Next generation of police leaders graduate from College of Policing’s executive programme

The dedicated leadership programme ensures that policing will have a steady pipeline of talented future leaders who are ready to deal with the demands of modern policing, including navigating the complex changing nature of crime and creating effective, fair, and ethical internal cultures.

Hosted at the College of Policing’s headquarters last week, the graduation ceremony celebrated the delegates’ completion of the intensive 19-week course. The college says the graduates will now “go back to their forces well-prepared for the demands of police leadership”.

The ceremony was attended by a number of serving chief constables, including Sir Mark Rowley, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service. Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, cohort director for this intake of delegates, and Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson, who oversees the ELP, were also present to congratulate the successful graduates.

Since launching the ELP in September 2023, more than 160 officers and staff have already graduated from the course.

“These leaders return to their forces with a nationally consistent understanding of what excellent police leadership looks like, the skills to deliver it, and a strong network of peers across different forces who continue to share best practices and innovations,” the college said.

“Whilst the course is a mandatory requirement for police officers wishing to become a substantive chief officer, both officers and police staff attend the programme, ensuring that they are qualified and capable for the demands of the unique roles of police leadership.

“Importantly, the course also provides officers with understanding of how to create the right culture within their organisations: one that prioritises public service, upholds high ethical standards, and ensures officers and staff are supported to deliver an excellent service to the public.”

The programme combines face-to-face learning with guided online modules, a professional placement with organisations from the public and private sectors, experiential learning in-role, and work with an executive coach who helps delegates analyse feedback from colleagues.

ELP cohort director Ms Kennedy, said: “I’m delighted to see so many talented and capable future leaders graduate from another successful cohort of the ELP.

“The ELP is about more than just theory. It’s about preparing officers to lead in the real world, where crime is always evolving and where public safety comes first, and making sure that they’re ready to meet those challenges head-on.

“Through the programme, we’re helping to create a future generation of police chiefs who understand what is needed to lead policing in the modern world. It is critical that they understand themselves as leaders, and that they focus on the needs of our communities and our own workforce to produce high performing teams. Teams who are tough on crime, clear on standards, and absolutely committed to providing the best possible service for their communities and improving their trust and confidence in our communities.

“The public can have confidence knowing that the future of policing is in safe hands.”