Professional Profiles: A user guide for force leaders and managers.

Why are we introducing Policing Professional Profiles now?

The professional profiles have been developed as part of the College of Policing Professional Development Programme, which is a key element of the transformation of policing project. The programme aims to ensure policing is delivered by a professional workforce equipped with the skills and capabilities necessary for the new and complex challenges of policing as outlined in Policing Vision 2025.

The vision is to improve the service to the public by providing reassurance about standards, and for policing to be recognised as a profession by everyone who interacts with, or is affected by the service. This includes partner organisations, and members of the public who come into contact with policing at many levels, serving officers and staff, those considering a career in policing.

What are Professional Profiles?

The Policing Professional Profiles (PPP) are a comprehensive set of profiles that describe generic roles across the policing profession, for police officers and police specific staff roles. Professional profiles articulate the skills and professional standards, competencies and behaviours for policing on a national basis. They define the expectations and accountabilities of the roles designed around force needs. They aim to be future focused, strengths based, and concentrate on what can be achieved.

How should professional profiles be used

Forces will be able to use the professional profiles as the basis for organisational review and development. HR managers may use the role profile to inform the basis of bespoke job descriptions and for job evaluation, recruitment, promotion and deployment assessment work. Learning and Development managers may use the profiles to identify training needs and develop training plans. The professional profiles may also be used for performance management and assessment activity ensuring a comprehensive and consistent standard is maintained.