College of Policing decision ‘simply unacceptable’ as PFEW presses for reassurance

14 October 2020

PFEW will continue to press the College of Policing to ensure members are not disadvantaged or treated unfairly as a result of the decision today by the College to suspend the Inspectors exam sitting.

National Chair John Apter said: “Many of our colleagues have been studying for the Inspectors exam which was held today. The news that a technical problem has prevented many from completing the examination is deeply concerning.

“I have had several conversations with the CEO of the College, Mike Cunningham. He is under no illusion as to how much anger and damage this has caused.

“I know the immense frustration and anger our members will be feeling. Exams are by their nature stressful and involve a lot of preparation, so to see that go to waste is simply unacceptable.

“Our National Board members, Gemma Fox and Dave Bamber lead on work with the College of Policing. They will be pushing the College in the coming days to ensure no officer should be disadvantaged or treated unfairly as a result of this incident.

“I want to reassure members I have heard directly from the officers affected and their frustration, disappointment and anger is loud and clear. I can assure you the Federation will be raising questions at the highest levels and holding the College of Policing to account.

“Some teething trouble is inevitable when new systems are introduced, but our members have a right to expect that all of the appropriate testing and evaluation would have be done before they came to sit their exams. Quite simply this is not good enough."

The full College of Policing statement is available here: https://www.college.police.uk/What-we-do/Development/Promotion/Pages/Inspectors-exam-issues.aspx