It’s not enough to simply know the core competencies off by heart during the selection process – you must be able to demonstrate concise knowledge of these competencies and how they apply to policing, as well as showing past examples of when you’ve used these competencies during your personal or professional life.

In order to do this, you will need to use specific phrases and techniques, to help impress the assessors. Let’s look at the core competency of public service as an example:

As part of the core competency of public service you will be required to:

Demonstrate a real belief in public service, focusing on what matters to the public and will best serve their interests.

In order to demonstrate this part of the core competency, it is my advice to try and match it with keywords, phrases and sentences during each stage of the selection process. So, if you were answering a specific application form question, or responding to an interview question that assesses the core competency of PUBLIC SERVICE, you might write or say any of the following:

• I felt it was important to go out of my way to provide a great service for the customer/client.
• The only way I would be able to meet the needs of the individual was to provide them with outstanding service.
• At all times I felt it was important to focus on what the person needed.
• After gathering the relevant information, I had a thorough understanding of what the person needed.

If you are undertaking the role play scenarios, you could use phrases such as the following:

• “I genuinely want to provide you with right level of service and I will take responsibility to ensure that happens.”
• “In order for me to provide you with the right level of service, I would like to ask you some questions.”
• “I need to gather further information which will then enable me to put a plan together to meet your needs.”
• “Can you tell me what matters to you in this situation, please?”

The important thing to remember is this: throughout the selection process you are being assessed against the core competencies of a police officer. On that basis, you have to show the assessors that you have the previous experience and the ability to perform the role to the required high standards. The only way you can do this successfully, in our opinion, is to provide the assessors with evidence throughout. What you write, what you say and how you act throughout the selection process is very important. Remember, the assessors do not know you either personally and professionally, and it is your job therefore, to make their life as easy as possible when they are marking and assessing you. This guide aims to help you achieve that goal.

Our guide is jam-packed with tips on how to apply the above logic not only to the regular competencies, but the new competencies too. We’ll give you tips on how to answer interview questions, complete role plays, and fill in application forms, all in a way that utilises the core competencies!

WHAT ARE THE CORE COMPETENCIES?

There are currently two sets of competencies used by police forces in England and Wales: the core competencies and the competencies and values framework (CVF). You may be assessed exclusively against either set, or you may be assessed against a combination of both. It is important to confirm which competencies you are being assessed against with the force you are applying to.