Thames Valley Police
The Sergeant-Inspector promotion process is open for applications from Monday 8th June– 10:00am Monday 6th July 2026.
Applications are invited from both full time and part time substantive Sergeants who wish to apply for promotion to the rank of Inspector. In order to apply, officers must hold a valid qualifying exam pass that does not expire before the 4th September 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to ensure all parts of their application is compliant with the requirements set out, non-compliant applications may be withdrawn.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 6th July.
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:
EXTERNAL OFFICERS: Please attach your PDR and CPD documentation as requested, along with the completed line manager endorsement form attached to this advert.
Selection Process:
Candidates will be contacted with the outcome of their written application from 6th August 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 17th August 2026 - Friday 4th September 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 8th July 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
At Thames Valley Police (TVP) we work together to protect our communities. Whether as an officer, staff member or volunteer, you will make a difference and play an important role in helping achieve our mission. As you take on a role with pride and confidence, you will be supported, developed and valued, ensuring you can be at your best in the service of our communities. Learn more About Us.
Working Smart. You will be joining an organisation that strives to improve every day. In the post-pandemic era this means changing the way we work and deliver our services, which brings a number of benefits including a more flexible and capable workforce.
Supporting You. Your wellbeing and safety is at the heart of all we do. Whilst you are doing the work that matters, we’ll be supporting you via a wide range of Wellbeing services, partnerships and initiatives. We have a number of active staff support networks and buddy schemes which you will have access to and can be involved with. We are committed to building a workforce that better reflects the communities we serve and an inclusive culture that not only values, but finds strength in difference. We also offer a comprehensive range of benefits and discount schemes, some provided directly by the organisation and others via partnerships including Blue Light card. Learn more about how we will be Supporting You.
Developing You. We promote a culture where your continuous professional development and learning is actively encouraged and where people have the opportunity, and responsibility, to achieve their full potential.
Vetting. All posts require a level of Police Vetting as per the National Vetting Code of Practice. The residency requirement is necessary to enable all applicants to be checked in an equitable manner. Thames Valley Police will allow applicants to apply who do not necessarily reach the criteria as long as they have proven UK residency and supporting evidence where necessary. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
