Leave site Skip to content
You are here: Home » Apply » Jobs and Volunteering » Police officer » Police promotions process

Police promotions process

Avon and Somerset Police recognises that the quality of our leadership is fundamental to us achieving our ambition and the Police and Crime Commissioner’s (PCC) priorities.

The police promotions process assesses competence at rank and potential at the next rank to identify and appoint leaders who embody the values of our organisation.

Promotion to Sergeant or Inspector

Avon and Somerset Police are working in partnership with the College of Policing to develop a new promotion process for sergeants and inspectors.

We are a test force for the new Sergeant and Inspector Promotion and Progression (SIPP) process with a view to becoming an early adopter.

The process will provide a clear path in three stages:

  1. development
  2. selection
  3. temporary promotion and work-based assessment

The emphasis will be on:

  • personal development
  • timely learning interventions
  • fairness
  • less bureaucracy

Aspiring leaders will be expected to take ownership for their personal development and to ensure this is fully evidenced within their personal development review.

If you are considering promotion within Avon and Somerset within the next 12 months, we strongly advise you contact the Police Promotions Team, so that they can send you the associated guidance and forms relevant to the stage in your promotion journey.

If you have questions about the promotions process for sergeant or inspector, email our Police Promotions Team.

For information about the Sergeant and Inspector Promotion and Progression (SIPP) email Implementation@college.police.uk

Promotion to Chief Inspector and above

There are five main steps in the selection process. They are:

  1. Online application form
  2. The Police Promotions Team contacts the applicant’s line manager to confirm their eligibility for promotion
  3. Central shortlisting panel
  4. In-person interview
  5. Identifying successful candidates available for promoting into vacancies at the next rank

Promotion opportunities

Applications for promotion are currently closed.


If you have questions about the promotions process, email our Police Promotions Team.

For officers wishing to transfer into Avon and Somerset Police in their current rank, see Police transferees.

Page feedback
Was this page useful? *
What best describes the reason for your visit today?