PSNI Recruitment - Stage 2 - The Assessment Centre

doug-26 · 05-07-2008 3:01pm

MAKEPEACE wrote: »

I'd just like to suggest against mentioning ANY locations etc. particularly in the current climate and with reference to what Hugh Orde was saying the other day.

Whoops, foot-in-mouth time again, I always do it! Post edited. In future I'll stick to PMs, not the public forum.;)

smyff · 06-07-2008 12:07am

alright everyone, just registered there after a few times of coming and reading!!! i first read this thread when there was 3 posts, before registering, and it got fairly packed now!!!

my date is on the 12th of august, if i remember correctly!!!

whats the best gear to turn up in, a suit or such like?!?! ill have to invest in one of those bad boys, im only 18 haha. i was by far the youngest punter at my first test!!!

regards, smyffalis

tfitzgerald · 06-07-2008 1:59pm

i bet everybody with a back garden is out there today digging it up to see if they have there own little goldmine

faceman08 · 06-07-2008 2:43pm

uncleneilly wrote: »

i done mine fri morn out near the airport were you same time /place just wondering if you may have been in my group?

sorry uncleneilly, my asessment centre was somewhere else.

How did you find it?

uncleneilly · 06-07-2008 5:33pm

faceman08 wrote: »

sorry uncleneilly, my asessment centre was somewhere else.

How did you find it?

was harder than i remember it from the last time so just have to wait and see what happens

carlty888 · 06-07-2008 11:50pm

uncleneilly wrote: »

was harder than i remember it from the last time so just have to wait and see what happens

Glad to hear I wasn't the only one to find it harder this year. Either that or I've forgotten how difficult it can be.

given1 · 07-07-2008 12:09am

carlty888 wrote: »

Glad to hear I wasn't the only one to find it harder this year. Either that or I've forgotten how difficult it can be.

i found it harder to for some strange reason, was hoping any of that first time nerves would have went away,still cnt help thinking about the vetting forms though:(

carlty888 · 07-07-2008 10:08am

given1 wrote: »

i found it harder to for some strange reason, was hoping any of that first time nerves would have went away,still cnt help thinking about the vetting forms though:(

Going by what happened with C13 I'd say it's way too early to be getting worried about the vetting forms. The merit list is a long way from being completed and I would be surprised if the 50:50 ruling has been applied at this stage.

SFMCC · 07-07-2008 10:18am

Hi All
Done my AC's for the second time at the end of June and booked a holiday for the next day so I could forget about it :P. I thought it would be easier the second time but I found the role plays difficult. Consensia told us before we left that some of us could receive vetting forms within a week or so, but the Psni told them to let us know it doesn't mean you have done worse or better -so don't get depressed if you don't receive your forms to quickly.
As for people doing the AC's for the first time, try and get talking to the people in the waiting room as it makes the day go faster, I had a good group and managed to have a laugh while waiting.
Good luck
SFMCC

SFMCC · 07-07-2008 10:22am

Thanks for the good wishes given1
SFMCC

MrsGeneHunt · 07-07-2008 12:42pm

SFMCC wrote: »

Consensia told us before we left that some of us could receive vetting forms within a week or so, but the Psni told them to let us know it doesn't mean you have failed or passed -so don't get depressed if you don't receive your forms to quickly.
SFMCC

Thats quite good to know because it is one of the things depressing me most at the minute, apart from the fact that my AC is still a good 4 weeks or so away and it seems that lots of people are getting Vetting forms which is making me worry about being at the back of the queue. My head is spinning with what ifs?!!!!!

But why would they be sending out Vetting forms if you hadnt passed?

goodcopbadcop · 07-07-2008 12:45pm

Calm down, it doesnt work like that. People doing their test now have no advantage over you. I have no idea why vetting forms are out so early, I would have to guess that its for people scoring late 50's and above and who are more or less certain to be high enough.

