Police Now launches new Frontline Leadership Programme
Whilst the pilot cohort was only available for Police Now alumni, applications have opened today (Monday 18th October 2021) for all police constables seeking promotion in forces across England and Wales.
The programme directly addresses the shortage of sergeants predicted by 2024 and supports talented police officers from all backgrounds and career routes. It aims to increase diversity and representation in senior operational ranks, by paying particular attention to the barriers often faced by officers from underrepresented groups when going for promotion.
On Wednesday 29th September 2021, the first cohort of 20 talented Police Now alumni attended the first taught day of the programme in Birmingham. The participants have all graduated from either the National Graduate Leadership Programme or the National Detective Programme and come from a number of forces including Avon and Somerset, Humberside, Surrey, Sussex and West Midlands.
Following the first taught day, PC Nilufar Ali of West Midlands Police, said: “I attended the first taught day of the Police Now Frontline Leadership Programme earlier this week and it’s so exciting to be part of the first cohort to take this journey. What an insightful and invigorating day with colleagues! I am always looking for ways to increase my knowledge and skill set so I can develop as a leader in policing and continue to give back to the communities I serve. I think the FLP is a really good opportunity to proactively do this, I can’t wait to continue on the programme with my colleagues.”
The second and third FLP cohorts are due to land in January and April 2022 respectively, and applications are now open.
David Spencer, Co-founder of Police Now and former Detective Chief Inspector said: “I want to welcome the first cohort of participants who make up the trailblazer Frontline Leadership Programme cohort. Taking on additional leadership responsibilities in policing brings a greater degree of personal responsibility and the opportunity to lead change, both for your team and for the communities you serve. This is a real opportunity for the individuals on this programme to grow as leaders, so that you are equipped to tackle the challenges and opportunities that policing faces both now and in the years to come.”
The FLP will produce sergeants with the highest level of policing practice, ensuring the next wave of operational leaders are ready to make a positive impact on the frontline. It is a programme for police officers who want to positively change the destiny of communities, leading from the front in ways that build trust and confidence in our police service.