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Application and Selection Process

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

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We are pleased to announce that the application window for the 2012 High Potential Development Scheme is now open.

Stage 1 - Application

The HPDS Selection Process application window for 2012 is as follows:

Application Launch Date 1 February 2012
Application Closing Date 27 April 2012

Intention to Request Reasonable
Adjustment or Accommodation Closing Date

27 April 2012

The application form is designed to help you assess your readiness for HPDS, and demonstrate your skills and abilities to assist your force in making the decision whether to support your application.  Please note, to be successful at this stage your application must be supported by your force who may adopt a further selection stage in order to choose which applications to support.  Speak with your HPDS Force Contact Officer or HR Department who will advise on your particular force's protocol.

HPDS Guidance for Force Managers Download
HPDS Guidance for Applicants Download
HPDS Application Form Download
Bio Monitoring Form Download
HPDS Reasonable Adjustment and Accommodation Policy Download

Stage 2 - Written Exercise & Situational Judgement Test

Location Dates
NPIA Bramshill 29, 30, 31 May 2012
NPIA Ryton 22, 23, 24 May 2012
NPIA Harrogate 29, 30, 31 May 2012

Stage 2 is a full day event and will be delivered at a range of locations between 22 May and 31 May 2012. Dates at each location are still to be finalised as, subject to the number of applications, some dates may not be required.

At Stage 2 candidates will be asked to complete a written exercise and a situational judgement test. The highest performers will proceed to Stage 3. There is a Situational Judgement Test practice question available for download.

Stage 3 - Assessment Centre

If successful at Stage 2, each candidate would be required to attend one of the following Intakes at NPIA Bramshill. The HPDS Selection Process is currently scheduled to run in 2012 over the following intake dates:

 Intake Dates 
 Intake 1 29 September - 1 October 2012
Candidates and Assessors Required:
28 September (evening) - 1 October 2012
 Intake 2 3 October - 5 October 2012
Candidates and Assessors Required:
2 October (evening) - 5 October 2012
Intake 3 7 October - 9 October 2012
Candidates and Assessors Required:
6 October (evening) - 9 October 2012

Stage 3 involves assessing candidate performance in multiple exercises. More information on Stage 3 will be available on this page in due course. An HPDS familiarisation exercise is available for you to download.

Candidates with Disabilities or Other Requirements

If you have any individual circumstances that you believe may affect your performance or attendance at any of these stages you should, in the first instance, refer to the HPDS Reasonable Adjustment and Accommodation Policy which details the process by which candidates with a disability, including a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), or any other influencing factors may apply for reasonable adjustment or an accommodation of their needs.  If, after reading the Policy, you have any queries regarding your situation please contact the Senior Selection Team to arrange to discuss your circumstances with one of the Team's Occupational Psychologists.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding the selection process to attain a place on the High Potential Development Scheme, please email the Senior Selection Team.  You can also speak with your Regional HPDS Development Adviser or, for queries about the Scheme itself, please email the Leadership Services Team.