The PC-Sergeant promotion process is open for applications from Monday 6th April – 10:00am Monday 4th May 2026.
Applications are invited from both full time and part time substantive PC’s who wish to apply for promotion to the rank of Sergeant. In order to apply, officers must hold a valid qualifying exam pass that does not expire before the 3rd July 2026.
Applicants must not be subject to any recent misconduct findings, or live written or final written warnings. This eligibility criteria will apply throughout each step of the promotion process. Applicants with outstanding complaints or misconduct investigations are eligible to apply, but may not be progressed to the next stage of the process which will be determined on a case by case basis in line with the NPPF Operating Manual.
All applicants must read the guidance document provided with the job advertisement. It outlines the full application process and details all requirements. Supporting materials are either attached or integrated into the online form. To ensure a smooth experience, please log in to the system as soon as possible to familiarise yourself with the application platform. Please note: only applications submitted through the TVP site will be considered.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure all parts of their application is compliant with the requirements set out, non-compliant applications may be withdrawn. If you have any concerns, please email the Promotions team at the earliest time, so there is time for the team to advise you before closing date of 10:00am Monday 4th May.
Coaching, Mentoring, and Positive Action support: Please refer to the Promotion guidance document for information.
Adjusted Duties: Adjusted duties officers are welcome to apply. Please refer to the Promotion guidance document for further information on the posting process for officers who successfully pass promotion.
Reasonable Adjustments: If you require – or are unsure if you require, reasonable adjustments at any stage of your application please ensure you mark this on the relevant box on the online form or contact the Promotions team at the point of submitting your application.
The shortlisting application will consist of:
- 6 CVF based questions –Set against the Policing Professional Profile for the rank applied for and scored against the relevant CVF. These are listed on the online application form and Promotion guidance document attached to the advert.. Candidates will have a maximum of 250 words per question to demonstrate their evidence.
- PDRs and Continuous Professional Development plans - this must document progress towards promotion evidencing strengths and areas for development. Candidates are required to submit their current PDR and their most recently closed PDR.
- EXTERNAL OFFICERS: Please attach your PDR and CPD documentation as requested, along with the completed line manager endorsement form attached to this advert.
- If applicable; feedback for a previous application to the rank, they are applying for.
Selection Process: Candidates will be contacted with the outcome of their written application from 11th June 2026. Those who are successful through the shortlisting stage will be invited to attend a board interview. These will be held at Headquarters North, Kidlington. Full board details will be provided to successful candidates. Boards will take place between Monday 22nd June – Friday 3rd July 2026. If there are any dates or times during this period which you cannot attend, please email these to the Promotions team by the closing date of Monday 4th May this will allow us to promptly send out the board invitations.
The promotion "pass" remains valid for 12 months or until an officer declines two offers of ICR postings—whichever comes first. Officers are expected to consider all reasonable postings within the guidance and apply for roles that match their skillset. If an officer declines two ICR offers, they will be removed from Step 3 and must reapply for promotion in the next cycle, even if this occurs before the 12-month period ends. For example, if two offers are declined within six months, the officer will be withdrawn from the process. Please refer to the Promotion guidance document for further information.
The timeline is attached to this advert. Please ensure that you keep a copy of all application details for future reference.
Please email queries to: Promotions@thamesvalley.police.uk
