Fears over new non-degree entry programme

18 April 2023

West Mercia Police Federation secretary Pete Nightingale fears a new non-degree police officer entry route could create a two-tier system for new recruits.

Pete voiced his concerns that standards would be compromised if a proposed Level 5 learning programme – equivalent to a diploma of higher education (DipHE) – was introduced.

He’s added his voice to calls for the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and College of Policing to ensure non-degree entry would still be accredited to educational Level 6.

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) warned failure to do so would be against the founding principles of the Policing Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF) and could lead to problems further down the line.

Pete said: “We’ve seen in recent months the problems policing has faced with recruitment and training, and there’s a risk these proposals will reduce standards at a time when we need to be improving them.

“As a Federation, we welcome a non-degree entry route but introducing it at Level 5 will create a two-tier system that clashes with those officers who have been assessed at Level 6.

“And by doing so it threatens to further undermine public confidence in recruitment and training standards.

“This is why we’re urging the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and College of Policing to look again and ensure any non-degree entry route is assessed as Level 6.”

The new Level 5 (non-accredited) learning programme is being made available for forces as soon as possible but not later than 1 April 2024.

A number of forces are yet to engage with education partners about the impact of new standards and learning on existing Level 6 contractual obligations and await the College of Policing’s further implementation guidance and the design of associated curricula.

The PFEW said it was awaiting the equality impact assessment of the decision to introduce the non-degree entry route supporting Level 5 qualification but, in the meantime, urged the NPCC and the college to ensure any change in the policy ensures that the standards defining competence in the police constable role remain the same irrespective of the entry routes.