National Graduate Leadership Programme - Register Your Interest

About the programme

Every neighbourhood needs a leader to support and strengthen their community. As a neighbourhood police officer, you can stop crime before it happens. You can build a better tomorrow.

Our two-year programme is designed to develop your leadership and problem-solving skills to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. We will teach you everything you need to know about working with communities and local partners, to proactively identify issues and build trust and confidence in policing.

Your salary is paid from day one when you start our training academy. You will then spend two years embedded in a neighbourhood. This will give you the opportunity to become a visible leader in the community, engage with partners to support and safeguard the vulnerable and prevent those at risk of offending. Our programme prepares you to make a positive change and stop crime before it happens. There is no greater feeling than seeing the work you do impact someone’s life for the better.

We are looking for talented graduates from all degree disciplines.

For your ambitions, career goals, promotions. For every brave new idea and the lives you’ll change. Become a neighbourhood police officer.

Training and development

Our award-winning training sets the foundation for a successful and transformative career in policing. Throughout the academy, you’ll have access to a performance and development coach who will support you to navigate a new career and maximise your potential. You'll also have the opportunity to apply for a secondment, which is a unique opportunity to develop skills and gain valuable experience working with external partners.

Career progression

Once you successfully complete the programme, you will be a fully warranted neighbourhood police officer with a permanent role in policing. You’ll also join our alumni network.

Many of our graduates have been promoted after completing the programme or have taken the opportunity to explore other areas of policing such as Counter Terrorism, Firearms or Investigations.

Eligibility

To apply for this programme, you must:

• be over 17 years of age or older on application, (and 18 by the time of appointment)
• be a British citizen, a citizen of a country that is a member of the European Economic Area or Switzerland, or a Commonwealth citizen or foreign national who is resident in the UK and has settled status or leave to remain and work without restrictions
• have been resident in the UK for the past three years (some exemptions allowed)
• not currently be registered as bankrupt (or have bankruptcy debts that have been discharged within the past three years)
• not have existing county court judgements outstanding against you
• not be a current or previous member of a proscribed terrorist organisation or group
• not plan to take an active role in politics once in role (this does not include voting, but would include canvassing for a political party)
• be competent in written and spoken English and numeracy
• hold at least one UK level 3 qualification in any subject, or non-UK equivalent
• hold a first, 2:1 or 2.2 in any undergraduate degree from a UK university (or equivalent from a non-UK university) and have completed all education by the programme start date of July 2025, this includes part time or distance learning
• have not undertaken the College of Policing-licensed pre-join degree in Professional Policing Practice
• have not previously attested, trained or been employed as a police constable in the UK

Rewards and benefits

Salary
Your salary will commence on day one of your training academy. You will receive a starting salary of £29,907 – £38,269, depending on location. Your salary will increase each year up to over £48,000 within seven years.

Leave
You’ll start with 22 days per year (on top of public holidays), rising to 30 days depending on your length of service. You can also expect other forms of leave including adoption, maternity and paternity.

Work-life balance
This is not your typical 9-5. Police officers work varied shift patterns which gives them adaptability and freedom to maximise their time outside of work. Different to your typical working week, you’ll often receive several days off in a row. It may take some time to adapt to shift pattern working, but once you do, you may find that the adaptability of the schedule allows you to better balance work and home life.

Pension
You’ll automatically be enrolled as a member of the Police Pension Scheme 2015, which awards police officers for their dedication and service to the public. It offers a generous and secure retirement package, providing officers with financial stability and peace of mind.

Financial services discounts
There are various partner organisations who work alongside the police to offer a variety of financial services including saving, investment and protection products, as well as discounts and subsidies. Many major high street stores, retail outlets and other national organisations offer discounts and special deals to police officers. Most police forces also provide access to a number of subsidised leisure and sporting activities.

Application process

1. Online application. This is where you'll provide details, so we can see if you meet our eligibility requirements. It's also a chance for you to make us aware of any adjustments you may need during the process.
2. Immersive assessment. If you are eligible for the programme, you'll be invited to complete an immersive assessment where you will experience a number of scenarios which will bring neighbourhood policing to life.
3. Assessment centre. If you pass the immersive assessment, you'll be invited to a digital assessment centre and offered dates to choose from. This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your motivations for joining the programme and gain further insight into the role.
4. Conditional offer. If successful at assessment centre, you'll receive a conditional offer and be allocated a dedicated Recruitment Officer. They will be there throughout your onboarding journey and assist you with your pre-employment checks including: fitness test, BMI, medical, references and vetting. Your final offer will be dependent on you passing all these checks.