Senior Police National
Assessment Centre
(Senior PNAC)
Application Form 2015
© College of Policing Limited (2015)
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, modified,
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College of Policing
SENIOR POLICE NATIONAL ASSESSMENT CENTRE 2015
APPLICATION FORM
This application form is for those wishing to apply to attend the Senior Police National
Assessment Centre (Senior PNAC) 2015. Please note that if your application is supported
by your force/agency the information provided in this application form may be shared
with Leadership and Talent to assist in delivering development based activities (this
applies to applicants from the police service in England, Wales and PSNI only).
Please read the Guidance Notes for Applications before completing this form.
This includes additional guidance notes for applicants from the NCA.
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SECTION 1: PERSONAL AND CONTACT DETAILS
First Name(s):
Last name:
Title (Mr, Mrs, Miss, Ms, Dr, other):
Preferred name:
Force/Agency/Organisation:
Substantive Rank/Grade:
BCU/Unit/Division/Directorate:
Temporary/Acting Rank/Grade)
(if applicable):
Current Job Title:
Work Address:
Correspondence Address
(if different):
Postcode:
Postcode:
Work Telephone: (inc STD code)
(
)
Mobile Telephone:
Email Address:
Please note that the email address and correspondence address that you provide will be
used for all communication including the provision of results; therefore please provide
addresses that you are happy for personal information to be sent to.
Do you have a disability (as defined in the Equality Act, formerly the
Disability Discrimination Act) for which you require reasonable adjustments
to the assessment process?
PLEASE SELECT
(If ‘Yes’ you will be contacted following receipt of your application by a member of
the Examinations and Assessment Unit)
NOTIFICATION OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR REASONABLE ADJUSTMENT
If you are considering applying for reasonable adjustment for Senior PNAC, please refer
to the Selection and Assessment Policy on Accommodations and Reasonable Adjustments
for Candidates which is available on the website http://www.college.police.uk/What-wedo/Development/Promotion/Pages/Senior-PNAC.aspx.
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College of Policing
If you intend to apply for reasonable adjustment or wish to discuss it further with a
member of the Selection and Assessment Unit, please email
SeniorSelection@college.pnn.police.uk by the application closing date on 31 July 2015.
Please note that a reasonable adjustment can only be agreed upon production
of a report containing a diagnosis of your disability and recommendation of
reasonable adjustment from an appropriate specialist in the area of your
disability. A psychologist from the College of Policing will consider the
diagnosis and recommendations within the report and following a discussion
with you and where appropriate, the report’s author, will agree a reasonable
adjustment specific to the assessment process to be undertaken.
Please provide details of the highest level of vetting that you have been
through and confirm that this is still valid.
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College of Policing
PREFERRED ASSESSMENT CENTRE DATES
The window for the delivery of the assessment centre is between Friday 13 to
Thursday 26 November 2015. Once the specific intake dates have been
confirmed you will be contacted to provide your preference. Specific dates are not
guaranteed but where possible individual needs are taken into account. Intakes are
three full days and you will be required to register the evening before the intake
begins.
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College of Policing
SECTION 2: CAREER HISTORY, QUALIFICATIONS AND
TRAINING
SECTION 2.1 - CAREER HISTORY
All the normal functions of Microsoft Word should be available in the boxes
where this icon  appears e.g. spell check and word count.
Q2.1.1: Please provide full details of your career history, starting with your three most
recent roles.
Current role title:
Force/Agency/Organisation:
Start date (mm/yyyy):
Please provide a brief description of your role and major achievements in
this role

Previous role title:
Force/Agency/Organisation:
Start date (mm/yyyy):
Finish date (mm/yyyy):
Please provide a brief description of your role and major achievements in
this role

Previous role title:
Force/Agency/Organisation:
Start date (mm/yyyy):
Finish date (mm/yyyy):
Please provide a brief description of your role and major achievements in
this role

