Reasonable adjustments and further support

Introduction

Police Scotland is committed to creating a culture of inclusion. We perform best by harnessing the collective and complimentary skills, knowledge, backgrounds and networks of a rich mix of people who work together in an environment that’s fully inclusive and totally respecting of individuals. Our diversity is our strength, driving business performance and success.

We are committed to treating all our job applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their actual or assumed background, disability or any other protected characteristic.

We make reasonable adjustments and accommodations to our selection processes for candidates who indicate that our arrangements might otherwise disadvantage them.

If you have a disability, including neurodivergent conditions (such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism, ADHD) which you believe may affect your performance in selection, we’ll be happy to consider any reasonable adjustments to our processes for you.

To read advice from the national autistic society please click here

Police Scotland takes pride in its’ officers; they do a job that can be tough and demanding. As a result all new recruits need to be fit to undertake the full range of duties of an operational police officer.  We check this by way of a fitness test at the beginning of our selection process, and a medical assessment which takes place at the end, after we are satisfied you have the skills, values and experiences we are looking for. 

This is to ensure we comply with our duties and obligations around the use of your sensitive personal data and to guarantee fairness during your selection process. 

As part of the medical assessment you will be asked to complete a confidential health questionnaire which will be assessed by our occupational health provider (Optima Health) and you will attend a medical examination which will check your hearing, eyesight, urine, blood pressure, height/weight, and breathing efficiency. 

If the medical assessment identifies that you have a health condition, we may require to seek additional information from your GP or specialist before a decision is reached on your fitness to carry out the role, or not, as the case may be. 

Police Scotland can accept candidates with many common health conditions and your suitability will be assessed on an individual basis. The Equality Act 2010 covers all positions in Police Scotland and if you have a disability, adjustments may be made for you but only if it is reasonable to do so.

What do I need to do?

Take time to read through the selection process information carefully on this document.

To help us to understand what adjustments might be reasonable please consider the recruitment process and notify us when completing the eligibility form in the application centre This is completed prior to the full application form. . Provide as much detail as you can about the type of adjustments you think you may need during the selection process for the role you’re applying for.

You do not have to disclose that you have a disability to us. However we will ask you regarding this in the pre-application stage for the purposes of providing support for the process and to monitor diversity in our applicants.

What will we use this information for?

The information you provide will help us to understand what your needs are and enable us to assess whether and what adjustments to our selection processes would address the disadvantage your condition causes.

Our Recruitment team will review the information you have provided and this will allow us to provide reasonable adjustments.

Those involved in your selection process will have access to this form to assess and deliver the adjustments we believe you need for the various stages of the selection process.

A member of the team may contact you to discuss further.

Selection process

Below is a brief outline of our selection process for police officers with a summary of the assessment or process to allow you to consider this. 

You should consider if you have any adjustment or special requirements for any of the stages.

If you require no adjustments then you do not need to do anything further.

Additional Information

Application form - Untimed ( save and return)

An online application form that you can complete on your PC or mobile device. The application allows you to save progress as you go and return. You can also prepare any answers on other documents and paste the information into the online form. The application form comprises of a combination of drop down lists where you select from pre-populated information , free text fields and tick boxes to accept declarations.

We do not support the use of CHATGPT or any other AI to generate answers to the questions as these responses are not personal to you and may contain inaccuracies.  We are able to detect the use of this technology.

If you require support for the completion of your application form as a reasonable adjustment and want to request specific arrangements or technology options you can request these through this process and we will be happy to discuss this further with you.

If you would like to see the application form with the details of the questions you will be asked prior to commencing the application please click here

Standard Entrance Test - Timed

1 paper with 60 minutes allocated covering questions in language, numeracy and information handling. The paper is handwritten selection of multiple choice answers or answering in free text boxes. It is completed in ink under exam conditions.

You will be provided with a calculator. 

Fitness Assessment - Timed

You will be undertaking a Multi-stage fitness test ( bleep test)

The test involves running up and down (a shuttle run) on a 15-metre track. It is timed against a series of audio beeps and the participant must 'beat the bleep' and complete the shuttle before they hear the sound.

At the end of each level, the time between beeps gets shorter, meaning the participant has to run faster.  

The standard needed for a police officer as part of their role is 5.4 which means running at least in time with the bleeps for four shuttles at level 5.

As part of the assessment you will be expected to continue running to the level you can achieve.

Joining Police Scotland is a highly competitive recruitment journey so candidates require to give the very best account of themselves to progress further. 

You will be given full instruction and guidance as to what is expected on the day at the fitness briefing delivered by the Physical Training Instructor

Assessment day exercises - Timed

A selection of practical group and individual exercises that involve tasks provided on briefing cards and documents.

Assessment day interview - Timed

45 minutes to 1 hour interview based on the CVF framework. Conducted in an interview room face to face in Police Scotland premises.

Medical - Untimed

Private medical assessment carried out by trained medical staff by a 3rd party provider.

Substance Misuse Test - Untimed

Hair sample taken for the purposes of analysis of substance misuse. Hair sample taken for the purposes of analysis of substance misuse. Alternative testing available if required for cultural, religious or medical reasons. 

How do I submit this information?

On making application, you will be taken to the eligibility questions. As part of this you will be asked to tell us about reasonable adjustments.

Please try to be specific to allow us to assess this properly.

This information will be treated confidentially and we will review this information before you complete the full application form.

Our Recruitment team will review the information you have provided and this will allow us to provide reasonable adjustments

What will I do if my circumstances change?

You can contact us at any time throughout the recruitment process if any of this information changes or you need to discuss something further.

If successful in your application, you will be given a further opportunity to provide information before starting in your new role.