Tim Passmore
From pig farmer to Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Suffolk New College alumnus Tim Passmore has built a career shaped by a love of practical farming and a commitment to helping others.
Tim Passmore studied General Farming at the college in 1978, gaining a City and Guilds qualification covering crops, livestock and farm machinery. He went on to take an agriculture degree at Wye College, and the practical grounding he gained at college left him with a lasting love and respect for farming and the rural economy.
Meeting people from a wide range of backgrounds also made an impression, helping Tim realise that everyone has the potential to be good at something. It’s a belief that has stayed with him throughout his career.
In 1982, Tim set up his own pig farming business. He also worked on a self-employed basis as an adviser for the Cotswold Pig Development Company, which won a Queen’s Award for Export Achievement, with his work taking him across Europe, North and South America and the Far East. He delivered rural business grants, including under the old Rural Enterprise Scheme, and spent a year teaching NVQ students in pig production and farm records and accounts at Otley College.
Tim then spent eight years as leader of Mid Suffolk District Council before being elected in 2012 as Suffolk’s first, and only, Police and Crime Commissioner. Being elected to the role, as a Suffolk lad born and bred, remains a huge honour and the highlight of his career.
Today, Tim continues as Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner, with a strong desire to help young people as they enter adulthood and the workplace. His passion for farming endures too, and he believes food security should never be taken for granted.
Tim’s advice to current students is to stay positive, even when things are difficult. Believe in hard work and commitment, be friendly and considerate to others, and never be afraid to ask for help. Most importantly, remember that you are very good at something, so find out what it is.