Tell us a bit about why you chose to study at Leeds Beckett and what you’re passionate about?

My name is Amanda Hawes and I am currently in my second year of studying LLB (Hons) Law at Leeds Law School. I had previously studied law at the Open University for three years, but after the provision of their law degree changed, I began my studies with Leeds Beckett. This is something I do not regret.

After leaving school at 16, I initially worked in the care sector, managing a residential and day care facility for adults with learning difficulties. I worked in this field for around 13 years. I then decided I wanted to explore the world of law, following my own personal experiences in both family and child law and the criminal justice system. I wanted to make a real change in an area that I was passionate about.

My real passions are in disability rights, particularly in the areas of autism and ADHD and the impact this has on families and siblings, in family law and in the rights of children and vulnerable adults in the criminal justice system.

In 2022 my daughter was diagnosed with autism, and the following year my other daughter was diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in me building some invaluable relationships with some great organisations, such as Wakefield Autism Support project. I was asked to provide real-life lived experiences to be discussed at the Health and Social Care Committee in Parliament in June 2025, which resulted in the committee urging the government to prioritise shortening waiting lists. Following on from this, in February 2026 I spoke to The Times newspaper in anticipation of the release of the new SEND REFORM White Paper to share my thoughts on the recommendations.

In January 2023 I began volunteering at Leeds Crown Court Witness Service and gained some amazing insight into the court process for witnesses, and when the Appropriate Adult role came up, I figured it would be a fantastic opportunity to gain experience in the other side of the process, before a defendant reaches court.

Tell us about the Appropriate Adult Scheme – how did this opportunity come about and what does it involve?

I found out about the Appropriate Adult Scheme via an email from Law School lecturers Dr Rachel Dunn and Dr Rachael Aplin. I felt it would be a great opportunity to gain some valuable experience in a police station and see the other side of the process, before an offence results in a charge and a court date. After an information session, I was so intrigued that I completed the application form immediately. In October I received an email from Rachel informing me I had been selected for an interview with Restorative Solutions who run the scheme with local universities. The rest is history.

I was interviewed and began my training. The training consists of a full day's attendance at a police station where they carry out a number of training sessions and an online training portfolio from the National Appropriate Adult Network (NAAN). The training was lengthy but imperative for the role.

The role involves attending police stations to support vulnerable adults. These are adults with a variety of vulnerabilities ranging from ADHD and autism to mental health, self-harm, learning difficulties or even drug abuse or alcoholism. It requires a vast amount of patience, understanding and resilience. An Appropriate Adult needs to feel confident to challenge the police when rights are not being respected or needs are not being met. This isn’t an easy task but is one that is vital in ensuring the rights of those with vulnerabilities are safeguarded. 

The Appropriate Adult is there to support with tasks such as the reading of rights, biometrics, providing support during interviews, ensuring the person’s rights are protected, support during procedures such as strip searches, ID procedures, charge or disposal and, most importantly, ensuring the vulnerable person understands everything throughout the process.

How have you benefited from taking part in the Appropriate Adult Scheme?

I have been exposed to police processes and procedures. I have met and built some positive relationships with police officers of all levels. I get to network with solicitors on a day-to-day basis and have built some great relationships. I have received advice and encouragement from solicitors, resulting in me beginning my Accredited Police Station Representative qualification, which was something I hadn’t heard of before this role.

I have currently volunteered on over 100 shifts so far and was recently congratulated by Restorative Solutions for being the first person to complete that number of shifts in the fastest time. It hasn’t always been easy, and I have had some negative experiences, but this was swiftly dealt with by the organisation and the chief inspector at Havertop Police Station, West Yorkshire Police. It has helped me realise that working in the criminal justice system is not always easy or positive.

What have you enjoyed most about studying at Leeds Law School so far?

I have found the opportunities available to students at Leeds Beckett to be priceless. Whenever I have needed to reach out for help and support, the tutors have always been approachable and supportive, and my academic advisor has always encouraged me to keep going at times when it has felt challenging. 

I travelled to Botswana back in July 2025 on a legal and cultural exchange trip, and I am travelling to London next week to attend a dinner event at Lincoln's Inn. I would never have had those experiences had it not been for studying at Leeds Beckett.

What are your plans for the future?

I am not fully decided where my path is heading yet, but I do know that it is definitely in the area of family and criminal law, and I am excited to explore many avenues on the way to my destination.