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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Train to become a neighbourhood police officer and create safer communities.
- Company: Join Avon and Somerset Police through the National Graduate Programme.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £29,907, flexible shifts, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Must be over 17, hold a degree, and have a full UK driving licence.
- Other info: Access to award-winning training and a supportive alumni network.
The predicted salary is between 29907 - 48231 £ per year.
Overview
2026 National Graduate Programme – Avon and Somerset Police
Join to apply for the 2026 National Graduate Programme – Avon and Somerset Police role at Police Now.
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.
Base pay range: Our two-year programme, starting in March 2026, is designed to develop diverse graduates, from any degree, who want to build trust, reduce crime and transform communities. We are partnering with Avon and Somerset Police, so you will work in Bristol, Bath, Somerset, or South Gloucestershire.
Role and responsibilities
- On our National Graduate Programme, you’ll train to become a neighbourhood police officer and be at the forefront of creating safer communities, working proactively to address long-term issues and enhance the quality of life for residents in the communities you serve.
- You’ll work as part of a neighbourhood policing team, spending two years embedded within a community. During this time, you will focus on identifying threats, harm and risk and tackling local issues and complex challenges.
- During the programme, you will have full ownership and responsibility for bringing about positive change and will be supported by a wide network to guide you along the way.
- Once you successfully complete the programme, you will be a fully warranted neighbourhood police officer with a permanent role in policing and will join the Police Now alumni network.
Qualifications and requirements
- Be over 17 years of age (18 by appointment) and a British citizen, a citizen of a country in the European Economic Area or Switzerland, a Commonwealth citizen, or a foreign national who is resident in the UK with settled status or leave to remain and work 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 (including part-time or distance learning).
- Have a full UK manual driving licence.
Training and development
Our award-winning training sets the foundation for a successful and transformative career in policing. Throughout the eight-week residential training academy, you’ll have access to a Performance and Development Coach who will support you to navigate a new career and maximise your potential. Depending on which route you take, you can also apply for an external secondment or internal attachment during the second year of the programme.
Upon successful completion of the programme, you will be a fully warranted neighbourhood police officer with a permanent policing role and you’ll join our Police Now alumni network. Many graduates have gone on to be promoted or move into other areas of policing such as Counter Terrorism or Investigations.
Rewards and benefits
- Salary: Your salary starts on day one of your training academy. A starting salary of £29,907, rising to £48,231 within seven years. On promotion to sergeant, the starting salary can be £51,408.
- Leave: 22 days per year (plus public holidays), rising to 30 days with length of service. Other leave including adoption, maternity and paternity.
- Work-life balance: Variable shift patterns provide flexibility, with several days off in a row. It may take time to adapt, but the schedule can offer flexibility for life outside work.
- Pension: Automatic enrollment in the Police Pension Scheme 2015 with a secure retirement package. Access to additional financial services and discounts through partner organisations and police force provisions.
Application process
Conditional offer.
Additional information
- Seniority level: Entry level
- Employment type: Full-time
- Job function: Other
- Industries: Non-profit Organizations
Yeovil, England, United Kingdom
Bridgwater, England, United Kingdom
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National Graduate Programme - Avon and Somerset Police employer: Police Now
Contact Detail:
Police Now Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land National Graduate Programme - Avon and Somerset Police
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former officers from Avon and Somerset Police on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the National Graduate Programme. Personal connections can give you insights that no job description can.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about how your skills and experiences align with the role of a neighbourhood police officer. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for community work! During your interview, share specific examples of how you've contributed to your community or tackled challenges. This will demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact, which is key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have additional resources and tips available exclusively for applicants who apply directly through us.
We think you need these skills to ace National Graduate Programme - Avon and Somerset Police
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and perspectives that make you a great fit for the role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the National Graduate Programme. We’re looking for candidates who are passionate about community policing, so show us why you care!
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!: Before hitting that submit button, give your application a thorough read. Typos and grammatical errors can distract from your message, so take the time to ensure everything is polished and professional.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best experience. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Police Now
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research the communities you'll be serving in. Understand their unique challenges and strengths. This will not only show your commitment but also help you articulate how you can contribute positively during your time as a neighbourhood police officer.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you've tackled complex issues or made a positive impact. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easier for the interviewers to see your potential in addressing local challenges.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
As you'll be working closely with a neighbourhood policing team, it's crucial to highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Share instances where you've worked in teams, emphasising your role and how you contributed to achieving common goals. This will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the training process, community engagement strategies, or how success is measured in the programme. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career aspirations.
