Perfect pass rate at force Inspectors’ assessment

ASPIRING police inspectors have achieved a “significant” pass rate in their promotions assessment, despite fewer candidates seeking promotion this year.

More than 85 per cent of candidates who took the OSPRE Part II Inspectors’ Assessment Centre passed. In South Yorkshire, all 12 sergeants who took part in the assessment were successful.

There was a 13 per cent drop in the total number of sergeants who took part in the one-day assessment, from 667 in 2012 to 581 in 2013.

However the success rate was 10 per cent higher this year, 86 per cent compared to 76 per cent, and eighteen candidates were awarded an “exceptional” grade.

Ciaran McGuigan, head of examinations and assessment at the College of Policing, said: “The increase in the overall pass rate compared to last year reflects very well on the commitment of the officers to achieve important standards of professional development.”

“This year’s exercises emphasised the importance of inspectors managing change, acting with integrity and ensuring that their actions and decisions are proportionate and in the public interest. Collectively, those who met the national standard demonstrated that they are ready for promotion to the next rank, and have the knowledge, skills and abilities to deliver a high-quality service to the communities they serve.”

Candidates were assessed on a range of competencies, including decision making, leading change, leading people, managing performance and serving the public.

A breakdown of the results showed that female candidates had a higher success rate than male candidates with 89.6 per cent of female officers (112 candidates) passing compared with 84.9 per cent of male officers (387 candidates).

The OSPRE Part II Assessment Centre is used by the majority of police forces in England and Wales as a second stage in their promotion process for the rank of inspector. However, the College of Policing has announced plans to scrap Ospre Part II after this year and replace it with work-based assessments.

Under the new National Police Promotion Framework (NPPF), officers who are considered eligible for promotion – and who have passed their legal knowledge examination – will go through a local selection process which assesses their ability to perform effectively at the next rank.

If successful at this stage, they will be selected for temporary promotion and supported through a 12-month work-based assessment programme. On successful completion of the programme, the officers will then be substantively promoted.