Police Promotion and Leadership Podcast
Another free resource to support your police promotion and leadership CPD is this dedicated Rank Success podcast. Available to UK officers and beyond, here I cover various subjects of promotion, including the CVF, mindset, the role/rank of Sergeant, Inspector and Chief Inspector, interviews, applications, and a range of other topics akin to content you can read and watch on my free blogs and YouTube channel.
Listen directly on Anchor, or your chosen podcast app such as Spotify or Apple. All podcast episode links in each series are also provided directly below. Of course, if you don't want to wait for free content and want detailed and focused promotion materials, you can download your own comprehensive toolkits and Promotion Masterclass right now for the most effective, targeted preparation towards your goal! |
Want to feature as a guest? Open invite to share my popular policing platform...
Got something interesting to say? Want to share my platform and reach 1000s of officers and staff around the UK and beyond? Get in touch to join me for a courteous interview and/or leave me a voice message directly on my podcast site. Feel free to encourage your local Fed rep, Chief Officer, or other influential person to take up this opportunity too!
Got something interesting to say? Want to share my platform and reach 1000s of officers and staff around the UK and beyond? Get in touch to join me for a courteous interview and/or leave me a voice message directly on my podcast site. Feel free to encourage your local Fed rep, Chief Officer, or other influential person to take up this opportunity too!
Listen On...
Episode Link Archive
Season 3: Year of the Rabbit
Episode 3.1: Thinking Differently About Neurodiversity (31 mins)
You'll get heaps of great learning from my discussion and video on neurodiversity in police leadership.
Episode 3.2: Interview with CC Chris Noble, Staffordshire Police (31 mins)
In another exclusive interview, Chief Constable Chris Noble explains what it takes to be a Sergeant, Inspector, and beyond.
Episode 3.3: Becky's Story of Neurodivergence and Police Promotion (27 mins)
Listen to DI Becky Davies' inspiring story of promotion and late diagnosis of autism and ADHD.
Episode 3.4: Worryingly Low Promotion Success Rates (40 mins)
Here I discuss a recent Police Federation article and give an open invite for the PFEW to conduct free seminars.
Episode 3.5: Standards, Investigations & VAWG (31 mins)
Three important themes from my YouTube promotion success series, in audio format.
Episode 3.6: Exam Passed - A Dead End? (42 mins)
Don't get stuck in a dead end after the elation of passing your Sergeant's legal exam. Here's how.
Episode 3.7: GMP 300 Sergeants - Your Personal Briefing! (56 mins)
Get ahead of the competition with this personal briefing for the GMP Sergeant promotion process!
Episode 3.8: Guidance for Sergeant Promotion in Staffordshire (64 mins)
If you're seeking promotion in Staffordshire Police, this one is just for you!
Episode 3.9: Why is Promotion Unfair? (47 mins)
There, I said it. Promotion ain't fair. But fear not...
Episode 3.10: Sergeant to Inspector - Honest Insights (53 mins)
I share insights around a fascinating success story from a recent client.
Episode 3.11: A Socratic Approach to Promotion (31 mins)
"I cannot teach anyone anything, I can only make them think."
Episode 3.12: Coaching 1 - Why the Stigma? (36 mins)
There remains a stigma about coaching and mentoring in policing. Here's why...
Episode 3.13: Policing - What a State! (53 mins)
Not read the HMICFRS State of Policing report yet? Fear not, here's the main take-home points for leaders.
Episode 3.14: Coaching 2 - An Essential Tool for Leaders (60 mins)
Want to be a better leader to your team? Then here's how...
Episode 3.15: Changing Promotion Processes with Local Example (36 mins)
Plus ca change, here's an example of local force changes and how you can manage it.
Episode 3.16: Interview with ACC Katy Barrow-Grint (46 mins)
Sit back and enjoy another exclusive interview with an inspiring police leader.
Episode 3.17: West Midlands Inspector Promotion (24 mins)
If you're currently seeking promotion to Inspector in West Mids, this briefing is just for you!
Episode 3.18: Hello Police Scotland! (36 mins)
Aspiring to promotion and a leadership position in Scotland? Then listen closely...
Episode 3.19: Police Leadership Training and COP Standards (51 mins)
In this facilitated interview, I cover the new College of Policing 'Leadership Standards'.
Episode 3.20: What Inspires Me (48 mins)
We deliver, support and inspire in this interview!
Episode 3.21: NPPF Being Replaced With SIPP (64 mins)
The College of Policing are quietly replacing the NPPF. Here's the details (more in my SIPP blog).
