New executive leadership programme to replace Strategic Command Course

The Strategic Command Course (SCC) and senior police national assessment centre (SPNAC) are being replaced with an executive leadership programme from next year.

The revised programme will take place over 12 months, giving executive leaders from policing and partner agencies the chance to “learn from world-class experts in leadership”, the college said.

The programme will use a “blended learning” approach, including short residentials, day events, remote learning and experiential learning in role, which will be supported by ongoing assessment.

It focuses on professional development in line with national chief officer leadership standards and role profiles.

Announcing the changes, the College of Policing said: “Our senior policing leaders play a crucial part in building a more diverse police force that is supportive and inclusive at every level and values professional development, innovation and learning

“We continuously review and update our training and assessment. This ensures it meets the needs of the service and the evolving policing environment.

“We also know there is an urgent and important need to improve the diversity and volume of chief officers.

“We commissioned an independent review into the support and training available for chief officer development and progression. This involved superintendents, chiefs officers, senior police staff and wider policing stakeholders, to capture their views.

“During the review, we were told that individuals who would make excellent chief officers do not always apply for SPNAC or feel supported to progress.

“This means we’re losing important talent from our most senior ranks.

“There was also recognition that potential chief officers self-opt out of the progression pathway. This is usually either due to accessibility challenges or concerns around attending the SPNAC and the SCC.”

The college said its new police executive leadership programme aims to address these issues by:

• Providing more flexibility for candidates, with two cohorts running throughout the year;
• Enabling individuals to identify, understand and improve their personal development areas; and
• Supporting aspiring chief officers to build a portfolio of evidence against a range of criteria, to show their readiness for the programme.

Applicants for the executive leadership programme will need to submit a portfolio of evidence, which should demonstrate readiness for this next stage of development towards becoming a chief officer. This replaces the SPNAC.

Portfolios will be assessed by both the candidate’s chief constable and the College of Policing.

The college says portfolios will be continually developed throughout the programme, to support any future chief officer role applications.

“The first module acts as a development centre. Here, we work with delegates to identify and understand their strengths and development areas in a supportive and immersive learning environment,” the college added.

“Delegates will work with a coach throughout the rest of programme to focus on these areas.”

The changes affect anyone aspiring to be a chief officer. This includes those at a rank of superintendent or equivalent who have the potential to lead at the most senior levels.

The first cohort of the police executive leadership programme is expected to start in June 2023.

Candidates wishing to apply for the programme’s first cohort must submit their portfolio by the end of March 2023.

“We are not currently accepting applications for the new programme, but you can begin to prepare your portfolio in advance. Guidance and criteria for developing your portfolio will be published in January 2023,” said the college.

“We are not running any further SPNACs or accepting any new delegates for the SCC.”

Until the launch of the police executive leadership programme in June 2023, the college said candidates eligible for appointment are those that have passed both the SPNAC and the SCC.

It added that new guidance and standards for chief officer appointments are being developed and these will be published alongside the launch of the updated programme.

All assistant chief constable/commander vacancies should continue to be advertised in the usual way for the remainder of 2022, the college said.