Not surprising it seems alot off the board are getting it, theres alot of good advice on here not to mention people going to tutors before their Ac, so its possible the boards.ie people are scoring well

PapaYankeeGirl · 07-07-2008 1:04pm

SFMCC wrote: »

Hi All
Done my AC's for the second time at the end of June and booked a holiday for the next day so I could forget about it :P. I thought it would be easier the second time but I found the role plays difficult. Consensia told us before we left that some of us could receive vetting forms within a week or so, but the Psni told them to let us know it doesn't mean you have failed or passed -so don't get depressed if you don't receive your forms to quickly.
As for people doing the AC's for the first time, try and get talking to the people in the waiting room as it makes the day go faster, I had a good group and managed to have a laugh while waiting.
Good luck
SFMCC

Consensia never mentioned that about the vetting forms at my Ac. Only thing they said was that they would post results in 6 weeks and that PSNI would being running the show from then on.

carlty888 · 07-07-2008 1:30pm

I would be very surprised if the PSNI would be sending out vetting forms to people who had failed the A/C, but the receipt of the forms is by no means a guarantee of placement. Trust me, I wish it was.

SFMCC · 07-07-2008 4:30pm

I agree with carlty888 that if you receive vetting you have passed AC's
I have amended my original post as it was bad wording and confusing.
They were pointing out that some people could be getting vetting sooner than others and psni said this didn't mean anything .
What I meant was you haven't failed or done worse by not getting your vetting early and if you have got them early it may not mean you have done better in your AC's than others and not to read to much into it.
It means people waiting like me would be panicking after two weeks thinking we have done bad.
But I hope those who have got them early have done well.
Sorry for the confusion and wording:o
SFMCC

manaka · 07-07-2008 7:17pm

Just home from the Assessment Centre!

Was nerve wracking stuff. First role play my hands were shaking,but by the second I was shaking the finger at THEM, then at the third I had them in a stranglehold! ha just kidding. But I was shaking at the first and my I was more confident in the next two knowing what to kind of expect. The written test I found was grand. The last situation interview was ok too I think. :rolleyes: They were all very nice them Consensia guys n gals. No warnings about look out for that evil boards.ie!! ha Im sure i met some of you guys today! if not, some of your other halves!!

MrsGeneHunt · 07-07-2008 7:53pm

Well done Manaka
At least you have it behind you now, I am going stir crazy waiting to take mine!!!

Ah those 6 weeks will fly by......NOT:P

goodcopbadcop · 07-07-2008 9:38pm

Manaka and my other half were Ac buddies

Hope she was nicer to you than she is to me

owen1976 · 08-07-2008 8:11pm

This link has been posted in the pass but I thought it would be helpful for anyone new to the forum its about an amendment to the police(northern Ireland) act 2000 in regards to the recruiting procedure. I think it came into order from sept 2007. I hope it helps.

http://www.nio.gov.uk/draft_policing_(miscellaneous_provisions)_(northern_ireland)_order_2007_consultation_document.pdf

MrFug · 09-07-2008 5:14am

Hey Folks,

First timer here. First impressions are: WOW huge forum

Anyway, I have my A/C tomorrow. Quite nervous but there would be something wrong if I wasn't.

I have a few questions maybe someone can answer.

With regards to the interview, is it purely hypothetical situations they ask you to discuss? I was under the impression that they would ask for specific examples from YOUR past that demonstrates how you displayed the core virtues or competencies.

Also, and I realise this is a tough one to answer but: How does being a Roman Catholic improve your chances of acceptance?

Lastly, does anyone have any general ideas of the numbers of people who progress to the assessment stage. I heard a 'ballpark figure' last year of around 7000 people who applied. Does the IST cut this in half? If so, thats still a huge number of applicants for 240 positions or whatever it is.

Sorry for all the questions. Nice to be a 'noob' somewhere again

Regards,

Gerard

owen1976 · 09-07-2008 9:29am

MrFug wrote: »

Hey Folks,

First timer here. First impressions are: WOW huge forum

Anyway, I have my A/C tomorrow. Quite nervous but there would be something wrong if I wasn't.

