Workforce Development Partnership - A Kent and Essex Police Case Study
The partnership between ARU and Kent and Essex Police started in March 2022 through two major police training programmes: the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) and the Degree Holder Entry Route (DHEP). The idea behind the partnership being to foster a more adaptive and forward-thinking police service for the public of Essex and Kent; one that is better equipped to meet the evolving demands of modern policing.
Key takeaways about the ARU, Kent & Essex Police partnership
Together, we are:
- Building a skilled, professional, and resilient police workforce
- Blending academic insight with real policing experience
- Co-designing practical and relevant training with the Force
- Supporting officers’ career growth and progression
- Attracting more diverse recruits into policing
- A trusted partnership driving continuous improvement
Why it's so successful
Here, Police Constable Entry Routes Manager – Rob Foreman – tells us in his words about the Kent & Essex Police partnership with ARU and why he believes it’s so successful.
ARU: What do you see as the benefits from our workforce development partnership?
Rob: We’ve seen significant benefits. The partnership supports a more professional, skilled, and resilient workforce. By integrating academic insight and practical experience, officer learning, critical thinking, and reflective practice are enhanced. Officers feel more engaged and valued, especially when involved in shaping continuous organisational, improvement. The partnership promotes the value of research and innovation, informing developments in professional policing practice.
ARU: Are there any examples of added value you have experienced through the partnership working that you may not have initially anticipated?
Rob: Working with ARU on the delivery of the PCDA and DHEP has impacted positively on the collaborative police learning and development foundation training departments. It’s provided support for CPD and innovation in training delivery. Implementing research and innovation with the support of Chief Officers will in time provide measurable added value generated by the PCDA for improvements in operational policing.
ARU: How has the partnership between you and ARU shaped the curriculum?
Rob: ARU and the Force Learning and Development Teams have worked tirelessly to deliver the College of Policing curriculum for Police Constable Entry Routes to ensure student officers are equipped with the critical and reflective thinking skills required to police the public of Essex and Kent. The curriculum has been shaped to ensure the learning and assessment is relevant, rigorous and practical.
“The relationship between ARU, Essex Police, and Kent Police for the delivery of the PCDA and DHEP has developed into a true partnership approach, whereby the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.”
Rob Foreman, Police Constable Entry Routes Manager for Kent and Essex Police
ARU: Has the partnership improved talent attraction?
Rob: The entry routes have been successful in raising female representation. The level 6 training and qualifications provides the professional recognition that policing deserves and has assisted to reach out to recruits from communities that have been traditionally harder to reach.
ARU: Will the PCDA and DHEP programmes help your employees move up the career ladder?
Rob: The PCDA and DHEP programmes are undoubtedly valuable tools for supporting career progression within policing. They provide officers with structured development, combining academic learning with operational experience. This approach helps build confidence, competence, and a deeper understanding of modern policing challenges. Officers benefit from mentoring, continuous assessment, and opportunities to reflect on their practice, all of which contribute to professional growth. Our officers are well-prepared for advancement and often take on greater responsibilities soon after completion. These entry routes are widely recognised as effective foundations for building a long-term, successful policing career.
ARU: How have you experienced the ARU team who have managed the partnership?
Rob: ARU Police Education and Force Learning and Development Teams have developed a close and trusted partnership that is focused on the continuous improvement of the PCDA and DHEP. ARU management team are responsive to the public service demands of the Force, ensuring that the academically rigorous programmes are designed and delivered in collaboration with the police to optimise training that is operationally focused and highly relevant to supporting the learning and development needs of student officers, preparing for the complex and challenging role of police constable.