Episode 3.22: Trick or Treat Promotion Applications (36 mins)
I explore whether forces are merely being cruel with promotion candidates, or testing their resilience.
Episode 3.23: The Perils of Acting and Temporary Promotion (31 mins)
In this discussion I explore the advantages and disadvantages of Acting and Temporary promotion.
You'll get heaps of great learning from my discussion and video on neurodiversity in police leadership.
Episode 3.2: Interview with CC Chris Noble, Staffordshire Police (31 mins)
In another exclusive interview, Chief Constable Chris Noble explains what it takes to be a Sergeant, Inspector, and beyond.
Episode 3.3: Becky's Story of Neurodivergence and Police Promotion (27 mins)
Listen to DI Becky Davies' inspiring story of promotion and late diagnosis of autism and ADHD.
Episode 3.4: Worryingly Low Promotion Success Rates (40 mins)
Here I discuss a recent Police Federation article and give an open invite for the PFEW to conduct free seminars.
Episode 3.5: Standards, Investigations & VAWG (31 mins)
Three important themes from my YouTube promotion success series, in audio format.
Episode 3.6: Exam Passed - A Dead End? (42 mins)
Don't get stuck in a dead end after the elation of passing your Sergeant's legal exam. Here's how.
Episode 3.7: GMP 300 Sergeants - Your Personal Briefing! (56 mins)
Get ahead of the competition with this personal briefing for the GMP Sergeant promotion process!
Episode 3.8: Guidance for Sergeant Promotion in Staffordshire (64 mins)
If you're seeking promotion in Staffordshire Police, this one is just for you!
Episode 3.9: Why is Promotion Unfair? (47 mins)
There, I said it. Promotion ain't fair. But fear not...
Episode 3.10: Sergeant to Inspector - Honest Insights (53 mins)
I share insights around a fascinating success story from a recent client.
Episode 3.11: A Socratic Approach to Promotion (31 mins)
"I cannot teach anyone anything, I can only make them think."
Episode 3.12: Coaching 1 - Why the Stigma? (36 mins)
There remains a stigma about coaching and mentoring in policing. Here's why...
Episode 3.13: Policing - What a State! (53 mins)
Not read the HMICFRS State of Policing report yet? Fear not, here's the main take-home points for leaders.
Episode 3.14: Coaching 2 - An Essential Tool for Leaders (60 mins)
Want to be a better leader to your team? Then here's how...
Episode 3.15: Changing Promotion Processes with Local Example (36 mins)
Plus ca change, here's an example of local force changes and how you can manage it.
Episode 3.16: Interview with ACC Katy Barrow-Grint (46 mins)
Sit back and enjoy another exclusive interview with an inspiring police leader.
Episode 3.17: West Midlands Inspector Promotion (24 mins)
If you're currently seeking promotion to Inspector in West Mids, this briefing is just for you!
Episode 3.18: Hello Police Scotland! (36 mins)
Aspiring to promotion and a leadership position in Scotland? Then listen closely...
Episode 3.19: Police Leadership Training and COP Standards (51 mins)
In this facilitated interview, I cover the new College of Policing 'Leadership Standards'.
Episode 3.20: What Inspires Me (48 mins)
We deliver, support and inspire in this interview!
Episode 3.21: NPPF Being Replaced With SIPP (64 mins)
The College of Policing are quietly replacing the NPPF. Here's the details (more in my SIPP blog).
Episode 3.22: Trick or Treat Promotion Applications (36 mins)
I explore whether forces are merely being cruel with promotion candidates, or testing their resilience.
Episode 3.23: The Perils of Acting and Temporary Promotion (31 mins)
In this discussion I explore the advantages and disadvantages of Acting and Temporary promotion.

Season 2: Year of the Tiger
Episode 2.1: SMASHING Promotion (37 mins)
I discuss preparation, personal statements, mindset and more to help you smash your promotion board.
Episode 2.2: Wellbeing - Thriving or Surviving? (15 mins)
An important take on wellbeing, your responsibilities as a leader, and links to the CVF.
Episode 2.3: Golden PEEL Assessments (26 mins)
Had a look at your force's PEEL assessment yet? Here's why they're gold dust for promotion candidates.
Episode 2.4: How Are Your Values? (37 mins)
Connect with your values, and that of your force and the CVF promotion framework.
Episode 2.5: Time to GROW (38 mins)
This episode gives you an insight into police promotion coaching, plus plenty of freebies along the way.
Episode 2.6: Promotion Application Booklets (20 mins)
Audio of my early YouTube trilogy of videos, all about application forms and building your evidence.