I have a few questions maybe someone can answer.

With regards to the interview, is it purely hypothetical situations they ask you to discuss? I was under the impression that they would ask for specific examples from YOUR past that demonstrates how you displayed the core virtues or competencies.

Also, and I realise this is a tough one to answer but: How does being a Roman Catholic improve your chances of acceptance?

Lastly, does anyone have any general ideas of the numbers of people who progress to the assessment stage. I heard a 'ballpark figure' last year of around 7000 people who applied. Does the IST cut this in half? If so, thats still a huge number of applicants for 240 positions or whatever it is.

Sorry for all the questions. Nice to be a 'noob' somewhere again

Regards,

Gerard

Hi Gerard, good luck for tomorrow, don't worry too much I’m sure you'll be grand!!

The interview is based on the same hypothetical situation as all your role plays and written exercise. This is usually that, you are in some managerial position in a hotel or shopping centre and you must deal with situations which are related to you position. Don’t worry you are give the background info before you start any exercises.

As for been a Roman Catholic improving your chances of getting in I’m not sure, but I guess it won't hurt. It would really depend on the amounts of RC currently applying, of which I have No idea.

In terms of places available there are now 440 available per campaign, of which 220 are RC and 220 are other! Hope this helps.

goodcopbadcop · 09-07-2008 10:35am

It was 10,000 who applied last time round, crazy how many people want this job. I think that going into the AC this number is cut down to about 3000. There are lots of people who dont turn up for IST, Many who fail it, and then people who dont turn up for AC.

As for being a catholic It will be a bit of a help to your chances, so long as there is much more protestants in the merit pool than catholics.

pablissimo · 09-07-2008 12:45pm

Hi I just done the AC yesterday for the first time (I'm kinda thinking it may not be my last :rolleyes:)....

Hello to anyone that was at it, which was in the afternoon.

The Consensia chap said that the PSNI send out vetting forms to all so it is not an indication of passing the AC. we have to wait 42 working days for the results.

As for the AC, the written test is OK (watch the time!!!!), the role plays are not too bad (if you can get over the embarrassment factor of talking in character). Just keep your eye on the ball as to which competences they are testing you on. Same with the Interviews. Hold on to that green sheet and go through it between tests.

pablissimo · 09-07-2008 12:55pm

owen1976 wrote: »

Hi Gerard, good luck for tomorrow, don't worry too much I’m sure you'll be grand!!

The interview is based on the same hypothetical situation as all your role plays and written exercise. This is usually that, you are in some managerial position in a hotel or shopping centre and you must deal with situations which are related to you position. Don’t worry you are give the background info before you start any exercises.

As for been a Roman Catholic improving your chances of getting in I’m not sure, but I guess it won't hurt. It would really depend on the amounts of RC currently applying, of which I have No idea.

In terms of places available there are now 440 available per campaign, of which 220 are RC and 220 are other! Hope this helps.

Reference was made to the dropping of the IST pass mark yesterday and I took from it that there may have not been enough members of one community through to allow 50/50 to take place. It therefore may be right to assume that being of the RC background is be an advantage - statistically there will be more non RC's applying, so in effect, RC's will have less competition...

carlty888 · 09-07-2008 1:04pm

pablissimo wrote: »

The Consensia chap said that the PSNI send out vetting forms to all so it is not an indication of passing the AC. we have to wait 42 working days for the results.

I would still seriously doubt that anyone failing the A/C would be vetted. Particularly after the recent review. It costs roughly £300 for every person to be put through the vetting and medical. The process also takes a lot of recruitment's time. I really can't see them vetting people needlessly.

