There is no current limit on the numbers of applications an individual can submit to the NSCAS assessment centre.

All participants at the assessment centre will receive structured feedback which they should discuss with their line managers and can use to improve their chances of success next time.

No. There are other ways to develop for future roles and taking up NSCAS is not a requirement for promotion.

It is a fundamental principle of NSCAS that no personal information held about an individual will be shared outside NSCAS without express permission. Ownership of an NSCAS client's PDP resides with the individual, but the aim will be to make this a shared document between the individual, their force and NSCAS. The PDP should, therefore, be shared with the force, but the individual will have the option of withholding certain information about themselves from the shared PDP and sharing this with their Development Adviser only.

Where the PDP results in an agreed development activity with cost implications, the force will be aware for this reason.

Where applications need Chief Constable / Commissioner support, that person will know, as will the line manager who will need to countersign the form.

An Information Management Protocol setting out the principles of information sharing can be found on the NSCAS website.

NSCAS is an all-embracing development service driven by the needs of the individual, their current and particularly future role and the needs of the organisations and communities they serve. It can encompass any appropriate development need or activity, not necessary those tied into a specific policing qualification.

Any existing commitments, e.g. time or financial, would normally continue to be met by the original authorising body. However, if such an activity is included in an NSCAS PDP then NSCAS would part-fund any remaining elements.

No. It will not be taken into account. PNAC will not be told who NSCAS clients are (although NSCAS clients may of course choose to state this in their PNAC application). However, those wishing to undertake the Strategic Command Course (SCC) will need to complete certain requirements. NSCAS can assist with these development needs.

The two processes are not linked and the results of NSCAS assessments will not be made available at PNAC.

However, PNAC and NSCAS are assessing against the same ACPO competencies. Therefore, if NSCAS assesses that you do not have the potential to achieve ACPO rank within 4 years, you may consider that you are unlikely to succeed at PNAC, which tests whether you are ready for promotion now.

All DAs are experienced and equipped to form effective working relationship with NSCAS clients. They are all experienced and knowledgeable in development matters and are committed to encouraging diversity.

NSCAS reserve the right to allocate DAs to individual clients. If a client has a preference for a DA then NSCAS will try to take this into account.