Police Promotion Support: It Works
Don't just take my word for it...

I believe stories give more insight than statistics.

​Forget 'lies, damned lies, and statistics'. I am simply delighted when officers choose to share their success of police promotion with me, from across UK and even Garda. Whether it's passing promotion boards first time, or on their first time with me! I have the privilege of providing thousands of aspirational officers from around the UK with confidential support on 'What Works'. This includes eGuides, workshops / video masterclass and 1-1 coaching.

​I am proud to share this feedback here. You may also find other officers' stories and challenges resonate with your own situation. I look forward to adding your name to this fast-growing list if you want to get in touch to share your promotion experience!

Note: Where I mention 'first time', this means when officers share with me this was their first attempt and to show how you can do this too! Others were either successful on their first time without disclosing the fact, or indeed it was their 'first time with Rank Success', so you've come to the right place!
Promotion board answers to questions
'How would you sum up the Police Promotion Masterclass in just 3 words?'

Sergeant, Inspector and Beyond...

"I used your resources for my Inspector Board & I passed, so thank you, can I just say I really liked your HMIC summaries. I have highlighted these to colleagues for their future promotion process."

Kimberley - Passed Inspector Process
"I just wanted to take the time to message you and say thank you! You won't have a clue who I am, but I’ve shared my car journeys, time whilst cleaning and walking with you over the last few months! As part of my preparation for my Chief Inspector boards, I subscribed to your podcasts. They have been invaluable in broadening my knowledge and supporting my preparation for the board and I passed first time! I recommend you to colleagues and will continue my subscription, as it's really valuable in keeping up to date and (maybe) in preparation for my next promotion! Thank you again."

Olivia - Passed Chief Inspector Process
"Steve was highly recommended to me by a trusted friend after I had consulted with several others who planned to charge me thousands of pounds for just a few sessions. It was a pleasure to receive support from Steve, who dedicated time to review my examples carefully. His guidance was incredibly valuable in selecting the right examples & ensuring they were all aligned with the CVF competencies and values. Although I had to condense my examples to 500 words, a challenging task; having Steve available for support was instrumental. Our conversation clarified many aspects, and I left with a much clearer understanding. The digital inspector toolkit, including its content, explainer & masterclass videos, proved to be highly beneficial. The 121 conversations provided excellent support for my thinking and approach. The ability to revisit different sessions within the toolkit was particularly helpful. The podcasts were outstanding & attending the live masterclass was a highly enriching experience; I learned a great deal.

The knowledge I gained from the toolkit has been exceptional, not only in preparing for the process but also in developing myself as an aspiring Senior Leader. The 121 sessions worked well for me because they allowed me to note down questions & discuss them directly with Steve. I felt completely comfortable asking any question, knowing there were no barriers. As I approached my process date, I felt overwhelmed, but reaching out to Steve was a turning point. He was inspiring and calming, reminding me of how much I had worked & framing this as an exciting opportunity to showcase my leadership potential. I felt truly supported and fortunate. Steve is exceptional: his calm demeanour, reassurance & deep knowledge was inspiring. After my 121s I felt empowered to conquer any challenge. Steve tailored each session to my individual needs, ensuring there were no distractions from my goal. He listened attentively & understood my concerns. It’s clear Steve’s motivation extends beyond financial gain; he genuinely wants others to succeed. I’ve lost count of how many times he went above and beyond, extending our sessions and reassuring me not to worry. On numerous occasions, he stayed on the phone with me until I had the answers I needed without asking me for any payment. I'm deeply grateful for Steve’s confidence in me and his unwavering support. I am proud to share I was recognised as one of the top performers in my force’s Inspector’s process."

Michelle - Passed Inspector Process
"I’ve just received the call from my Superintendent confirming I’ve passed the Inspectors board. I’m absolutely thrilled. The resources you provide are truly outstanding - unmatched in quality & relevance. I previously sat the board in 2021 & unfortunately, was unsuccessful. Although I had access to your materials at the time, I didn’t engage with them as deeply or consistently as I should have. I’ve learned simply purchasing the resources isn’t enough, you have to put in the work & use them effectively. This time around, I approached my preparation very differently. I dedicated 5 months to thorough study, immersing myself in nearly your entire podcast library, subscribing to the premium content, which proved incredibly valuable. I made a habit of listening daily during my commutes & the consistent exposure to the material significantly boosted my confidence & knowledge. The promotion board was challenging, but I felt well-prepared & capable of articulating my responses with clarity & depth. I had answers for their questions. I can’t recommend your products highly enough - I’ve already directed several of my colleagues to your platform. I’m proud of the effort I put in & I’m delighted it’s paid off. Please keep doing what you’re doing - it genuinely makes a difference. All the best."

Joe - Passed Inspector Process
"Hi Steve, Just wanted to email & send you a big thank you after I just passed the Sgt to Inspector promotion process at the first attempt. Over the last 5 months I've used your Inspector toolkit, subscribed to the podcast & purchased & used your Promotion Masterclass Video. I went into the process with the mindset (you describe) "Who has questions for my answers?" The force process includes a presentation. My feedback states it was a strong presentation from someone clearly well prepared & who had done the research. In particular the feedback states I had a good structure & was well presented. The rule of 3s & practice practice practice meant I was able to finish my presentation with 5 seconds left on the clock, perfect timing (as was said to me by the panel). This set me off with confidence into the next 6 questions. ENAMEL gave me a structure to use & I was able to have conversational answers. I left the process by delivering my personal statement at the very end when they asked if there was anything to add? I left the room knowing I could not have done more & I'd got across everything I wanted. The increase in wage & pension means the investment was a drop in the ocean. I really related to your style of teaching & products. With the exam & board I’ve come to the end of the process, which has been 18 months. Passing first time means so much to me - in that I can now concentrate on the job in hand whilst getting back the free time. I definitely put the work in but I put it in all the right areas thanks to your products. Cheers Steve!"

Duncan - Passed Inspector Process (first time)
"Hello Steve, I wanted to drop you a thank you email. I’ve used your products (inc. 2 masterclasses) in my promotions & can honestly say  these are best on the market ! I follow you on YouTube & listen to your podcasts as well as using free products you provide & those I had purchased previously. I was able to pass my Inspector board this year after a break to have a baby. What you provide is thought provoking & I feel that's the best type of preparation. It meant when hard questions around how would you / & what would you do in relation to things like ethics & standards, that my reflection meant I'd already considered these things & could passionately speak about my thoughts & solutions. I’ve signposted my team to your products as a part of their CPD & often enough on a Monday morning we would have a chat over a cuppa about points you have raised! Thank you again for all of the hard work! Look forward to using your products again for that 3rd pip!"

Sam - Passed Inspector Process
"Hi Steve I bought your promotion package & recently undertook a force selection process. I was fortunate enough to be successful getting full marks. In response to your Instagram post, the race action plan came up as a question. Having studied the force trends & priorities (as you suggested) I had an example ready. Thanks for the help."

Paul - Passed Sergeant Process
"Hey Steve, Just wanted to reach out. Your premium podcasts are great & I’ve just passed my Chief Inspector board first time. Definitely gave me the edge & confidence. 3 years ago I also used your material for my Inspector board. They are the best out there. Thanks again​."

Ian - Passed Chief Inspector Process
"Hi Steve, Just a quick email to say I passed my inspectors process. I placed well which I am so happy about! I listened to your podcasts every day on my long journey to & from work & I found them really informative. I really enjoyed the recent interview with Chief Constable Jo Shiner where she really simply explained the objectives of her force using the rule of threes. I also enjoyed your book review on ‘why should anyone be led by you’. I think I probably listened to this episode 5 times. The book review helped me with my response to the ‘We we are emotionally aware’ question. I also used your inspectors toolkit which helped me put the strategic perspective into my responses. I was struggling to see the bigger picture before I completed your online masterclass. I really appreciate what you do to help promotion candidates. It really does help to focus the mind. Thanks again."

Paula - Passed Inspector Process
"Bought the toolkit, subscribed to podcast. Passed the Inspectors 1st go!. I’ll be honest, I like boards (not great with exams) but like a good conversation with purpose! I appreciate that makes me odd! I bought the inspector/chief and interview bundle… to make sure my thinking and style.. was still current. I was pretty much doing what your guide advises e.g. I had flexible examples, I’d written a page on what I see the role of inspector as. I’d also written a personal statement in the form of who am I & why am I ready to be an inspector. As for the forward facing examples I went with a strategy of what actual simple things could I do if I was dropped into the role on Monday morning to address morale, or retention or sickness? etc. The guides will 100% come into play for me going forward for Chief Insp. I’ll read them again now the pressure is off & start to plan ahead. So thanks, money well spent.

​For me, probably more to do with my learning style, I found the podcasts invaluable. Easy to listen to & put me in the right mindset. Lots of info & nuggets in them! I’ll be keeping my subscription for CPD. Latest podcast is great by the way. Got a drive to work, gym session and drive home out of it! Keep up the good work and many thanks."

Davey - Passed Inspector Process (first time)
"Hi Steve hope you're well. I bought the application stage product a few months ago & am also a monthly subscriber listening to your wonderful podcasts. Can I say thank you for all you continue to do for officers. The knowledge, encouragement, guidance & straight talking is god sent. Very much appreciated whether you are going for promotion or not. We love the job & it keeps us going providing invaluable cpd & support​."

Anon CPD & general feedback
"Hi Steve, Just a note to thank you for your help - found out I passed my Insp process & couldn't have done it without you. The emotionally aware competency in particular that I was struggling with before I spoke to you, ended up being my best answer!  Really appreciate everything​."

Sarah - Passed Inspector Process
"Passed the Chief Inspector board which was very competitive!!  Your structure gave me reliable anchors as soon as I answered questions which helped me navigate my examples.  The video was my go-to every day as I could stop and play which helped me remember key words and sentences.  The 121 session was priceless because it gave me confidence in what I was practicing giving me clear focus on where to spend my energy on my prep.  I maximised the time as you encouraged because frankly its your time to shine.  Structure was the key for me and my feedback highlighted that I was clear, easy to follow and my values were conveyed with authenticity.  Thanks Steve​."

Abu - Passed Chief Inspector Process
"Hi Steve, I still can’t stop smiling as a write this but today I have just been informed I was successful in the inspector process. Other than a few practice boards with colleagues I relied solely on your free videos, your toolkit & podcasts.  The podcasts really went deep into the issues affecting policing  & made me think about things differently & make links I wasn’t making before. Nothing about the approach was complicated, I kept my ideas & answers simple focusing on the drivers of public confidence, the risks to the organisation etc & talked in a genuine way about them. Sounds crazy but I also found listening to you as much as I did I also started to talk in a similar pace as yourself & with sincerity about these issues, whereas before I felt I was acting. I have passed Rank Success on to others I want to help, as it definitely made the difference for me. Thanks​."

Mark - Passed Inspector Process
"Hi Steve just wanted to get in touch to say that the results came out & I passed my Inspectors board! First time! Absolutely delighted & there is no doubt in my mind the toolkit I purchased from Rank Success was the foundation for my success. Thank you!"

Zoe - Passed Inspector Process (first time)
"Hi Steve, I purchased your PC to Sergeant toolkit and Promotion Masterclass Video last Summer having passed my NPPF step 2 exam. Subscribing to your podcast for extra CPD and a wider look at issues in policing, I used these resources to prepare for my force promotion process, which took place early this year. Having recently received my results I have passed the process -  applying material from the toolkits as a framework for presentation exercises, performance management and culture. Cheers."

Rob - Passed Sergeant Process
"I originally purchased your Inspector toolkit to apply for the Inspector process in my previous force. I’d moved from an intelligence role back to support CID as a D/Sergeant. I then submitted my promotion application, which scored 4s & 5s (out of 5). At the same time I’d applied to transfer to my current force, to increase my work life balance after years of commuting. I made the decision to transfer & explored their promotion process straight away to get ahead of the curve & knuckled down preparing my evidence. The process launched & I was supported to apply. My board was mid-October, so I was deep into your materials, content & podcasts whilst on a pre-booked holiday abroad. The Chief Constable’s podcast was especially helpful! I secured additional time for my interview for Neurodiversity & later found out I was one of a very small number who passed & the only candidate I know of, who passed having joined originally on secondment. I was also surprised I passed because I was a completely unknown entity to the SMT & HR who interviewed me. Your promotion masterclass video & examples of questions allowed me to raise my evidence to that of an Inspector & give a greater strategic oversight of policing. I've started on a response team covering half the force area, which is certainly proving challenging but again the skills I have learnt from you are helping me with this & also in completing my Work Based Assessment. Thank you again."

Dan - Passed Inspector Process
"I’m really grateful for the support and guidance I received from Steve throughout my promotion journey. The one-to-one coaching sessions were incredibly helpful, giving me clear direction and helping me focus on what really mattered at each stage of the process. The digital toolkit guides and reading materials were also a huge help - they were well-structured, easy to follow, and packed with practical advice. I found myself going back to them regularly to stay on track. What I appreciated most was Steve’s straightforward and encouraging approach. He has a way of explaining things that makes them click (illustrative speaking) and his feedback was always clear, constructive, and tailored to my specific needs. In terms of value for money, it’s hard to fault. The level of insight, the quality of the resources, and the focused one-to-one sessions made a real difference. I’d absolutely recommend Rank Success to anyone preparing for promotion. Steve’s support not only helped me navigate the process confidently, I walked into my board prepared and confident, I also improved my overall approach and mindset as a police leader."

Mark - Passed Chief Inspector Process
"Morning Steve, I purchased the Inspectors package off you previously, which got me through my board. I recently applied for Chief inspector & got through application to interview. I used your toolkit to prep. Just wanted to message to say I passed the board. I smashed it apparently! I couldn’t have done it without your podcasts & other material."

Scott - Passed Inspector and Chief Inspector Process First Time
"Love your content, even though I don't work in the police. It's identical to the civil service recruitment process. For the past month, I have been listening to Spotify members content, watching your YouTube videos for preparation for my promotion interview (level 3) received my results. This was the feedback: 'A strong, confident performance across all areas. The candidate had an open, engaging style and interacted well with the panel. The interview was well prepared for, answers were well structured using the STAR format, with good examples used throughout.' So wanted to say thanks."

Anon, YouTube comment
"Good evening Steve, I've been thinking about sending this email, from the 1st time I started listening to you on a podcast! I had great news today, that I passed my promotion board. I couldn't have done it without an assist from you! We've never met, or spoken but your podcast & digital toolkits helped me, like you wouldn't believe. My journey with you started last year, I failed my 1st attempt at a promotion board. The chief inspector on the panel, gave me feedback offered to mentor me but also asked if I had ever heard of Rank Success? That was it, I was off. I started to read your blogs, listening to your back catalogue of podcasts & started to prep. With my mentor throwing practice board questions at me, I did a depth & breadth of preparation ‘the likes I had never done before’ ;-) (to coin a phrase).

Shortly into my prep, my mentor shared with me they had also used you for their chief inspector process & how much you helped. My confidence in my ability was restored. I also started to share your methods & questions you'd ask with other candidates I knew were going for it. I shared how far I'd come. I'm pleased to say the others I told have also passed their board after buying into your products too! Cue the day of the board, I was confident, excited & I was hoping they had ‘questions for my answers!’  I walked in the room & it was like a hand grenade of nerves went off. But because I’d done the prep, my mind didn't go completely empty. I remembered everything I’d read, studied or heard. I was able to deliver deeper answers that withstood additional probing questions from the panel.

Thank you for your products & podcasts. As I go into my journey as a Sergeant, I'm going to keep listening, to keep my momentum going so I can smash my inspectors 1st time too. Very grateful to you & my mentor. Please keep the material coming, it shaped & guided my answers so much.

PS, the podcast with Chief Constable Lee Freeman was incredible, he gave me so much for my own board & development in that interview. I decided to listen to it on the day! All the best."

Iain - Passed Sergeant Promotion
"Morning Steve, Just want to pass on my thanks. I have this week received the good news I was successful at the national assessment centre for this years' PC-Insp fast track process. I start in December/January as a Sergeant and will be further promoted to Inspector 24 months later following completion of the programme. I’m so glad I found your materials. Particularly your podcasts, which have been invaluable to expanding my knowledge and giving me breadth in my understanding around various policing contexts nationally. Your guidance gave me a solid grounding and sense of direction when I initially felt overwhelmed with the process. So really a big thank you, keep doing what you are doing. I will continue to listen to your podcasts for my own CPD and recommend your material to anyone who will listen."

Rachael - Passed Fast Track Process
"Hi Steve, Just want to pass on my success at the fast track pc to inspector process. Your help with the application form and the coaching call for the internal board was well needed and extremely helpful. Not forgetting the masterclass which set the foundation of it all. I got the news today that I passed the national assessment centre in Durham and I will be posted soon as a Sergeant. Thank you so much for all your support. Your guidance was absolutely invaluable. No doubt this has changed the direction of my career and support I can offer to my family."

James - Passed Fast Track Process
"I found rank success invaluable. A large volume of good quality videos breaking down the CVF and giving real world examples of good & poor answers. It really helped me understand the CVF in a way just reading the COP stuff just didn't sink in."

Anon
"I was always interested in promotion, after my probation I recall buying a crammer book, but didn’t do much with it. I suppose I doubted myself and also let other people’s opinions overtake. I eventually decided to register my interest in promotion. In 2019 I transferred forces and during COVID I took my Sergeant exam and passed first time. Within a few months I was Temporary Sergeant on a Prisoner Handling Team. Initially I found the decision making challenging but I soon settled into role and enjoyed what was a really busy environment. I first used Rank Success for my Sergeant promotion board. The digital interview guide helped me structure my answers and put questions into context. On Promotion to Sergeant I was posted to Response, I had a Team of 17 over two stations covering 4 busy areas. I passed my Inspector exam in May 2023, at which point the Inspector process was open. I was eligible to apply, but the application process was closing within two weeks, so it would have been a rush. I was then told I was not supported for promotion but would be supported for Acting/Temporary Inspector duties.  I was initially concerned, wondering how can you be supported to do the exam but not for promotion? I suppose this is a good question for future candidates to clarify.