Fo · 09-07-2008 1:17pm

Just got back from my AC. Went ok. Not as bad as expected. Consensia people were all really nice! Now just gotta wait!:)

MrsGeneHunt · 09-07-2008 2:53pm

pablissimo wrote: »

Reference was made to the dropping of the IST pass mark yesterday and I took from it that there may have not been enough members of one community through to allow 50/50 to take place. It therefore may be right to assume that being of the RC background is be an advantage - statistically there will be more non RC's applying, so in effect, RC's will have less competition...

Was this in conversation with your fellow applicants or was this made by someone from Consensia?

The pass mark was dropped AFAIK because there werent enough at the initial pass mark to got through hence the drop to allow more candidates through. I highly doubt it was a backgorund issue.

Doesnt matter, just want to know!!

MustBeCrazy · 09-07-2008 6:23pm

Could vetting forms be sent out to all those who complete the a/c successfully so that when the merit list is formed they have the forms already there and can start vetting straight away - discarding the vetting forms of the people who didn't score high enough and don't need to be vetted? I don't otherwise understand how they could, at this early stage in assessment centre days, (which go on until the end of August?) already be able to decide who is high enough up the merit list to be vetted. What do you think? And if the vetting forms do mean you've passed the assessment centre, then what is the need for a pass/fail letter being sent as well at a later date? Not at all straightforward it seems :eek:

goodcopbadcop · 09-07-2008 6:26pm

Perhaps everyone is getting them this time and those who are not high enough up wont be vetted.

Its more likely that they know by the scores of those so far who will be up at the top end. A score of 58 and above is going to be very likely a guranteed place.
So they can look at scores and send out vetting to get those who are more or less in the pool so as to save time later. if they can vet 400 people now before Acs are finished the process will be alot quicker.

MrsGeneHunt · 09-07-2008 7:04pm

goodcopbadcop wrote: »

Perhaps everyone is getting them this time and those who are not high enough up wont be vetted.

Its more likely that they know by the scores of those so far who will be up at the top end. A score of 58 and above is going to be very likely a guranteed place.
So they can look at scores and send out vetting to get those who are more or less in the pool so as to save time later. if they can vet 400 people now before Acs are finished the process will be alot quicker.

I've been thinking ( I know, there's a first LOL ) just because you get sent a Vetting form and return it doesnt necessarily mean that they will start to process it. Or maybe they are only vetting above a certain AC score as a marker as GCBC mentioned above.

Think we should all stop What If-fing and I will for sure because I am going NUTS, I havent even sat the AC yet and my head feels like its going to explode knowing what is potentially ahead i.e wondering waiting wondering waiting wondering waiting......:P

MustBeCrazy · 09-07-2008 7:47pm

MrsGeneHunt wrote: »

I've been thinking ( I know, there's a first LOL ) just because you get sent a Vetting form and return it doesnt necessarily mean that they will start to process it. Or maybe they are only vetting above a certain AC score as a marker as GCBC mentioned above.

Think we should all stop What If-fing and I will for sure because I am going NUTS, I havent even sat the AC yet and my head feels like its going to explode knowing what is potentially ahead i.e wondering waiting wondering waiting wondering waiting......:P

Yeah but if there was no what if-ing there'd be even fewer messages for me to read on the 20-30 occasions I visit this forum each day

squirrel81 · 09-07-2008 8:44pm

I got vetting forms through today, my AC was on 24th June. First thought, was :eek::eek: at the size of the form! I have a very big family, who live and have lived everywhere:rolleyes:. Second thought, if getting forms through doesnt mean you've passed anyway, why spend so much time on the darn thing only to find out it was all pointless?? Got out the pre-departure form that we got at the AC, which says "Candidates who are successful at the Assesement Centre stage may be contacted directly by PSNI and may be required to complete and return to them vetting questionaire." What does it all mean

ah well, time for a stiff drink

MrFug · 09-07-2008 9:02pm

A stiff drink? I don't even drink and I'm considering bringing a 12-pack of 'Carlsberg Special Brew' to the A/C with me :P. Think it would hamper my chances?

