate crime victims to support services.

However, the inspection identified that Police Forces across the country have worked hard to raise the awareness of hate crime among staff and in their communities, and most forces have produced information on hate crime and how to report it. Additionally, there is evidence of concerted efforts by the Police to work with local communities and organisations to promote reporting opportunities.

Nevertheless, the report identified that a consistent level of training needs to be in place, to support Police Officers and staff and enable them to respond appropriately to victims.