I again used Rank Success for my Inspector’s process. I bought the application guide with example evidence and also used the interview guide again. I watched Steve’s YouTube videos, which helped me put current policing themes into context and I subscribed to Steve’s premium podcast on Spotify. I also had a number of telephone conversations with Steve, which kept me on track and focused.

I just started a new role as a Detective Sergeant in Professional Standards Department, when my current force moved the promotion process forward by a month, which caught be a bit off guard. I managed to complete my application and submit it a week early due to a pre-planned holiday, so my advice would be start early with your evidence. I had to do a 10 minute presentation, something I'd never done before, on a topic I wasn’t told about until the day of my board. My advice on that part would be to really be in tune with your force’s pledges, plans and mission statement but also wider current themes in Policing and have the ability to pull it all together.

Some people say I interview well, I love to talk so I guess it comes from there, but I fully understand not everyone is the same and nerves can play a huge part.  My advice is know your evidence, practice your structure and have mock interviews.  I would also suggest as part of your development being part of interview panels because being on the other side of the table previously, really helped me on my board performance.

I can recall revising for exams at 2 am whilst doing night feeds. I used to wake up at 5 am and revise for an hour whilst the house was quiet. As a dad to a two and four year old, I could never get 5 minutes. I listened to Steve’s podcasts whilst putting my youngest to bed, cooking dinner and cleaning the house. I am lucky I have a wife who supports me because achieving both my promotions meant I had to change roles twice and also covering 24/7, which had a huge impact on family life.

It has been really hard work, but it has been worth it.

I have had support from an old line manager and a chief Inspector. My force also allowed me to attend a promotion workshop for which I am grateful. On both my promotions I have been placed in roles which I didn’t choose. I have also had to put my uniform back on for both occasions, which other people don’t seem to have to do. That said, I fully understand you apply for the rank and not a role. I have managed through hard work and changing roles regularly, to have been promoted twice in the last three and half years. I have 16 years service left t so I have plenty of time to keep progressing. As the only black Inspector in my force, I want to keep progressing to ensure that the SLT is reflective of my community, which has had the most issues with Policing in recent times. I also want to continue to help shape the service for the future and be a role model for others to follow me."

Jerone - Passed Inspector Promotion Process First Time
"Hi Steve, I bought your product after failing two Chief inspector processes. With it I passed the third, missing out on fast track to Superintendent by one mark. Within 18 months I managed to get a ticket to the Supts process and used the exact material again. Supplementing it with reading you identified around emotional intelligence and change processes. Without a doubt I would still be a DI wondering what was required, without your help. Thank You."

Greg - Passed Superintendent Promotion Process
"Hi Steve, Just thought I'd drop you a line to say thanks. I listened to  your podcasts  religiously for months on end and purchased your digital toolkit in preparation for the Inspector promotion process this year. I found out yesterday I passed first time and scored full marks in the interview exercise! Your tips around structure and wider reading really assisted me. I'm sure I'll be back for the Chiefs process in future! Thanks again."

Sam - Passed Inspector Promotion Process First Time
"Steve, I had a good day & I got the job. I used a lot of your toolkit content & material in my Inspector board including risk management, people’s responses to change, thinking priorities, my approach to DEI & thoughts around the Casey review, VAWG & Angiolini enquiry. My feedback included... I was natural and the real me, I suppose that’s a tick for emotional intelligence but really it’s because I had a bank of ideas/structures/acronyms in my back pocket I could use as required. Process was a presentation & CVF questions (45 mins allowed to prepare for it all). Anyway, thank you for your help, I shall continue to refer colleagues in your direction emphasising there is no short cut, you have to put the time in to prepare. I certainly did that. All the best."

Debbie - Passed Inspector Promotion Process First Time
"Hi Steve, Just wanted to ring you to say thank you for your help and support. Yesterday late evening I got a call late last night evening to say I am being promoted to Inspector. As you know this is my first attempt, never had any opportunity to do any acting, wasn’t supported for promotion last year, I couldn’t even get into the process. I found your guides, blogs and YouTube videos really, really helpful and I was able to reference those in my interview and presentation. So I just wanted to say a real big thank you."

Anon - Passed Inspector Promotion Process First Time
"Hi Steve, Well I got the call informing me I have passed my Chief Inspector’s board. Thanks as always. Particularly for the help and advice following the Masterclass. I’ve used your resources to get to Sergeant, Inspector and now Chief Inspector.  There’s no better proof that what you do works. Please feel free to use any of the above in your testimonials, if you wouldn’t mind omitting my name that would be appreciated. Thanks once more and maybe one day I’ll be coming to you for some coaching around a Superintendent process. All the very best."

Anon - Passed Chief Inspector Promotion Process
"I purchased Steve’s online workshop as it came highly recommended by officers that had failed the process and then used Steve’s resources with successful outcomes. I really do struggle with interviews but using Steve’s advice, I passed (Inspector) first time."

Rob - Passed Inspector Promotion Process First Time
"Steve, thank you so much for your support, used your product last year to pass my Sgt board and just gone and passed my Inspector board first time after topping up the knowledge with the podcasts!"

Alistair - Passed Inspector Promotion Process First Time
"Hey Steve, So the Inspector results came out and I passed! They don’t give out scores, but they gave me “outstanding” for the presentation, and “outstanding” for 5 out of the 6 questions. There is no way I would have passed without your help and support, so thank you so much!"

Anon - Passed Inspector Promotion Process
"Hi Steve, Just to let you know I've been successful in the recent Inspector's board. I was assessed as above expectation in the paper application and above expectation in the board. First time on both. Your advice and guidance on the podcasts and the online material massively assisted me in the journey. Thank you and keep up the great work. Kind regards."

Mo - Passed Inspector Promotion Process First Time
"Hi Steve, Just been informed  I’ve passed my Inspectors Board . That was down to you and your Master Class and listening to your Podcasts. I will be recommending you and your master class to everyone in GMP. Feel free to use my feedback. Thanks."

Kam - Passed Inspector Promotion Process
"Hi Steve, I purchased your 'Masterclass' package earlier in the year to give me a kick start preparing for the Inspector boards. I found it really useful in helping me centre on what was likely to be important to the panel. It helped me get into the mindset required so I was pitching myself at the right level, particularly in the presentation. I'm please to say I passed at my first attempt. I just thought I'd drop you a line with the feedback. Thanks again."

Andy - Passed Inspector Promotion Process First Time
"I was first made aware of Rank Success after being recommended to listen to your Spotify podcasts by my inspector. Spotify told me today I’d listened to 2,372 minutes of your podcasts! I did this every single day to and from work for about 6 months. I then downloaded your promotion masterclass video and can only describe it all as being a HUGE HUGE confidence boost ready for my board. It was my first time going for promotion, and I really didn’t know what to expect. Your knowledge of the general process, advice given around structure and acronyms made me feel much better about the upcoming board. I received amazing news that I’d passed, and I’m now awaiting my feedback. A massive thank you to you Steve, your resources are invaluable and I would highly recommend to anyone."

Shannon - Passed Sergeant Promotion Process First Time
"Hi Steve, I’m really pleased & pleasantly surprised to say I passed, still awaiting feedback however it’s a big achievement as I didn't have my best interview, however you set the bar high & my depth of research managed to pass. If it was a triathlon I had a bad race, however the hard miles & training carried me through."

Matt - Passed Inspector Promotion Process
"Hi Steve, I just wanted to say thank you, I bought your Inspector toolkit & found out today I smashed my board & have been promoted. I’ll definitely be recommending your guides to my peers & colleagues, they were a great help. Kind regards."

Kerry - Passed Inspector Promotion Process
"Steve, You don’t know me but I just wanted to say a huge thank you for all your YouTube clips, digital toolkits & other promotion support you provide. I listened & watched nearly all your YouTube videos & I purchased the digital toolkit which proved invaluable. I was successful in my Inspector board 1st time scoring high. I don’t think I would have been able to score as high if it wasn’t for your material. Huge thanks."

Raf - Passed Inspector Promotion Process First Time
"'In relation to a transfer opportunity, I recently accepted an interview with a neighbouring Force. I was made aware the interview would be based upon the CVF which was new & unfamiliar to me.  Owing to not understanding the CVF, coupled with a hectic response shift pattern, I found it difficult to get motivated & prepare fully for interview. I found Rank Success on YouTube & the videos really helpful. I thereafter contacted Steve, who promptly responded to my email & assisted me further. I purchased a digital toolkit. This helped me understand the CVF better with well written examples, which helped me prepare my own. The digital toolkit is exceptional & will no doubt assist me further in the future. I passed the interview & received a conditional offer of employment.  I would recommend Rank Success to anyone in need of support."

Jamie - Successful Transferee
"I have just found out I passed my Chief Inspector board first time! I downloaded your digital toolkit for C/I & interview guide which I found invaluable to helping me shape my evidence & get my head in the right place as part of my preparation. I listened to a host of podcasts including where Steve interviewed a number of Chief Officers, which helped for me to understand my own leadership approach & reassuring when it was also highlighted by Chiefs across the country! The pestle model also helped me think more strategically & gave me more confidence. Highly recommend!"

Richard - Passed Chief Inspector Promotion Process
"Hi Steve, I passed my promotion board for the Inspectors process! I wanted to let you know and say thank you! Your products and guidance helped me to build the strong foundation and understanding I needed. I then put some serious hard work in to get my style and personality across in the process. Topping things up with your podcasts on my daily commute really helped as well as using the question bank to practice forward and rear facing questions. Being strict with timing and making some tweaks to ENAMEL to fit my style also paid dividends! I received a phone call from our Chief Constable to say that not only had I passed, I had excelled and that he was calling the top 5 personally! My Chief Superintendent told that that I had absolutely smashed it out of the park! Some quality time with the family is now very much needed!"

Daz - Passed Inspector Promotion Process
"Last week I sat my Sgt to Inspector promotion board. Just like so many others that have subscribed to your services, I have been informed that I have been successful. I am incredibly grateful to you for all of your support, with your YouTube video’s, your podcasts on Spotify, the Sgt-Insp Application pack, 4 hour recorded masterclass and also the 1-2-1 telephone conversations / texts we have exchanged. Your help to me has been invaluable.

One point to mention, on the day of my board I was driving into work listening to your podcast about feedback (it was the Christmas one that you did), and in it you mention a candidate that listened to the Inspector role input on the way to their board and then got asked those questions. I thought to myself, I’d better recap and re-listen to that podcast myself just in case on the way to my board, and you guessed it… The very last question I got was “Can you tell me what you understand the role of an Inspector to be”. I couldn’t believe my luck as I literally reeled off your helpful role Mnemonic with some of my own detail added. I used your conversational management model ‘ENAMEL' to help structure my delivery and this worked wonders for me.

I had failed two previous boards and my feedback from those interviews was two-fold, 'Evidence limited in terms of wider thinking and consequence' / 'Answers would benefit from being delivered in a more structured way' to help the assessors to follow your “story”'. Clearly ENAMEL fixed both of these issues for me this time, I just wished I had found it sooner. I genuinely can’t thank you enough Steve. I wish you all the very best and I will of course continue to recommend Rank Success to my colleagues."

Lee - Passed Inspector Promotion Process
 "I joined Staffordshire Police in May 2003, I passed my Sgt exams in March 2008 & I was promoted to Sgt in Oct 2008.  Life took over a bit, I got married had 3 children & to be honest really enjoyed being a Sgt. With the children being a little older I decided now was the time to go for promotion as I had the time needed to commit to it.  I passed my Insp Exam first time in October 22, I started listening to Rank Success podcasts & reading the free blogs shortly after following recommendations from colleagues.

I really enjoyed listening to the podcasts & I have listened to everyone - some several times, I enjoy the interviews a great deal especially the ones with CC Noble & CC Freeman. I like Steve’s manner & how he talks so passionately about policing he is current & clearly works hard to make his content accessible for all. The short videos on YouTube are a godsend highlighting key areas on important changes, HMIC reviews or summaries of reports such as the Casey Review or the OK well-being survey. Lots of runs, walks & car journeys listening/readings or watching Steve, he’s like an old friend. 

I committed to the masterclass & all the toolkits... The digital toolkits are well structured, easy to read & follow, covering all the keys areas. I fully digested the toolkits & CVF explainer video before attending the masterclass. I had a really good day when I attended the masterclass. The day cemented the background work I had done & also some added extras, bespoke handouts & a really good book around management. I would highly recommend the toolkits & masterclass they are 100% worth the money.

I fully committed to Steve’s way of working to get through the promotion process.  I wrote all my evidence out, Steve even checked one of them to make sure I was on the right lines offering guidance & feedback. I did the work around rear & forward facing questions & the wider work around policing locally, nationally & worldwide. Once I committed to it, I did work every day as I wanted to pass the process first time. The promotion board in my force was advertised in November, we have an competency based application process and due to the work I had already done, that wasn’t that difficult to do as I was prepared, in large part down to Steve’s toolkits & masterclass. Having passed the application phase I started to work on the question bank. When I got the toolkits in August I read the questions & thought god these are really hard. Having done the work, when I returned to the questions in late December early January I could have a pretty good go at all of them.  

I started to do mock interviews daily with the long suffering husband who thankfully had recently done his Sgt board so knew what was required. First time dreadful, but I kept going, timing my evidence using ENAMEL as best as I could, getting better each time. I linked in with Steve before my board & he gave me some tips for the last few weeks of prep which really helped. I passed my promotion board first time. Yes it was hard work & I put that hard work in but Steve’s support, guidance & products really helped me focus where I needed to focus. Did it go to plan on the day? Maybe not, but the wider work I'd done really helped. I was able to answer any question, I knew the role, I understood me & what I would bring to the table.  Steve is a genuinely nice man who cares & I would recommend rank success to anyone considering promotion. I will continue to listen to the podcasts going forward as it’s easy listening & will help me keep my knowledge up so I can help others with their promotion process." 

Elizabeth - Passed Inspector Promotion Process
"I am just writing to thank you for the support you have given me in the recent sergeant process. Without attending your promotion masterclass, materials & guidance, I would not have got through. I haven't received my feedback yet, but I must have said something right!  So thank you! :-) "

Akeel - Passed Sergeant Promotion Process
"Hi, Steve hope you are well. Just found out that I’ve passed my sergeant board. Couldn't have done it without your help. Thank you so much… This was my 2nd attempt at my Sergeant board, you think you know everything until you fail. I had no one to turn to for help & there was no support from my force regarding interview preparation.

I came across Steve’s blogs on YouTube, I listened/watched all of them whilst on walks & travelling to & from work. I purchased the interview guide which opened my eyes to things I hadn’t been aware of.  We talk about having enough time to practice, I started 8 months before & still didn’t feel confident prior to interview. I contacted Steve & he spent an hour on the phone to me talking me through things & calming me down, this helping massively.

I would highly recommend listening to his Spotify podcast & watching his videos but most importantly the interview & application guide is a must. RARA ST/plan on a page, helped me in my interview. Thank you. "

Sarj - Passed Sergeant Promotion Process
"I found out today I was successful in the promotion process from PC to SGT. My force did the process slightly differently which felt weird however I couldn’t have done it without your podcasts & Sgt’s toolkit. Everything you do has really helped me understand things more & throw myself into the process with all that I have. I know promotion processes will never be ‘fair’ & it always seems subjective to me… based on other people’s interpretation of applications or board processes. I do not know where my posting will be as of yet & or what is next however I am excited for the next challenge.

Again thank you for all the work that you do for so many people.  Everything you have out there at ranksuccess.co.uk has helped me & I have no doubt when I’m ready for inspector I will be a returning customer!"

Chris - Passed Sergeant Promotion Process
"Hello Steve, I just wanted to pop an email to you to say thank you... I passed my Inspector exam, I started to read your blogs and I downloaded your free material which was invaluable helping make sense of the CVF.  I then purchased your digital toolkit.  I went on to pass my Inspectors board and was told I did extremely well. In my feedback I was encouraged to consider to go for Chief Inspectors, my imposter syndrome kicked in and I doubted I was good enough as DI let alone above.

​This year the Chief Inspector boards were announced and I was approached by SLT to apply.  I hadn’t had any acting so wasn’t sure how it would go, I got the digital toolkits up and prepped. I've listened to your podcasts everyday on my journey to and from work, popping to the shops or any opportunity.  The way you simplify things and hearing your interviews has really helped me focus.  I even re listened to your interview with Lee Freeman on the way to my board yesterday.  I went in with my ENAMEL style approach to answers all prepared.

I have been told today I passed!  Only 3 passed from 31, So thank you sincerely, I wouldn’t have been able to do this without your podcasts, blogs, digital tool kits and you tube videos! I’ve encouraged lots over the last few years to visit you page. Hope you have a lovely Christmas and happy new year. Take care."

Hope - Passed Chief Inspector Promotion Board
"Hello Steve, Just thought I'd send you an email to say thanks. I recently found out that I have been successful in the promotion process for Sergeant to Inspector. I took the exam earlier this year in more of an effort to refresh my law knowledge than anything else! Having passed I didn't think I would apply for the process this year as timescales were a bit tight, I haven't done a day of acting/temping, never looked at the CVF as it was PPF when I was promoted to Sergeant.

Then I thought I may as well apply if nothing else to gain a better understanding of the process. However I always think if you going to do something always put 100% into it, therefore shortly after passing my exam thanks to online search, I discovered Rank Success. Needless to say just by listening to a couple of podcasts I thought there is no reason why I can't do this. I spent the next few months utilising your material, I downloaded the Interview Success toolkit as well as the free downloads. I listened to every podcast (most more than once!), read your blogs and watched the Youtube videos.

As they say you get out what you put in so listening to you podcast on my holidays certainly paid off. Your material put me in a good position going into the process, from the application form through to interview (I managed to draw the short straw and get an interview on the first day of month of interviews so quality preparation was key).

I found the range of what you offer to be excellent, I couldn't see anything else out there that was on the same level in terms of quality, range and depth of support. Yes I had to put the time and effort in but thanks to you I could enter the process with confidence.

