GOOD police officers in North Wales are missing out on the chance of promotion because the Force’s system is "not fit for purpose”, according to a senior officer.

Inspector Ceri Hawe says it is wrong that the current process could see constables reaching the rank of temporary Chief Inspector without having to face an interview.

“That just doesn’t sit right with me,” she said.

Under the current system promotions are considered on the basis of written applications only which , according to Inspector Hawe, who is a Police Federation representative, cannot fully reflect a candidate’s ability.

Writing in the current edition of Your Voice, the Federation’s newsletter, she says: “The Force needs to seriously re-think how we go about promoting people.

“I know it’s not an easy fix, We tried paper application, followed by an operational assessment than a promotion board that didn’t work too well.

“Now we have the other end of the scale with just a paper application. In theory, you can go from PC to temporary Chief Inspector without having any sort of interview.”

The Inspector, who is stationed in the Force control room in St Asaph, says it is easier for applicants for some roles to produce documentary evidence, so the same yardstick should not be applied.

“Everyone deserves to be given the same opportunity,” she comments. “Let’s not allow scope for people to say ‘I am not one of the chosen ones’, those who have sponsors, the ‘charmed’, ‘lucky’ or ‘looked after’ people. Make it fair.”

“Lots of good officers are being overlooked for promotion because of a poor process that isn’t fit for purpose,” she adds.

In response Julie Brierley, the Force’s head of training and development, said: “Our primary objective is to deliver a professional, transparent, consistent and fair process.

“The promotion process for all ranks is under review as a result of feedback from Federation reps and Senior Management Teams who have been involved in recent promotions. Any amendments will be subject to wider consultation across the organization.”

She said the process for promotion to sergeants and inspectors was guided by the National Police Promotions Framework (NPPF), with Forces having some discretion to meet their own needs and resources.

“North Wales requires an application form to avidence an officer’s knowledge, ability and behaviour at the rank they are applying for. This has to be supported by first and second-line managers before being assessed and scored in line with NPPF guidance.

“Consultation with other Forces shows a variety of promotion assessment methods are used and NWP are currently looking at the feasibility of introducing a practical element of assessment.”