National Police Promotion Framework (NPPF) FAQ. Q1. What is the current status of the National Police Promotion Framework trial?

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1 National Police Promotion Framework (NPPF) FAQ Q1. What is the current status of the National Police Promotion Framework trial? A1. The National Police Promotion Framework has been trialled by seven police forces since The formal trial period come to an end in 2011 and following a review of its operations the Police Promotion Examinations Board (PPEB) has recommended implementation of the NPPF. The Government deferred the decision to the College of Policing, and the College s Professional Committee has agreed in principle to implement the new Framework. But before a final decision is made it has asked that the College and the PPEB address concerns raised by the Police Federation over whether the introduction of NPPF will lead to adverse impact on the promotion of BME officers. Further information will be presented to the next meeting of the College Professional Committee in May for final consideration and endorsement of the new system. Q2. What is the National Police Promotion Framework? A2. The National Police Promotion Framework is a continuous four step process to promote officers to the rank of sergeant and inspector. Step one is a meeting with your line manager to confirm you are eligible to apply. Step two is the legal knowledge examination (the same examination as OSPRE Part I) Step three is a local selection process to evaluate the candidate s suitability be placed into the promotion pool Step four is a twelve month work based assessment to assess performance against a range of units from the Qualifications & Credit Framework (QCF)

2 If officers are successful in the assessment and performance in the role, it should lead to a substantive promotion. Q3. Why is the Promotion Process changing? A3. The main reason for the change is that officer s who were successful at OSPRE Part II were qualified but did not necessarily attain promotion. Development in the new rank could be months or years after the qualification and actual development in role was dependent on local policy or practice. This was qualifying more officers than could reasonably be promoted in the current economic climate. This led to false expectations and dissatisfaction for staff and difficulties for forces in managing these numbers. Q4. What is the main difference between OSPRE and NPPF? A4. The main difference is that instead of taking the OSPRE Part II assessment centre, officers are selected at a local level on the basis of their suitability for promotion to the next rank. Successful candidates are then supported in their temporary promotion through a work based programme where they gain understanding and experience in a range of skills relevant to that new rank. The assessment is linked to an external awarding body so successful candidates can be awarded a formal qualification. These are Police First Line Management Level 4 Certificate (for sergeants) or a Police Management Level 5 Certificate (for inspectors). If this work based assessment and their performance in the role is completed successfully, they are then confirmed in post at the new rank.

3 Q5. OSPRE Part II takes place on one day work based assessment takes place over 12 months. Is this not increasing bureaucracy? A5. OSPRE Part II is a one day assessment centre that assesses whether officers have the potential to perform effectively in the next rank, and any subsequent development of the officer which takes place is based on local interpretation as to what a new sergeant or inspector should know. The NPPF is a structured development programme that allows officers to gain knowledge and experience in key areas. Bureaucracy is minimised by using information or data made available during the working day. Evidence is collected through direct observation, digital recordings, and e-management systems, which have all minimised the amount of record keeping. Q6. I work part time, how am I be expected to complete my work based assessment in 12 months? A6. Candidates working part time will complete the units from the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) on a pro rata basis. For example, if an officer worked 20 hours a week as opposed to 40 hours a week then the period for that candidate to complete the QCF would be doubled. Similarly if a candidate takes a career break as a carer or takes maternity or paternity leave, then the period is suspended and will commence again on their return to duty, taking account of any changes to duty hours on return. Further information is available in the NPPF Operating Manual.

4 Q7. I am a HPDS officer, do I complete the National Police Promotion Framework or OSPRE? A7. HPDS officers can take part in the National Police Promotion Framework. They have to undertake and be successful at Steps One (which in this case would be the HPDS selection), Two and Four of the process, (including undertaking work based assessment) and completing Qualifications & Credit Framework (QCF). There is no guarantee of substantive promotion at the conclusion of Step Four unless they meet the criteria in the NPPF Operating manual and HPDS manual. The main difference is that HPDS officers are allowed to bypass Step Three. Q8. If I am temporarily promoted through NPPF do I retain my pay and allowances? A8. Once promoted and in a suitable role at Step Four, you are paid at the higher rank. This includes pension rights and contributions. You would lose any additional payments you had such as Competence Related Threshold Payment (CRTP) at the lower rank. Q9. As I understand it an officer who is already qualified by OSPRE Parts I and II cannot be required to qualify again via another promotion system. Does the OSPRE Part II qualification now have a life span? A9. At this time the OSPRE Part II qualification is valid indefinitely however acceptance and subsequent implementation of other recommendations within the Winsor review may impact on the validity of a Part II pass.

5 Q10. I am OSPRE Part I and II qualified officer. How will the change to NPPF affect me? A10. A force can require its officers to undergo training, irrespective of which career path is being taken to promotion. An officer can be qualified at OSPRE Parts I and II, and still be required to undertake the local selection process at NPPF Step Three. Whilst a candidate cannot be required to undertake NPPF Step Four as a part of their promotion process, a force can require officers to undertake the Qualifications & Credit Framework (QCF) units or other training and development in accordance with the promotion policies for that force. Indeed, a force could be criticised for not offering the same development or training opportunities to qualified officers, as they would to officers who entered the NPPF at Step One. Q11. I am qualified by OSPRE Parts I and II and am transferring to a National Police Promotion Framework force. What will be expected of me? A11. On arrival at your new force you would have to secure a position at the next rank which means joining the NPPF at Step Three. You are eligible to take part in the next Step Three process in that force and if successful would be promoted like any other OSPRE qualified officer. If you are unsuccessful you can apply for Step 3 again, taking account of any feedback or development plan put in place.

6 Q12. I have passed OSPRE Part I and if my force has transfers to the NPPF, how will this affect me? A12. The Police Promotion Examinations Board (PPEB), which has responsibility for police promotions to the rank of sergeant and inspector will advise forces on this when releasing the implementation plan. Clearly not all forces can or will want to access the NPPF immediately so information will be made available as forces prepare to join. More general information will be made available through the College of Policing website and in newsletters which will be sent to all forces. In the short term, if you have passed OSPRE Part I and you are eligible to take OSPRE Part II, then the published Part II arrangements for 2013 will still be available. Q13. Where do I find out about the NPPF A13. Anyone wanting to find out more about the National Police Promotion Framework should go to for relevant documents and points of contact.