Success for PCC's campaign to retain non degree entry route to policing

Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster’s calls to maintain the non-degree entry route into policing were deemed a success on Wednesday 9th November 2022, when Home Secretary Suella Braverman stated that “Our police force must be open to those who do not have a degree or want one”.

Since taking on the role in May 2021, the Commissioner, has spoken about the value of flexible recruitment pathways and campaigned strongly to successive Home Secretaries over several months. She was recently joined by many of her Police and Crime Commissioner colleagues.

She said: “I am pleased that the Home Secretary agrees with my views and has responded both swiftly and decisively. It is critical that our police officers reflect the communities they serve. The non-degree entry route provides an alternative recruitment opportunity for people without a degree but who possess the right skills and aptitude to serve their communities. 

“Derbyshire residents have been clear that they want to see more officers on the streets, tackling the issues and crimes that affect them most.  More officers are being recruited to provide the Strong Local Policing promised in my Police and Crime Plan.  Essentially, the non-degree option ensures we attract people from a wider pool of candidates and can speed up the recruitment process.”

Addressing representatives from the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and the National Police Chiefs Council on 9th November, Home Secretary Suella Braverman confirmed that recruitment to the police will remain open to non-degree holders.

Ms Braverman told attendees that she had: “asked the College [of Policing] to build on their work by considering options for a new non-degree entry route, to deliver officers of the highest calibre, which will complement the existing framework. In the meantime, the current transitional non degree entry route will be kept open.”

For recruitment opportunities with Derbyshire Constabulary click here.