Any other university graduates? It's frustrating when the job you want the most is so damn difficult to get and your time studying doesn't give any advantages

Having said that, I'm not sure whether I'd reapply. Too stressful. Ooops, there goes my 'Resilience' tick :P

Good luck all.

owen1976 · 09-07-2008 9:08pm

squirrel81 wrote: »

I got vetting forms through today, my AC was on 24th June. First thought, was :eek::eek: at the size of the form! I have a very big family, who live and have lived everywhere:rolleyes:. Second thought, if getting forms through doesnt mean you've passed anyway, why spend so much time on the darn thing only to find out it was all pointless?? Got out the pre-departure form that we got at the AC, which says "Candidates who are successful at the Assesement Centre stage may be contacted directly by PSNI and may be required to complete and return to them vetting questionaire." What does it all mean ah well, time for a stiff drink

I rang the vetting department when I got my vetting forms and they said if you get the forms you've passed the A/C!!:D:D:D

squirrel81 · 09-07-2008 9:16pm

owen1976 wrote: »

I rang the vetting department when I got my vetting forms and they said if you get the forms you've passed the A/C!!:D:D:D

serious?!! homer mode following:: woohoo!!

thinki i will buy a nice black pen tomorrow and get stuck in then

the only thing that got me thinking, was a post here a page or 2 back that said consensia announced at the ACs that everyone gets vetting forms. Proves they must read these boards, eh?

owen1976 · 09-07-2008 9:23pm

squirrel81 wrote: »

serious?!! homer mode following:: woohoo!! thinki i will buy a nice black pen tomorrow and get stuck in then the only thing that got me thinking, was a post here a page or 2 back that said consensia announced at the ACs that everyone gets vetting forms. Proves they must read these boards, eh?

I think that its probably a standard thing that consensia must say in order to stop everyone phoning wondering why they haven't got their vetting forms when their mate has, if you know what I mean!

Kirksbabe · 09-07-2008 9:58pm

Hey folks, done my AC 2 weeks ago and got my vetting form today!!!!!!!
(yee ha!) By the sounds of things it seems that I have got a step further! Am too scared to get excited but can't help it!!:D Does anyone know how long it takes for the medicals to start?

JVB · 09-07-2008 10:15pm

MrFug wrote: »

Any other university graduates? It's frustrating when the job you want the most is so damn difficult to get and your time studying doesn't give any advantages

Hi MrFug. I'm not sure what advantages you would hope to gain in the selection process based on your studying.
I appreciate that you may have worked hard at uni, but the skills the police look for are not in education books.
The PSNI has no eligibility requirements with regard to education. Someone who has no formal education may be able to perform beyond the standard required at AC; whilst another person with a degree for instance may not be able to cope with the 'real life' situation presented by the role-player.
How many clever people do you know with no common sense?

I know quite a few

MrFug · 09-07-2008 10:29pm

JVB wrote: »

Hi MrFug. I'm not sure what advantages you would hope to gain in the selection process based on your studying.
I appreciate that you may have worked hard at uni, but the skills the police look for are not in education books.
The PSNI has no eligibility requirements with regard to education. Someone who has no formal education may be able to perform beyond the standard required at AC; whilst another person with a degree for instance may not be able to cope with the 'real life' situation presented by the role-player.
How many clever people do you know with no common sense? I know quite a few

JVB,

I was merely lamenting that I spent time at university when the job I had my heart set on required no formal qualifications. You just reiterated the point I made.

Apologies If I sounded like an arse-hole.

carlty888 · 09-07-2008 10:31pm

JVB wrote: »

Hi MrFug. I'm not sure what advantages you would hope to gain in the selection process based on your studying.
I appreciate that you may have worked hard at uni, but the skills the police look for are not in education books.
The PSNI has no eligibility requirements with regard to education. Someone who has no formal education may be able to perform beyond the standard required at AC; whilst another person with a degree for instance may not be able to cope with the 'real life' situation presented by the role-player.
How many clever people do you know with no common sense? I know quite a few

Gonna play Devil's Advocate here. I don't have any fancy letters after my name, but I don't think that Mr Fug was suggesting that an education should give you an advantage.

