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, with individual career plans and development objectives, agreed at biannual Performance Development Reviews.

The scheme also offers access to a bespoke post graduate diploma in police leadership and management, and the opportunity to apply for a bespoke Masters. In addition officers also benefit from a range of in-house training and development courses designed to equip officers with the knowledge and experience they need to meet the challenges of leadership.

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

The HPDS is open to serving officers, 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: Psychometric tests - Four different ability tests,verbal, numerical, spatial and situational judgement;, administered at a national level by the NPIA. The tests are designed to assess your potential to perform at a senior management level.
• Stage 3: National assessment centre. A demanding two-day assessment centre, comprising a series of interactive exercises.

Here's a quote from one of our current officers:

"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