The local element of probationer
training
42. We are pleased to note that satisfaction
with tutor constables seems to be much higher amongst recently
recruited officers than with more experienced officers recalling
the arrangements which were in place for them years earlier. However,
it must still be a cause for concern that one in five recent recruits
did not think this important relationship had been satisfactory.
Forces must take care to ensure that tutor constables are carefully
selected and that all of them receive relevant training in how
to be an effective tutor before they take on that role (paragraph
54).
43. We are also concerned that barely
a quarter of officers surveyed agreed that a career development
portfolio was an influential document, especially given that this
was a method identified by which probationers could draw attention
to any shortcomings in their training. We urge all forces to encourage
their officers to treat portfolios as an important tool through
which they can influence their career for the better. As for the
forces' responsibilities, they must ensure that, wherever possible,
the appropriate structures and resources are in place to ensure
that needs identified in portfolios can be acted upon. The Home
Office and/or NPT should review the use of portfolios to see how
effective they are at present and how they can be made more so
(paragraph 55).
44. The Government notes the recommendations.
Both NPT and HM Inspectorate recommend dedicated tutor units as
best practice for the delivery of Stage 4 of the probationer training
programme. NPT has produced tutor selection criteria and a tutor
training programme. However, under current arrangements neither
the use of tutor units nor the use of the material produced by
NPT is mandatory. The selection and training of tutor constables
is the responsibility of individual chief officers and forces
may use all, part or none of the selection criteria and the programme.
45. NPT recently published a Service Level
Agreement (SLA) for the delivery of probationer training, which
the Chairman of the ACPO Personnel Management Committee signed
on behalf of the service. NPT is currently measuring the ability
of forces to deliver probationer training in accordance with the
SLA and is in discussion with HM Inspectorate as to how to make
best use of the data. Analysis of how the SLA is being put into
effect in forces will provide valuable information.
46. The introduction of mandatory national
standards and a more rigorous inspection procedure, as is proposed,
will help to ensure consistent high standards with regard to tutor
constables.
47. NPT ensures that the Professional Development
Portfolio (PDP) for probationers is used during Stage 2 of the
probationer training programme (the 15 weeks spent at one of NPT's
training centres). However, there are at present no means whereby
forces can be required to use the PDP during the remainder of
the two years of an officer's probationary period. There is evidence
that some forces use their own competency frameworks and portfolios
following completion of stage 2, but the practice is not widespread.
A national competency framework will provide obvious benefits
in this area, providing chief officers use or are required to
use a single national system. NPT is currently validating the
PDP.