Graduates impressed by chief inspector role

A poll looking at what drives graduates’ decisions about their chosen career has found that graduates are more impressed by the job of police chief inspector than the role of GP or solicitor.

The research, carried out for the Police High Potential Development Scheme (HDP), found that both passion for their subject and a good salary governed graduate career choices.

23 per cent of the 646 graduates surveyed were most impressed with the role of police chief inspector compared with other positions attainable within seven years. Only 15 per cent rated GP the most impressive, dropping to seven per cent for a solicitor.

The most commonly chosen factors governing graduate career choice were:

• Working in a field about which they felt passionate (55 per cent).
• A good salary (55 per cent).
• A challenging job (48 per cent).

Hilarie Owen, head of Police Leadership Services at the Home Office, remarked: “It is encouraging to see the police service rated so highly, and I am delighted at the respect that senior police roles command.

“Only the very best of the best, less than one per cent of candidates, make it onto the Police High Potential Development Scheme and those who are successful can expect a high level of responsibility and an early taste of leadership.”

The HPD scheme is open to all officers up to the rank of chief inspector, and police staff. It provides the chance to progress through the ranks by excelling in operational roles and taking on some of the biggest policing assignments facing society.

The scheme has been operating for more than three years and is developing the most talented and ambitious police officers into the future leaders of the service. It is designed to stretch the potential of the most talented officers and give them rapid promotion and earnings that reflect the responsibility of the role.

For more information on how to apply visit www.policehighpotential.org.uk