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College of Policing
Q2.1.2: Working backwards, please now complete the rest of your career history; back
to your first position in the Police Service.
Dates From
Dates To
(mm/yyyy)
(mm/yyyy)
Rank/Grade
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Force/Agency/Organisation
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SECTION 2.2: QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING
Q2.2.1: Please provide details of your academic attainments, associated qualifications and any further training courses that
you think are relevant to your development as a senior officer and, therefore, the strength of your application. It is
not necessary to provide details of all qualifications and training undertaken within the Police Service.
Date From
(mm/yyyy)
Date To
(mm/yyyy)
Educational
Institution/ Course
Provider
Subject or Course title
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Qualification and
Level Obtained
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Q2.2.2: Please include here details of any relevant professional qualifications, including
membership of any professional bodies, membership of ACPO/Home Office
committees, and publications of works that you consider relevant to your
application.
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College of Policing
SECTION 3: SELF-ASSESSMENT OF THE FOUR CORE CRITERIA
Please restrict your answers to no more than 300 words.
SECTION 3.1: EXECUTIVE POLICING OR EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP
Core Criterion: Substantial and Challenging Command in a Significant Role
Q3.1.1: Please provide an example of when you have demonstrated evidence of
substantial and challenging command in a significant role. What was your role?
What decisions did you take and why? What were the challenges you faced and
how did you handle these? What was the outcome?
Example:
Date of Example:
(mm/yyyy)

Line manager: Can you confirm this example?
Yes
In part
No
Please provide your assessment of the extent to which the applicant has
demonstrated evidence of this criterion:
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SECTION 3.2: PROFESSIONAL POLICING OR OPERATIONAL COMMAND
Core Criterion: Policing Operations
Q3.2.1(a): (Please see pages 10 and 11 of the Guidance Notes for Applications 2015 on
how to complete this question)
a
Core operational
areas
Yes
b
No
Where you ticked ‘yes’,
what is the highest level
of command you have
held for these operational
areas?
Firearms - Real-Time
and/or Pre-Planned
Sporting, VIP or
Security Events
Senior Investigation
Officer of a Major
Inquiry
Public Order
Crime Initiative Serious and/or Volume
Crime
Anti-Social Behaviour
Community Relations
Major Disaster
c
Line manager –
can you verify
that the
applicant did
command this
area at the
level indicated?
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Line manager: If you do NOT agree with any of the levels of command the
applicant has stated in Q 3.2.1(a), please explain your reasons why here.
Q3.2.1(b): Please state whether you have completed a Gold Command Training course.
If ‘yes’ please state in which area and confirm that you are still accredited to this role.
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Q3.2.2: Please select one core operational area from the list under Q3.2.1(a) and
provide an example outlining how you successfully led the operation. Describe
the operational challenges you faced. Please state what your role was, e.g.
Gold/Strategic, Silver/Tactical or Bronze/Operational and the scale to which you
were involved. How did you identify and manage the risks associated with the
operation? What was the outcome? What lessons did you learn? Your
example should demonstrate evidence of your leadership skills through a full
operational cycle, from planning, implementation, monitoring and onto its
evaluation.
Example: Core operational area
PLEASE SELECT
Date of Example:
(mm/yyyy)

Line manager: Can you confirm this example?
Yes
In part
No
Please provide your assessment of the extent to which the applicant has
demonstrated evidence of this criterion:
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SECTION 3.3: BUSINESS POLICING OR BUSINESS/MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES
Core Criterion: Organisational Strategy
Q3.3.1: Leaders develop and implement strategy in their organisations. Please provide
an example of where you did this or where you were involved in a key way,
explain what was involved and your role, how you did it and what the outcomes
were.
Example:
Date of Example:
(mm/yyyy)

Line manager: Can you confirm this example?
Yes
In part
No
Please provide your assessment of the extent to which the applicant has
demonstrated evidence of this:
Q3.3.2: Leaders are expected to demonstrate the ability to manage finances against a
background of performance and other delivery demands. Please give an
example of when you have demonstrated financial management which might
include, for example, managing budgets, securing financial resources, financial
audit, making value for money savings and efficiencies. Please describe what
decisions you took and why. What were the challenges you faced and how did
you handle these? What was the outcome?
Example:
Date of Example:
(mm/yyyy)

Line manager: Can you confirm this example?
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Yes
In part
No
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Please provide your assessment of the extent to which the applicant has
demonstrated evidence of this criterion:
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Core Criterion: Promoting and Managing Equality, Diversity and Human Rights
Q3.3.3: Please provide an example of how you have promoted and managed equality,
diversity and human rights within the organisation as part of your work.
Example:
Date of Example:
(mm/yyyy)

