How to apply
Upile Mtitimila | Detective Inspector, Cheshire Constabulary
Prepare yourself for promotion
We understand you’re busy, so we’ve made the application process for the Frontline Leadership Programme as simple and straightforward as possible.
The application process can take between one week to one month. This is highly dependent on how soon you fill out an application form and the earliest date you can attend a digital interview. It’s also dependent on the volume of applications we receive, so we encourage individuals to apply as soon as possible.
1. Application and eligibility
First, complete and submit your application form using the apply button below.
You’ll be asked to complete information about your eligibility for the programme. It shouldn’t take you more than 30 minutes to complete.
We’ll receive your application and review. Find more about the eligibility criteria for the programme.
In the application form, you’ll be asked for details which will enable us to check your eligibility for the programme.
This will include:
- Written notices
- Written warning
- Criminal or misconduct investigations
- Reduction in rank
- Adherence to attendance management policy
- Status on promotion framework
2. Digital interview
Once you’ve passed eligibility checks, you’ll have the opportunity to book a date and time slot for a one-to-one interview.
Interviews are hosted on MS Teams and last one hour and 15 minutes. This stage is an opportunity to find out more about you and your motivations for applying for the programme.
We are interested in how you connect with the Police Now mission, what motivates you to pursue a promotion and why you want to join the Frontline Leadership Programme. It is important to share why the Police Now programme is right for you and how you will contribute to the aims of Police Now. We understand that each person is an individual and this is your chance to decide if the Frontline Leadership Programme is right for you.
Read more about Police Now’s community impact.
Interview hints and tips
Decided you’ve got what it takes? We’ve put together a range of support and guidance, including videos, to help you prepare for the interview and understand what it entails.
What to expect
In the interview, we want to hear about the strengths and skills you’ve developed within your policing career that demonstrate your potential for sergeant rank.
How you have responded to situations? What’s your approach to finding a solution? What have you learned from those experiences? We’ll also be looking at how you’d respond to future challenges as a sergeant and the strengths you would use to overcome these.
The interview will include three style of questions:
Behavioural competency style questions
- This is a common interview question type and often used in the promotion board interviews.
- It allows you to the opportunity to share any past experience/examples in relation to the competency being assessed.
- Example: Tell me about a time when have you successfully worked as part of a team to achieve a goal?
Strength based questions
- These provide an insight into your interests, knowledge and skills.
- Example: What do you enjoy about using new approaches to improve ways of working?
Scenario based questions
- These are hypothetical questions that provide you an opportunity to say how you would approach a situation that you may encounter in the sergeant role.
- Example: In your role as a sergeant, you notice one of your constables appears distracted and their performance on the job has started to deteriorate. What would you do?
What we're looking for
We’re looking for ambitious, motivated and mission aligned individuals to join are programme.
You’ll be assessed against the skills, mindset and competencies required to succeed on the programme and your potential to thrive in a sergeant role. We will assess how your alignment to Police Now’s mission and whether you possess the competencies and values we are looking for. Our competencies align with the College of Policing Competency and Values Framework which set out nationally recognised behaviours for all policing professionals. Please develop your understanding of Police Now’s competencies.
INTERVIEW ADVICE FROM ONE OF OUR PARTICIPANTS
3. Onboarding
You’ll find out the outcome of your interview within 10 working days. All candidates receive feedback via their account portal, whether they’ve been successful or not. Successful candidates will recieve a conditional offer onto the programme and asked to complete their offer letter within 5 working days.
You’ll have access to your onboarding portal, where you’ll see useful information to begin your journey on the programme. You’ll be supported to complete online learning ahead of your first taught day.
You will also be invited to attend a Digital Induction Event, which provides a great opportunity for you to meet other participants, build your network and find out more about what to expect while on the programme.
"I joined the Frontline Leadership Programme because I wanted to utilise the network, learning material, and development opportunities available. What really sold the programme to me was the mock board interview practice, as from previous experience going in front of the board, I knew this was an area I wanted to develop my confidence in.
I think it’s important to take the support that’s offered to you and always strive to learn new skills and develop existing ones, in order to get where you want to be and start affecting real change as a leader in policing."
