Career development

Tools, frameworks and guidance to help with career development. For individuals, managers or as a learning and development professional in a force.

CPD in focus

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How the College can help 

The College of Policing can help officers and police staff make career decisions and maintain and enhance the skills they need to fight crime and protect the public. This includes developing within a role, getting a promotion or moving into a specialist area. There is a separate page for senior leaders and chief officers.

Continuing professional development (CPD)

A range of activities for policing professionals to manage learning and growth. 

Go to CPD

Assessment and recognition of competence (ARC) 

Guidance for officers, line managers and forces on confirming a constable is fully competent and able to be deployed. 

Go to ARC

Competency and values framework (CVF)

The behaviours and values expected of all policing professionals. Guidance for individuals, managers and learning and development staff.

 

Go to the CVF

Career pathways

The different ways to develop a career in policing. See how people have used their skills and experience to move to new roles and use the career pathways tools to explore different routes. 

Go to career pathways

Professional development review (PDR)

Guidance for individuals and their managers on regular development conversations.

Go to PDR

National police promotion framework (NPPF) 

Guidance on the process of being promoted to sergeant or inspector.  Including information on eligibility, workplace assessment and exams.

Go to the NPPF

Career development for underrepresented groups

For senior leaders from underrepresented groups looking to progress their role. 

Other guidance, courses and programmes

Use tools and get more information on our professional development website