Episode 2.7: CVF Descriptors Demystified (32 mins)
Master the secret art of evidencing the CVF descriptors and avoid making common mistakes!
Episode 2.8: Simon Foy QPM Interview III (37 mins)
The ever-eloquent Simon Foy QPM gives his views on the Strategic Review of Policing.
Episode 2.9: Success from Here to Kathmandu (34 mins)
I support officers achieve promotion in Met Police, Police Scotland, England, Wales, PSNI and Ireland. Here's their stories.
Episode 2.10: Lightbulb Moments in Police Promotion (38 mins)
Here I expand upon the various 'lightbulb moments' which clients often describe having from my products.
Episode 2.11: The Met Police Values (34 mins)
Courage, Compassion, Integrity, Professionalism: These are the Met Police values, but what do they mean?
Episode 2.12: The Inspector's Role - What Do You Know? (34 mins)
Do you know the role of Inspector? If not, here's a head-start!
Episode 2.13: The Role of Sergeant - Revisited (40 mins)
Do you know the role of Sergeant? It's the most important step of leadership... here's why.
Episode 2.14: PDR Time? Oh, No! (44 mins)
Every police officer loves this time of year, but performance appraisals are an essential part of leadership.
Episode 2.15: Postcode Lottery (25 mins)
Whatever your local police promotion process has in store for you, here's how you can smash it.
Episode 2.16: Fast Track Promotion (70 mins)
I discuss everything 'fast track', including your potential and a fast-track mindset to success.
Episode 2.17: Interview with Harry Tangye (68 mins)
Harry Tangye, @Ex_arv_sgt, best-selling author, and public speaker, kindly invited me on his livestream to talk about promotion.
Episode 2.18: Interview with ACC Una Jennings (31 mins)
I had the pleasure and privilege of interviewing this inspiring senior leader, about police promotion and leadership.
Episode 2.19: Leading Police Performance - The Spanish Inquisition? (82 mins)
Performance management is an essential part of leadership, promotion, and the CVF. Here's why.
Episode 2.20: The Great Police Promotion Whingefest (25 mins)
It's easy to whinge about your force promotion process and how unfair it is, but it won't get you anywhere...
Episode 2.21: CVF Leadership, Conduct and Values (56 mins)
Here's my reflections on the recent findings of the Baroness Casey review in the Met Police and more importantly, what it means for your leadership and CVF-aligned values.
Episode 2.22: Leading Change and Change Models (26 mins)
In your promotion interview board, you'll probably be asked about how you will or have led change. Here's some key thinking tools to help prepare your response.
Episode 2.23: Interview With CC Lee Freeman, Humberside Police (49 mins)
Chief Constable Lee Freeman shares his leadership insights on turning around Humberside Police. Such an inspiring interview, I even wrote a blog about it too.
Episode 2.24: Claus and Effect (20 mins)
A short video podcast sharing insights and tips from recent promotion success stories.
Episode 2.25: Supervising Investigations (57 mins)
I discuss tried and tested approaches to leading investigations and a new CoP consultation.
Episode 2.26: Superbriefing on Promotion for 2023 (27 mins)
With changes to the NPPF exams you have 2 chances this year. Once passed, here's how to prep.
Episode 2.27: Promotion Process Waived in Devon and Cornwall (30 mins)
Listen to a case study of radically-changing promotion processes in Devon and Cornwall Police.
I discuss preparation, personal statements, mindset and more to help you smash your promotion board.
Episode 2.2: Wellbeing - Thriving or Surviving? (15 mins)
An important take on wellbeing, your responsibilities as a leader, and links to the CVF.
Episode 2.3: Golden PEEL Assessments (26 mins)
Had a look at your force's PEEL assessment yet? Here's why they're gold dust for promotion candidates.
Episode 2.4: How Are Your Values? (37 mins)
Connect with your values, and that of your force and the CVF promotion framework.
Episode 2.5: Time to GROW (38 mins)
This episode gives you an insight into police promotion coaching, plus plenty of freebies along the way.
Episode 2.6: Promotion Application Booklets (20 mins)
Audio of my early YouTube trilogy of videos, all about application forms and building your evidence.
Episode 2.7: CVF Descriptors Demystified (32 mins)
Master the secret art of evidencing the CVF descriptors and avoid making common mistakes!
Episode 2.8: Simon Foy QPM Interview III (37 mins)
The ever-eloquent Simon Foy QPM gives his views on the Strategic Review of Policing.
Episode 2.9: Success from Here to Kathmandu (34 mins)
I support officers achieve promotion in Met Police, Police Scotland, England, Wales, PSNI and Ireland. Here's their stories.
