Cumbria Constabulary announced their move to the Police Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF) yesterday (24 April), a transformative professional framework for the education of police officers and staff.
The force are actively recruiting for their first cohort of officers to start training as apprentices or on a Degree Holder Entry Programme. Any persons interested in joining the Constabulary via the new routes can visit the constabulary’s website to apply.
From 2020, nationally, entry requirements into the role of police officer will change and all new officers will need a degree-level qualification upon entry or achieve one through an apprenticeship route with the Constabulary.
The change to the to the entry criteria for policing is the first in over a decade and has been implemented to further professionalise policing as a career and reflect and acknowledge the high level of service required from an officer in today’s complex and challenging policing environment.
The three new national routes of entry to become a serving police officer are:
1. Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)
A three-year professional policing degree apprenticeship, providing an exciting opportunity for successful applicants to achieve a degree in Professional Policing Practice with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) whilst serving as a police officer.
2. Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP)
A two-year academic professional policing diploma, providing the opportunity for successful applicants with any degree (except in Professional Policing Practice) to achieve a diploma in Professional Policing Practice with UCLAN whilst serving as a police officers.
3. Pre-Join Degree Route
For candidates who already hold a degree in Professional Policing Practice. There are a number of Higher Education Institutes offering degrees in Professional Policing Practice. Any graduate with such a degree would join Cumbria Constabulary as an officer and train in operational duties only.
The salary for all of the above entry routes is £23,586
Apprenticeships and diplomas provide an exciting opportunity for successful applicants to be employed as police officers whilst working towards achieving a degree/diploma in Professional Policing Practice through the constabulary’s partnership with UCLan. The apprenticeships and diploma programmes provide an exciting opportunity for successful applicants to be employed as police officers whilst working towards achieving a degree/diploma in Professional Policing Practice through the constabulary’s partnership with the University of Central Lancashire. The Pre Join Degree route provides those who have already gained the degree in Professional Policing Practice, the opportunity to be employed as a Police Officer.
Chief Constable, Michelle Skeer said: “We are pleased to announce our partnership with the University of Central Lancashire on our PCDA and DHEP programmes. They are an exceptional University who we are excited to work with. They will provide a fantastic academic programme to our new officers”.
Director of Corporate Support, Stephen Kirkpatrick said: “This new process acknowledges the ever-increasing complexities in crime, such as cyber or terrorist threats, and recognises the all-round high levels of skill and professionalism a police officer needs to attain.
“All lessons will be held at our headquarters and will provide an excellent opportunity for talented and driven individuals to achieve a degree or diploma whilst working as an operational police officer to gain vital, on-the-job experience.”
Head of People Department, Superintended Sarah Jackson said: “Our constabulary remains one of the highest performing forces in the UK and Cumbria is one of the safest places to live. I would encourage anyone to apply who has a passion to serve the public and is looking for a rewarding career. We are a forward-thinking and inclusive employer who want a work force that is truly representative of the community we serve. I would encourage anyone who feels they may need addition support or information during the application process to contact our HR department at [email protected] to discuss the support we have available.”
Peter McCall, Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “This new recruiting process for officers to start training as apprentices or study on the Degree Holder Entry Programme, is a great opportunity to gain hands on operational policing experience, whilst studying at the same time.
“Investing in the future of our officers will always be a top priority and this is perfect opportunity, offering the appeal of academic qualifications, as well as the ability to work side by side with local communities in Cumbria, I believe will be very popular.
“It is through strong partnerships such as this one with the University of Central Lancashire, that Cumbria Constabulary remains one of the highest performing forces in the UK and Cumbria is one of the safest places to live”.
Professor Ian Allison, Executive Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), said:
“It’s fantastic to have been selected by Cumbria Constabulary to deliver degree apprenticeships as part of the Police Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF), a significant industry development which we are proud to be a part of.
“Since launching our strategy to establish UCLan as the largest provider of degree apprenticeships in the North West, we have formed a number of collaborative partnerships which are already having a positive impact; opening up a range of employment opportunities for individuals and supporting the development and growth of workforces.
“We’re looking forward to working in partnership with Cumbria Constabulary and delivering high quality teaching combined with practical experience for the candidates embarking upon these valuable opportunities.”