Your mnemonics particularly the ones for interview responses and the role of Inspector were invaluable. The outcome being I was successful at my first attempt in a very competitive process, am currently waiting for my postings and looking forward to a new challenge.

I've spoken to a number of people who were not successful, some of whom had been in temporary positions for a long time. I'm not expert but the impression I get is if they had used even a small amount for what you provide they would have stood a much better chance of success. I've been recommending Rank Success to anyone I know going for promotion from PC-Sgt & Sgt-Insp. So I just wanted to take the time to say thank you as sometimes this can easily be forgotten, its down to you that I passed, so even when you were taking time on your boat to create podcasts there are people listening!"

Lee - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
"Steve, I bought your mega bundle in August & found out last Monday I’d passed the Inspectors process. 41 successful candidates out of 215! Your inputs are so helpful in getting your mindset ready for the process. I found all your material invaluable, from your podcasts to your blogs & your promotion masterclass video was just what I needed to get my interview structure spot on. Thank you!"

Neata - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
"Hi Steve, I bought your Inspector Master class bundle to help me with the recent Inspector selection process. I just wanted to say it really helped me move my thinking and evidence up a notch from the last time I tried. Money well spent. Thank you so much for putting it all together and all the free blogs/videos too. I'm so happy to say I was successful! Kind Regards."

Lucy - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
"Hi Steve, I just wanted to say a massive thank you for the content you publish on Rank Success. I have relentlessly listened to your podcasts and blogs for the past 6 months in preparation for the Sgts Boards. I am pleased to say I have found out this week that I have passed first time. I don’t believe I would have been so prepared without it. You highlight so much “food for thought”. The fact you provide so much for free is astonishing, and proves you truly care about helping others. I will of course pass on your details and recommended you to colleagues. Thanks again."

Rachel - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board First Time
"Morning Steve, News at last….400 successful applicants through to assessment centre stage for 70 vacancies and I was successful! I’m delighted & relieved! I used BEEF & BALDD STEW & alluded to ongoing CPD & learning platforms in my assessment. Duty tonight, so I can’t celebrate but bubbles shall be opened at the weekend! Thank you so much for the online material & I really enjoyed the masterclass. I would say that they helped me to focus & to think more ‘blue sky’. Thanks so much for what you offer! I really feel police forces should provide some support to those aspiring for promotion but at least there are options out there like Rank Success! I don’t know how I scored yet (no feedback for a few weeks) but I think compared to last year I was a more rounded & well-read candidate. Kind Regards."

Ash - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Having gotten stuck in something of a rut with boards, I decided this time to focus on an approach which included some external support. I had good evidence but I needed time and assistance to structure, prepare and focus what I had. I used Steve’s Inspector/ Chief Inspector digital toolkit as a base from which to work. I found the toolkit useful to add to my existing feeling and understanding of each competency (it’s easy to confuse yourself). I particularly focussed and worked on getting a good feel of the rank (DI PAM SAID + CU COPS). Getting used to a systematic approach, and a clear view was important.

From this base I embarked on a few one-to-one coaching sessions to help shape and validate what I had. This enabled me to test my evidence with a Steve, did it feel at the right level? Did it feel like the competency and answer against it well? Many people at work offered assistance, which I am eternally grateful for, but sometimes it can cause a level of variation and even confusion.

Appreciating there were no guarantees it was good to get the thumbs up from Steve that what I had sounded in the right ballpark. The sessions helped shape the evidence, particularly for one area that, until speaking to Steve, lacked coherence. In addition. Being ruthlessly practical, investing both financially and time made me focus and get ready for the sessions which, in the past, I was not great at doing with a busy day job. I’m pleased to say this time round, after several unsuccessful attempts and with Steve’s insight I passed the Ch Insp. board with a strong performance."

Joe - Passed Chief Inspector Promotion Board
"Hi Steve, just wanted to say thank you for your products. I opted to go for my Inspector promotion board recently as I had been a T/DI and knew I was ready. (I’d failed a board 2 yrs before with no experience in the role). I was listening to your Podcasts walking my dogs and used your YouTube videos as well. I found your podcasts helpful content to aid my confidence. I went into my board, confident, focused and ready. I passed the board and have since been promoted into a DI post and I'm recommending your website etc to officers looking to partake in the upcoming sergeant process. Thanks again for your enthusiasm and for the products available in all different formats, they definitely helped me! Many Thanks."

Tanya - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
"Hi Steve. Just a quick update for you. I’ve 25 years service. 20 Met, now with Police Scotland. Been Acting Sgt for 10 months. Decided to put in for the promotion process and came across you on YouTube by chance. Then I found you on Spotify. I have listened and watched virtually everything you have done to date. I passed and just can’t believe it. First time and I passed. Just to say thanks for your help and all your content. It really made me concentrate, take a good look at myself and get match fit! The little things you have said have been like gold dust for me. During the process all your material you have online was just so helpful. Some of it I’d not even considered before and it just made me so confident on the day. Thanks very much again!! Cheers Steve!"

Anon - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Just a thank you for all of your help in my Inspector journey. I downloaded your promotion masterclass, digital guides toolkit & I listened intently to your videos. I had my board yesterday & as you say I ‘smashed' it. I was called back 5 minutes afterwards to give me the good news. Comments included that the standard was much higher than that of an Inspector & my comments about the new code of ethics and the COP conducting effective investigations set me above the others. Thank you for being with me every step of the way, guiding, encouraging & generally being a listening ear in support. Onwards to Level 4 now, which your material will continue to be useful for."

Alex - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
"Dear Steve, I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for your invaluable support, outstanding masterclass and interview package you provided. I am thrilled to inform you that, thanks to your guidance, I not only successfully navigated the board but secured a position within the top 5 candidates. Your masterclass and interview package were instrumental in boosting my confidence. I particularly appreciate your fostering a broad understanding, which proved to be the key to my success. Once again, thank you for your unwavering support and for sharing your expertise. I look forward to applying the knowledge and skills I've gained from your guidance in my future endeavours. Warm regards."

Daniel - Passed Promotion Board
"Very good [podcast] episode. You mention a couple of things that I may be able to answer as I have just been through this process first time and passed!!! I dedicate my passing to all your content."

Steve - Passed Promotion Board
"Dear Steve, I just thought I'd drop you a line to say that your material is worth its weight in gold. I passed my exam 3 years ago but took a 2 year sabbatical to the Roads Policing Unit. I then took the plunge to taking an acting role in the Force Control Room before an upcoming board. The combination of an acting role that gave me force oversight coupled with your material gave me ammunition to ambush my panel.

I had my interview up against 140+ potential Sgt candidates. I needed to shine. I went in confident & I had structure to my evidence, broad to detailed, diverse and topical. Information about the force is out there just knowing where and what to look for was what I needed, which is what you gave me. Your sign posting, question delivery models & podcasts on my commute to & from work was a godsend."

Ryan - Passed Sergeant Board
"Hi Steve, I passed the Sgt promotion board for GMP. Absolutely put it down to your masterclass & other resources that put me in the right ball park. Well worth the investment."

Dan - Passed Sergeant Board
"Steve, A quick message of thanks that I have been meaning to send since finding out I was successful first time in the Sgt board process last month. I bought your E-Guides, and using them alongside your videos were invaluable. So tha​nk you. I have been on training this week with Sgts considering the board in Oct/Nov. All have been signposted to your website and products. I potentially will be back in a few years when I look into my Insp."

Rich - Passed Sergeant Board, First Time
"Dear Steve, last month I was successful at the Chief Inspector board. It was my third attempt. Going into the preparation with my past experiences I was looking for a much sharper focus in the overall approach and technique to articulating a solid set of answers.

Fortunately advice in the force this time round felt much more open and effective but what was absolutely key for me this time was the material you provide. It was an absolute game changer and I certainly felt things click allowing me to fully articulate my examples, views and style of leadership. Driving, walking the dogs and exercising was constantly filled with your youtube videos and podcasts, especially with Chiefs and Simon Foy. It helped me not just pass the board but nail it and come top. In every conversation I have with people I mentor the takeaway I give is to open people’s eyes to your channel.

You are a credit to the Police service and I can’t thank you enough. If you mention this feedback in any videos I would be grateful if you could keep it anonymous from a northern force. Keep up the fantastic service. Many thanks."

Anon - Passed Chief Inspector Board
"Even though I had not gone through all your material, just remembering personal statement, role of Sgt & PEEL stood me in good stead for my Sgt board, I passed! Just wanted to say a big thank you, your material is excellent.  I'm slowly digesting it now & for the future. Thank you again & keep doing what you are doing Steve."

Zaf - Passed Sergeant Board
"Steve, just a quick note to say thank you for the work you've put in on your youtube & blogs, I failed my Sgt to Insp board last year but this year got through with some strong evidence & structure. I can happily say having listened to you for hours & hours & read your work it undoubtedly paid off, my structure was right, my depth of answering was better & my understanding of strategic needs was much greater. Thanks again & please keep up the good work, cheers."

Iain - Passed Inspector Board
"Just a quick message to say thank you. I downloaded your masterclass video a couple of months ago to help with my board. Having been in the job for years & having sat three previous Sgt boards (the last one 6 years ago) I went into my board last week feeling confident & prepared & received news today that I passed. Being confident I can do the job, your masterclass gave my prep direction & focus & I found it invaluable. When my questions came up I was honestly excited to answer them. Like you said in your material I genuinely felt “who has questions for my answers". Thank you.”

Richard - Passed Sergeant Board
"I could see with my previous knowledge and experience that promotion was the right way to progress my career. I studied whilst in an acting up role and unfortunately dipped the exam leaving me completely disheartened and disillusioned by the process. After taking some time to switch off, I saw an email about the fast track process. I had no idea what it entailed but I truly believed I could be a good leader and with development and support, an Inspector. My main concern was having been at Constable level for so long I wasn’t “corporate” enough and didn’t know how to be strategic. I decided to go for it anyway.

I then came across Rank Success on YouTube. I started to watch the free videos on the CVF competencies and it completely changed how I had been looking at it, finally making sense! I purchased the Inspector digital toolkit in order to prepare for my internal force board. I utilised the tips and guidance in there on what to read and what to be thinking about. The different vocabulary and understanding how police officers like to be managed, challenges policing faces and how we can overcome them was a huge help. I found the podcast talk with Lee Freeman, Chief Constable of Humberside so useful. I also had a 121 session with Steve, who explains everything so clearly and this really helped me achieve a high score in the board.

Next step was the assessment centre. I feel that by having spent so much time focusing on why it meant so much to me and what kind of leader I would be, that I was able to attend with confidence and perform as best possible. There are 5 assessments and they are all so tough in different ways. It’s a very mentally draining two days, with so much information being processed.

I was successful at the National Assessment centre and I have been accepted on the fast track scheme. Having passed such a rigorous assessment I now have so much more confidence that I am ready for this role and deserve it. I am passionate about proving the police are here to help everyone, including those we work with and I’m excited to help make positive changes. I would definitely recommend the digital toolkit for anyone studying for a board. If you do the work, it will pay off. Thanks again for your help!"

Gemma - Passed Fast Track Process
"Hello Steve, I used your download guides for my Sgt board 2nd attempt. Also listened to your podcast & YouTube videos, they were invaluable in particular the role of Sgt as in my force there is zero training or help when you step up. Thank you again."

Phil - Passed Sergeant Board
"Steve, with your digital guides & videos, I was able to pass my Sgt board first time. I found it all fantastic to use, I made acronyms & I read & digested the guides & it really helped me. Thank you, onwards & upwards."
Anon - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Steve, I just wanted to say a massive thank you, I’ve been successful in passing the Chief Inspector boards, first attempt & can honestly say your website, podcasts & YouTube videos formed a huge part in my study prep. The podcast interviews with Chief Constables Lee Freeman & Chris Noble were very inspirational & gave me reassurance the promotion process is changing to be more people focused regarding how as a senior leader you will get the best out of & support your teams.

The way you demystify the CVF’s & break the promotion journey down is very helpful as I know colleagues & myself feel daunted by the promotion process, knowing where to start & what structures to put in place. I listened to your podcasts on the journey to & from work, whilst walking the dog & the subliminal learning I took from that cannot be underestimated. I’m currently mentoring an aspiring D/I & D/S & the first thing I covered in my mentoring session with them was the benefits of Rank Success. Thanks again & keep doing what you do as the impact cannot be underestimated."

Chris - Passed Chief Inspector Board First Time
"Hi Steve, I attended your Masterclass in Birmingham back as a DS aspiring to be an Inspector. I am pleased to say I sat the board & have found out I’ve been successful! Your masterclass, insights, Spotify podcasts (in the car!), and toolkits were key in developing a breadth and depth of understanding that assisted me in my board, along with extended reading I would never have previously considered. Last year I was unsuccessful. This year my feedback included that I had 'well-structured answers' & a 'clear understanding of the role of Inspector within local and national climate.' Kind regards."
Nick - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
"Hi Steve, I just wanted to pass on my thanks for your products, which I used to help with my recent Sgt promotion board. I have failed a board previously & having had to redo my exam which expired, I needed to get through this time. The videos were a fantastic help on my board. I used them alongside my own prep & found they all gave me a great way of thinking about things & snippets to get in during my interview & enabled me to consider different ways to approach an answer. I’ve already recommended you to a colleague who has just missed out this time around. Thanks again."
Matt - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Steve , just a few lines to share with you, I finally passed my Inspector board at my 5th attempt! I can’t thank you enough for the content, ideas and information you provide in your Inspector digital toolkit and exclusive content, in addition to your free blogs. Your guides and mnemonics helped me recall relevant information, whilst keeping my evidence above and beyond the strategic awareness that the role of Inspector needed for my interview. This investment in myself was certainly worth the money spent. 
 
This was the only board I walked out of and could not remember a thing about the questions! This was also a mentally draining experience. During the interview, I did feel I built good rapport with the panel who asked me questions around my evidence that I felt indicated they were interested in my evidence rather than going through the motions. I believe this led to having the conversational type interview, although it didn’t quite feel like it at the time, on reflection it was. I feel I prepared well, I knew I had approx. 4 months to prepare. During that, I split time amongst the key areas, rear and forward facing questions and the presentation. I worked with your material as an exam timetable. I was accountable to myself and spent sufficient time on each key area.
 
I have never prepared for an interview board like this with such planning and application but it definitely worked! I spent time developing/refining my presentation skills including getting the timings exact! I worked on the theory of 3 for my presentation. 3 issues I would address and 3 points for each issue identified. From writing this out, tweaking and committing to memory in addition to mock/practice presentations, it built up to around 30 hrs of study time!
 
For prep on rear facing questions, I took your advice regarding writing out my example in full first. I later reduced this to make it feel natural to talk about and not sound scripted. On my forward facing questions I again adopted the power of 3, giving 3 things I would do, how and why in answering the question.  I honestly felt like I was preparing for multiple exams but by splitting each key area into an hour of study, I would leave no stone left unturned by committing sufficient time to understand each one.
 
All the below from your Inspector toolkit stood out for me.
 
  • Personal statement: I was asked ‘Have you anything to add to your questions? In response I gave them a great rally cry at the end of my interview on why they should pick me! I felt really good giving them my considered speech as I shared my passion including my 'why' (as per Simon Sineck!) Although I couldn’t remember any main questions I was asked, I do recall my why me speech!
  • Evidence formula: Remembering ‘L.C.O,’ allowed me to make sure I kept my responses at Inspector level and not fall back or default to Sgt level, which I had done previously.
  • Strategic awareness: Linking this into my answer. Similar to the above, this allowed me to keep ‘looking up at the strategic direction and not just ‘out of the trenches as per a Sgt answer’.
  • Your Blogs: Keeping myself appraised of issues , talking points and the wider awareness of policing that I could add into my answers. This inspired me to doing my own research around the fed welfare/morale staff surveys to have greater depth around staff issues for any welfare type questions
 
My return on investment is significant! I am definitely all in on the ‘return on investment’ concept. The cost is now insignificant when considering my pay rise and linked pension! (e.g. as you say, “back in your first Inspector pay!”)
 
No idea why I hadn’t come across your material prior! Rank Success was actually the 3rd provider I used over recent years. Others didn’t work for me, including an online group that met once a week, asked a question and then practiced their example online. In the 2 hr session approx. 4 questions were asked/discussed and I didn’t feel it was an effective use of my time. Another provider I found to be very specific to the CVF. Practically used all the behaviour indicators for examples and I found the process was more about the CVF than answering the question! Rank Success (Clear Winner!) – Your in depth free blogs/guides and paid for material was something I resonated with. I found it specific, direct, easy to follow and had various levels to applying guidance on answering questions.
 
For the first time in years I’m going to rest and settle firmly into my new post without having to worry about any upcoming boards, paper sifts or applications.  I’ve definitely earned it! I have achieved my goal I set and want to enjoy this moment. As per your guidance for CPD/development plans, this will allow me to collate and consider evidence for future opportunities. I’m really looking forward to showing what I can do and see where the next chapter of my career takes me, I feel I am on the right path to success, finally!"

Anon - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
"Steve, 12 months ago I failed my first Inspector’s board. A colleague told me about you and I started listening to your podcasts. Earlier this year I invested in your ‘digital Inspector’s toolkit’. I found out yesterday that I passed my board. I came top in the Force - I’m flabbergasted! I just wanted to say thank you for what you do. Your free content alone changed how I think about policing and my role within it. I watched and listened to your masterclass video several times over - it really is excellent. Suffice to say I will be recommending you to anyone setting out on this road. All the best."
Dave - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
"Steve, I just wanted to say a massive thank you, the interview success guide helped me massively & I managed to pass my board after sitting on my exam pass for years. I’ve never felt so confident going into the interview, thanks to your amazing guide that gave me such a positive mindset & focused me to approach it the right way! Thanks again."
Austen - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
"I was successful in my Inspector process after unsuccessful attempts. I’ve worked with Steve and found his content including podcasts, toolkits and general reading lists to be very insightful. Promotion boards are often moving targets and as Steve says sometimes the stars have to align for you. But he encourages you to cast your net as wide as possible to hit the mark when it comes to the interview and application form process. I found his proof-reading service and ability to get you to elevate your preparation to the right level most helpful. The podcasts around wellbeing and leadership I think most will find helpful in their own force's processes. Thank you Steve and Rank Success."
Austen - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
"Steve, Just wanted to let you know I have been successful in passing my Inspectors promotion board. 54 applicants for 8 posts. Passed first time thanks to attending your masterclass no doubt! I signed up for the class last minute as I had felt that to approach a process, I would need to get some up to date, relevant operational experience (outside the specialist role I was in). But then a process was advertised and I decided I had as much right as anyone else to go for it, but would need some support.

