ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/GUIDANCE NOTES
TRANSFEREES – CONSTABLE RANK
AM I ELIGIBLE?
To be eligible to transfer to South Wales Police, you must:
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Have successfully completed your two-year probationary period and be
substantive in the role of Police Constable
Be a current serving Police Officer in a Home Office or other suitable force1
Be a British citizen, an EC/EEA national or a commonwealth citizen or foreign
national with no restrictions on your stay in the United Kingdom. Foreign nationals
and UK citizens who have lived abroad may have to wait some time for security
and vetting clearance.
Have resided in the UK for three years immediately prior to submitting your
application or be able to provide a Certificate of Good Conduct from the relevant
country.
Pass the necessary vetting, occupational health and fitness checks.
o All applicants will have their financial status checked. These checks are
carried out because police officers have access to privileged information,
which may make them vulnerable to corruption. Any applicants with
outstanding County Court judgements, who have been registered
bankrupt with outstanding debts, will be rejected. If you have discharged
bankruptcy debts then you will need to provide a Certificate of Satisfaction
with your application. Applicants who are the subject of a current
Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) will not be considered.
o You must be in good health mentally and physically to deal with the
pressures and demands of police work. You will be required to undergo a
medical examination to ensure you meet the health standards required.
This will include an eye test.
o You must be physically fit in order to effectively complete the duties
required of a police officer. All applicants must pass a basic fitness test
before appointment; as such you are advised to make adequate
preparations.
*Home Office forces
You must have been confirmed in rank with two years service and seeking a transfer from any Home
Office Force or the Police Service of Scotland, the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Please note that
different pay, conditions; pension and training arrangements may apply depending on which force you
are transferring from.
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Be able to show commitment to achieving high levels of performance –
performance will be viewed against Performance Development Reviews/Personal
Development Portfolios covering the last two years.
Be able to provide evidence of core operational policing, including arrests made,
interviewing and investigations.
Not be a member of the British National Party (BNP) or similar organisation
Declare any business interest
Declare any membership or involvement with the Reserve Forces
Be able to satisfy tattoo guidelines and South Wales Police public presentation
policy on tattoos (See note 2)
Criminal Record
You may still be eligible to transfer to South Wales Police if you have minor
convictions/cautions, but there are certain offences and conditions that will make you
ineligible. This includes anyone who has received a formal caution in the last five years,
committed a violent crime or public order offence. You can view this document on the
NPIA Circular 02/2011.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS?
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Your application is shortlisted to ensure you meet eligibility criteria as above
You will be invited in for a competency based interview. South Wales Police
assesses officers against the Police Professional Framework (PPF) (see role
profile for further information). You will also be required to complete a further
competency based assessment, details of which will be confirmed at a later date.
Following a successful interview and assessment, vetting, financial, biometric
vetting, fitness, medical and drugs checks will be initiated.
We will contact your nominated referees at this stage for a reference
You will be required to attend a medical and drugs appointment and 1:1 with
one of our Counselling and Trauma Advisors which will be arranged by
Occupational Health
We will write to your current Force’s HR department for a final reference
confirming your service dates, vetting and PSD checks and salary details
Following successful completion of all elements of the recruitment process you
will be posted to the next appropriate vacancy
Upon starting with South Wales Police you will attend a 3 week induction
course, after this you will start on shift.
WHAT IS THE TIMETABLE?
Application deadline
9:00 am Friday 21st February 2014
Shortlisting outcome
Week commencing 10th March 2014
These dates may be subject to change
Interview / Assessment
31st March and 1st April 2014
These dates may be subject to change
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HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE?
The transfer process takes approximately four to six months from the date your
application is received. However this is subject to organisational requirement,
satisfactory vetting, occupational health clearance and the date of appropriate vacancies.
