I am not a British citizen – will this affect my application?
You can still apply to become a police officer as long as you are an EC/EEA national, a Commonwealth citizen, or foreign national with no restrictions on your stay in the United Kingdom. You must have lived in the UK for the past three years.
Foreign nationals and UK citizens who have lived abroad may have to wait some time for security and vetting clearance.
I have a criminal record. Does this mean I can’t apply?
You may still be eligible to join the police service if you have minor convictions/cautions, but there are certain offences and conditions that will make you ineligible. This includes anyone who has received a formal caution in the last five years, committed a violent crime or public order offence. When making our decisions we are guided by the by NPIA Circular 1/2010 and the Association of Chief Police Officers’ National Vetting Policy for the Police Community.
Due to the level of access and sensitivity of some roles/ posts within South Wales Police, they are designated as requiring an enhanced level of vetting. If appropriate, you will be notified of this requirement during the recruitment.
What happens if I have lived abroad?
In accordance with Home Office guidance and the Association of Chief Police Officers’ National Vetting Policy, candidates are reminded that they must have been continually resident in the UK for the three year period immediately before an application is made. This is to satisfy the requirement to vet all applicants in an equitable manner and the UK Police service does not currently have any means of facilitating vetting checks overseas, to the extent required of those who have been resident in the UK. Applicants who cannot be vetted, cannot be appointed.
Where will I be working?
This will be shown on the advert, and you will have an opportunity to ask at interview. However it is a condition of your employment that you may be required to work anywhere in the area of the South Wales Police, that would stand the test of reasonableness.
Where should I go on my first day?
Employee Resourcing and your new line manager will contact you to arrange this. Please ensure that you inform us of any change of circumstances or details so that we can always contact you.
When and how will I be paid?
You will be paid monthly by credit transfer to your bank on the last working day of every month.
When will you contact my current employer?
We will only contact your current employer once you have been recommended for appointment following your interview. Any offer of appointment will be made on satisfactory completion of all medical, reference and vetting procedures.
How long will my background checks take?
This will vary for each individual depending on where they and their family have lived, where they have worked, and what their medical background is.
Can I join a Union?
Yes current South Wales Police recognised Unions are below for your information.
GMB
Unison
What happens if my application is unsuccessful?
You will be provided verbal feedback by the chair of the shortlist/interview panel.
Do I have to work shifts?
Some roles do require shift working, for example Station Enquiry Clerks, Controllers, Occurrence Investigators and Crime Scene Investigators. Allowances are paid for shift working and will be as advertised on each individual vacancy. Most roles however require normal office hours.
If I have a disability can I apply?
South Wales Police welcomes applications from disabled people and guarantees to interview disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria of the post applied for. For this purpose The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 defines a person with a disability as having a physical or mental impairment, which has a substantial and long-term (over 12 months) adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day to day activities.
We welcome applications from people with disabilities, and will try our very best to make reasonable adjustments to enable disabled applicants to do the job.
If you have a disability, please inform us of the type of adjustment you might need to help you apply for the police officer role and carry out duties.
South Wales Police have been awarded the ‘two ticks’ symbol. The disability symbol is a recognition given by Jobcentre Plus to employers, who have agreed to make certain positive commitments regarding the employment, retention, training and career developments of disabled people.
The disability symbol is represented by 'two ticks' and the words 'positive about disabled people'.
Please note that all applicants are required to complete a comprehensive pre-employment medical questionnaire.
Are there any support networks available?
The following support groups have been set up within South Wales Police:
Black Police Association Tel: 01656 655555 Extension 20123
Female Police Association Tel: 01656 305828
Gay Staff Network Tel: 01656 305828
Ability Support Network Tel: 01656 305828
Christian Police Association Tel: 029 20 222111
What training opportunities will I be offered?
South Wales Police believes that providing staff with increased skills, knowledge, qualifications and competence will ultimately lead to our customers receiving a better service and our workforce feeling motivated and engaged. As a result we can offer a wide range of developmental opportunities.
Electronic Personal Development Review (EPDR). The post holder will be subject to annual appraisal which will incorporate a review of the above duties and performance of the post holder.