The recruitment process

The Special Constable Recruitment cycle can take some time to complete.

At the end of each stage of the recruitment and selection process you will be notified whether or not you have been successful and therefore eligible to proceed to the next stage.

Stage 1: Complete the online application form

The application process consists of three areas:

1. Eligibility criteria
2. Completion of the College of Policing (CoP) National Sift. The national sift has been designed to allow you to demonstrate your suitability for entry to the next stage of the recruitment process. The national sift consists of two exercises: the situational judgement test (SJT) and a behavioural styles questionnaire (BSQ). These exercises are used to assess capabilities, strengths and behaviours that are important within the role you have applied for.  More information can be found here.
3. Application form. You will be required to input your personal details. Please ensure this is completed fully and accurately.

Please note if you have previously passed both the Behavioural Styles Questionnaire (BSQ) and Situational Judgement Test (SJT) with Dyfed Powys Police or another Welsh force (South Wales, Gwent or North Wales), you will not be required to complete the College of Policing (CoP) National Sift process. The recruitment system should automatically bypass this part of the application process, however, if you are invited but hold a valid BSQ and SIJT pass, then please contact the recruitment team before starting the National Sift.

Tips for completing your application

• Make sure you read the requirement of each stage thoroughly as failure to pass each section will reject your application.
• You will be asked to upload a copy of your highest qualification achieved so take the required photos beforehand.
• If you require reasonable adjustments or positive action please ensure you check the relevant boxes on the application form.
• If you have had more than one address in the last 5 years, ensure you have all this information at hand including dates of occupancy.
• If you have received any convictions or cautions, ensure you have all this information at hand as you are required to disclose this information.
• If you have visible tattoos (face, neck, hands, wrists and forearms) take the required photos beforehand.
• If you have any financial certificates (bankruptcy, IVA etc.) have a copy of these ready to upload.
• When completing the online tests, ensure that your pop up blocker is disabled so that the test screen will open.
• If you encounter any problems or have any queries please contact HR as soon as possible. Please note our office hours are Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm.

Stage 2: If you are successful at application, you will be invited to attend an interview at Dyfed-Powys Police Headquarters

The interview process has been designed to get a more rounded picture of you as an individual. It examines how your values and those of Dyfed Powys Police might match.

By carrying out this interview we are ensuring that you are making the right volunteering choice and thus will have every chance of being a successful Dyfed-Powys Police Special Constable.

The values and competencies that we are looking for in this interview have been through a rigorous process of research to ensure that they are relevant to the role and are fair to everyone being interviewed. These are:

Values

• Public Service
• Impartiality
• Integrity
• Transparency

Competencies

• We are emotionally aware
• We take ownership
• We deliver, support & inspire
• We are collaborative
• We analyse critically
• We are innovative and open-minded

You will be provided with full details of what is expected of you at least one week prior to your interview.

Stage 3 Job Related Fitness Tests (JRFT), Biometric Assessments and Referencing (excluding current employer)

1. You will be invited to attend Police Headquarters to complete a job related fitness test (JRFT). The JRFT will assess whether you can meet the physical challenges of policing. You should start preparing for this stage as soon as you submit your application if you are not yet physically fit.  While you don't need to be an athlete to pass the JRFT, you do need a basic level of fitness (5.4 bleep test).
2. Biometric assessments are undertaken and these consist of DNA samples and Fingerprints which is undertaken by trained Dyfed Powys Police Officers and/or Staff and also drug testing which is undertaken by an external company whilst attending Police Headquarters.
3. At this stage we will make contact with your previous employers for the last 3 years as well as your nominated character/educational referees. It is important that information on your application form is correct and kept up to date. We usually do not contact your current employer for a reference until you have been given occupational and vetting clearance (stage 4). Any sickness declared by a previous employer will be reviewed by Senior Management in line with Dyfed-Powys Police Absence Management policy.

Stage 4: Complete security vetting clearance and attend a medical

You will complete a form during the recruitment and selection process relating to security vetting information. Checks will be completed by our Professional Standards Department and a decision will be made on whether vetting can be granted. This can take up to 8 weeks or longer depending on individual circumstances

The medical assessment is straightforward and checks things like your eyesight, hearing, blood pressure and body mass index (BMI). Conducted by a registered nurse and our Force Medical Advisor, it is in addition to the medical questionnaire you are required to complete during the recruitment process. Any costs incurred in obtaining a GP signature and practice stamp is at the candidate’s expense.

Stage 5: Complete Employer reference checks

On successfully passing all of the above stages, we will contact your current employer for a reference.

Any sickness declared by a previous employer will be reviewed by Senior Management in line with Dyfed-Powys Police Absence Management policy.

Stage 6: Offer of start date for the Special Constable Training Course

Once all relevant documents have been processed and it is confirmed that the selection and recruitment process has been completed, you will be sent a letter formally offering you an appointment and start date.

Before your first day you will be required to –

1. Complete pre-join online training packages
2. Return all requested documents to the recruitment team