PCs face “Assessment and Recognition of Competence” test

CONSTABLES need to make themselves aware of how competency assessments will affect their pay rises in the coming years.

PCs approaching pay point four will have to undertake a competency assessment from January next year. Officially termed the “Assessment and Recognition of Competence” or ARC, the test is being introduced as a part of the College of Policing’s Professional Development Programme.

The ARC – which the college says is designed to support the professionalisation of policing – is likely to be completed at the end of your third year in policing.

Karen Stephens, the Police Federation of England and Wales’ lead on professional development, said: “Prior to the ARC, unless an officer goes for promotion, there is nothing to say whether that officer is competent or not

“Initially, the ARC was going to be a test that everyone would have to take but we [the PFEW] suggested it should be in line with Professional Development Reviews (PDRs).”

The process requires that officers on the front line provide evidence of their performance.

“This is a good thing,” Karen added. “If the officer, for whatever reason, is not deemed competent then support will be given to help that officer.”

The ARC standards combine the new initial learning units which were introduced in April 2016, relevant constable personal qualities from the Police Professional framework, and the constable’s own continuing professional development.

The aim is to deliver a consistently high level of service to the public and a recognised national standard for officers.

The College recommends, among others things, that all officers should have a fully documented PDR with objectives and have started to prepare evidence to be assessed as part of the ARC.

The process will eventually be rolled out to include all ranks up to and including chief superintendent, according to Police Magazine.