There are several things that can delay the process, such as;
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Failure to complete all parts of the application and other paperwork (such as
medical and security questionnaire, vetting and consent forms)
To include copies of all the documents requested (PDRs)
The vetting process can be long and protracted, if you have family members
living out of our force area and if your current force is slow to provide information
requested
If you have an outstanding complaint or vetting issue
A medical query being raised by the occupational health doctor which may need
reference to your doctor or specialist or if your current force is slow to provide
your medical health notes.
TRAINING
When you transfer to South Wales Police you will join a 3 week induction course. All
officers will receive mandatory training for the role and for South Wales Police systems.
CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
As a Police Officer with South Wales Police, you must be prepared to be posted and
serve anywhere within the South Wales area.
You will also be required to work a shift pattern during a 40 hour week, with some shifts
falling on weekends or unsociable hours.
All transferees will be tenured to the BCU/department for a period of at least two years
from date of transfer to South Wales Police. During this period the transferee will be
ineligible to apply for any transfer to another BCU/department or apply for any specialist
roles. However, if a transferee has successfully passed South Wales Police promotion
process for the next rank, they will be eligible to transfer to another BCU/department on
promotion within their tenure period.
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HOW TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM
The application form is the first stage of the recruitment process.
The answers you provide will help us to determine whether you are likely to have the
skills and abilities necessary to transfer to South Wales Police. If successful, you will be
invited to the next stage of recruitment – the assessment process.
NOTE 1. PERSONAL DETAILS
Applicants to transfer as a Transferee must undergo thorough screening. Please list all
surnames by which you have been known, including your name at birth.
NOTE 2. TATTOOS
Tattoos are not a bar to transfer. However, some tattoos could potentially offend
members of the public or colleagues, or could bring discredit to the police service. It
depends upon their size, nature and location, and sometimes on extent.
If you have a tattoo(s) you should describe their nature, words used, extent, size and
location. A photograph of the tattoo must be submitted with your application form
(irrespective of where the tattoo is located).
South Wales Police Public Presentation policy dictates the following:
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Tattoos that might be considered provocative, offensive, cause ridicule or
otherwise detract from a professional image, are not acceptable.
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Tattoos visible on the face, head or neck above the collar line will not be
permitted.
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No ‘new’ visible tattoos will be permitted including those that are visible below the
shirtsleeve.
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Existing tattoos must be covered by shirtsleeves. Body art must never be on
display.
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For example: an officer with an existing lower arm tattoo must wear a long sleeve
shirt while on duty; including the Summer period.
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All staff are also encouraged to seriously consider the appropriateness of any
tattoos that are not visible whilst engaged in their duty.
NOTE 3. DISABILITY, HEALTH & EYESIGHT
Applicants must be in good health and able both physically and mentally to perform the
duties of a Constable on transferring to South Wales Police.
Disability is defined as a “‘physical or mental impairment which has substantial and long
term adverse effect on the ability to carry out normal day to day activities”.
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Transferees will fill in a medical questionnaire and undertake a medical assessment prior
to any appointment. This will also include a 1:1 with one of our Counselling and Trauma
Advisors.
All transferees will have their eyesight examined at medical assessment stage. Failure to
meet the standards means you cannot be appointed.
All transferees will be required to pass a physical fitness test.
NOTE 4. MEMBERSHIP OF BRITISH NATIONAL PARTY (BNP) OR SIMILAR
ORGANISATIONS
South Wales Police has a policy of prohibiting any of their officers or staff from becoming
members of the BNP or similar organisations whose aims, objectives or pronouncements
may contradict the duty to promote race equality. If you are or have been a member of
the BNP or similar organisation, your application may be rejected.
NOTE 5. CONVICTIONS/CAUTIONS
You must declare all convictions for any past offences, formal cautions by the police
(including cautions as a juvenile, i.e. under18 years of age) and any bind-overs imposed
by any court. You should include traffic convictions such as speeding, drink-drive
offences, fixed penalties for motoring or disorder offences and any appearances before a
court martial.
You must also declare any charge or summons currently outstanding against you.