The masterclass provided me with a whole host of material to reflect on and consider how it applied to me (and I to it). I think the biggest thing I took away was an elevated way of thinking. That all important step up to strategic, I definitely wouldn’t have been thinking in these terms without the masterclass input. Our force process included a written assessment (2 CVF areas), an interview panel (4 CVF areas) with 2 rear and 2 forward facing questions, and also a briefing/prioritisation exercise testing all of the CVF.

I read over and over the material you made available and no doubt much of it stuck.  I applied aspects of it when preparing my examples beforehand and when preparing myself (know thyself!) I think one of the most significant pieces of learning that stuck with me was - What is an Inspector?  A simple question but with so much behind it. You provided some clear explanation of it, but also added value with the global leadership aspects of the role. I took a lot from this. Thank you. I would definitely invest in another masterclass if I ever decide to put myself through this again. Keep doing what you’re doing and see you at the next one!"
Ben - Passed Inspector Promotion Board First Time
"Having had Imposter Phenomenon for 19 years of my service, your guides & podcasts were much needed “food for thought” in helping me to reframe my thinking from a “fixed” to “positive” mindset. They were the missing piece of the promotion puzzle. Thank you Steve. Passed 1st time."
Kris - Passed Chief Inspector Promotion Board First Time
"Hi Steve, I’m a serving (soon to retire) Detective Constable and have spent the last 4 months preparing for an application/interview process for a police civilian role. Every dog walk, every trip in the car, every spare bit of time, your voice was in my head!

As a career detective, I haven’t been through any promotion processes as such, so CVFs etc were a relatively new concept to me. To help my preparation, I bought your Interview Guide and Question Bank and have also been making full use of your excellent, informative podcasts and videos, which massively broadened my overall knowledge (strategic review of policing, peel reports etc) and the obvious, anticipated questions around integrity/code of ethics (sir of halo!) By the time the interview came along, I was at the point of ‘who has a question for my answer’.

I was successful in my interview and the feedback from the board was extremely good. I have passed your details on to a DI who is looking to go for DCI and explained your services are essential (I quoted the interview with Chief Constable Lee Freeman - what an inspiring boss - listening to that provoked so much thought for me). Anyway, thanks so much for what you do and I just wanted to say that it’s clear that Rank Success can help not just those officers going for promotion, but those undergoing any police selection process. Thanks again"
SM - Succeeded in Police Selection Process
"Hi Steve, thanks to your content I successfully passed my Chief Inspector board a couple of weeks ago!"
Jo - Passed Chief Inspector Promotion Board
"Hi Steve, I embarked on the transfer process on promotion that’s lasted 5 weeks from advert to results!! Despite your advice, I wasn’t ‘ready’ with my preparation. I had 10 days effectively to prepare for the interview, which meant re-watching your masterclass & watching & listening to your short free clips on YouTube & Podcasts. Listening to them & refreshing the previous knowledge you had provided put me in a good place & I felt as confident as I could be on the short turnaround. I finally re-listened to your role of the inspector on the way to the interview & I couldn’t believe it when they asked, “what’s the difference between Sgt & Insp”. Whilst I couldn’t remember everything DI PAM SAID, I could recall enough to feel like I answered that question well! Overall I can’t thank you enough for your masterclass video product, as without it, I honestly don’t think I’d have passed the interview. Thanks again Steve."
Patrick - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
"Hi Steve, thanks to your guides and podcasts, I have passed the Inspector board first time around! I passed my Sergeants board first time round as well, but I put that all down to luck, whereas this time around, I felt well prepared, well-versed and well-read. I needed the extra push, which you provided, because I left the police as a Sgt before CVF-based boards came in - I was lost! I couldn’t quite tell you how or what I did that got me over the line in either event, but I can say “ENAMEL” and your reading list “musts” were a huge help. I felt like I could attack each question and I was ready to say “Who has questions for my answers". All the best."
Lou - Passed Inspector Promotion Board First Time
"Steve, I just wanted to pass on a personal thank you for helping me pass Constable to Sergeant first time. I achieved a score of 47 out of 50 during the assessment centre, which I am in no doubt is as a result of your content steering me in the right direction. Assessors commented on my understanding and application of the CVF, depth and breadth of preparation and confidence in delivery. Keep up the great work and have a very merry Christmas. All the best."
John - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board First Time
"Got my feedback today Steve. Scored 4 across the board & was one of the highest scoring apparently! Thank you."
Phil - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Thanks Steve. Your videos helped me through my Insp board earlier this year and are now helping me do my portfolio."
YouTube commenter - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
"Hello Steve, I began my sgts process this time last year, exam to paper sifts then finally my board on Wednesday, started watching your short videos on your channel around presentations, answering questions, topics and the almighty plan on a page! Just received a call to say I passed, first time round for me, just wanted to send you an email to say thank you, the guidance and support you provide really did keep me on the right track, many thanks to you!"
Angela - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board First Time
"Dear Steve, I sat my board for the Sergeant's process in the Met yesterday and I'd like to thank you for your Interview preparation package I purchased a few months ago, a very useful tool. All of the questions in the Met process are rearward facing so the more of these the better, specific practice questions are gold dust."
Gary - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Hi Steve, I wanted to let you know I passed!  Thank you for being so accommodating and meeting me at dawn for a full-on coaching session on the day of the Queen's funeral. The session really helped to cement my learning and more importantly, add some final confidence fuel into the tank for the Chief Inspector board. Thank you again. Best wishes"
Quoc - Passed Chief Inspector Promotion Board
"Hi Steve, I’ve recently been listening to your podcasts after being sent the link by a friend. I have just had my Chief Inspector promotion board & I absolutely smashed it thanks to a lot of hard work & listening to lots of your podcasts & using your toolkit. With my learning style I hadn’t thought listening would suit me as well as it did, I had lots of food for thought & reflection from your inputs. I wanted to send you this as feedback. Thank you for providing so many free resources for people like me to succeed."
Elle - Passed Chief Inspector Promotion Board
"Over the last couple of days I have watched a number of your videos and listened to your free podcasts. I’m pleased to say they really helped me change my prep and I passed my board today. Thanks very much for providing such excellent material."
Andy - Passed Promotion Board (YouTube comment)
"Hi Steve, Just wanted to drop you a line to say thank you so much for all of the material you produce. I attributed my success in the Inspectors process to following your guides. Today I discovered that I had passed my Chief Inspector board (for the first time)! I had been listening to your podcasts and reading your blogs, but found the most benefit in the downloadable guides and masterclass, which cemented my knowledge and really helped me to structure my responses. A huge thank you. I always recommend your material when mentoring others and I am so grateful to you for giving clarity to a process which is incredibly competitive and brutal…even when you pass!"
Zoe - Passed Chief Inspector's Promotion Board, First Time
"Steve, just a very quick message to say that your lockdown videos have been amazing and have really helped me shape my board prep. Just found out I've been successful in my Sgt > Inspector board, and there's no way that would have happened without your guidance! A massive thank you!!!"
Brian - Passed Inspector's Promotion Board
"Steve, I’ve just heard today, I’ve passed my Inspectors board at the first attempt. I’ve no doubt whatsoever this was achieved by the knowledge and confidence I gained from your products and particularly the masterclass. I began last January listening to your podcasts walking the dog on the beach, all the way through studying your guides, reading suggested material often late at night and being well-informed on the current and future direction of policing. This enabled me to be “Match Fit” as you often say. If you prepare well, the prize is there. It was key to be able to flex and adapt on the day to speak on a range of relevant topics and not rely on single examples. I was up super early on the day, went for a run and focused on being confident in my studies and perpetration. Thank you so much. I will be recommending your services far and wide!!!"
Dave - Passed Inspector's Promotion Board, First Time
"I recently applied for a position within the Met Police, which required me to interview against their Competency and Values Framework (CVF). Coming from a non-police background, I struggled initially to navigate the language and properly understand the context of what I would be interviewed on. Thankfully, I discovered Rank Success on Youtube. I can’t emphasise enough how awesome all the material is, and how useful it has been to me. I listened to the podcasts whilst walking, reviewed the videos on Youtube and bought one of the promotion guides for a deeper understanding. All of which gave me a broad base of knowledge and understanding to draw on for my interview - in particular, the podcast on Diversity and Inclusion was really helpful and gave me a start point for further reading. I’m delighted to say I got the job! I have no doubt that Rank Success was my secret weapon to help me prepare and give me the edge over the other nine candidates."
Anon - Police Staff
"I passed the #SGT board Steve! Came 2nd in the process & most of it was down to your toolkit & masterclass video, which helped me manage my prep 🙌🏼 . Awesome thanks."
Alun - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Steve, Hope you are well. I just wanted to get in touch and thank you for your products which I used during my Promotion Boards. I purchased PC to Sgts material, but what I found incredibly useful was your free material, which is extremely vast. I used your 80+ YouTube videos and Podcasts to consolidate my own knowledge, experience and learning on the job. I'm pleased to say I genuinely enjoyed my Boards and embraced the opportunity. Your in depth logical and technical information was right on point and made me think deeper and laterally. Your stuff around VUCA, PESTLE, CARL (COTI) was brilliant and having some sort of structure is the way forward. I will confess I didn't do any Mock Interviews as I hate the thought of them and was in the end reliant on my common sense, my experiences and in a large part, the material from you. Thank you for everything and sincerely appreciate your efforts."
Mohson - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Hello Steve, I recently purchased one of your e guides for promotion to Sergeant. I also tuned in to several of your free to watch Youtube videos.The e guide was invaluable and I incorporated many of the ideas and structure into my examples for the board which I am pleased to say I passed. It worked a treat. I am now much more confident around the promotion process. Thanks again."
Paul - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Hi Steve, I just wanted to pen a quick email of thanks to you. I recently passed my Sergeant board at the first attempt. I was one of those you speak about that left it very late to decide to apply. I have over 20 years service and never thought promotion was me. When I decided to apply I was definitely playing catch up! Your free downloads persuaded me to purchase the Sgts toolkit (with interview bank of Qs). I can honestly say that without them I’m sure I would have failed miserably. It was definitely money very well spent. I will without doubt recommend your services to my colleagues thinking of promotion. I intend to seek promotion to inspector, I have a plan and will again use your resources to assist in that goal. And this time I won’t leave it to the last minute to prepare! Many thanks again. Kind regards."
Dan - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board, First Time
"I just wanted to let you know that I have successfully passed my Sgt's Board. I purchased your extremely helpful toolkits and listened to every podcast and watched every YouTube video you have provided and I can't thank you enough as I really felt it helped me get into the right mindset and get me through the process. I was recommended to Rank Success by a colleague who'd got through the process with the help of your toolkits - reading the testimonials was another reason for me to use your help & guidance. Thank you again and I'll be in touch in a couple of years when I'm ready to face the Inspector's Board!! Thank you again."
Louise - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"I am over the moon to have passed my Chief Inspector board having used the digital toolkit, masterclass video and free guides. This was my second attempt at this rank and the first time, the feedback was my nerves affected my performance. This year I took a different approach and I felt much more prepared, confident and my nerves weren’t as apparent throughout the elements of the process. I know this is in part due to the confidence I gained by using a tried and tested approach as outlined by Steve. I’ve yet to receive any formal feedback, but the ACC on my board called to say I’d smashed it and did really well. I want to thank Steve for not only the resources that are available, but also the last minute pep talk when just before the board I felt I wasn’t ready. I absolutely was, and Steve’s reassurance helped me see this and also focused my mind on the day.  It’s an amazing feeling to get that call, and I would not hesitate to recommend and signpost colleagues to Rank Success. Thank you."
Jo - Passed Chief Inspector Promotion Board
"Hi Steve, Yesterday I found out that I’d passed the promotion board to become a Sergeant. My mind must have just deleted a fair chunk of it, it felt like I looked at the clock and a moment later 1:15hrs had passed. Your “dulcet Brummie tones” have been on my Spotify and in the car and gym for a few months. I appreciate the content you make and I recommend it to others. Cheers."
Tom - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Hi Steve. Absolutely over the moon. Today I received the news I passed my Sgt promotion board. Your videos on YouTube, podcasts, and the toolkit I purchased helped massively. You speak about transition and since having the opportunity to be temporarily promoted, I can relate to this. Moving from PC/DC over into a Sgt position is most definitely a transition and not an easy one to say the least, but the feeling I had when I was informed I had passed! I certainly believe the work I put in was worth it. Many thanks again."
Melissa - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Hi Steve, Just wanted to say thanks a million for all your help, especially with the online videos. I also purchased a package and was successful first time in my Inspector board (just like my sergeants). I believe your help got me over the line, having been waiting for a board to since passing the exam and a temp DI role last year."
Paul - Passed Inspector Promotion Board First Time
"Hi Steve, I just got news I made the Inspector list for An Garda Siochana, thank you for all your help, fantastic service. I can't believe how much help you give gratis on your websites, podcast & YouTube. They certainly made a big difference to me & how I approached & thought about the competition…the big thing was the briefing.  Your advice was very generous re: the mnemonic for dealing with a change process. I want to express my gratitude for your time, reviewing my form & to talk through some ideas for my interview, many thanks again. I hope you and your family are well."
James - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
"Hi Steve, just wanted to drop a line to say how valuable I found your podcasts. I purchased the toolkit which was great, but I found the material in the podcasts & the way I learn made the material really accessible, thought-provoking & gave me lots to think about to prepare whilst building up to my board. I found out yesterday I had passed my Inspector board at the first time of trying in a very competitive process. I also received a call from a member of the panel of my board saying I had done very well, had a clear structure and were one of the few people they had seen who came in and delivered what they wanted to say. Thanks for all your help & I would recommend your material to any prospective candidate."
Andy - Passed Inspector Promotion Board First Time
"If your force has a PC to Sergeant promotion process opening up, I strongly recommend taking a look at Rank Success… Steve and the materials he offers are absolutely superb. I struggled with getting my head around some of the CVF, preparing applications and the board, but I can honestly say the materials made it click for me and put me in a great position. I’d use them again when I think about doing my Inspectors. There are FREE (yes, FREE!) materials including YouTube videos, podcasts, blogs, articles, guides and more!

If you like the free materials, you can go a step further and purchase different digital tool kits and bundles. They are worth their weight in gold. It made my promotion journey that bit easier and helped me get the top score on my BCU. Steve and all the Rank Success materials were extremely helpful, even now starting out as a newly promoted Sergeant I feel it’s set me up with the right mindset in terms of CPD, having an awareness of wider policing issues etc. Now that my colleagues and the new PC’s I manage are going for the process, I can’t recommend Rank Success enough"
@PoliceSkipper - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Hi Steve. Thank you for your help and work. I used your toolkits for my Inspector board. Passed it first time round, three days before giving birth!! Thanks."
Danielle - Passed Inspector Promotion Board, First Time (and 3 days before giving birth!)
"Hi Steve, not only did I pass my Inspector board, I smashed it. I am over the moon. Thank you."
Anon - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
"Well at last the day has arrived where the results of the Garda to Sgt promotion results are out and………. I did it!!!!!!! Thank you so much Steve for your guidance, mentoring and coaching in my quest to follow my dreams! Your digital guides and aids really focused my preparation, and I was so grateful for them. Every good wish to you and continued success."
Anon - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Good morning, Steve, I just wanted to say thank you for your products - from online master class to free YouTube videos. Having previously failed the Inspectors board twice, this year I passed, coming 3rd in the force only dropping two marks. I’m delighted, but it was the structure and depth your products gave me to achieve that. Thank you once again, your material and starting early enough really helped. Many thanks."
Ian - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
"Hi Steve, we have never met, nor had any kind of dialogue. I'm emailing you to acknowledge your free videos on YouTube and the positive effect they had on my inspector board. I had chosen to walk to Everest Base Camp, and shortly after booking the tickets my organisation opened a promotion process, announcing the new CVF being the assessment criteria. With days to go before I flew out, I had to start my application form from scratch, which presented a challenge in itself. With just a fortnight left to go before my board I took an internal flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and after finding the only hotel with reliable Wi-Fi, I locked myself in my room with only your videos, a copy of the CVF, and my application form for preparation. The closing remarks from the Superintendent who chaired the panel were, 'I don't know how you managed to get so much information into your answers, but you managed it. I'm confident you'll be successful in this process.' Yesterday it was confirmed. So, I'm emailing to personally thank you for your guidance. Without it, I would have struggled. Once again, many thanks. I thought you might like to know, hence dropping you a line."
Dan - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
"Hi Steve, Hope you are doing well, I wanted to let you know that I got my result and passed my CI interview.  My feedback repeatedly refers to my evidence as being at the high end of Chief Inspector level.

When you consider I failed resoundingly last time and in that feedback, my performance was criticised for lacking evidence of broader impact, not demonstrating operating at CI level and lacking strategic perspective, the difference is night and day. For my (unsuccessful) preparation a year ago, I concentrated on looking back and finding examples fitting the CVF, checking against indicators and methodically working through each example to make sure it fitted the competency. It was robotic and sounded contrived.