Episode 2.10: Lightbulb Moments in Police Promotion (38 mins)
Here I expand upon the various 'lightbulb moments' which clients often describe having from my products.
Episode 2.11: The Met Police Values (34 mins)
Courage, Compassion, Integrity, Professionalism: These are the Met Police values, but what do they mean?
Episode 2.12: The Inspector's Role - What Do You Know? (34 mins)
Do you know the role of Inspector? If not, here's a head-start!
Episode 2.13: The Role of Sergeant - Revisited (40 mins)
Do you know the role of Sergeant? It's the most important step of leadership... here's why.
Episode 2.14: PDR Time? Oh, No! (44 mins)
Every police officer loves this time of year, but performance appraisals are an essential part of leadership.
Episode 2.15: Postcode Lottery (25 mins)
Whatever your local police promotion process has in store for you, here's how you can smash it.
Episode 2.16: Fast Track Promotion (70 mins)
I discuss everything 'fast track', including your potential and a fast-track mindset to success.
Episode 2.17: Interview with Harry Tangye (68 mins)
Harry Tangye, @Ex_arv_sgt, best-selling author, and public speaker, kindly invited me on his livestream to talk about promotion.
Episode 2.18: Interview with ACC Una Jennings (31 mins)
I had the pleasure and privilege of interviewing this inspiring senior leader, about police promotion and leadership.
Episode 2.19: Leading Police Performance - The Spanish Inquisition? (82 mins)
Performance management is an essential part of leadership, promotion, and the CVF. Here's why.
Episode 2.20: The Great Police Promotion Whingefest (25 mins)
It's easy to whinge about your force promotion process and how unfair it is, but it won't get you anywhere...
Episode 2.21: CVF Leadership, Conduct and Values (56 mins)
Here's my reflections on the recent findings of the Baroness Casey review in the Met Police and more importantly, what it means for your leadership and CVF-aligned values.
Episode 2.22: Leading Change and Change Models (26 mins)
In your promotion interview board, you'll probably be asked about how you will or have led change. Here's some key thinking tools to help prepare your response.
Episode 2.23: Interview With CC Lee Freeman, Humberside Police (49 mins)
Chief Constable Lee Freeman shares his leadership insights on turning around Humberside Police. Such an inspiring interview, I even wrote a blog about it too.
Episode 2.24: Claus and Effect (20 mins)
A short video podcast sharing insights and tips from recent promotion success stories.
Episode 2.25: Supervising Investigations (57 mins)
I discuss tried and tested approaches to leading investigations and a new CoP consultation.
Episode 2.26: Superbriefing on Promotion for 2023 (27 mins)
With changes to the NPPF exams you have 2 chances this year. Once passed, here's how to prep.
Episode 2.27: Promotion Process Waived in Devon and Cornwall (30 mins)
Listen to a case study of radically-changing promotion processes in Devon and Cornwall Police.
Season 1: Year of the Ox
Episode 1.1: Going for Promotion (31 mins)
This inaugural episode begins at the beginning of your journey, always a good place to start!
Episode 1.2: The CVF, A Lonely Stranger (39 mins)
In this episode, I dive in to the Competency & Values Framework used to assess police promotion candidates.
Episode 1.3: Leading Decisions (44 mins)
Decision-making is an essential skill of any police leader, and it bridges multiple CVF behaviours.
Episode 1.4: Role of Sergeant (49 mins)
Who would seek promotion without understanding the role? This one discusses dimensions of the Sergeant's role.
Episode 1.5: Food for the Soul (28 mins)
In this episode, I discuss the importance and art of giving or receiving feedback as a police leader.
Episode 1.6: Reasons Sergeants Fail to Make Inspector (37 mins)
Avoid the most common mistakes Sergeants make when seeking promotion to Inspector.
Episode 1.7: How Cops Like to be Led (46 mins)
How cops like to be led should be essential listening for your police leadership CPD.
Episode 1.8: Coaching for Coppers (49 mins)
Coaching and mentoring are important leadership concepts I discuss in this episode.
Episode 1.9: Presenting Yourself (43 mins)
Here I discuss and provide guidance on presentations as part of UK police promotion boards.
Episode 1.10: Promotion Hats (28 mins)
Get your 'thinking hats' on when facing the problem and challenge of achieving promotion to higher ranks.
Episode 1.11: It's Emotional (55 mins)
Emotional intelligence is key to understanding and your CPD when aspiring for promotion.
Episode 1.12: The Greasy Pole of Promotion (28 mins)
Complaints, challenges, upsets and surprises of promotion all feature in this episode.