You must include spent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (by
virtue of the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions) Order
1975 or any involvement with civil, military or transport police.
Some applicants do not declare information which they believe is no longer held on
record. However, our enquiries will reveal incidents from long ago and failure to disclose
these will lead to your application being rejected. If you have any doubts, include the
details and we will decide if they are relevant.
In accordance with Home Office guidance and the Association of Chief Police Officers’
National Vetting Policy, candidates are reminded that they must have been continually
resident in the UK for the three year period immediately before an application is made.
This is to satisfy the requirements to vet all applicants in an equitable manner and the
UK Police service does not currently have any means of facilitating vetting checks
overseas, to the extent required of those who have been resident in the UK. Applicants
who cannot be vetted, cannot be appointed.
NOTE 6. BUSINESS INTERESTS
You need to declare your business interests. Any business interest will need to be
approved by the BCU Commander or Head of Department in order for you to continue
with it.
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NOTE 7. FINANCIAL POSITION
Police officers are in a privileged position with regard to access to information and could
be considered potentially vulnerable to corruption. Transferees should not therefore be
under pressure from un-discharged debts or liabilities and should be able to manage
loans and debts sensibly.
Schedule 1 of Police Regulations 2003 states that a member of a police force shall not
wilfully refuse or neglect to discharge any lawful debt. Your application will therefore be
checked to determine and verify your financial position.
NOTE 8. CURRENT POLICE FORCE
You are required to provide details of your current police force, including details of your
current role and salary, This will be verified with your current force.
NOTE 9. PREVIOUS POLICE SERVICE
You are required to provide details of any previous service with other police forces from
the commencement of becoming a serving police officer. This will be verified with the
relevant police force(s).
NOTE 10. TRAINING RECORD
You will be required to provide proof of qualifications e.g. OSPRE pass, etc. These will
be verified with your current Force by South Wales Police.
NOTE 11. OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
You are required to provide details of qualifications you have acquired in addition to any
qualifications and training received from the police service.
NOTE 12. MISCONDUCT & COMPLAINT ISSUES
You are required to provide details of any complaint or misconduct enquiry that you may
be currently involved in. You are also required to provide details of any historical
complaints during your police service. This will be verified with your current police force.
NOTE 13. DRIVING SKILLS
It is a requirement to transfer to South Wales Police that you can drive and hold a current
valid driving licence. You will be required to provide us with a copy of your driving licence
and attend a driving assessment during your induction.
NOTE 14. REFERENCES
You are required to supply two referees one of which must your current line manager
and the other a senior member of your Force. Please ensure that you provide the most
appropriate details of each individual. We will contact these parties if you are successful
at the assessment stage of the process for a reference.
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NOTE 15. COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT
We are looking for evidence of the qualities you already have or may develop to enable
you to carry out the role of Constable. Your answers here will be used to decide whether
your application to transfer will proceed to the next stage. It is important therefore that
you think carefully about your answers.
You must give specific evidence against each competency. Generalisations will not
score well.
You should read the competency fully and choose your example very carefully. Each
competency has detailed information which you should read and consider before
submitting your evidence.
In all parts of the form please write clearly and concisely. If we cannot read or
understand it, we cannot score it. We expect your examples to be focused, succinct and
fluently written. Avoid using jargon or slang terms. You must also provide evidence of
core operational policing, including arrests made, interviewing and investigations.
You must not add extra sheets, write outside the space provided or between the lines
unless told to do so on the application form.
GUIDANCE NOTES FOR SUBMISSION OF THE TRANSFEREE APPLICATION FORM
Before submitting your completed application form to South Wales Police you must also
include:
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Completed Application Form
Completed Medical Questionnaire (must be signed and stamped by your GP)
Completed Security Vetting Questionnaire
Completed Transferee Vetting Form
Completed consent form for access to complaints and discipline records
Completed consent form for access to Occupational Health Records
 2 Personal Development Reviews / Staff Appraisals
 Any Awards and Commendations
 Force print outs of complaints and misconduct record
 Certificate of Satisfaction
 Photographs of any tattoos you have
Your application will not be processed until all the required documents have been
received by South Wales Police.