This time, inspired by your podcasts, videos and masterclass, I have approached the entire process as an opportunity to actually develop as a leader. Being more self-aware, with an understanding of my values, has then made me a stronger candidate with no need to rely on buzzwords to try and demonstrate certain behaviours - I have no need because I can talk about my leadership with authenticity, because I am living it every working day.  I just wanted to say thanks for all your help, and I have referred plenty of colleagues your way! Thanks again."
Dai - Passed Chief Inspector Promotion Board
"Hi Steve, I was watching your YouTube videos which were really beneficial, so I thought I’d purchase your interview success pack… this was the best ££ I’ve ever spent as it without a doubt helped secure promotion first time. Thank you so much!"
John - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board (First Time)
"Hi Steve, Just wanted to say thanks for your guides (Application and Interview success). I've been successful first time at my Sergeant assessment centre today. Going in there looking for 'questions to my answers' and the structured knowledge from your guides and podcasts is the reason I've got through. The Spotify podcasts were invaluable in giving me the base knowledge and the cognitive provocation to think around the issues on my daily 70 mile commute. Kind Regards."
Jack - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board (First Time)
"Passed! After struggling with my first board interview, I needed to reassess how to approach the CVFs. I read them again and again. I'd had a mentor to help me, but apart from rejigging the information, I didn't understand what the competencies REALLY meant. I then watched the YouTube videos by Steve. Like Steve suggested, I sat with a pencil and paper and wrote what the CVFs meant to ME. I followed the videos which pricked inspiration. Things started to fall in place. I answered questions verbally to myself over and over again. Walking around the park talking to myself. Driving talking to myself. The next board interview I turned it around fully. I answered each question following my own acronyms. I understood the question, as I knew what they were looking for. My answers were full as I understood the CVFs, all down to Steve's YouTube videos. Thanks Steve. I turned a very poor first board around to a very high scoring interview this time and genuinely your videos helped me understand what the CVF meant, not just the words on the page. Thanks again."
Mark - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Just a quick note to let you know I passed my Sergeant board! Now have to look for a job! Thanks again for your guidance. I dipped it the year before - didn’t know about your YouTube videos and was left adrift with prep because of Covid - but a lot more support this year. I was so relieved walking out of there. It was like night and day compared to the year before. I did use what you sent me, as there were phrases and concepts that really helped me when I was asked questions."
Leighanne - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Hi Steve, I just want to say a big Thank you for all your help & support before my Sergeant board. It was my first attempt in a new force I had only been there less than two years. I purchased your interview guide & watched your u-tube videos. I'm pleased to say I passed & have now have been promoted. I had my feedback & I was described as one of the strongest candidates!"
Jerone - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Good evening Steve, I just wanted to let you know I passed my Skippers process today having completed my board back in November. Not only that but I scored the highest in my BCU. I couldn’t have done it without your materials, the YouTube series and other bits and pieces you’ve highlighted on the way. So thank you! I’ll be back when it is time for my Inspector’s."
Zaine - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"For those that know me I am a competitive old soul who likes a challenge. However, when you have failed the promotion process on more than 1 attempt, the wounds of doubt grow deeper and knock your confidence to succeed. The word “can’t”, was never in my vocabulary until I had failed another attempt at the process. Thoughts clouded my mind, what if this is the rank I should stay at! You lack “empathy”, “compassion” you are not “strategic minded”! The ‘sorry you failed’ feedback kept repeating in my thoughts, tying my confidence in knots.Get a grip I told myself, but no matter who I turned to, friends and family their reassurance just fell on deaf years. They are only telling me what I want to hear my sub conscious echoed, they don’t know just how hard this process is! I tried to recall successful times and what I did to prepare. I then remembered “Rank Success”. The name is quite apt. The last time I went to Steve @rank success for support was for the Inspector process a few years ago where I passed with flying colours.

Rank Success has moved on twofold since the Masterclass I attended in Birmingham. Support is now offered in so many different platforms, ranging from podcasts, videos, group sessions and 1 to 1 sessions, including the good old fashioned research reports that Steve so eloquently summaries in key briefings for the reader to grasp the salient points. After reading and listening to a vast amount of his material, I slowly started to find the old me, I can do this!

Less than a week before the assessment process, the nerves started to take hold again and suffocate me. Oh no! not long now you are not ready you have not prepared enough. What briefing model are you going to use for that exercise? Panic had well and truly set in. I plucked up the courage and emailed Steve for an urgent 1 to 1, lots of words of self-doubt were in that email I was screaming for help. Less than 3 days before the process Steve arranged a 1 to 1 phone call for me late one evening. Just hearing his calm, brummie tones reassured me instantly. He does truly care about people and is passionate in offering support to those that really scream for help. He listened to my all concerns and provided that reality check I needed from someone who truly understands the process. I was petrified about the written assessment even though I had practised and rehearsed the process 4 times.

To say I am over the moon is an understatement, I passed. Not only did I pass but I passed with flying colours scoring 4’s, even in the written exercise! I can truly say hand on heart today I would not be writing this email of “rank success” without Steve’s support and fantastic online promotion support. If you have self-doubt, lack direction where to start and just need that focus to start believing in yourself, you are not alone. We all feel this way it just takes that courage to admit you need support and direction."

Sharon - Passed Chief Inspector Promotion Board
"Steve, Just like to thank you for all your help. I paid for your 4 hour masterclass video and you helped me by email. Your support was massively appreciated mate. I just found out I passed my board. Defo recommend you. See you for Inspectors haha!"
Mike - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Steve, Just wanted to drop a quick one to say thank you so much for your podcasts, youtube video's and blogs. 2nd time going for promotion and due to a new process ended up starting my prep a bit late in the day, I used your free access material and fully intended to purchase your masterclass if I had not been successful however, your input was brilliant, easy to digest and prepared me enough to be successful through work based assessments and final stage assessment interview for sgt. I especially liked your prep on a page as it made so easy to consolodate all of the work I had done in an easy to remember format. Give me a few years and I will be looking to purchase your sgt to insp masterclass but in the mean time thanks again."
Stacey - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Steve, I just wanted to send you a quick email to thank you for your website, promotion material, and the time and the effort that you put into your Youtube channel. I purchased your “Evidence Sergeant” package with your promotion application and interview guides towards the end of last year. I’ve been regularly watching your youtube videos, and earlier this month got the news that I was successful in our recent round of force Promotion interviews. I am now awaiting posting in the new year. I can confidently say that your guides and material, and in particular the youtube videos you put out, helped me to rocket my preparation towards the application and boards. With any luck I’ll be back in a few years to take a look at your inspector material. Thank you, as they say here in Wales  - diolch yn fawr iawn I ti. It's the best Christmas present ever!"
Gareth - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Hi Steve, just wanted to give you a call, my name is James & I spoke to you a few months ago. I got some products off you, a digital toolkit & I’ve been listening to your blogs, watching your videos & you signposted me to lots of directions. Just to say thank you very much and to let you know, as with some of the feedback you get, I’m over the moon, I am amazed & I passed my board today, so thanks for that support & thanks for what you are doing for people out there. You are making a massive difference helping to guide us through this process so just a message to pass on my appreciation & to say keep up the good work."
James - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Good morning Steve, a testimonial for you and to help those candidates pondering whether to ‘invest in themselves’. I invested in myself and it paid off. This year was my third attempt at promotion from Constable to Sergeant. I passed the previous two exams but failed to get over the line. There was very little help within the service but as I received my results for the third exam, I discovered your services through your YouTube channel. I immersed myself with all the tips and guidance from your videos, which are brilliant, but I soon realised I needed to get everything down on paper and my examples sorted. I downloaded the free guides; ‘7 Things Promotion Boards Look For’ and ‘Promotion Frameworks’ to start to understand the CVF and what was expected of me. I then purchased the Sergeant digital toolkit Promotion Evidence - ‘What Works’ and ‘Interview Preparation & Questions’ to really nail down how I was going to deliver my examples and to ensure I was on the right track.

I knew I needed practice and feedback for my interview preparation so I got in touch and had two one to one sessions via Skype with you that proved invaluable.

I do not for one second believe that I would have covered any of the ground we covered to really open my eyes as to what is to be expected of a first line leader. Even with nearly 15 years service, I want to be the best Sergeant I can possibly be and your help didn’t just get me over the finishing line this time, it has broadened my knowledge and learning to take into the role and hopefully further.

I have signposted friends and colleagues to you and what ‘Rank Success’ can offer for the forthcoming promotion processes. I will be back when the time is right to go for the pips but for now, I just wanted to thank you for your support and guidance and to recommend you to as many people as possible who share the same desires I have to achieve in our vocation.

All the very best to you Steve and look forward to working with you again very soon."
Marc - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"I passed my interview first time with the help of one of your packs and using these videos. Absolute magic!"
Adam - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Rank Success provided me the knowledge and understanding of what and how the CVF is incorporated into the promotion process. Once I grasped Steve's interpretation of this, I formulated my examples and passed my promotion process by coming in the top 10 in the force."
Phil - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Hey Steve, Just wanted to say thanks for all the online advice, podcasts and videos. Really helpful to provide food for thought and after 3 attempts I’ve now got over the line as a Sgt. I’ll be back for the Inspectors. Cheers."
Rob - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"I can’t thank you enough, after winning your random draw for the Galaxy tab and promotion masterclass, I only went and got through my Sergeant boards today! Such a great insight into the CVFs which I knew very little about before your class. So helpful with all of the revision aids and recommendations for books to read, resources to use and also the podcasts. I learnt so much. Thank you again!"
Sarah - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Hi Steve, I did your masterclass 18 months ago in Coventry. Stuck with it and today came top in the Inspectors board! Thank you for your guidance."
Lesley - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
"Got the good news that I have passed my board today... your blogs were great, really useful. There is no doubt your help and guidance assisted me. Great info and source of material, highly recommended! Thanks again."
Gary - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
"I just wanted to say a big thank you for all your help, guidance and support. Not only did you get me through my Sergeant board 5 years ago, I got the call today to say I passed my Inspector board. Your videos over lockdown and after were brilliant, in setting everything out clearly to me around the CVF. I watched every video more than once. I bought your promotion guides, which again helped settle me and make me believe I could do it. Your phone call to me put me at ease that I was on the right track with my evidence and your advice to calm down speak at half pace worked. No amount of thanks will ever be enough, and I would highly recommend anyone seeking promotion to watch your videos, download all the free products and look at what is good for them. To have that belief in myself, confidence e.g. I was able to remember your ethics video, which supported me in the Diversity, Ethics and Inclusion board as well as the board."
Zoe - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
"Firstly sincere thanks for taking the time to read and amend my example, it is very much appreciated and I was thankfully able to use this very example to answer a question in the board which fitted very nicely. I have since received my results and I have been successful in my promotion board. I cannot express enough how much of an insight your work has given me into the process, I absorbed as much as I can from your guides, masterclass, youtube and most recently your podcasts. Thank you Steve for your help and when I find the energy to think about applying for an Inspectors process in the years to come, I will surely be back to your material! Again sincerest thanks."
Anon - Passed Sergeant PSNI promotion process
"Steve, I purchased your masterclass video package with the toolkits too for the PSNI Sgts process this year. I'm very pleased to report that I got my results yesterday and I passed my board!! There were over 400 candidates and I placed well so I'm happy with that 😃 There's no doubt in my mind your Masterclass and other materials were vital to my success. I highly recommend them to others considering promotion. Thanks also for the 1 to 1 support via phone call and texts. I’m delighted to have succeeded first time."
Anon - Passed Sergeant PSNI promotion process - FIRST TIME
"It’s been four years since you helped me pass my Sgt board first time Steve, but I’m still using your material and just been successful in passing my force Inspector process first attempt!. The download guide was spot on and I managed to use the whole mnemonic, smashing the ‘Why You?”. For this process I spent most days watching you on youtube, which really helped me to structure my responses and in truly understanding the process. I defo owe you a beer. Thanks again."
Craig - Passed Inspector promotion process - FIRST TIME
"In November 2020 I sat my first Sergeants exam, after being talked into joining the process on the very day it closed by my colleagues. I passed the exam and didn't have a clue what to do next. It's safe to say without finding your videos on YouTube and then listening to your podcast for endless hours when walking the dog and driving to work, I wouldn't be where I am today. Your videos give focus and motivation. Your passion for Policing shines through and were a massive help throughout. Due to various delays with COVID I have, just yesterday, received feedback that I had passed my Sergeant board, finishing in the top 5% of candidates. It's been a long year, but even when I struggled to find the motivation, I still stuck on your dulcet Brummy tones. And I'm glad I did. I just want to say thank you. I really appreciate your videos and I know that a lot in my force do. I'll be back to using Rank Success in the future. Keep up the great work and enthusiasm for what you do."
Anon - Passed Sergeant PSNI promotion process FIRST TIME
"Good evening, Steve. Just wanted to let you know I passed the PSNI promotion board today for Sgt and I wanted to say a massive thank you for all your help and assistance getting over the line this time. I found it the most useful resource and will be back in touch when I can apply for the pips. Thank you once again and keep on the good work. It's amazing."
Anon - Passed Sergeant PSNI promotion process
"Hello Steve, I am a Temporary Sgt in the PSNI. I have recently found out that I passed my Sgts board. This was my second attempt. I definitely felt more confident and better equipped to tackle this daunting process having watched your YouTube videos, downloaded your podcasts and used your other toolkits. More importantly I felt more confident doing the Temporary job having taken on board a lot of your insights around leadership and CPD. I’ll definitely recommend you to fellow colleagues and will keep following Rank Success for future promotion campaigns. Thank you for your content."
Anon - Passed Sergeant PSNI promotion process
"Steve just wanted to say a big thank you for all your help and support. I passed the inspectors board process the first time! I found your content on Youtube very helpful but I think the one to one we had was the cherry on top. You advised me how to answer forward facing questions, all the questions on the board were forward facing! I definitely recommend people to use your services if they are serious about passing."
​Anon - Passed Inspector Promotion Board FIRST TIME
"Steve, Just wanted to say thanks for the content you have provided on your YouTube Channel. I used your insights and nuggets of wisdom provided, in particular I found the PESTEL model worked perfectly for me during my presentation to set out the current risks and challenges I faced. The fact that you provide this quality content for free is admirable in the current financial climate and is an outlier when compared with our service providers in the same market. Please keep up ur brilliant work!!! It has really helped in my promotion from Sgt to Inspector."
​Anon, PSNI - Passed Inspector Board
"I first met Steve when I was a Sergeant attending his ‘Promotion Masterclass: What Works?’ event in Birmingham. I was successful first time in the force Inspector boards that followed and again in a selection process for a specialist Detective Inspector post, receiving glowing feedback from my interview board. Colleagues I subsequently signposted to Steve were also successful in achieving promotions. His 121 - personal support over a three-year period to date has included insightful and supportive telephone conversations around CPD focus, structuring promotion evidence and our mutual interest in leadership literature. His bespoke approach to effective promotion preparation gave me the confidence and skills to achieve. Using Steve’s digital Chief Inspector toolkit, his recommended reading and having put the necessary hard work in to apply myself over the last 7 months, I’ve just achieved promotion to Chief Inspector in a very tough force selection process. Over 30 candidates applied. 10 got through. I’ve also been selected to study for a Masters Degree in applied Criminology at Cambridge. I highly recommend Steve’s services and resources to any officer aspiring to promotion, the return on investment is significant."
​Nathan - Passed Chief Inspector Promotion Board
"Hi Steve, Just a quick thank you, I had the dream phone call this morning letting me know that I'd passed the boards and that I'm getting to keep my stripes that I'd been looking after as a temp for the past 9 months. I bought the Sergeant’s digital toolkit and I 'borrowed' the free content. I've followed your YouTube content over the last few months which together allowed me to be much better prepared, better informed and as importantly much more confident in the way I presented my evidence and examples. So thank you very much Steve. Greatly Appreciated."
​Gareth - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Hi Steve, Just to let you know I was successful on my promotion to inspector and wanted to say thank you for your material. I will definitely recommend you to my colleagues."
​Anon, PSNI - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
"Steve, Just a quick message to thank you so much for your products & guidance which helped me pass my promotion board!! The YouTube videos & your guides are so user friendly & informative. I’d certainly recommend them to anyone wanting to go for promotion. They are a brilliant source of information & worth every penny. Thanks again."
​Lowri - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
"Just wanted to pass on my thanks. After failing for a second year running to pass my forces promotion process I sought you out following a recommendation from a colleague. I was amazed at the amount of free youtube videos that were available and the amount of information you give away for free. These really did transform my way of thinking and broaden my understanding of the Sergeant role. I can honestly say I learnt more in 6 months from you than I have in 13 years from my own force. The Sergeants promotion toolkit really helped me focus my efforts and structure my evidence in a way I’d never done before. I found your videos on strategic thinking and Peel Assessments really helpful, it allowed me to identify the direction my force was going in and subsequently anticipate possible interview questions (and some of them did come up!). I am absolutely convinced that I wouldn’t of got through this year without your help. I cannot thank you enough. I’ll be back as soon as I can go for my pips."
​Liam - Newly Promoted Sergeant (after 3 years temp)
"I just wanted to say that having watched your Youtube videos and downloaded your digital guide bundle, I was able to approach my Sergeants board with more confidence. I was successful and will be promoted to the role of Custody Sergeant. I also enjoy your "All leaders read” videos."
​Christopher - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Steve, Just wanted to say thank you for the work that you do & your informative videos/guides. I’ve found out I was successful on 1st attempt to Inspector in my home force."
​Myles - Passed Inspector Promotion Board First Time
"Just to let you know I got through the Inspector process. Your Masterclass was really helpful & your YouTube videos were like gold dust. I’ve literally listened to each video multiple times."
​Steve - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
"Hello Steve, I have repeatedly watched your videos on Rank Success YouTube for over 9 months in preparation for my first Sergeants board. I downloaded your Sergeants Toolkit (at a discounted price thanks to your offer). You provide great inspiration and knowledge without which, I would not have passed my board first time. Thank you"
​Zed - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board First Time
"Hi Steve, Just a quick email to confirm I have passed my Sgt promotion board 1st time! It was hard graft getting ready in a short time frame but I don’t think I could have done it without your digital downloads! Really helped broaden my understanding of leadership. Thank you!"
​Lyndsey - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board First Time
"Hi Steve, It's not really sunk in yet! Your digital guides were so helpful in understanding the process. I honestly couldn't have done it without them. I was successful in my first board for promotion to Sgt. This is no mean feat and competition was tough. This result is down to you as a mentor and coach in understanding me.  Your guides and one to one support helped me to prepare and organise my thoughts and identify my best possible evidence. If I had to only mention one thing, it would be ENAMEL. This gave me the structure and confidence to face each and every question head on, knowing I had something in place to respond. I watched all of your free YouTube videos. The CVF inputs were particularly helpful to break each competency down and really understand it. I can wholeheartedly recommend your services for anyone contemplating promotion, so much so that I am actively thinking about my next promotion using your guides already, such is the confidence you have given me!”
Ian - Passed Sergeant Promotion Process First Time
"Steve, Just wanted to let you know that I’ve passed my Sgt board. I studied for several months and found the evidence (What works) and the interview success downloads to be extremely useful. I struggled with the CVF having been a PC for nearly 25 years and having no experience of it at all! You really helped me in this area. The YouTube videos around demystifying the CVF are really though provoking and I’d highly recommend them. My force selection process was a forward facing interview. I found this difficult and trying to get my head around the forward facing element! The practice questions you provide within Interview Success really helped here. I’m very proud to have achieved promotion and my advice to anyone going for it would be to check out Rank Success, put the work in, practice loads and you’ll do it! Thanks again.”
Eric - Passed Sergeant Promotion Process First Time
"Steve, just a very quick email following on from my purchasing of the online digital toolkit. Having struggled to revise and prep due to covid lockdowns, home schooling, deviated shifts and juggling what seems a myriad of plates at the moment, your toolkit was a life saver. Definitely useful in focusing the mind. Sat my Sergeants board recently and passed 1st time, presentation and interview were actually a quite pleasant experience when armed with the info provided. The structure and tips are top class, and I will be recommending your services to others. Many thanks and kind regards.”
Steve - Passed Sergeant Promotion Process First Time
"Hi Steve, I passed my promotion process comfortably, to say I am over the moon is an understatement. I scored mostly 4’s one 5 and one 3. I was able to answer confidently, I practiced, remembered and it worked perfectly. My 3 was on the very last question, I think I just ran out of steam. This has given me the confidence to push myself even further. I am sure I will be contacting you in the future. Thank you for the support. I will be recommending your products to anyone I will be supporting in the future.”
Manpreet - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Thanks for your videos and download resources, really great insights. I just got through my DS board after your masterclass, and it seems my own force are still struggling to interpret the CVF.”
Rob - Passed Detective Sergeant Promotion Board
"It’s been quite a journey so far. Thank you for all your help through both the Inspector and Chief Inspector processes, your YouTube videos and reading lists; you might want to add Cal Newport’s 'So good they can’t ignore you', it really focused me on the process.”
Rob - Passed Chief Inspector Promotion Board
"I purchased the Inspector What Works ebook to identify what gaps I had in my evidence and to give me a head start in preparation. The guide is extremely detailed and in-depth. I was able to fill my gaps in evidence and deliver it in the best way possible. The ebook is excellent, I have not found anything else like it in the promotion material world. A big thank you to Steve and his contributors as it massively assisted in passing my promotion process. Thanks.”
Chris - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
​​​“ Following on from your promotion seminar, I just wanted to let you know that I’ve had my Inspector board results today and have passed!! Thank you so much. I really believe you helped me tap into something that was always there but maybe I didn’t articulate previously. I wasn’t gifted with being naturally able where processes such as these are concerned but frustratingly I was getting good results in the workplace. I came to you on recommendation and I will be sure to pass on the same to others. I’m really grateful I was put in touch with yourself - it undoubtedly sent me massive steps in the right direction.”
Becky - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
​​​“Hi Steve, I used your products for my Sergeant promotion. They were a godsend. Due to this I recently purchased your Inspector guide. Thanks.”
Sam - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Hi Steve, I took part in one of your classes, just before I was disappointingly not supported for a board by my SMT. Well, just over a year on, I was supported this time around, and I have just found out that I passed it - first time. Thanks for your support last year after my disappointment - your emails were the pick-me-up I needed, and I used your resources and your youtube videos to change a negative into a massive positive. Feeling very vindicated! All the best.”
Stu - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board First Time
"Just a quick email to say passed my board! Thank you for all your products and free inputs. I bought your guides and found them really helpful. I also watched all your YouTube videos and thought they were great, particularly the ones on CVF. Exam to inspector board success in 4 months is not bad! I’ve passed your details to the 3 aspiring sgts on my team who have boards in the next month! Thanks again.”
Jo - Passed Inspector Promotion Board First Time
"Hi Steve, Just wanted to drop you a quick message. I attended one of your masterclasses a while back. Due to some personal issues I had to leave the promotion process and park my ambitions. I still had all my notes and handouts from your class tucked away when I got wind the latest process was about to be announced, I got stuck into my preparation. Your YouTube videos were absolutely excellent, they really focused my efforts and got me to really understand the CVF and how to fit my evidence examples into them. I had my board a couple of weeks ago and your enamel interview structure really allowed me to just chat naturally to the panel in a manner that obviously was good enough for me to pass and be promoted to Sergeant which I found out this morning!!!! I'm absolutely over the moon! Thanks so much for your help and the time you take to produce your material to help aspiring leaders. As you say, this is only half time. I look forward to using your products again in the future!!! Best wishes.”
Roy - New Sergeant, Passed First Time
​​“ Morning Steve, I just wanted to let you know that I passed my Sergeant interview and came 2nd! I found that the workshop and interview guide really helped me to focus and structure my prep for the interview and feel more confident about what I needed to do. Many thanks.”
Julie - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
"Hi Steve, Just a quick email of thanks. Having studied your YouTube sessions I genuinely believe they were key in helping me with my recent Inspector board. Coming from a position of not having been acting prior, I was successful scoring strongly. Great work.”
Tony - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
​​​“I found the masterclass extremely informative and beneficial in preparing my evidence. Steve provides key information about the process removing the ambiguity so that you are able target your evidence into a succinct, concise answer. He also takes the learning back to basics so you can gear your evidence directly to what is required, which is leadership and supervision. I must also comment on how good his YouTube videos are. The links between Daniel Goleman’s work to the College of Policing: Ethical Leadership, has been really enlightening (amongst other things). I strongly recommend this support for anyone, either beginning their promotion preparation or who have a board coming up.”
Steve - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
​​​“Hi Steve, I cannot thank you enough for your help on the course and the time you spent looking at my draft application as I’ve worked my socks off the last couple of years. I passed the promotion application and went on to pass the Sergeant board too (coming top in the force in my interview)! I am now promoted. I also applied for another force at the same time and passed their Sergeant Promotion process too! (an application form and interview) but decided to stay where I am for the time being, however this door is left open so I can transfer after I complete my NPPF. I hope this email finds you well and once again thank you!”
Maria - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
​​​“I think what my greatest concern was probably, translating the work I was doing and had done at my current rank into the application form against the behaviours. I desperately didn't want to fall at the first hurdle. I think that it is often difficult trying to shoehorn your evidence into promotion applications and get it wrong. I wanted to make sure that I put my right evidence in the right place. Therefore, I purchased Steve's inspector application promotion guide to assist me, which I found really useful to see how evidence should be structured and provide a detailed and evidenced response to the behaviours. What I particularly liked was the way the guide laid out the different word count examples for example 250, 300 and 500 words and how to answer force specific questions around personal statements of what I would bring to the rank. The application form guide didn't just help me for the application form but also helped to structure my interview examples and how best to create a clear vision for what I would demonstrate and achieve in the next rank. I thoroughly recommend the inspectors application guide for those seeking promotion not just to inspector. The guide helped me broaden my thinking and awareness for the higher rank of Superintendent and I feel it would be equally of use to those applying for Chief Inspector and Superintendent because I have yet to see anything which gives candidates this clear advice and guidance in order to best structure their evidence to be successful in a police promotion process.”
Jon - Now Superintendent
"Steve, I came to you as an acting Sgt, who’d had a previous catastrophic board. I was certainly very confused about the CVF, you discuss this in one of your YouTube videos (a brilliant resource, more on this later!) around how evidence would fit in.

