Norfolk Constabulary launch leadership programme in £1m shake up

Police officers at Norfolk Constabulary will begin a two-year leadership development programme this year, as part of a £1m force shake up.

A total of 225 sergeants and inspectors will undergo classroom training which includes modules on managing people, diversity and society and coaching and mentoring.

Inspectors at Norfolk will eventually gain their first management diploma over a two-year period – the first year will be spent on internal modules and the second taught by lecturers from Leicester-based DeMontfort University.

Sergeants with less than two years' experience in their role will undertake a year-long certificate in management also provided by the university.

Ian McPherson, chief constable of Norfolk Constabulary, told Police Review the move was aimed at improving customer service across the force.

"Officers will gain skills in problem-solving and they will know how better to deal with the officers they work with and the communities they serve."

Earlier this year the Flanagan review of policing suggested that the year-old National Policing Improvement Agency, set up to improve police technology and services, should develop a 10-year police workforce plan which emphasises the importance of matching skills and aptitudes to roles and tasks, and provides guidance to police staff on their professional development.