You may also need to notify the Employee Resources team ([email protected]) if you need any special arrangements, e.g.
reasonable adjustment, for the assessment process.
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ASSESSMENT PROCESS
We will ask you to attend South Wales Police Headquarters to undergo the assessment
process as below:
Interview/assessment
This will be held at South Wales Police Headquarters, Cowbridge Road, Bridgend, CF31
3SU. The interview will take approximately 30 – 45 minutes and will consist of 3 panel
members. You will be required to answer a number of competency based questions.
There will also be an assessment, details of which we will provide following success at
application stage.
Fitness Test
This consists of the National standard test, strength exercise (push 34 and pull 35) and
bleep test to level 5.4. You will need a T-shirt, shorts, tracksuit, and a pair of training
shoes. This will take place at our gymnasium at Learning & Development Services
Department, Waterton Cross, Bridgend CF31 3YU. Unfortunately there are no shower
facilities but a changing room will be available. You will be invited to attend this stage
following your success at interview and assessment.
Biometric Vetting
Biometric vetting is to allow for a speculative search to be made against the local and
national databases prior to your appointment to South Wales Police. This is to ensure
that you have not previously come to adverse police attention, which you have not
informed us of, and also that you are not linked to any outstanding crime scenes.
The biometric vetting will last approximately 15 minutes, and you will have your
fingerprints taken, together with your DNA. You must not eat or drink anything for at
least 20 minutes prior to your appointment. You will be invited to attend this stage
following your success at interview and assessment.
Familiarisation
You may be required to attend a familiarisation session, details of which will include the
remainder of the selection process (i.e. background checks) and potential locations and
roles that you would be posted to if successful.
Medical
Your medical and drugs test will last approximately 20 minutes and a full medical
examination will be carried out. You will be required to remove some outer clothing,
therefore, appropriate undergarments must be worn. Applicants who wear glasses or
contact lenses must have at least 6/12 vision in their right or left eye, or at least 6/6
vision in both eyes.
Applicants who wear glasses, spectacles or contact lenses must have at least 6/36
vision in both eyes without wearing their glasses, spectacles or contact lenses and are
reminded that they require removal for part of the eyesight test and should bring
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appropriate means of storage; candidates that wear glasses should bring them for use
during the test.
You will also be required to attend a 1:1 meeting with a Counselling and Trauma Advisor
which forms part of the medical appointment
You will be invited to attend this stage following your success at interview and
assessment.
Drugs test
All newly recruited Police Officers and transferees to South Wales Police are tested for
substance misuse. Therefore you will be subject to a drugs test immediately following
your medical examination. The test should take approximately 15 minutes.
At the time of the test you will be asked a series of questions regarding any prescribed or
over the counter medication you may have taken over the last 3 months. This is to
ensure that any positive drug test result, which can be explained by your use of
legitimate medication, does not lead to you being falsely accused of drug abuse.
Consequently, it is important that the medication list is accurate and complete. Include
prescribed medicines such as antibiotics, sleeping pills, tranquillisers, eye-drops,
inhalants and medicines for foreign travel. You must also include “over-the-counter”
products to remedy pain, travel sickness, allergies, coughs and colds, congestion or an
upset stomach. Remember visits to doctors, dentists and hospital outpatient
departments where you may have been administered local anaesthetics or injection.
Finally, you must also declare any herbal/alternative remedies that you have taken. All
information will be treated as confidential.
A representative from an external company who specialises in substance misuse testing
will conduct the test. The test is carried out utilizing a hair sample taken from the head.
To accommodate this, hair must be a minimum of 3 cms. Your sample cannot be
analysed without your consent therefore you will complete a consent form on the day.
Can I still apply if I have a disability?