Attending your promotion masterclass allowed me to think more as a leader and certainly help me sound more knowledgeable. It gave me in depth added value, which I believe gave me the confidence to discuss topics beyond the CVF e.g. I wasn't a robot with pre-rehearsed lines. I recall sitting in your masterclass, with 2/3 of my force promotion application questions drafted, and a skeleton draft on a third example thinking how on earth would I structure effective answers out of anything I had. Later that day you asked me to send my efforts (which I felt embarrassed in doing!) and you helped me develop those examples. Between passing my force paper sift, I re-read your downloadable digital promotion toolkit, which you provided upon my registering for the course, and I recognised similar examples to my own experiences. I was kicking myself for wasting your time. But then it dawned on me, I wasn't able to ‘see’ the examples the first time, as I wasn't “thinking in CVF mode” prior to completing my first drafts. When I read through your examples now, they are clearly obvious.
 
After my successful promotion board, I received my feedback and discovered I lost just one mark in the whole of the interview process! I was promoted back to Firearms as Sergeant, managing a team at Headquarters. 
 
Soon afterwards, a Roads Policing Unit vacancy (RPU) was advertised. After a lot of deliberation, I submitted an application. It turned out this was the highest scoring application out of 12 applicants for the post. I learned also that my interview was impressive and I got the RPU Sergeant role! To me, this proves that listening, discussing, interacting with you and sitting reading your material, transformed my thought process, not just CVF based, but by inspiring my knowledge around the world of ‘police leadership’. To give you an example, I sat in the RPU interview (as I had in my promotion board) feeling confident to discuss the changing environment of policing and how we must keep pace with technology as mentioned in the literature you signposted me to. This included specific information about how my force could be more efficient and how I would contribute to that as a Sergeant. I proactively discussed investigative standards, VCOP compliance and how I would strive to help the force move from a good grading to outstanding. 
 
Furthermore, because of your direction to targeted reading resources, I found myself reading topical reports and highlights so that I was clear around maintaining public service and innovation, ensuring we look at collaborations to ensure the best service. I also discussed my leadership style, and how I now consider myself to lean more towards a collaborative leadership style. Your guidance to “Ethical Leadership in Policing” helped here and how this would fit in with my supportive leadership. This all came together when I spoke, I was able to give in-depth, structured answers and make relevant links between vision/direction in policing, my Force/PCC vision and importantly me, my views, my spin and my intentions. This was all due to attending your masterclass and working through the reading list.
 
In interview for my RPU post, I was asked about emotional awareness. My answer started with the components to emotional intelligence, including my views and values. This was similar to your explanation in the YouTube video, not because I was giving your descriptions verbatim, but it’s how the competency makes sense to me. Your YouTube sessions are fantastic, not just for recap, but to review and to understand. I think this year I will concentrate on completing my NPPF4. Then I’ll focus on my next exam. You will see me again! Thank you."

Meds - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
​​​“Evening Steve, hope you are well. I bought your toolkit in January & used your Youtube videos before attending the MasterClass! I heard today that I passed my Inspector Promotion board. After the written application, we had a work based exercise, very much like an Ospre II station on two CVF areas: We Analyse Critically & We are Collaborative. Then a couple of weeks later an interview with 9 questions on the 4 CVF values. Thanks for everything. Regards.”
Mark - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
​​​“Hi Steve, hope you are well and lockdown2 isn’t affecting you too much. Just wanted to let you know I was successful in my Sergeant promotion board!! Just waiting to hear my posting before I move onto another challenge. I definitely followed and used a lot of your advice, it clearly paid off! Thank you for all your help and support taking the time to speak with me before my interview and to discuss my evidence with me. It made the difference between success and failure, so thank you. I'll be in touch again for my Inspectors.”
Matt - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
​​​“Just wanted to inform you I passed my inspector boards first time... Keep the advice coming!”
Gavin - Passed Inspector Promotion Board First Time
​​​“I downloaded [promotion guides] and used a fair amount for my Chief Inspector’s board, especially round preparation, mindset, exercise, structure, well everything basically. Having previously failed I nailed this one. Got a 3rd pip now. Thank you mate, great guide.”
Richard - Passed Chief Inspector Promotion Board
​​​“Steve, for the second time in 3 years: thank you, thank you and thank you.”
Rob - Passed Chief Inspector Application
​​​“Having failed 2 previous promotion boards I decided to try something different. Rank Success really helped me focus on and link the different areas being assessed. The information provided to me through the promotion masterclass and 1 to 1 coaching was brilliant and undoubtedly helped me to pass. I would highly recommend. Many thanks.”
Shane - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
​​​“Hi Steve, Just a short e-mail to say I purchased your digital guides to assist with my prep. How I wished I had referred to it last year for an entirely different process! Although the Inspector process is new in my force with the CVF and the ‘interview’ being a morning of testing and questions, what a help your guides were with defining roles, expectations and explaining stuff along with the myriad of other stuff you have to read. I have just returned from my board this morning and passed to a moderation panel. Last year I was nowhere near the mark. Although I may not make the final cut, your guides were invaluable. Thanks again.”
Stuart - Passed Inspector Promotion Board to moderation
​​​“Hi Steve, I just wanted to let you know that I attended your Sgt to Inspectors course and I received my result that I passed first time my Inspectors interview board. I can’t thank you enough the advice you gave around start preparing early and don’t leave it to chance. I felt very prepared and felt confident when I left the interview room. I shall be recommending you to my friends and colleagues. Thank you for your help.”
Mo - Passed Inspector Promotion Board First Time
​​​“Hi Steve, just wanted to drop you a quick line to say thanks. I used your promotion guides after 2 previously failed attempts and smashed the interview. Got the call yesterday.”
Phil - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
​​​“Steve, I passed the Sgt board!!!! Thank you so much. From the groundwork and base knowledge from your Masterclass, you somehow managed to cram into my head, the YouTube videos and your personal assistance with the application form, all of it a massive help and leg up, as we'd say here, Diolch o Galon :). VERY elated.”
Meds - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
​​​“Just to let you know, I’ve been doing the Inspector boards every year since 2009. I couldn’t get to your recent workshop so I downloaded your Inspector toolkit and after 12 years of trying, I just passed! Something worked, thank you.”
Jonathan - Passed Inspector Promotion Process
​​​“Really pleased having just got through the sergeant promotion process. I attended your Masterclass and had your guides. Everyone should use this. Brilliant friendly service that really focuses on what you need to know. I will def use again.”
Rebecca - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
​​​“Steve coached me on the lead up to my virtual Admiralty Interview Board (AIB). He built my confidence by developing my mindset, which allowed me to be an effective communicator during the AIB. He was welcoming & had a sense of understanding. Steve had extensive knowledge surrounding the military interview process. I highly recommend Steve, his coaching helped me pass my AIB & achieve my dream of becoming a Royal Naval Officer.”
Kieran - Royal Navy Officer Process
​​​“PASSED FIRST TIME! I attended the Rank Success Promotion Masterclass in Birmingham & was met by Steve who made everyone feel welcome. The venue was well set up with stationery & refreshments for the day. Steve made sense of the NPPF/CVF & explained how all my evidence would translate into the interview process. He provided clarity around how to structure my answers & how to present it to the panel. Following a delay in sitting my board due to Covid Steve kept in touch ensuring I was on track & assisted me with the application process. I can’t recommend him & the Masterclass enough, money well spent. I will be back when the time is right for my Insp promotion process. Thanks again Steve.”
Stu - Passed Sergeant Promotion Process First Time
​​​“Enjoyed your blog & loved your Inspector guide. Your mnemonic for interview responses got me promoted & landed me a secondment too!”
David - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
​​​“I found your Inspector guides invaluable to put me on the right track, but the two hour coaching session was fantastic & really raised my knowledge & confidence.”
Andy - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
​​​“After almost 4 years of acting, I passed the Inspectors board on my 4th time of trying. Your digital guides as study aids helped me focus and concentrate on what was important but it was your promotion masterclass that really hit home what I needed to do to succeed. I couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you.”
Lee - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
​​​“Steve, thought I would drop you a quick note to let you know I got promoted to Inspector. I am in no doubt your guides assisted me in getting there.”
Stuart - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
​​​“Having failed a previous board and a couple paper sifts I attended Steve’s Masterclass as a 'last straw' in my attempts to be promoted to Sergeant. The day spent with Steve for the Masterclass was not as I expected it would be. Steve had prepared information specifically for me in relation to my force which made me feel incredibly welcome and as though I was having a bespoke input, despite there being several other officers there.  
 
Having acted as a Sergeant for several years and looked at varying frameworks for promotion culminating in the current CVF, the “advice” offered from well meaning ranks above me had confused and 'muddied the water' in my own mind. Steve was able to de-mystify the CVF whilst reminding me that I was going to present myself as a capable sergeant and to not be overly worried by “key words and phrases”. Instead to be confident that I had underpinned each example I had with the role of a sergeant. The image of Bald Stew was therefore something I carried with me into my board having thought about this when developing my examples.
 
The board itself, having been there before, was a much different experience.  Within my force it is a presentation based upon a critical incident and then your action plan for dealing with numerous issues at an underperforming station.  From Steve I had in my back pocket the hierarchical responsibilities and leadership priorities of a sergeant – organisation, CJS etc – and found this a good fit to my presentation task. I felt this aided me in sounding prepared, confident and organised. My conclusion was met with smiles and "no further questions" for the first part of my board. This allowed me to relax and feel confident going into the competency based interview part of the board. On first glance the CVF is incredibly confusing, to have it broken down step by step with clear diagrams was so powerful. To then take this away and rebuild it around my policing experience to provide my examples, meant I felt prepared and incredibly confident around the content of my answers as well as having simple, effective responses to questions such as “why you”, “what have you done.” I could talk myself up!

Having been successful at this process, that day spent with Steve and the subsequent preparation I undertook also aided me in my substantive position as it had enabled me to take a step back from the CVF and appreciate my own strengths. Especially how I clearly provided the support and motivation to those officers who worked within my teams.

