In S3E4, I give my thoughts on the recent article published by the Police Federation about 'worryingly low promotion success rates down to a lack of learning time during work'. They point out how around only 1 in 6 of their survey respondents were successful in promotion last year, demonstrating how brutally.competitive promotion processes are. The key angle the PFEW take is protected learning time, especially for the exam (which you'll find I've blogged on before). But the real competition begins when competing with other officers for substantive positions. I discuss the ins and outs of this ..read more

Season 3 of my free police promotion podcast continues strong, where I'm thrilled to share my far-reaching platform with DI Becky Davies, of Devon and Cornwall Police. Becky kindly and openly shares her story of neurodivergence, including wider perspectives on neurodiversity in policing. She talks about her struggles in achieving promotion, the barriers, but also proposes solutions. This is an audio version of her recent guest blog I've posted on my blog site, link below: https://policepromotion.blog/2023/02/20/beckys-story-neurodivergence-and-police-promotion/ I'm happy to share my platform r ..read more

Episode 2 of Season 3 of my free police promotion support is another BANGER! Today I had the privilege of interviewing Chief Constable Chris Noble of Staffordshire Police. I asked him a range of questions on policing and leadership, to which his responses are insightful and fascinating. There's tons of lessons here for aspiring police leaders everywhere, whether you seek promotion or lateral career development. He also shares his perspectives on controversial police matters like Performance Development Reviews (PDRs), his expectations of leaders, why Staffordshire decided to choose bespoke CVF ..read more

For the inaugural episode of Season 3, Year of the Rabbit,  I discuss neurodiversity and my thoughts around support for officers and staff with ND / Autistic Spectrum Conditions. I also expand upon thoughts within my new blog, 'Thinking Differently About Neurodiversity in Policing Part 3'... https://policepromotion.blog/2023/02/11/thinking-differently-on-neurodiversity-in-police-leadership-part-3  As a coach/mentor supporting police promotion candidates across the UK and beyond, I aim to provide valuable and meaningful insights to help you succeed in promotion; especially those aspir ..read more

In S2 E27 I discuss the controversial decision in Devon and Cornwall police to waive the remaining promotion process to fill Sergeant vacancies with those with successful applications. That means no interview boards or presentations to conduct, candidates will instead be straight through to NPPF Step 4. A paper-based promotion process if you like! This is just one method of the rich tapestry of promotion processes I've previously covered in my two-part blog on the postcode lottery of police promotion! As a coach/mentor supporting police promotion candidates across the UK and beyond, I aim to p ..read more

In S2 E26 I give you a kickstart to 2023 with a super-briefing on promotion.  I cover gap assessments, smart goal-setting, preparation, and much more in this 27 minute episode. I recorded in my conservatory, so you may just hear a little background noise of the rain!  I also discuss my new and improved Interview Success eGuide and Sergeant's example evidence guide, both of which are available on my website. You can go further with a comprehensive superbriefing, by downloading my complete suite of materials, which for the new year I also share a new offer: The inclusion of my 3hr CVF ..read more

Episode 25 of this Year of the Tiger series of police leadership podcasts focuses on supervising investigations and the process of investigation. Initially, I cover the process and expand on concepts I've previously blogged about (link below), plus your responsibilities as a leader, manager, and supervisor. Not least, given this is an area many forces are failing at, as identified in the PEEL inspections. I then provide an extra 10 minutes at the end, because since originally recording this, the College of Policing launched a consultation on a new investigation process; funnily enough, closely ..read more

In this festive video episode of my Police Promotion & Leadership podcast, I  share insights and tips from a batch of recent testimonials I've received. I discuss what worked for these officers and insights as to your own learning towards not just being successful at police promotion, but  putting clear blue water between you and other candidates. For example, consider the following practice  promotion board question:  "What's the difference between the roles of Sergeant and Inspector?"  Read all these testimonials and more here: www.ranksuccess.co.uk/testimonials ..read more

I have an exciting and inspiring leadership interview for you as Episode 23 of Season 2! This week I had the privilege of interviewing Chief Constable Lee Freeman of Humberside Police. Yes, that Humberside Police, recently rated the best performing force in the country by HMICFRS! I think you'll enjoy his grounded communication style and 'intelligence-led leadership' approach, as I ask him about performance, leadership, culture and more under his stewardship in Humberside Police. There's a heap of lessons here for aspiring leaders everywhere, including Lee's universal tips on police promotion ..read more

Here's Episode 22 of Season 2. Leading change is an essential part of successful police leadership, something I cover in my digital toolkit and police promotion masterclass. Here I discuss various change models you'll find helpful if aspiring to the ranks of Sergeant, Inspector, and Chief Inspector. Understanding how you are leading change also happens to be great for building evidence against the CVF when it comes to interview boards and applications. Ultimately, this work makes you a better leader, and therefore of course a better candidate for promotion! I hope you find it useful food for t ..read more