The Equality Act 2010 defines a person with a disability as having ‘a physical or mental
impairment which has a substantial adverse long term effect on his or her ability to carry
out normal day to day activities.’
All suitably qualified transferees with a disability who meet the essential criteria will be
guaranteed an interview and assessment. Employee Resources will seek confirmation
from the transferee in advance if there is any support required at the interview and
assessment.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where are the vacancies?
Across the Force area and successful candidates will be posted according to
organisational need.
What ranks are you taking in?
Constable only
If I am a rank above Constable, then can I apply for this process?
Yes, but you will only transfer as a Constable and you will have to complete a South
Wales Police promotion process to progress to your current rank prior to transfer.
What if I pass the assessment process and my partner fails?
This will be your decision. There are no guarantees that both parties will be able to
transfer to South Wales Police unless successful in the transferee recruitment &
selection process.
When are the interviews and assessments?
This will be advised directly to the applicant following shortlisting but should be week
commencing 31st March 2014. This date may be subject to change.
What else, apart from an interview, will be involved?
Assessment (content of which will be confirmed following success at application stage),
Medical examination/drugs test/appointment with Counselling and Trauma Advisor,
fitness testing, biometric vetting, reference checks, financial vetting, misconduct and
complaints checks.
Where are the tests being held?
Interview/Assessment:
South Wales Police, HQ, Cowbridge Road,
Bridgend CF31 3SU
Medical/drugs Assessment and 1:1 with Counselling and Trauma Advisor:
Coychurch Police Houses, Coychurch, Bridgend, CF35 5EN.
Biometric Vetting
South Wales Police, HQ, Cowbridge Road,
Bridgend CF31 3SU
Fitness Testing:
Learning & Development Services Department,
Waterton Cross, Bridgend CF31 3YU
I have only just completed my probation, and cannot submit PDRs?
Please provide a written explanation with your application, and include any
correspondence, signing you off your probation
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What do I need to enclose with my application form?
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Completed Medical Questionnaire (must be signed and stamped by your GP)
Completed Security Vetting Questionnaire
Completed Transferee Vetting Form
Completed consent form for access to complaints and discipline records
2 Personal Development Reviews / Staff Appraisals
If applicable
 Force print outs of complaints and misconduct record
 Certificate of Satisfaction
 Photographs of any tattoos you have
 Any Awards and Commendations
What happens if I am unable to enclose all documentation listed above?
Failure to enclose this documentation may make you ineligible for appointment as these
will be part of the shortlisting criteria. If you have difficulties with supplying the
information requested, please enclose a comprehensive written explanation why you
cannot provide it.
What do I do with my “Consent form to Access to Occupational Health Records”
Hand to your own Force’s Occupational Health Unit.
Is driving a vehicle a requirement?
Yes you will be asked to produce your driving license and attend an assessment during
your induction period.
If I wish to be posted to a particular Basic Command Unit (BCU)/area, is this
possible?
No guarantee can be given - it will depend on the vacancy position at the time of offer of
transfer and organisational requirement.
ASSESSMENT PROCESS:
What date/time is my interview/assessment, if successfully at shortlisting stage?
Date and time will be notified to you directly following shortlisting of applications
What if I cannot make my interview/assessment date?
There is no guarantee that interview and assessment dates can be rearranged.
What does the interview involve?
A number of set competency based questions, panel of three. Duration, in the region of
30 - 45 minutes
What does the assessment involve?
Full details will be provided following success at application stage
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What does the fitness testing involve?
National standard test:
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1. Dynamic Strength (Upper-body strength)
Dyno Machine – Push 34kg Pull 35kg
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Endurance Fitness (Multi-Stage shuttle run)
Warm up to level 3, 4 shuttles at level 5 (5/4)
You will need a T-shirt, shorts, tracksuit, and a pair of training shoes. There will be no
shower facilities, but changing rooms available for your use.
What does the medical involve?