I have now passed the Inspector's exam and am going to attend another Masterclass with Steve to aid preparation for a future board process where I intend to be successful first time around. I do not envisage being fortunate enough to have acting or temporary experience at the Inspector rank before there is an advertised process and whilst I now recognise that this is not essential, I know that I will benefit from Steve’s input on how to prepare. I am confident that once again Steve will focus my mind on policing and why we do it, highlight the importance of the individual within the rank, signpost some excellent external material and hopefully introduce me to Bald Stew’s higher ranked sibling. There will be lightbulb moments within the Masterclass where I ‘ find' my first example and that will start me on the path to success once again.”
James - Passed Sergeant Promotion Process
​​​“Thought I’d let you know, I got through. Thanks, very insightful got me thinking further out the box than I was. Some absolute gold added to my plan for the assessments. Definitely a few lines which saw me survive the board.”
Stu - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
​​​“Just dropping you a line to let you know I successfully navigated the Inspectors promotion board! Really chuffed and this result wouldn’t have been possible without the platform and supporting material you provided. You got me in the right space at the right time. I did quite well & I’m happy to say that the interview felt really comfortable which is thanks to the preparation (the right preparation) which you tuned me in to. All the best.”
Dan - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
​​​“ Hi Steve, hope you & your family & friends are all well in this unprecedented time. I wanted to let you know that I had my Inspector promotion board on 1st April & pleased to say I received the call yesterday that I had passed! First time too! Many thanks, for a fantastic day, the course really helped focus my preparation & encouraged me. I have been & will continue to recommend you to others! Wishing you the best.”
Mike - Passed Inspector Promotion Board First Time
​​​“ Good afternoon Steve, I had one of the best phone calls I think I have had in a long time yesterday to say that I passed the Sgt board. Thank you for the information and advice through your workshop and literature. I will certainly recommend you to anyone who is thinking about getting promoted. Kind regards.”
Tom - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
​​​“ I passed and am now in post after 7 years of trying. Thanks for the support and advice. You contributed to my success and I am grateful for that.”
Chris - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
​​​“ Hi Steve, Just wanted to let you know that I passed my inspectors board. I am confident that a lot of my marks were gained from attending your workshop. And I think I watched the Colin Powell clip at least 8 times! Many thanks.”
Nick - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
​​​“ Hi Steve, Just want to drop you a message to let you know I have been successful through the Sgt process (Application, SBI, and micro exercises) I am currently awaiting my posting. Your guides were very helpful. Thanks again for your help and advice.”
Rob - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
​​​“Hi, just a quick thank you. I’ve been OSPRE qualified 10 years and sat my first sergeant board successfully this month. I bought the 2 Sergeant’s guides and really found they helped focus my preparation. Used the mnemonic in my presentation to get off to a confident start. I’ve already recommended you to a few who didn’t get through.”
Darren - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board First Time
​​​“ Hi Steve, just to let you know I passed my promotion board first time! I really wanted to thank you, your workshop really gave me the edge over other candidates in a very competitive assessment.”
Mike - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board First Time
​​​“ A huge thank you! I have just found out this week I passed my Inspectors' Board. I downloaded your promotion guides & they were a massive help. I have previously used another company's online guide, but I found your guides to be much more user friendly. I have recommended you to so many people. There is so much mystery surrounding promotion & your guides made it clear & easy to understand what was expected of me. Thanks again, Zoe. ”
Zoe - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
​​​“ I have just passed my Sgts promotion board 1st time, I had no previous knowledge of the promotion process but I purchased your promotion application & interview guides, which gave me a huge insight & the edge, thank you! ”
Steve - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board First Time
​​​“ Steve, Just to let you know I was successful in my recent Sergeant's promotion board. The masterclass I attended 13 days prior to my interview helped immensely. I thoroughly recommend to any promotion candidates your masterclass and guides. Without doubt preparation is key & the knowledge you have around the process played a huge role in my eventual success, a big thank you. ”
Richard - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
​​​“ I passed :-) . Your masterclass & assistance definitely made the difference. Thanks again for all the help & support. ”
Wayne - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
​​“ Just to let you know I passed the Sgts board, the masterclass & the Skype session definitely helped, the presentation went well (couldn’t have gone any better) with your guidance & structure... also, thanks for the pep talk when I felt I was having a meltdown a few days before the board! ”
Craig - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
​​“ Steve, I have just passed my Inspector Board achieving top marks in the presentation, interview and briefing exercise!  Attending your Masterclass 3 months ago transformed my preparation and was a lightbulb moment.  It taught me structure, best delivery of my examples and a comprehensive understanding of the CVF.  Following this up with reading your iBooks and blogs coupled with many hours of practice nailed it for me. My journey after disappointment at last years Board is complete! I should have done this years ago. ”
Jamie - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
​​“ I just wanted to let you know that I have today I found out I have been successful at Inspector promotion. This was my first attempt. Thank you for all your material which really helped me get through. I will pass your masterclass details onto others so they can attend and benefit as I have done. ”
Andy - Passed Inspector Promotion Board First Time
​​“ Hi Steve, I recently attended your course in Birmingham. I would just like to update you that I was successful at interview and have already been promoted to Detective Inspector. The masterclass opened up my perspective of how to introduce my wider strategic understanding into my examples and how my evidence contributed on a larger scale. I also went away and considered what I thought was important in leadership to me personally and shaped that around a personal statement against my qualities and experience to end the interview. I was really pleased to hear I didn’t just pass, my evidence and delivery was commended. Thanks for all your help. ”
Simon - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
​​“ Steve, after attending your masterclass I was successful in promotion to Inspector. Using the same techniques and with your support I have again been successful for a specialist DI post last week. This proves the high quality and durability of your course content. I received glowing feedback from my interview board. I would highly recommend Rank Success if you want to win first time. ”
Nathan - Promoted as Detective Inspector
​​“ Your masterclass paid off! I passed my Inspector's Board! Thanks for your guidance and inspiring course. ”
Tim - Passed Inspector Promotion Board First Time
​​“ Having failed my Sergeant board in 2016, I did your Masterclass at the Motorcycle Museum in early 2017. No boards in 2017, so first Sergeant boards since your course was last week [late 2018]. I passed and I’m due in post in January! Thanks very much. ”
Chris - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
​​“ Hi Steve I chatted with you a while back and attended your Masterclass in Birmingham. I just wanted to let you know my force ran a promotion process recently and I was successful. I have to say your event was great and helped me answer in depth particularly around my own CPD. I’ll see you for Inspectors next! ”
Karl - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
​​“ Steve, Three weeks ago I bought your interview success e-guide. I was up against the clock, in a very specialised role with limited time to prepare for my board. To be honest I’d left it very late to prepare as I was not confident that I’d be successful at the application stage due to my role in the covert arena. I was notified that I was through to interview and had two weeks to prepare. After some research I found your website and purchased the interview success guide. I honestly believe it has made the difference. This morning, after sitting my board 5 days ago I was told I was successful. Thank you for putting such a detailed and informative package together. It enabled me to identify my strengths and weaknesses and act upon them, and also showed me how to make my evidence fit the abilities to prepare detailed top scoring answers. Thank you for providing this service and helping me pass my Sgts board. ”
Alex - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
​“ I downloaded the evidence guide, interview guide & then attended Steve’s masterclass. The evidence guide helped me cut a lot of unnecessary info out of my examples while using the interview guide to structure responses. This time I was more flexible with my answers,  I didn't regurgitate the competency behaviour but the way you broke them down in the guides, I knew I was hitting them confidently. Certainly having a broader experience helped and the different reports you referred me to helped me link my examples back to policing priorities and challenges faced by my force, which I'm sure gave me an advantage. My board this time was a pleasant experience, I knew from the effort put in, attending the masterclass and my own prep afterwards, that I could confidently answer the panel's questions. These were time limited, but this time I had so much more to give. Next step for me is Inspector, I would recommend Rank Success to any officer looking to get ahead of the game. ”
Dave - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
​​“ I used your resources to successfully pass my PC to Sgt board. Thanks again, superb resources. I've been telling every candidate to use Rank Success.”
Jake - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
​​“ Hi Steve, Just a quick one to say thanks. Got my results on Friday and I’ve been promoted! Money well spent, I’ll definitely be recommending Rank Success to any officers looking for promotion.”
Paul - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
​​“ Hi Steve, I have just had news that I have passed the latest Sergeant promotion board! I am over the moon as it was my third attempt (but first after attending your masterclass in June this year). Thanks for the focus and clarity that you gave me, and I will definitely recommend your course to any of my colleagues in the future who need help negotiating the confusing and daunting police promotion process! Many thanks. ”
Matt - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
​“ Hi Steve, Just had my board results and passed with flying colours! I was on your recent masterclass at the beginning of November. A lot of what you said gave me a lot of food for thought and was so incredibly valuable in trying to sell my self as a leader to the board. Forever grateful. ”
Samantha - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board on the First Attempt
​“ Hi Steve, Had my board last week and passed, I felt so much more confident walking in and it clearly showed! Thanks for all your help, and I’ll see you when it’s the inspectors interviews next! ”
James - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
​“ With 3 days to go until my board I attended Steve's masterclass. It gave me the last minute boost and focus I needed. I passed my board and without attending would not have done so well. Steve's targeted tips and no nonsense advice was golden. I would highly recommend Steve's masterclasses to anyone who wants to pass first time. ”
Nathan - Passed Inspector Promotion Board on the First Attempt
​“ Steve, I’m am delighted to say I passed!!!! Thank you so much for your help on the course it was extremely helpful and worth it’s weight in gold. I’ve took on board lots of aspects I can use on my journey. Will recommend to colleagues without doubt. ”
Michelle - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
​“ Morning Steve, I'm pleased to say I was successful and placed in the promotion pool. Thank you for your insight and input on the day, it helped me enter the process with a more rounded approach, which gave me the confidence to actually enjoy the assessment centre and treat it as a professional chat. ”
Andy - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
​“ Good morning, I have just found out I passed my Inspectors board. I bought your ebooks, their content and advice definitely helped in the interview. Thank you very much! ”
Nicky - Passed Inspector Promotion Board
​“ I applied for promotion three times with my force and was unsuccessful each time. From wanting to give up and thinking it may not be for me, I attended Steve's promotion masterclass where I got to grip with how and what I needed to do. I tried one final time applying for advertised Inspector vacancies in three different forces. All three forces had different application processes (A “Why Me & Why Now” Letter, an online application and a standard application).
 
I was successful in all three paper sifts that followed and was invited to interviews/assessment centres. Steve’s ebooks helped me to prepare for my presentations, briefings and formal interviews. I went from 3 Failures to 3 Passes! 

