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Application and Assessment Process

All serving constables and sergeants are eligible to apply for the scheme. Members of the original HPDS need not apply. 

Key Dates for the 2010 Assessment Process

Application Launch Date 29 March 2010
Application Closing Date 25 June 2010
Intention to Apply for Reasonable Adjustment Closing Date 25 June 2010
Stage 2 - Harrogate 20, 21 and 22 July 2010
Stage 2 - Bramshill 27, 28 and 29 July 2010
Stage 2 - Ryton 3, 4 and 5 August 2010
Stage 3 - Intake One 17 - 19 November 2010
Stage 3 - Intake Two 21 - 23 November 2010
Stage 3 - Intake Three 25 - 27 November 2010

If you are applying for the HPDS please ensure that you secure dates for stage 2. When the results of stage 2 have been announced we will request your preference for stage 3 dates.

2010 Selection Process

We aim to select approximately 60 officers to join the HPDS. 

Stage 1 - Application

The application form is designed to help you assess your readiness for HPDS, and to assist your force in making the decision to support your application. Use the form to demonstrate that you have the right skills and abilities to be considered.

To be successful at this stage your force must support your application. Note that your force may choose to adopt a further selection stage in order to choose which applications to support. You may therefore have to complete your Application Form well in advance of the NPIA deadline, in line with your force's timescales. 

It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet all local deadlines as well as the NPIA deadline date. Speak to your HPDS Force Contact Officer or HR department who will advise on force processes and submission dates.

Download Application Form

Stage 2 - Situational Judgement Questionnaire and Written Exercise

Is a full day event, delivered at a range of locations, over 3 weeks.   Subject to the number of applications received some of these dates may not be required, it is therefore not always possible to allocate your first preference.

Candidates who are supported by their force at Stage 1 will be notified of their Stage 2 site and date by 9 July via the email address provided on their application form.

At Stage 2 you will be asked to complete a test of your judgement and decision making in a range of managerial scenarios, and a written exercise.  The highest performers will proceed to Stage 3. 

All Stage 2 information will be available from this site at the close of Stage 1.

Stage 3 - Assessment Centre

At Stage 3 you will attend an assessment centre at NPIA Bramshill which will involve assessing your performance in multiple exercises.  Your performance on each of the exercises will be assessed against a required standard. You can now download an overview timetable for the assessment centre.

Should you have any questions please refer to your regional HPDS Development Advisor or the Leadership Services Team.


Next Steps

  • Download  and complete the application form. 
  • Download and complete the Biographical Data Monitoring Form and send it to NPIA
  • Find out your own force's timetable and process for applying for the HPDS
  • Pass your completed application form to your line manager
  • Your line manager should complete the relevant sectio and forward to the BCU Commander or Head of Unit
  • The BCU Commander or Head of Unit should complete the application form and forward to the ACPO Force Reviewer
  • The ACPO Force Reviewer will assess the evidence before deciding whether to support your application
  • It is the responsibility of the ACPO Force Reviewer to send all applications to NPIA by the closing date
  • When your supported application is received, NPIA will contact you 
  • If you are successful at Stage 2, you will progress to Stage 3

Reasonable Adjustment

Please consult our Reasonable Adjustment Policy which outlines to candidates the process by which candidates with a disability may apply for reasonable adjustment for the HPDS Selection Process. This includes candidates with a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD).

Should candidates have any queries about reasonable adjustment they should phone the Senior Selection Team on 01423 876815 to arrange to discuss their circumstances with a psychologist.

Force Managers

Guidance for Force Managers for the 2010 process is now available to download for your reference. If you have any queries about the process please email the Senior Selection team.