Your medical will last approximately 30 minutes and a full medical examination will be
carried out. You will be required to remove some outer clothing, therefore, appropriate
undergarments must be worn. Candidates who wear contact lenses should be reminded
that they require removal for part of the eyesight test and should bring appropriate
means of storage; candidates that wear glasses should bring them for use during the
test. You will also be asked to have a 1:1 with one of our Counselling and Trauma
Advisors.
What does the drugs test involve?
All newly recruited Police Officers and transferees to South Wales Police are tested for
substance misuse. Therefore you will be subject to a drugs test immediately following
your medical examination. The test should take approximately 15 minutes.
At the time of the test you will be asked a series of questions regarding any prescribed or
over the counter medication you may have taken over the last 3 months. This is to
ensure that any positive drug test result, which can be explained by your use of
legitimate medication, does not lead to you being falsely accused of drug abuse.
Consequently, it is important that the medication list is accurate and complete. Include
prescribed medicines such as antibiotics, sleeping pills, tranquillisers, eye-drops,
inhalants and medicines for foreign travel. You must also include “over-the-counter”
products to remedy pain, travel sickness, allergies, coughs and colds, congestion or an
upset stomach. Remember visits to doctors, dentists and hospital outpatient
departments where you may have been administered local anaesthetics or injection.
Finally, you must also declare any herbal/alternative remedies that you have taken. All
information will be treated as confidential.
A representative from an external company who specialises in substance misuse testing
will conduct the test. The test is carried out utilizing a hair sample taken from the head.
To accommodate this, hair must be a minimum of 3 cms. Your sample cannot be
analysed without your consent therefore you will complete a consent form on the day.
What documents do I need to bring with me on the day of interview/assessment?
Two passport sized photographs of yourself with your name clearly printed on the
reverse
And
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• A full 10 year British Passport or two of the following:
1. British Driving Licence containing photograph of yourself
2. P45
3. Birth Certificate – issued within six weeks of birth
4. Cheque Book and Bank Card – with three statements and proof of signature
5. Credit Card – with three statements and proof of signature
6. Proof of residence – such as Council Tax, Gas, Electricity, Water or Telephone Bill.
What if I cannot get all of the documents listed above?
Documents must be forwarded before any offer of appointment can be made
What background checks will be undertaken?
As per the National Association of Police Officers (ACPO) policy for vetting in the police
community, and NPIA 02/2011 eligibility criteria for police recruitment.
GENERAL
What do I do if my personal circumstances change, house move etc?
You must notify the Employee Resources team immediately otherwise, this may delay
the transferee process for you. Please email any changes to us at:
[email protected]
When will a process be run for higher ranking officers?
There are no plans for running a process for higher ranks
How many are you taking in, in this particular process?
South Wales Police are currently not in a position to confirm numbers required. It will
depend entirely on organisational requirement.
When will I know, if I have successfully completed the transferee process?
Successful candidates in the transferee process will be informed on completion of the
whole process (including background checks) directly.
When will I start, if successful?
This will be dependent upon future vacancies – you will be given 28 days notice of
transfer.
Will I qualify for relocation package?
No.
What will my salary scale be?
Officers in South Wales Police are paid in accordance with national rates. Salaries are
paid directly into officer’s bank or building society account on the last day of each month.
Will I be able to keep my rent/housing allowance?
For those officers who currently receive housing or rent allowance in their existing Force,
our Force equivalent allowance will be paid. This will be verified with your existing Force.
What happens with my pension?
You will transfer on your current pension scheme, ie. old or new, providing that your
service is continuous from your old force.
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What about my Annual Leave?
Leave already booked by a successful transferee will be honoured for this year, but
officers must advise us of these dates in writing prior to transferring to South Wales
Police.
Will my existing qualifications be honoured?
Any nationally recognised qualifications or courses which you are able to provide
evidence of will be recognised by this Force.
What promotional prospects are there?
South Wales Police usually run promotion process on an annual basis for all ranks as
per force requirements.
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