Line manager: Can you confirm this example?
Yes
In part
No
Please provide your assessment of the extent to which the applicant has
demonstrated evidence of this criterion:
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SECTION 4: APPLICANT DECLARATION
By placing a cross in the above box, I declare that the information contained in this
application is correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that
providing false or misleading information may be considered grounds for refusing my
application.
Date:
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SECTION 5: LINE MANAGER’S ASSESSMENT AND DECLARATION
SECTION 5.1: GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q5.1.1: In your capacity as line manager, please list and explain what you think are the
applicant's three key strengths?
First strength:
Second strength:
Third strength:
Q5.1.2: Please list and explain three areas for development you think the applicant has.
First development area:
Second development area:
Third development area:
SECTION 5.2: LINE MANAGER’S DECLARATION
By placing a cross in the above box, I declare that the information contained in this
application is correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Print name:
Rank/Grade:
Date:
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College of Policing
SECTION 6: ACPO/ACPOS REFEREE STRUCTURED REFERENCE
Please refer the Guidance Notes for Applications 2015 when completing this section.
Please indicate ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to each of the following questions by placing a cross in the
appropriate box.
SECTION 6.1 - EXECUTIVE POLICING OR EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP
Reference for Core Criterion 1: Substantial and Challenging Command in a
Significant Role
Yes No
Q6.1.1 Has the applicant demonstrated that they can take personal
responsibility when things go wrong?
Q6.1.2 Has the applicant demonstrated that they will be able to handle
the conflicting pressures, tensions and expectations of an ACPO/Police
Scotland Executive role and exercise sound judgement in difficult and
challenging situations?
Q6.1.3 Has the applicant demonstrated effective leadership including a
proven track record of delivery?
If you have answered ‘no’ to any of the questions above, what development advice
can you offer?
SECTION 6.2 - PROFESSIONAL POLICING OR OPERATIONAL COMMAND
Reference for Core Criterion 2: Policing Operations
Yes
No
Q6.2.1 Has the applicant demonstrated a proven track record in policing
operations?
Q6.2.2 Has the applicant demonstrated sufficient breadth of operational
knowledge and experience?
Q6.2.3 Would you feel confident in the applicant leading and managing a
major event in your force?
If you have answered ‘no’ to any of the questions above, what development advice
can you offer?
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SECTION 6.3 - BUSINESS POLICING OR BUSINESS/MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES
Reference for Core Criterion 3: Organisational Strategy
Yes
No
Q6.3.1 Has the applicant made positive contributions to the force’s or
their own unit’s/business area’s strategic development?
Q6.3.2 Does the applicant demonstrate forward thinking and openness to
change in their leadership style and use this approach to improve the
service they and their team provide?
Q6.3.3 Does the applicant demonstrate sufficient financial awareness and
application of financial management skills?
If you have answered ‘no’ to any of the questions above, what development advice
can you offer?
Reference for Core Criterion 4: Promoting and Managing Equality,
Diversity and Human Rights
Yes No
Q6.4.1 Does the applicant sufficiently demonstrate that they embrace
diversity, human rights and equality of opportunity within your
force/agency?
If you have answered ‘no’ to the question above, what development advice can you
offer?
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SECTION 6: ACPO/Police Scotland Executive REFEREE
STRUCTURED REFERENCE (continued)
OVERALL ASSESSMENT AND DECLARATION
Please refer to pages 16 and 17 of the Guidance Notes for Applications 2015 before
completing the declaration.
The aim of Senior PNAC is to identify those capable of being an effective chief officer.
This may include highly talented individuals who have some discrete areas for
development. Chief Officers are also encouraged to support applications from individuals
who have significant potential and who are highly talented but may have less service and
who may not yet have had the opportunity to undertake the full range of challenges
within the senior roles. For this reason there are two categories of endorsement as
outlined on the following page.
Chief Constable Declaration
In cases where the ACPO/Police Scotland Executive Referee Structured Reference is
completed by a nominated ACPO/Police Scotland Executive Referee other than the Chief
Constable, the Chief Constable’s authorisation is also required to declare whether the
force is endorsing the application or not.
This application is not endorsed
By placing a cross in the box above, I declare

that I have reviewed and evaluated all the available evidence, and based on this
I do not endorse the application.

