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What you can expect from the PCDA

From day one of your training you are a warranted officer and, on successful completion of the programme and your probation, your learning will be accredited with a BSc (Hons) Professional Policing Practice.

A three-year professional degree-level apprenticeship programme combining on-the-job practical learning and operational competence with academic learning.

Year One: A blended learning programme delivered by TVP and Bucks New University with initial learning phase based at TVP’s Training Centres in Sulhamstead, Reading and Kidlington. You will then join your designated Local Policing Area (LPA) for a period of operational tutoring leading to Independent Patrol Status. In year one operational training will include officer safety training, making an arrest and how to conduct a stop and search, amongst other things. You will also be required to complete seven academic assignments*. Four of these are completed during the initial learning phase, the remaining three are to be completed whilst operationally deployed during assigned periods of Protected Learning Time**.

Year Two: Builds on the first year of learning but with more operational focus including response, investigation, intelligence, community policing and roads policing. In year two you will be required to complete seven academic assignments* whilst operationally deployed during assigned periods of Protected Learning Time**.

Year Three: In year three you will be required to complete four academic assignments* whilst operationally deployed during assigned periods of Protected Learning Time** in addition to the End Point Assessment. As part of your End Point Assessment you will be assessed on your Evidence-Based Research Project and achieve Full Operational Competence. The research project has a practical policing purpose; demonstrating your learning, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Remuneration

Starting salary £29,682 (inclusive of a £3,000 South-East living allowance).

Application process

Typically the process from initial application through to start date takes about 12 months

• Self-assessment form – all potential applicants must self-assess their eligibility prior to applying
• Application including proof of eligibility (e.g. educational certificates, compliance with residency, tattoo policy etc.)
• Online Assessments (National Sift and Online Assessment Centre (OAC))
• Interview
• Provisional Offer
• Pre-employment checks including fitness test, medical, references and vetting
• Formal Offer including written confirmation of posting and start date

Eligibility – to apply for a role as a Police Officer via the PCDA you must:

• Age - be at least 17 years of age
• Citizenship - be a British citizen, or an EU, EEA or foreign national with Indefinite Leave to Remain or Pre-Settled/Settled status and no restrictions on your stay in the United Kingdom
• Residency - have been a UK resident for the last three years. There are some exceptions (e.g. periods of travelling/working overseas, armed forces etc) which will be considered on a case-by-case basis
• GCSE Education – All applicants must have passes in both English (Language or Literature) and Mathematics at GCSE/Level 2 (A*-C / 9-4) or equivalent (this is a requirement of the National Apprenticeship programme)***
• Further Education/Experience - In addition to the GCSEs above, applicants must also have two A-levels or equivalent Level 3 qualification/s (A Level grade A-E or equivalent) OR one A-Level qualification (or equivalent) combined with relevant professional experience**** OR relevant professional experience only. Suitability of your 'relevant professional experience' will be jointly assessed by TVP and Bucks New University, with TVP having the final decision
• Drivers Licence - have a full manual UK or EEA driving licence before receiving a formal offer of appointment
• Criminal Record - not have served any period of imprisonment or youth detention. If you have a criminal record or conviction, it may lead to your application being rejected. We will take into account factors including the date and nature of the offence, plus evidence of good character since the offence
• Health - be in good health and able to physically and mentally perform the duties of a Police Officer once appointed. By provisional offer of employment applicants must have a BMI range of between 18-32
• Personal - not have any piercings or tattoos which could cause offence
• Previous application - not have applied unsuccessfully to any Home Office Force within the past six months
• Location - live within 30 crow miles, 40 road miles and a 1 hour commute of two of our main police stations by formal offer of appointment. A degree of flexibility is expected in terms of postings as we may be forced to post to locations within policy parameters if organisational need dictates this.

TVP applicants – those currently working as a PCSO, Detention Officer or a Contact Management Call Handler must have been in their role for 12 months before applying to become a Police Officer.

Notes

• Academic assignments are typically made up of the following: Coursework (essays / reports / portfolios), presentations / posters and time constrained examination / set exercises.

** There is sufficient protected learning time (PLT) built into all the PCDA programme throughout the 3 years in order to successfully complete the course and achieve the relevant qualification. Part of this PLT is reserved for learning (off the job training) to be delivered to the student and part is reserved as independent study time to assist in the completion of the academic assignments. However, students may choose to spend additional time on training outside of these allocated hours. However, students may wish to spend additional time on completing assignments outside of these allocated hours.

*** If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications, please refer to the English & Maths Level 2 document which contains guidance on how you could gain these qualifications

**** TVP and BNU need to ensure that student officers on the PCDA have the ability to achieve what is required academically during the programme. ‘Relevant professional experience’ could come from a wide variety of professions and industries, both public and private sector and, for example, could include (but is not limited to) transferable experience where: you have had to demonstrate an ability to solve problems or make informed decisions, research, retain and convey complex information, managed a varied workload or projects, worked under pressure or to tight time scales