In 2008, the Home Office Green paper pledged funding for Leadership training to develop and enhance the capabilities of the Special Constabulary (SC). Following this publication, and the subsequent National Implementation Advice, the National College of Police Leadership has worked closely with members of the SC Strategy Board and stakeholders to develop and deliver a Senior leadership Programme (SLP) specifically for the SC.

The programme will provide delegates with an ability to establish a clear set of values, ethics and standards, whilst dealing with a range of differing, and often competing, demands.

The key objective is to increase the capability of the SC senior leaders by equipping them with the skills and knowledge to support and influence their chief officer teams in relation to performance and value for money. Programme content has been developed to meet the current and future needs of the service and has been supported with consultation with SC chief officers, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and other senior police officers.

The programme is linked to the three key areas of the national Leadership Strategyfor the police service:

1. Executive policing skills

2. Business policing skills

3. Professional policing skills.

The programme features:

• Emotional intelligence
• Principles of leadership and leadership styles
• Negotiating and influencing
• A workplace assignment
• Values and ethics
• Performance management
• Organisational change
• Public confidence

Who should apply?

The SC SLP is aimed at SC leaders operating at Chief  Inspector or equivalent level, and above. Due to the bespoke nature of the programme, it is aimed at leaders working within the Special Constabulary only. Leaders outside of the SC should enrol on the Senior Leadership Programme.

What is unique about the Special Constabulary Senior Leadership Programme?

This is a bespoke programme which has been developed from the Foundation for Senior Leadership programme.  It provides an opportunity for SC leaders from across the country to engage with the National College of Police Leadership and network with colleagues.

Why should I enrol and what are the benefits of the programme?

Continued professional development is a key aspect of leadership. The SC SLP gives the opportunity to build a network of SC leaders and to share in the development of the National Strategy and implementation plan. Work is currently ongoing to see how the programme can align itself to professional accreditation with the CMI.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the professional management of performance required to improve service delivery
• Describe current strategic leadership styles
• Describe the implications of "Confidence"
• Consider the implications of current Police Reform
• Demonstrate a strategic response to policing
• Understand the drivers for change in an organisation, the impact and management of change
• Understand the principles of values, ethics and links to decision-making
• Understand the application of, and commitment to, equality of opportunity and diversity
• Apply the tools, techniques and models to the volunteer environment of the Special Constabulary
• Manage personal leadership development to support strategic ambition
• Take responsibility for their own self-development and learning

The SC SLP is a National College of Police Leadership programme. It is delivered by experienced police officers at the NPIA's Bramshill site over two weekends, with a workplace assignment linking the two. The course runs for three days - commencing on a Friday evening at 19:30 for 20:00 start, concluding Sunday, 17:00.

What past students have said:

"As a result of this course, I have learned the value of environmental scanning and available resources"

"Just a quick note to say thank you for the excellent course. It has given me some very useful tools which I believe will have a direct impact on my effectiveness"

"I found this course, trainers and other students enlightening. It has reinforced my learining and re-invigorated me for the future"

 Read the course sheet

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