that I am the Chief Constable of the applicant’s force or have been given
authority by the Chief Constable to make this decision.
Name:
Rank/Grade:
Date completed:
If you are not endorsing the application please explain why here:
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This application is endorsed
By placing a cross in the box above, I declare

that I have reviewed and evaluated all the available evidence, and based on this I
consider the applicant to be a highly talented individual capable of being an
effective chief officer.

that I am the Chief Constable of the applicant’s force or have been given
authority by the Chief Constable to endorse this application on behalf of the force.
Name:
Rank/Grade:
Date completed:
OR
This application is endorsed
By placing a cross in the box above, I declare

that I have reviewed and evaluated all the available evidence, and based on this I
consider the applicant to be a highly talented individual capable of being an
effective chief officer with some discrete areas for development.

that I am the Chief Constable of the applicant’s force or have been given
authority by the Chief Constable to endorse this application on behalf of the force.
Name:
Rank/Grade:
Date completed:
If you are endorsing the application but believe the applicant has discrete areas for
development, please explain what these are here:
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College of Policing
SECTION 7: BIOGRAPHICAL DATA MONITORING
QUESTIONNAIRE
The Biographical Data Monitoring Questionnaire is a separate document that you should
download from the College of Policing website: http://www.college.police.uk/What-wedo/Development/Promotion/Pages/Senior-PNAC.aspx.
Please complete this form and send to the address shown below by the application
closing date on 31 July 2015. This form should not be forwarded to your line manager.
Senior Selection Team (Senior PNAC)
Selection and Assessment
College of Policing
Central House
Beckwith Knowle
Otley Road
Harrogate
North Yorkshire
HG3 1UF
Or email to: SeniorSelection@college.pnn.police.uk
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SECTION 8: SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION FORM
The ACPO/Police Scotland Executive Referee will be responsible for submitting the
Application Form as detailed below. No hard copy Application Forms are required. Also,
no signatures or passport photographs are required.
All declarations, including the Chief Constable’s final declaration are done electronically by
placing a cross in the appropriate box in the relevant section of this form. Applicants
must complete the form electronically and all other contributors are advised to do so.
Should a line manager or ACPO/Police Scotland Executive Referee choose to complete the
form in hard copy, this is acceptable, but the hard copy must be scanned in and sent back
to the College of Policing in PDF format via email.
It is recommended that the references provided are shared with the applicant prior to
being submitted; however, this will be at the ACPO/Police Scotland Executive Referee’s
discretion. The deadline for applications to be received at the College of Policing is
midnight on 31 July 2015.
All candidates should receive an email confirming successful receipt of their application
form within 48 hours.
Submitting the electronic copies
The document must be saved as a PDF, attached to an email and sent to
SeniorSelection@college.pnn.police.uk. The email subject header should be ‘OFFICIAL –
SENSITIVE: Senior PNAC Application’.
Deadline for applications
Please ensure that all application documents arrive no later than midnight on 31 July
2015.
If you have any queries regarding completion and submission of the Application Form,
please email SeniorSelection@college.pnn.police.uk.
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SECTION 9: APPLICATION PROCESS CHECKLIST
APPLICANT CHECKLIST

Have you …
1.
Referred to the Guidance Notes for Applications?
2.
Fully completed your Application Form, completed the electronic
declaration and forwarded your completed part of the Application
Form to your line manager for them to complete?
3.
Kept a copy for your information?
4.
Completed the Biographical Data Monitoring Questionnaire and sent it
directly to the address stated to arrive no later than midnight on
31 July 2015?
LINE MANAGER CHECKLIST

Have you …
1.
Referred to the Guidance Notes for Applications?
2.
Discussed with the applicant (and any other relevant individuals)
their readiness to be an effective Chief Officer?
3.
Completed the blue highlighted boxes: Section 3 (questions
3.1.1(a), 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.3.1, 3.3.2 and 3.3.3) and all of Section 5?
4.
Forwarded the Application Form to your Chief Constable who is
responsible for endorsing applications?
CHIEF CONSTABLE OR NOMINATED ACPO/ACPOS REFEREE
CHECKLIST

Have you …
1.
Referred to the Guidance Notes for Applications?
2.
Completed the yellow highlighted boxes in Section 6 (the
ACPO/Police Scotland Executive Structured Reference) including the
electronic declaration?
3.
Sent all Application Forms to arrive with the College of Policing no
later than midnight on 31 July 2015?
4.
Kept a copy of all Application Forms submitted from the force?
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