Police Written and Briefing Exercises for the 2024 CVF

The Competency and Values Framework (CVF) sets the behavioral standards expected of police officers in the UK. In 2024, the CVF was updated to reflect a more modern and inclusive approach to policing. Understanding these changes is critical to performing well in the Online Assessment Centre (OAC) Written and Briefing Exercises.

In this blog, we will break down the new values and competencies in the 2024 CVF, how they relate to the OAC assessments, and provide information where you can get brand new exrcises for the OAC Written and Briefing exercises, designed with the 2024 Competency and Values Framework in mind.

The 2024 CVF highlights three essential policing values and a set of competencies aimed at ensuring officers are equipped to serve the public effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the key criteria:

VALUES

Courage: This value emphasises moral and ethical courage. It expects officers to stand up for what is right, even in adversity. It requires officers to make ethical decisions under pressure and take actions that align with the law and public interest.

Public Service: Public Service remains one of the core values, highlighting police officers’ commitment to serving the community and protecting it. Officers are expected to put the public’s needs first, be responsive to the needs of individuals and communities, and act with dedication and professionalism.

Respect and Empathy: This value focuses on treating all individuals with dignity and respect while demonstrating empathy in interactions. It reflects the importance of fairness, inclusivity, and understanding diverse perspectives in policing duties and public engagements.

COMPETENCIES

The 2024 Competency and Values Framework (CVF) retains many competencies from the 2016 version. Still, it refines and re-words them to better align with the needs of modern policing and leadership. The refined competencies are as follows:

We are emotionally Aware: Officers must demonstrate emotional intelligence by managing their own emotions and recognising those of others. The 2024 update emphasises using this awareness to maintain supportive, inclusive environments, particularly acknowledging neurodiversity and disability needs.

We take Ownership: This competency focuses on personal accountability, encouraging officers to take responsibility for their actions, decisions, and professional development. The 2024 refinement adds more clarity on ensuring tasks are followed through while acknowledging when to delegate effectively.

We are Collaborative: Collaboration is a crucial focus, requiring officers to work well in teams within the police force and with external partners. The refinement encourages breaking down silos and emphasises the importance of teamwork in solving complex problems.

We support and Inspire: This competency highlights the need for officers to be role models who inspire confidence and leadership in others. Officers must lead by example, support their colleagues, and motivate their teams to achieve high standards.

We analyse Critically: Officers must critically assess situations, using data and evidence to inform decisions. The 2024 update has refined this competency to focus more on handling complex, cross-border issues like cybercrime and encourages creative problem-solving

We ae innovative and Open-Minded: The 2024 update emphasises adapting and embracing new ideas more. Officers must remain open to creative solutions, adapt to dynamic environments, and continuously learn from new experiences.

The OAC Written and Briefing Exercises are key components of the recruitment process. Both exercises are designed to assess how well you embody the new CVF values and competencies.

Written Exercise

In the Written Exercise, you’ll take on the role of a police constable tasked with producing a written report on an urgent issue. Here’s how the 2024 CVF values and competencies apply:

• Public Service: Ensure your response prioritizes the safety and well-being of the community.
• We Analyse Critically: Use the information provided to draw logical conclusions and propose evidence-based solutions.
• We Take Ownership: Show responsibility for the outcome of your actions, taking clear steps to address the issue.

Briefing Exercise

In the Briefing Exercise, you will verbally respond to a series of questions about a policing scenario, which evolves in three parts. You’ll be evaluated on how well you can communicate your plan and consider all the relevant issues.

• Respect and Empathy: Be mindful of how your decisions might impact individuals, particularly in sensitive situations.
• We are Collaborative: Propose ways to work effectively with the community and other stakeholders to resolve the problem.
• We Support and Inspire: Show how you would lead or motivate others to ensure a positive outcome.

he key to succeeding in the OAC Written and Briefing Exercises lies in thorough preparation and a solid understanding of the updated 2024 CVF. Here are some general tips to help you get ready:

1. Familiarise Yourself with the CVF Values and Competencies
   Take the time to fully understand the values and competencies you’ll be assessed against. Knowing what the assessors are looking for—such as Courage, Respect and Empathy, and Public Service—will help you structure your responses effectively.

2. Time Management
   In both exercises, managing your time is critical. Make sure you pace yourself, allowing enough time to plan, write, or speak without rushing. In the written exercise, leave a few minutes at the end to review your response. Do not rush and take full advanatge of all time availabel to you.

3. Stay Calm and Collected
   The pressure of timed assessments can be challenging, but staying calm is essential. Practice relaxation techniques, take deep breaths, and remind yourself that the assessors are looking for how well you reflect the CVF in your decision-making.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice
   The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become with the format and the types of scenarios you might face. Try simulating assessment conditions at home, so you’re used to thinking on your feet and responding within the time limits.

To further support your preparation, we’ve developed two comprehensive practice guides that are aligned with the 2024 CVF:

Guide 1: OAC Written Exercise Practice Guide (2024 Edition)

• This guide offers 7 new realistic practice scenarios for the written exercise. You’ll find sample questions and detailed suggested points that show how to incorporate the 2024 CVF values and competencies into your responses.

Guide 2: OAC Briefing Exercise Practice Guide (2024 Edition)

• Tailored to help you excel in the briefing exercise, this guide includes mock 7 brand new scenarios and tips on how to effectively communicate your ideas while demonstrating the core competencies. 

Both of these guides have been specifically designed to allign with the latest version of the Competencies and Values Framework, first introduced in May 2024.