Metropolitan Police Careers

High Potential Development Scheme

The High Potential Development Scheme (HPDS) provides a structured route to some of the most senior positions in the MPS. It identifies individuals with the potential to lead and ensures they develop the skills to fulfill their promise.

How the scheme works

The HPDS is all about turning potential into performance.

It provides a structured career framework and additional training courses to equip officers with the knowledge and experience they need to meet the challenges of leadership.

Individual career plans and development objectives are agreed in biannual Performance Development Reviews, and regular Promotion Assessment Reviews determine whether or not officers are ready for a step up.

Accelerated development

Of course, all promotions within the MPS are awarded purely on merit, but accelerated career development is one of the HPDS's key features, making it theoretically possible to achieve the rank of Chief Inspector in five years.

Officers on the scheme are also encouraged to build on previous qualifications, enhancing their capability by embarking on further academic study, even at postgraduate level.

Who we're looking for

We are in the fortunate position of having sufficient police officer candidates either within the selection process or waiting a start date for training. Therefore the HPDS is currently open to serving officers only, either currently with the MPS or transferring from another UK constabulary.

To be considered for the scheme, you'll need to demonstrate the potential to lead and manage as well as the capability to be an effective police officer in your own right.

While the scheme is an ideal option for candidates of graduate calibre, you do not need any particular qualifications to apply.

You must, however, be committed and motivated. To be a police officer on the HPDS is a challenge, perhaps even more so than regular policing. Can you live up to it?

Selection process

To make sure you've got what it takes for the HPDS, you'll be asked to undergo a three stage selection process:

• Stage 1: HPDS competency based application form. An opportunity to provide evidence that you have, or may yet develop, the qualities required of senior police managers.
• Stage 2: Written assessment. A series of written exercises designed to test your ability to analyse problems and your responses to them.
• Stage 3: National assessment centre. A demanding two-day assessment centre, comprising a series of interactive exercises.

What it's like

Here's what a few of our officers currently on the scheme have said about it:

"The scheme has sponsored me to further my academic education. I am pleased to be able to do the MSc because I haven't got a basic degree."

Lisa Crook

"I have had a number of excellent development opportunities through the HPD scheme. On passing Ospre part II, I was promoted almost immediately."

Neil Hutchison