Iman Naveed
2026 Saltire Scholar
Operational Safety Support Intern, Network Rail
Criminology and Sociology, University of Stirling
My name is Iman Naveed, and I am about to begin my fourth year of Criminology and Sociology at the University of Stirling.
I applied to the Saltire Scholars Programme because I wanted to contribute to something beyond myself: work that influences people’s lives and creates meaningful change. As someone who is naturally shy but full of creative ideas, I saw the programme as an opportunity to step beyond what felt familiar and discover how I could make a genuine contribution.
Starting My Journey
Believe it or not, initially I hesitated to apply for the role titled “Operational Safety Support” when I saw how many previous Saltire Scholars had studied business-related subjects. I questioned whether my degree and experience were the right fit.
However, I have always believed that meaningful impact is not confined to a particular degree, role or job title. Rather than seeing the difference between criminology and operational safety as a barrier, I chose to see it as an opportunity. I began asking myself how my understanding of crime, risk and prevention could contribute to a role that initially felt outside my academic path.
When I received the interview invitation and learnt that one of my interviewers was the Route Crime Manager, with more than ten years of police experience as a detective, it felt like everything had aligned. It made me even more determined to prepare well, believe in the value of my perspective and show how my academic background could contribute to the role.
Crime Prevention Projects
I spent five weeks working with the Communications team and five weeks with the Route Crime Manager. This allowed me to understand both sides of prevention: what happens when incidents occur and how communication, partnerships, planning and intervention can reduce the likelihood of them happening again.
From the beginning, I wanted my work to have a life beyond my internship. I wanted to create something useful, practical and capable of supporting future decision-making.
My work centred on three connected projects that formed a crime prevention journey:
The first was a Child Summer Trespass Tracker, designed to identify where child-related trespass incidents increase during the summer holidays. By recording information such as location, demographics and nearby schools, the tracker can help teams identify which communities may benefit from focused engagement once the summer period ends.
The second was a Route Crime Risk Calendar, which brings together the events, holidays and seasonal factors that may influence different types of route crime. Its purpose is to help teams anticipate risk and consider proactive action before incidents occur, rather than responding only after harm has taken place.
The third was a Route Crime Tactic Board, which organises possible interventions under Deter, Detect, Respond, Recover and Review. This provides teams with a structured way to consider different responses and select tactics based on the circumstances and available evidence, rather than relying on one approach every time.
Together, these projects helped me understand that crime prevention is not a single action. It is a process of identifying patterns, understanding people and places, communicating effectively, building partnerships and making informed decisions before risks develop.
How This Summer Changed Me
The most important change was not only in what I learned but also in how I developed.
One of my biggest challenges was starting conversations instead of waiting to be approached. Over time, I built the courage to talk to colleagues without overthinking or doubting myself. My confidence has grown in presenting ideas to senior staff, facilitating discussions and explaining data in a clear, simple way.
The internship also changed the way I see my future. Before this experience, I had mainly imagined myself working within more traditional criminal justice roles. However, working in route crime prevention showed me that public safety extends beyond policing and the criminal justice system. There are meaningful opportunities to prevent harm through analysis, communication, partnership working and practical intervention.
If You’re Thinking of Applying…
To anyone considering applying to the Saltire Scholars Programme, I would say: go for it, especially if it feels slightly outside your comfort zone.
The moments that stretched me most were often the moments in which I grew the most. This programme gives students more than the chance to observe. It gives you responsibility, trust and the opportunity to contribute to work that has a meaningful purpose. You are treated as a member of the team. You are encouraged to ask questions, develop your ideas and take ownership.
This summer has given me knowledge, experience and a clearer sense of direction. But more than that, it has shown me that growth often begins with uncertainty. I applied without knowing exactly what I could offer, and I am finishing the internship with a stronger belief in my ability to create value.
I will always be grateful to the Saltire Scholars Programme and to everyone at Network Rail who allowed me to contribute and challenge myself. This summer has been one of learning and impact, but most importantly, of being given the chance to grow. Without the programme, I don’t think I would have challenged myself in the same way or seen such clear change in who I am and who I want to become.
