Military Service Leavers - Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP)

Avon and Somerset Police; Bristol; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional police department in the United Kingdom seeks military veterans to join as Police Officers. This role offers a starting salary of £31,164, which rises to £32,472 after two years. Candidates will complete a diploma program designed for service leavers while receiving comprehensive training. The department values veterans' skills, providing a supportive environment and the opportunity to serve the community effectively.

Benefits

Attractive Pension Scheme

Shift allowances

Access to employee assistance programs

Qualifications

• A minimum of two years’ service in any branch of the armed forces.
• Residency in the UK for the last three consecutive years.
• A valid manual driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Complete training in classroom and on patrol with support from mentors.
• Respond to various emergencies and provide frontline support.

Skills

Discipline and Teamwork

Adaptability

Leadership and Accountability

Education

Level 2 (GCSE) in Maths and English

Job description

Join Avon and Somerset Police: A New Mission for Veterans and Service Leavers

Your skills, discipline, and commitment have been invaluable in the armed forces. Now, Avon and Somerset Police offers you the chance to put those qualities to use in serving your community as a police officer.

Why Choose Avon and Somerset Police?

• Starting Salary of £31,164: Begin your new career with a competitive salary, increasing to £32,472 after just two years of service.
• Earn While You Learn: You'll complete a diploma designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge for success in your new role. Most of the diploma is completed in the first year, with an additional seven-week learning block in the second year.
• Forces-Friendly Environment: As a Gold Award recipient of the Armed Forces Covenant, we recognise and value the unique strengths that veterans, service leavers, and reservists bring, whether it's leadership, problem‑solving under pressure, or resilience.
• A Meaningful Career: Continue serving, protecting, and making a difference in the lives of those in your local community, just as you did in the armed forces.
• Attractive Pension Scheme - https://www.peninsulapensions.org.uk/members/police/ - Your security. Your future. Your pension.

What You’ll Bring

Your military experience has prepared you for the demands of policing:

• Discipline and Teamwork: You’re accustomed to working in high‑pressure environments and relying on the support of those around you to achieve your mission.
• Adaptability: As a service leaver, you’ve experienced diverse and challenging situations - skills that align with the day‑to‑day responsibilities of a police officer.
• Leadership and Accountability: Whether you’ve led a team or worked as part of one, your leadership skills will help you thrive in our structured, mission‑driven environment.

Pathway into Policing

The Pathway into Policing provides veterans and service leavers with a clear and structured route into the police force:

• Initial Application: Simple and straightforward, tailored to recognise your military background.
• Policing Diploma: A comprehensive diploma program designed for veterans, completed alongside your duties, providing essential training for your role.
• Support and Mentorship: Receive ongoing support from other veterans within the police force, helping you transition smoothly into your new role.

Are you ready for your next mission? Apply today and take the next step in your career, continuing to make a difference in the lives of others.

Throughout the application process you may see reference to Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA), however please be reassured that this a PCEP entry route.

Accordion: Job specific information

Throughout the two‑year programme, recruits will receive comprehensive training both in the classroom and on patrol, with support from mentors and multi‑skilled professionals. Training begins with a 12‑week course followed by placement in one of our patrol teams, responding to various emergencies and providing frontline support to the public.

Veterans applying to this role will also have access to a range of benefits, including the Police Pension Scheme (2015), shift allowances, continued personal development, and access to employee assistance programs that offer legal advice, health assessments, and personal coaching.

Application Process

• Applications are open exclusively to those who have served in the armed forces for at least two years.
• The recruitment process includes a compulsory familiarisation event (virtual or in‑person) followed by a National Sift exercise from the College of Policing, a virtual assessment centre starting and concluding with an in person interview.
• Please note that the application window may close early if we receive a high volume of successful applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Eligibility

To apply, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• A minimum of two years’ service in any branch of the armed forces. Service records must be emailed to [e-mail] to support applications.
• Residency in the UK for the last three consecutive years.
• A valid manual driving licence (specific queries about non‑UK licences should be directed to [e-mail]). Provisional driving licences can be accepted at the time of application, with the expectation that full manual driving license is obtained by the start of the course.
• A level 2 (GCSE) in Maths and English language at grade C/4 or above, a functional skills equivalent will also be accepted.

All successful applicants will be vetted to Recruitment vetting (RV) level. This means, to apply for this role you must have a 3 year ‘checkable history’ in the UK – ideally this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years.

Be the Difference You Want to See

Avon and Somerset Police is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds, including individuals from ethnic and religious backgrounds, LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities or those who are neurodiverse, people from various socioeconomic backgrounds, and women. If you have a neurodiverse condition or a disability, let us know; we’re here to provide reasonable adjustments to support you throughout the recruitment process and beyond.

Inclusion and diversity are at the heart of what we do, creating a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone can bring their whole, authentic self. Our staff associations offer guidance and support for officers and staff from all backgrounds, ensuring everyone feels valued. Additionally, our Positive Action and Talent Team offers dedicated assistance throughout the recruitment process, career development, and progression, that this is positive action for Under represented groups- When completing your application on our recruitment system, you can tick a box if you would like our Outreach Team to contact you to provide guidance and support.

This is a competitive process, so apply early to avoid disappointment.

If selected, you will be invited to attend a compulsory familiarisation event on 6th January 2026 at Portishead Headquarters where you will learn more about the role, assessment and recruitment process.

About us

Diversity is a strength and individuality is an asset.

We recognise the benefit different life experience and perspectives can bring.

Find out more about our benefits and culture.

Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.