Home Secretary tells college to re-consider non-degree entry routes

14 November 2022

Nottinghamshire Police Federation chair Simon Riley has welcomed Home Secretary Suella Braveman’s decision to ditch the requirement for all police officers to have degrees.

The move comes after a backlash from chief constables, police and crime commissioners (PCCs) and Police Federation leaders who all warned a blanket degree requirement for all new officers was having a serious impact on recruitment options.

Sixteen PCCs wrote a letter to Suella Braverman warning that up to 10 per cent of their officers were studying for the qualification rather than fighting crime with over-stretched colleagues on the frontline.

Simon said: “We have long argued that you don’t need to have a degree to be a good police officer and it appears our voice has been heard which is good news in itself.

“Having a highly-trained police force is very important but there are some very able young men and women who do not want to take the academic route into policing and it would be wrong to turn them away on that basis.

“By all means let’s formally recognise the professional skills police officers have but we must recognise that can be achieved by mastering the basics through training and on the job experience and, of course, good instincts, common sense and a passion for public service.

“We want the best people for the job and I think the Home Secretary has taken a wise decision on this.”

Since last year, recruits have been required to have a degree or to join as an apprentice while they earn a qualification.

The College of Policing stood by the change and insisted it gave officers recognition and accreditation as professionals.

But Ms Braverman told a conference for police chiefs that she had asked the college to consider options for a new non-degree entry route, alongside the process for recruits who took higher education.

She said: “I have asked the college 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.

“Our police force must be open to those who do not have a degree or want one.

“And I will take the scissors to any red tape that gets in your way.”