It really would be frustrating to know that you've spent 3-5 years of your life studying and that it won't count towards the career (not just a job) you want.

Still. I do know some really intelligent people who would make terrible police officers.

inspector71 · 09-07-2008 10:38pm

yeah I agree, I don't think MrFug was suggesting a degree helps.
I hope not anyway - I'm a drop out!

JVB · 09-07-2008 10:38pm

MrFug wrote: »

JVB,

I was merely lamenting that I spent time at university when the job I had my heart set on required no formal qualifications. You just reiterated the point I made.

Apologies If I sounded like an arse-hole.

Lol MrFug, you didn't.

Apologies if I appeared to be on my soap box

. But I appreciate what you are alluding to; if you are successful with the PSNI then your education will have been needless as such. Ah well if you get the job who cares?

. Good luck with your application.

inspector71 · 09-07-2008 10:50pm

owen1976 wrote: »

I rang the vetting department when I got my vetting forms and they said if you get the forms you've passed the A/C!!:D:D:D

Are you for shizzle?
Was this in C14?
That's nice to hear!
Also mean a whole lotta passes for the boardsies which is nice!!

carlty888 · 09-07-2008 10:54pm

Guys. Just looking back over this thread and it appears that we're (myself included) spending too much time talking about vetting, as opposed to the A/C. There is a separate Vetting thread that we should probably be using.

You'll know doubt let me know if I'm sounding like a prat, but I'm just trying to help.

:P

carlty888 · 09-07-2008 10:59pm

inspector71 wrote: »

Are you for shizzle?
Was this in C14?
That's nice to hear!
Also mean a whole lotta passes for the boardsies which is nice!!

There appears to be quite a high percentage of people from these boards who do well each year. It probably shouldn't be a surprise. When others are out enjoying their lives, we're sitting at our computers geeking up on PSNI recruitment info/tips/advice. Any of who do well owe PSNI a drink.

Shield · 10-07-2008 12:07am

carlty888 wrote: »

There appears to be quite a high percentage of people from these boards who do well each year. It probably shouldn't be a surprise. When others are out enjoying their lives, we're sitting at our computers geeking up on PSNI recruitment info/tips/advice. Any of who do well owe PSNI a drink.

Thanks. We aim to please. :pac:

SFMCC · 10-07-2008 9:21am

Hi Kirksbabe
I received my vetting last christmas and my medical wasn't until about the end of March until the start of April - took until the start of April as they requested further info.
It will depend on how quickly they are able to do your vetting - large family etc
Check the vetting thread as they will be going through the same dates as you
Good Luck
SFMCC

faceman08 · 10-07-2008 10:13am

owen1976 wrote: »

I rang the vetting department when I got my vetting forms and they said if you get the forms you've passed the A/C!!:D:D:D

Congratulations to all those who have got their vetting forms through!!

Completed my AC last week so hopefully there will be something in the post shortly!!

owen1976 · 10-07-2008 10:47am

inspector71 wrote: »

Are you for shizzle?
Was this in C14?
That's nice to hear!
Also mean a whole lotta passes for the boardsies which is nice!!

Yeah inspector71 it was C14. I got my vetting forms last weekend in june then rang on the monday to confirm if I'd passed A/C and they said yes. Gotta love it!1 Nice!!

MrAnderson · 10-07-2008 10:48am

JVB wrote: »

How many clever people do you know with no common sense? I know quite a few

I've just read this again and it's so true! There's guys I know who get A's and high marks in everything and breeze through uni etc but put them into a situation and they're lost.

Mind you, I'd love to have that kind of academic ability

Sorry bit off topic.......

PSNI Recruitment - Stage 2 - The Assessment Centre

Comments