Episode 1.13: On the Day (37 mins)
Prepare for the day of your promotion with effective self-management.
Episode 1.14: Taking Ownership of Your CPD (45 mins)
The CVF 'We Take Ownership' explicitly references CPD; here's why.
Episode 1.15: Interview with Simon Foy QPM (59 mins)
You won't want to miss these fascinating perspectives from this former Met Police Commander!
Episode 1.16: Police Promotion Prep on a Page! (38 mins)
Follow this practical exercise to harness your ideas and evidence for promotion.
Episode 1.17: Dragonfly Eye on Diversity, Equality & Inclusion (54 mins)
Deep-dive to demystify the concepts of diversity, equality and inclusion in police leadership.
Episode 1.18: CVF - Taking Ownership of your CPD! (34 mins)
Another deep dive on the CVF: We Take Ownership, as a special episode for CPD Week.
Episode 1.19: Beyond Inspector - Interview 2 with Simon Foy QPM! (44 mins)
Former Met Police Commander Simon Foy QPM provides further masterful insights to promotion.
Episode 1.20: Transforming Yourself (39 mins)
This first episode of 2022 is all about transforming yourself into the best available promotion candidate.
Episode 1.21: Master your Memory with Mnemonics (26 mins)
CIn this final episode of Season 1, I discuss mnemonics as memory tools.
This inaugural episode begins at the beginning of your journey, always a good place to start!
Episode 1.2: The CVF, A Lonely Stranger (39 mins)
In this episode, I dive in to the Competency & Values Framework used to assess police promotion candidates.
Episode 1.3: Leading Decisions (44 mins)
Decision-making is an essential skill of any police leader, and it bridges multiple CVF behaviours.
Episode 1.4: Role of Sergeant (49 mins)
Who would seek promotion without understanding the role? This one discusses dimensions of the Sergeant's role.
Episode 1.5: Food for the Soul (28 mins)
In this episode, I discuss the importance and art of giving or receiving feedback as a police leader.
Episode 1.6: Reasons Sergeants Fail to Make Inspector (37 mins)
Avoid the most common mistakes Sergeants make when seeking promotion to Inspector.
Episode 1.7: How Cops Like to be Led (46 mins)
How cops like to be led should be essential listening for your police leadership CPD.
Episode 1.8: Coaching for Coppers (49 mins)
Coaching and mentoring are important leadership concepts I discuss in this episode.
Episode 1.9: Presenting Yourself (43 mins)
Here I discuss and provide guidance on presentations as part of UK police promotion boards.
Episode 1.10: Promotion Hats (28 mins)
Get your 'thinking hats' on when facing the problem and challenge of achieving promotion to higher ranks.
Episode 1.11: It's Emotional (55 mins)
Emotional intelligence is key to understanding and your CPD when aspiring for promotion.
Episode 1.12: The Greasy Pole of Promotion (28 mins)
Complaints, challenges, upsets and surprises of promotion all feature in this episode.
Episode 1.13: On the Day (37 mins)
Prepare for the day of your promotion with effective self-management.
Episode 1.14: Taking Ownership of Your CPD (45 mins)
The CVF 'We Take Ownership' explicitly references CPD; here's why.
Episode 1.15: Interview with Simon Foy QPM (59 mins)
You won't want to miss these fascinating perspectives from this former Met Police Commander!
Episode 1.16: Police Promotion Prep on a Page! (38 mins)
Follow this practical exercise to harness your ideas and evidence for promotion.
Episode 1.17: Dragonfly Eye on Diversity, Equality & Inclusion (54 mins)
Deep-dive to demystify the concepts of diversity, equality and inclusion in police leadership.
Episode 1.18: CVF - Taking Ownership of your CPD! (34 mins)
Another deep dive on the CVF: We Take Ownership, as a special episode for CPD Week.
Episode 1.19: Beyond Inspector - Interview 2 with Simon Foy QPM! (44 mins)
Former Met Police Commander Simon Foy QPM provides further masterful insights to promotion.
Episode 1.20: Transforming Yourself (39 mins)
This first episode of 2022 is all about transforming yourself into the best available promotion candidate.
Episode 1.21: Master your Memory with Mnemonics (26 mins)
CIn this final episode of Season 1, I discuss mnemonics as memory tools.
Record Your Feedback!
You can leave a recording of your own views and feedback on subjects I cover. I'd be happy to feature these in subsequent episodes. Simply click on the '+ Message' button on my podcast site to record your own message there.
You can leave a recording of your own views and feedback on subjects I cover. I'd be happy to feature these in subsequent episodes. Simply click on the '+ Message' button on my podcast site to record your own message there.