At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Metropolitan Police Service to create safer communities and tackle local issues.
- Company: Police Now, a Times Top 100 Graduate Employer.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible shifts, generous leave, and travel perks.
- Other info: Gain leadership skills and support for career progression in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives and transform communities.
- Qualifications: Must be over 17, hold UK level 3 qualifications, and have a relevant degree.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Join to apply for the National Graduate Programme - Neighbourhood with the Metropolitan Police Service. This range is provided by Police Now. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
If you are ready to step into a role where your decisions shape real lives and communities, this is where your journey begins. As a Times Top 100 Graduate Employer, our two‑year programme is designed to train and develop graduates, from any degree discipline, who want to build public trust and confidence in policing, reduce crime, and transform communities.
You don’t need any previous policing knowledge or experience to join our programme; however, you’ll need to show that your motivations align with our mission.
The role involves training to become a neighbourhood police officer, working proactively to address long‑term issues and improve the quality of life for those in the communities you serve. You’ll be part of a neighbourhood policing team, spending two years embedded within a community. During this time, you will identify threats, harm and risk and tackle local issues and complex challenges.
Being a police officer is demanding and intense but incredibly rewarding. You’ll have the opportunity to truly make a difference to the communities you serve and have a lasting impact on individuals’ lives. While there will be challenging moments and new practices to get used to, you’ll be supported by a wide network to guide you along the way.
Our programme gives you the opportunity to make our society better by developing skills to become a future leader in society and on the policing frontline. You will have full ownership and responsibility for bringing about positive change.
Your salary of £42,210 will be paid from day one of the training academy. You’ll have the opportunity to go on a four‑week external secondment or internal attachment opportunity in your second year of the programme. Previous secondees have gone to Accenture and the Home Office. You’ll have access to a Performance and Development coach during the two years. Beyond the programme, we offer support with promotion and progression. Join a peer network of 3,500 officers at other forces across England and Wales.
Rewards and benefits:
- Leave – You’ll start with 22 days per year (on top of public holidays), rising to 30 days depending on your length of service.
- Work‑life balance – This is not your typical 9‑5. Police officers work varied shift patterns which gives them flexibility and freedom to maximise their time outside of work.
- Pension – You’ll automatically be enrolled as a member of the Police Pension Scheme 2015, which awards police officers for their dedication and service to the public.
- Travel – You'll have access to free and discounted travel perks in London.
To apply for this programme, you must:
- be over 17 years of age or older on application (and 18 by the time of appointment)
- hold at least two UK level 3 qualifications in any subject, or non‑UK equivalent
- be a British citizen or have settled status or leave to remain and work in the UK without restrictions
- hold a first, 2:1 or 2.2 in any undergraduate degree from a UK university (or equivalent from a non‑UK university) and have completed all education by the programme start date (July 2026). This includes part‑time or distance learning.
Application Process:
- Online application
- Immersive assessment
- Assessment centre
If successful, you will receive a conditional offer and be allocated a dedicated Recruitment Officer to assist with your onboarding and pre‑employment checks including a fitness test, medical assessment, and vetting.
Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Other
Industries: Non‑profit Organisations
National Graduate Programme - Neighbourhood in England employer: Police Now
At Police Now, we pride ourselves on being a Times Top 100 Graduate Employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in communities through our National Graduate Programme - Neighbourhood. With a strong focus on personal and professional development, you will receive comprehensive training, mentorship from experienced coaches, and the chance to engage in impactful secondments, all while enjoying a supportive work culture that values work-life balance and community engagement. Join us to not only build a rewarding career but also to be part of a mission that transforms lives and fosters public trust in policing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land National Graduate Programme - Neighbourhood in England
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Metropolitan Police Service and their values. Understanding their mission will help you align your motivations with theirs, making it easier to showcase your passion during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former officers on LinkedIn or at events. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you when it comes to the selection process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the immersive assessment by practising situational judgement tests. These are designed to see how you handle real-life scenarios, so get familiar with the types of situations you might face as a neighbourhood officer.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so take advantage of our resources.
We think you need these skills to ace National Graduate Programme - Neighbourhood in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When filling out your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your motivations and how they align with our mission to build public trust and confidence in policing. Don’t be afraid to share your personal experiences!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences that relate to the role. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their commitment to creating safer communities, so connect your background to our goals.
Showcase Your Passion:Use your written application to express why you’re excited about this opportunity. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference in their communities, so let that enthusiasm come through in your writing!
Check Your Details:Before hitting submit, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A polished application shows us that you’re serious about this opportunity. Remember, you can apply directly through our website for a smoother process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Police Now
✨Know Your Why
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on why you want to join the National Graduate Programme with the Metropolitan Police Service. Be ready to articulate your motivations clearly, as this role is all about building trust and making a difference in communities.
✨Research the Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a neighbourhood police officer. Understand the challenges they face and think about how your skills can contribute to addressing these issues. This will help you answer questions more effectively and show your genuine interest.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Even if you don’t have direct policing experience, think about transferable skills from your previous roles or studies. Whether it’s teamwork, problem-solving, or communication, be prepared to give examples that demonstrate how you can apply these skills in a policing context.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the programme aligns with your career goals. Consider asking about the training process or how success is measured within the neighbourhood teams.
