Accelerated promotion scheme for graduates

Report: 6
Date: 17 May 2001
By: Commissioner

Summary

To provide Members with information on the Accelerated Promotion Scheme for Graduates (APSG).

A. Recommendations

1. The Committee note the contents of this report; and
2. The Committee receive an annual report on progress of candidates for Accelerated Promotion Scheme for Graduates.

B. Supporting information

1. The Accelerated Promotion Scheme for Graduates (APSG) scheme is run by the Home Office, on behalf of Police Services in England and Wales, to recruit graduates who will join a fast track system into senior ranks. The Home Office describe the scheme as 'offering selected graduates a structured and speedy career path to some of the most rewarding managerial posts in the country'. It aims to attract the most promising and capable graduate entrants into the Service, give them a thorough grounding in police work and develop their potential with an emphasis on substantial responsibility early in their career.

2. Whilst there is considerable competition for APSG places which are few in number, amongst police services in the UK, the MPS has the greatest number of places allocated from the scheme, 40 per cent of those that are unsuccessful go on to opt for regular entry.

3. The Home Office advertises the scheme in the national media in March each year. Selection entails the completion of an application form that can be obtained from the Police Graduate Liaison Office at the Home Office. Upon receipt by the Graduate Liaison Office the application form is forwarded to the police forces nominated by the applicant. Each applicant provides a first and second choice.

4. Once the application form has been received each force, including the MPS, subjects the applicant to the normal local recruitment process that includes a series of eligibility checks, aptitude tests, physical and fitness tests and medical screening. An interview, chaired by an ACPO representative, tests the knowledge of candidates in greater depth than the normal interview to join as a regular constable. The force will either recommend an individual for progression to the Home Office extended interview or for regular entry if they are successful.

5. The Extended Interview Selection Board (EISB) run and administered by the Home Office takes place over a three-day period and is undoubtedly a very testing experience. ACPO representatives from all police forces are invited to assist in the processes.

6. The EISB is competitive and each candidate is individually assessed to a Home Office agreed standard.

7. The three-day board is a mixture of interviews, individual aptitude tests and group work. The exercises are not over strenuous in themselves, but individuals are constantly being asked to draw on a different aspect of their intelligence that makes the process very testing. One minute, individuals might be writing a letter of apology, next chairing a meeting, and the next undergoing an intense personal interview. Most applicants agree that it is a fair, but tough selection progress.

8. Having been selected, on successful completion of their degree course the candidates are placed on the scheme and they attend normal training. In the MPS, following initial recruit training at Hendon, they are posted to Borough to complete their probationers training. Providing an individual successfully achieves promotion to Sergeant, which can occur within 4 years, they then attend specific training at Bramshill that is a preliminary course for sergeants in advance of the Accelerated Promotion Course (APC). Other specific courses follow for both sergeant and inspector rank.

9. Promotion progression whilst on the scheme should be much faster than for a regular officer. The MPS system to progress and develop officers on the scheme is currently under review and more management information will be available at a later stage.

10. The more senior ranks, above that of Inspector, are gained by open competition at Promotion Assessment Centres and interviews. Individuals will however be expected to attend management and command programmes at the Police Staff College at Bramshill. Should progression not meet expectations individuals may be removed from the scheme, at the discretion of each Police Service.

11. If an individual joins as a regular entrant they are eligible to apply to the APSG if they are a graduate with a recognised degree, as long as they have not previously applied for the scheme, and submit an application within 12 months of joining. In addition, as a regular entrant on completion of their probation and on passing the sergeant's examination, the force may recommend individuals to the EISB for consideration for selection onto the Accelerated Promotion Course (APC), whether a degree has been obtained or not.

12. Following the Home Office advertising campaign the MPS received 189 applications, this compares to 214 the previous year. Included in this figure are 22 applications from regular officers who are in their first 12 months of service.

13. MPS interviews took place in December and January and a total of 32 were successful and recommended to attend the Extended Interview. To date from the 189 a further 45 passed but did not meet the Home Office Standard and were offered training places as a regular constable.

14. Results have just been received from the Home Office following EIBS and out of the 32 10 have been successful, this is an increase on last year when 7 were offered places. The remaining 22 this year will all be asked to join the regulars.

15. There is no gender or ethnicity breakdown available for this year at this time.

16. To date 13 applications have been received, but the bulk will not be available until late November. Following initial paper sift two have already been rejected. Interviews are arranged for December 2001. Instructions have been given for gender and ethnic classifications to be collated.

C. Financial implications

None.

D. Background paper

None.

E. Contact details

The author of this report is Jenny Deere, Business Director, Recruitment, Selection and Workforce Diversity.

For information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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