I passed all three promotion boards with flying colours coming top in two processes. Going from three failures to a choice of three forces! I wish I could take all the positions offered but have to decide where is my career best suited! I could not have done it without Steve’s guidance and support!! ”
Deepak - Passed THREE Inspectors Board, on the trot!
​“ Hello Steve, Just wanted to let you know that I passed my Sergeant promotion process and that I am really happy! I have no doubt the result would have been different if it wasn't for your masterclass, workbooks and continued support. What worked in my interview was the role of the Sergeant (mnemonic), Public confidence and the ENAMEL structure of answering. I will be recommending Rank Success to colleagues and will come back to you when going for the next rank! ”
Ben - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
​“ Hi Steve, Just thought I’d drop you a line to let you know that I passed my Insp. board first time! If I’m being honest I thought I was a little bumpy in places, so it was a real joy to receive the news I’d passed! Your downloadable manuals and the Masterclass were no doubt a large part of my success in this process, so I just wanted to say thanks! ”
Brian - Passed Inspector Promotion Board First Time
​“ Had my interview, found out last night! I found your material a god send, it gave me guidance re structure for answers and helped me to understand the framework criteria. Further to this your advice gave me the determination to prepare well for the interview. ”
Deborah - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
​​“ Just wanted to drop a line & say thanks for the material. Passed my Inspector panel at 1st attempt and found it all a big help in setting my head up with what I needed to get through & what was otherwise clutter. ”
Nick - Passed Inspector Promotion Board First Time
​​“ I attended your masterclass at the end of March and just wanted to let you know that, at the third attempt, I finally passed the sgts promotion board. I wasn't able to immediately read up and review etc, however one thing that did stick and I used in the board, was the report you provided, linked to one of my examples. I got the call to say I'd passed. I was told I'd done really well!  Something obviously worked :-) ”
Lynn - Passed Sergeant Promotion Process
​​“ My colleague and I met with Steve before our PC to PS promotion board. We found the session very helpful, especially with out lack of knowledge about the new CVF. Steve provided us with all the tools and motivation we needed to prepare for the board, and we also found the follow up document very useful. We found it was helpful to meet with Steve early on so we had plenty of time to prepare as we hadn’t quite realised the enormity of the task ahead! Would definitely recommend and we passed. ”
Sarah - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board First Time
​​“ I passed so all good. They don’t make it easy. Long Process. Thanks for the guide it gave me some good background reading.”
James - Passed Inspector Promotion Process
​​“ Steve, just to let you know I passed the DS board today. Your material and tips were invaluable, definitely a wise investment.”
Sam - Passed Sergeant Promotion Process
​​“ Hi Steve, just wanted to let you know I passed my Sergeant board this week! I went on your masterclass last September and really thought about everything I learned when doing my preparation. I even managed to get the whole mnemonic into one of my answers. A big thank you.”
Lesley - Passed Sergeant Promotion Process
​​“ Prior to attending the Masterclass I was very much focused on my evidence and me and didn’t really look beyond what I had in front of me. The class helped me look at the bigger picture, and think more about the organsiation and how my focus should be about how my experience fits into the needs of the police service. It just completely changed how I looked at everything and it was like the penny just dropped. ”
Ann - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
​​“ Just to let you know I passed the promotion board!! Scored well on my interview. ”
Ann - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
“ Hi Steve I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to talk to me about the promotion board. You really helped ground me and bring me back to basics having felt pretty stressed in the build up. I knew I had done the leg work preparing examples but needed to calm down, relax and think about how I could best sell myself on the day. I took on board all of your interview tips and advice and passed the board at the first attempt. ”
Alec - Achieved Promotion
​​“ Hi, I’d just like to say a big thank you. I passed my Sgts boards recently. I used your interview guide, which helped me think broader and identified development areas that I was able to work on prior to my interview.”
Shaun - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
​“ Steve, I just wanted to keep in touch. I am a Met officer who spoke to you quickly on the phone. I got through the Sergeant process with a strong score. I used your free bits and books for ideas. I think the main bit was saying what you will do as a Sgt, not just want you have done. I am looking at the Inspector process and will be coming to a class & buying all the Inspector bits. The blogs you put out and motivational captions are great, thank you. See you at your earliest masterclass [next year]. ”
Steve - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
“ Steve, I am pleased to inform you that I have been successful in my Sergeants Promotion Process. The guidance you provided me with during the one to one session and email support was simply invaluable and focused my efforts in the right direction to pass the process first time. I would have no hesitation in recommending your support to others and will hopefully see you in the future in preparation for the next rank. Thank you again. ”
Carlos - Achieved Promotion to Sergeant First Time
“ Hi Steve, l just wanted to tell you l passed my board 2nd time round. Can't thank you enough for your help not just on the course but after. Growth mindset was very much the key! I’ll be recommending you for sure. Thank you. ”
Lorna - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
“ Hi Steve, Just wanted to touch base and let you know I was successful at interview for promotion. ”
Martin - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
“ Steve’s session allowed me to really dig in to the nuts and bolts of the role of the Inspector. It helped me to go away and elevate my thinking to the level of the next rank. His literature and constant supply of email updates really kept me focussed, took the strategic stress out of the process and allowed me to concentrate on me and my values. ”
Steve - Passed Inspector Promotion Board (first time!)
“ Steve, I just wanted to drop you an e-mail to update you that I sat the final part of the Inspectors Promotion process on Thursday 21st December. I am pleased to inform you that I have been successful. Your help & guidance was invaluable, focussing me on what was expected of an Inspector, processes for answering questions to ensure strong evidence was presented etc.  I cannot thank you enough & I have no hesitation in recommending your support to others. Merry Christmas. ”
Chris - Newly Promoted Inspector
​“ Just to let you know I had my results today from my Sergeant assessment centre. The process was two work based scenarios and a 45 minute interview. Having not acted since 2009, I am extremely happy and would like to thank you for all your help and advice. ”
Hannah - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
“ Thanks to Steve and Rank Success I was successful at my first Sergeants' Board! I travelled some considerable distance from my force area to one of Steve's Masterclasses. It proved to be invaluable. The best money I ever spent on my own promotion development! The Masterclass gave me the right frame of mind and motivation to succeed. Along with the online resources and emails that Steve followed up with after the course, I found a structure for my preparation, which was second to none.
Steve's information is up to date and he knows the process from application to board inside out. Using Rank Success' resources, I was able to formulate a successful application form and a structured 'plan of attack' for the actual board. Steve does not lay the answers on a plate; there is still a great deal of your own work to do, but he provides a thought-provoking foundation for your preparation. I am convinced that the Masterclass and relevant booklets helped me to 'edge away from the pack', ensuring that I really stood in good stead at the board! Thanks again Steve and a highly recommended course! ”
Austen - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
“ A pre-Christmas good news story of getting my head down and getting through the promotion process at long last!! Having struggled with the process several times you reignited my passion in policing and made me realise that sense of purpose was key to what I was going to tell my board. Your energy and commitment to supporting me as a client was essential... thank you, I look forward to working with you in the future! ”
James - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
“ It takes a lot of hard work and results to get that senior management team support to be put forward for the promotion board.  
Steve’s guidance allowed me to bring my cloud of accumulated knowledge and experience into a focused ordered structure to maximise scoring in those key 45 minutes you have to shine. I would thoroughly recommend the one to one support as I believe this made that difference that allowed me to pass my Inspectors board first time. I never really considered one to one support until a colleague mentioned it (Who had been successful through Steve’s support).  I have no hesitation in recommending this service to others aspiring to take that next step towards promotion.  The session is excellent value, which will be more than recouped on my first pay packet as inspector. ”
Paul - Passed Inspector Promotion Board First Time
“ Steve, for the second time in 3 years: thank you, thank you and thank you. ”
Rob - Passed Chief Inspector Application
“ Hi Steve, Just wanted to drop you an email to say that I was successful in the sergeant process. My interview feedback was great, one of the best they marked! Thank you so much for your help. ”
Nadine - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
“ Hi Steve, We spoke a few times about the sergeants board (I'm the lady on maternity leave) and I'm pleased to say I passed the board. Your interview guide definitely got me through the day. Just wanted to say a huge thank you for your help and time. I can't say thank you enough for your support through the process. ”
Gemma - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
“ I passed my Sergeant board! I came out of there and felt like I had over prepared! A very reassuring feeling! Thank you so much for all of your help.I just wanted to say that I would not hesitate to recommend you and the masterclass to my colleagues. Despite having limited time to prepare for the interview, you gave me the confidence and knowledge to walk into the interview room with all of the detail I required  - enabling me to stand out from the rest.  You gave up your time to help when I needed that little bit extra advice and for that I am very grateful.  I am already planning on studying for my Inspectors exam - I will be in touch in the future without a doubt! ”
Emma - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
“ Hello Steve. Just to let you know I passed my Sergeant's board this week. I built on last year and tuned in to what they really wanted to hear. Also practice presentations which made a huge difference to my success. ”
Rachael - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
“ Steve, just to let you know that I was successful in the Inspector process. There is no doubt your masterclass and in particular the books I got from you played a part in my success. ”
Richard - Passed Inspector Promotion Process
“ Hi Steve, just found out that I was successful on my boards and have been promoted after 3yrs in a temporary sergeant role. Thanks for the masterclass held in Birmingham and the material you provided, there is no doubt it gave me confidence and focus to my preparation work. Thanks again for your assistance, I will be highly recommending you to my colleagues. ”
Gwynn - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
“ Hi Steve, I passed my promotion board and going into my new role next week. Thanks for your help. ”
Martin - Passed Sergeant Promotion Process
“ Steve, thank you so much. With assistance of your interview guide and your blogs, which I read intently, I’ve passed the Sergeant boards first attempt. Brilliant material, gave me the edge I feel especially in the interview. ”
Stuart - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board First Time
“ Hi Steve, Passed the board finally, 4th time lucky! Thanks for the guidance Steve, your session gave me some good ideas on how to structure answers and how to prepare - money well spent! All the best, will speak to you when I pass the Inspector exams! ”
Chris - Passed Sergeant Promotion Board
“ Hi Steve, Just thought I’d let you know that I’ve just had the call to say I’ve passed my first SGTs board.  Not only that but they have highlighted me for the next rank too. (completely unexpected!) Thanks for all your help. ”
Debbie - Passed Sergeant Selection Process First Time
“ Just like to say thank you. Just passed my promotion board and read 5 parts of your 7 part blog on promotion. Your articles are encouraging and thought provoking and gave me self confidence rather than conforming to someone else’s stereotype or model. I find them relevant, bite size and challenging, which I think is key to self reflecting and therefore progressing. ”
Nick - Passed Sergeant Selection Board
“ Hi Steve, I wanted to say a huge thank you. I've recently passed the PC to Sgt process. I can honestly say that your Masterclass, along with your website and personal encouragement has been invaluable. You gave me the right direction to steer my study and gave me the tools to create a winning structure that saw me through on the day. I have already been recommending your services to people, and will continue to do so. Thank you so much. ”
Jonny - Passed Sergeant Selection Process First Time
“ I have recently passed my sergeants board first time and can safely say I wouldn't have had the confidence and drive to get through without  ranksuccess. I started out totally mystified and unsure if what lay ahead and so nine months prior to my board I attended a masterclass. This took away some of the mystery for me and also gave me some confidence in my approach. Keen not to miss anything out, I also purchased the application guide and interview guide which were invaluable. Finally, I booked a one to one with Steve 6 weeks before my board. In between? Practice practice practice! Id say the most valuable part of my rank success experience include the guides, which i could reference at any point but also the fact that steve was there via email or phone to bring me back to focus when I contacted him in a panic, having hit a wall in my prep. It's a very hard process, but so worth it if you are willing and able to put the time and work in. Nothing comes easily, but ranksuccess tools guide you down the right path and give you the confidence that you need and can take with you as soon as you walk through that door on the day of your board. I get posted to my new team in the next couple of weeks and I still can't quite believe it! "
Ceri - Passed Sergeant Selection Process First Time
“ Hi Steve, some great news, I was successful at the Inspector’s process! With a top score. Thank you for your excellent Masterclass it made a HUGE difference. The practice and smart working helped tremendously. ”
Luke - Newly Promoted Inspector
“ I've tried for 9 years and sat 7 boards. This year I fully embraced your masterclass and passed, thanks for your help. Will definitely return for my inspectors.
I think what was different this time was looking at the process as lasting a year since I was unsuccessful at the last boards. Since then I was moved to a new team, then I generated a move to a new department. Each move I saw as a CPD opportunity.  I ensured that I recorded evidence and thought of interview questions where I could use examples.
The result of this was when I had to complete my application I had a bank of questions ready to go, the difficulty was… too many examples. When it came to the interview I had a bank of examples to use depending on the questions. 
One crucial change I made was concentrating on the rank I was going for. In the past I have tried to use the most serious incidents I had dealt with, trying to impress the board but failing to answer what I was asked. This time I concentrated on "I'm going for a Sergeants job", something I have done for 9 years. I stopped thinking they were looking for the next Chief Constable and gave examples of day to day work, proving I could run a team and being a good leader and manager.
I definitely see promotion as a process that lasts more than the two months from applications being published to interview. Through planning, this meant nerves that hindered me in the past were reduced. Thanks again. "
Dan - Passed Sergeant's Promotion Interview
" Steve, Thanks so much for the advice Tuesday lunchtime. Bought one of your books and took the mnemonic in with me!  I Passed - 6th out of 20.  It genuinely made a difference.  Thanks so much - the run, porridge, water and extra advice did the trick. My wife will be in touch for the proper masterclass! ”
Rob - Passed Inspectors Selection Process
“ Steve, I meant to contact you sooner. I was notified in November that I passed the promotion process and just received my substantive posting that begins in March. I purchased some of your electronic products including the interview guide and honestly believe this made the difference between pass or fail as I had a really good board and SJT but average scores on the Etray exercises. It does appear that processes are becoming more about ability to get through these extra tests away from the application and board and would urge any candidate to really do their homework on these. Many thanks for you products and support  . ”
Paul - Passed Sergeants Promotion First Time
“ I managed to score 20/20 at local assessment, they knocked 1 mark off at moderation resulting in 19/20 - Your booklet obviously helped me shape my examples into exactly what they were looking for. ”
Rich - Sgt to Inspector candidate (in progress)
“ My first promotion board & I am pleased to say I passed! Thank you for your interview guide. I found it instrumental in formulating my answers. It covered a lot of topic areas that were tested. Thanks again. ”
Paul - Passed Sergeants Promotion First Time
“ Hi Steve, Just a quick one to say I had my board results through yesterday... and you can add another success to your long list!  Many thanks for your assistance. ”
Frazer - Passed Inspectors Promotion Board
“ The workshop is invaluable in relation to two key areas - getting yourself properly motivated and secondly in getting you to think wider about leadership and your values and how they relate to your organisation. The one to one session with Steve for me was another excellent investment. It is an opportunity to discuss ideas around the role, leadership , your delivery and what you bring to the role you aspire to. It's an opportunity to practice answering questions and reflecting on how and what you want to get across in your board. Steve knows his stuff, he's experienced and he has an excellent success rate. The reality is that it is a small investment in time and money, that coupled with you putting the time and effort in will reap rewards. ”
Neil - Passed Sergeants Promotion Board First Time
“ Steve has mentored me over the last 2 years, by way of his promotion masterclass, one2one Skype coaching, and more recently his Inspectors’ application guide containing  detailed examples. I also used his promotion interview guide which I found very insightful. I'd fallen at previous hurdles, but Steve was always there to encourage me, working with me and turning my frustrations into learning opportunities. Finally, after a long slog, I've got there. I had great feedback on my application and interview performance.Thank you. ”
Lee - Newly Promoted Inspector
“Worth every penny. I can highly recommend Steve’s guides, masterclass and one to one coaching. Many people including myself find promotion frustrating and confusing as to what is required. After failing a board previously Steve demystified the process and made clear what you need to do and learn to be successful. The masterclass was a good start to my preparation and in addition I had one to one coaching sessions. These were more focused on my individual needs and gave me great focus to exactly what I needed to do. Steve is passionate and professional about what he does and has a genuine interest in helping you to pass. I passed my board with confidence and have no doubt that I would not have done this without Steve’s input.”
'Tina' - Passed Inspectors Board
“ I passed!!! 3 x 4s and a 5 - needed minimums of 3. Thanks for your help.”
Tim - Passed Inspector Selection Process
“ Steve just to let you know I have been successful in my recent board. I am over the moon. The presentation I received from you around leadership was excellent. Leadership was a subject very much featured in my board. I will definitely be recommending your Masterclass to anyone who is serious about passing the board. Thank you again for all your help and support very much appreciated. ”
Naz - Passed Sergeants Promotion Board
“ I attended the promotion Masterclass, I was grateful for the mnemonics, advice and literature provided, it provided the foundation for my study.
Although I didn't use it all in my board, knowing it gave me the confidence and self-belief to pass first time. Thanks for all your help. ”
Ben - Passed Inspector Selection Process First Time
" I attended the group workshop which was enjoyable and gave me a valuable insight into the amount of preparation required. It also identified many and varied sources of further reading which I found very helpful. I've already been posted as DI ”
Chris - Passed Inspectors Selection Process
“ Having previously been unsuccessful in applying for promotion I booked onto the Rank Success masterclass. I came away feeling motivated, inspired and ready to succeed. I passed the interview first time and achieved my goal of promotion. ”
Dan - Passed Sergeants Promotion Board
“ Steve, just a quick note to say thank you for your time, materials, and experience in mentoring me through the interview process. I have not been interviewed for a job for nearly 34 years, so there was a lot to learn in a short period of time. The materials you kindly gave me to read and watch were invaluable to me in being successful in interview with a national training company. Following my research, you offered one to ones to ensure understanding around finer points, which filled gaps to ensure I was adequately prepared for the day of the interview. The outcome was a firm job offer, which I accepted and this I feel was down to your mentoring ability. Thank you for helping me secure employment following my 30 years pensionable service.” Regards - Martin. ”
Martin - Supported beyond policing
“ I’m currently on top of the world. Out of 124 PC’s to get to the interview stage I’m 1 of only 23 that got promoted! I spent plenty of time studying, revising and preparing for my SGT interview board, however once I had begun this process of cramming my head with so many key points I had no idea of how to get it all to come back out in some type of functional order or if I was even on the right track?
Steve not only showed me how to focus my answers to prevent a “scatter gun” effect but he also introduced me to many areas that I hadn’t considered such as revision tips, key reading how to present myself and how to speak and really be heard with enthusiasm and passion. I have no doubt this was a major factor in my recent promotion from PC to SGT.
I smashed my first promotion process first time and don’t have to worry about the process again till I decide to go up a rank to Inspector. Working with Steve is a no brainer! After doing everything to get promoted that we do. If you are serious, committed and hungry for promotion how can you justify not doing everything possible to get through and make that career dream come true.
I will use Rank Success & Steve again when I take the next step and would say to anyone else “ is not using a outside company to assist you in achieving your goal in such a competitive promotion process a regret that you’re willing to have when you fail?” If you have tried and failed to get promoted step it up a gear and use Steve. If this is your first time consider Rank Success! ”
Nick - Passed Sergeants Selection Process First Time
" What really resonated with me on your workshop was the’ choice of attitude’ candidates were encouraged to embrace when approaching a promotional board. Getting this element right is essential to performing well on the day of the race. Self belief and a desire to come first by being the best you can be on the day; directly translated to me through your workshop as putting in lots of effort, practise, repetition, preparation, preparation and PREPARATION!! This point could not be emphasised enough.
I enjoyed the mix of relevant subject matter and different ways to think about approaching the daunting prospect of a board.  Your tips and tricks, strategies and models enabled me to develop my own style and improve on my delivery from the tool kit you provided. This foundation created confidence within and enabled me to deliver effectively on my board resulting in successfully achieving a good pass grade and subsequent promotion from sergeant to Inspector. I would thoroughly recommend your workshop to anybody seriously preparing for a promotional board or looking to improve their chances of success in an interview of any kind. Thanks very much Steve, a real inspiration. ”
Earl - Passed Inspectors Board
" I first worked with Steve in 2011 when I attended a promotion masterclass in preparation for my Inspector's promotion process and I'm delighted that I was successful at the first attempt. At that time Steve really helped me to focus on how I best needed to prepare for the process and present my evidence to the interview board. 
With that in mind I got back in touch with Steve again in 2016 as I was now planning for a superintendent promotion process, knowing that the advice, guidance and knowledge Steve had given me years prior stood me in good stead to be successful. 
I think what was probably my greatest concern was in translating the work I was doing and had done at my current rank into the application form against the PPF behaviours. As I desperately didn't want to fall at the first hurdle. I think that is often difficult trying to shoehorn your evidence into promotion applications and get it wrong. I wanted to make sure that I put my right evidence in the right place. Therefore I purchased Steve's inspector application promotion guide to assist me, which I found really useful to see how evidence should be structured against the PPF and provide a detailed and evidenced response to the behaviours. 
What I particularly liked was the way the guide laid out the different word count examples for example 250, 300 and 500 words and how to answer force specific questions around personal statements of what I would bring to the rank. The application form guide didn't just help me for the application form but also helped to structure my interview examples and how best to create a clear vision for what I would demonstrate and achieve in the next rank. 
I am grateful to Steve's assistance, which has been set out over a period of six years and I thoroughly recommend the inspectors application guide for those seeking promotion not just to Inspector. The guide helped me broaden my thinking and awareness for the higher rank of superintendent and I feel it would be equally of use to those applying for Chief Inspector and Superintendent because I have yet to see anything which gives candidates this clear advice and guidance in order to best structure their evidence to be successful in a police promotion process. "
Jon - Superintendent
" Steve, I hope you’re well. I was successful in getting through my PS to Insp board at the first attempt in December. In fact I scored maximum marks of 20/20 in my presentation/board so it couldn’t have really gone any better!
I came to your masterclass with a friend Adam, and he also got through! I just wanted to thank you for your input on the day. It focused me on what the process was really about…..my leadership…..and although it sounds silly now, I had almost forgotten that in my initial prep!
A lot of very talented colleagues unfortunately  didn’t get through. Having spoken to them afterwards about what went wrong, I think they focused far too much on the processes they had created but didn’t link it back to how they had actually been able to successfully implement those systems to have legacy with staff through their leadership skills.
I completely changed my preparation and approach following the Masterclass in Birmingham with you and it clearly worked. Anyway, thanks again for the service you provided and I will be sure to recommend you to my colleagues in my force. Best of luck in the future. ”
Jamie - Passed Inspectors Selection Process
" I am confident and competent operationally, but nothing in policing has taught me about police promotion interviews or what the role of Sergeant actually is. Naively, without Steve's one to one I would have gone to my board without knowing these things. However with Steve's help there was no surprises in the interview and I was able to show with confidence that I absolutely knew what is expected of a Sergeant.  These two key elements undoubtedly helped me pass my board at the first attempt. ”
Jon - Passed Sergeants Selection Process First Time
" I just wanted to say a big thank you for your help, support and advice during my recent Sgt to Inspector process which I successfully passed – on my first attempt!
I was fortunate to attend your one day workshop which provided me with ideas to focus my preparation and structures for my interview board. I have no doubt that without your input I would have missed key points that I needed to cover and  wasted a lot of time.
I would thoroughly recommend anyone thinking of taking a promotion board to attend either one of your workshops.  Your advice and guidance will give applicants the confidence that they are on the right track and scoring every possible point to ensure a successful outcome during this highly competitive process. ”
Gaynor - Passed Inspectors Selection Process
" It was a long road and your workshop definitely put me on the right track. I have recommended several others. I believe one of them, a Sergeant  travelled some miles to attend your course and was successful in his promotion also to Inspector. Both of us said that it really gave us the tools we needed, particularly for the promotion interviews. Thank you. ”
Susanne - Passed Sergeants Promotion Board
" An excellent well structured workshop enabled me to put the entire promotion process into perspective. Being properly prepared when I walked in the door to my board I felt confident and most importantly ready. Steve's positivity really rubbed off and after being qualified for seven years I was successful in promotion to Inspector with a neighbouring force. I can’t recommend Rank Success enough, thank you. ”
Rob - Passed Inspectors Selection Process
" I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know that after completing an online assessment, an interview, a presentation and a briefing exercise, I have made the grade for promotion and am waiting for my posting date! This is in no small part down to your inspiring lecture which gave me the drive and determination to succeed so thank you. Until next time for Inspectors! ”
James - Passed Sergeants Promotion Board first time
" Thanks so much for your invaluable guidance on my application form. Your online guides and workshop prepared me both in respect of the content and in terms of my confidence.  Your advice gave me focus and helped me pass my Governor's board ”
Jo - Passed Inspectors Promotion Board (First attempt)
"  I personally found the workshop incredibly inspirational...I would definitely recommend this to all seeking promotion or even just to re-energise officers, BRILLIANT briefing.  ”
Brian - Passed Sergeants Promotion Board
" The downloadable guides were a good starting block and certainly confirmed to me I was on the right track. You always get conflicting and various advice from others, so it was nice to see structured, useful advice in one guide.

The masterclass was, for me, the catalyst to get going with preparations - but crucially it was an enormous boost to my confidence. I came away with a 'can do' attitude despite a recently unsuccessful process. It's not the golden ticket to success - it's the starting gun! ”
Tim - Passed Inspectors Selection Process
" Hi Steve, I finally passed my Inspectors promotion board thanks to you. I'm  grateful for your encouragement, help and support. I achieved very high marks on my presentation, situational judgement test and my interview.  I had a good understanding of what was required, but just needed a more structured approach in delivering my answers. 

The 'Masterclass' and the 'Interview Success' download greatly assisted me with all aspects of the assessment. Our one to one conversations filled me with confidence and positive thinking. I also purchased 'The Essential Managers Leadership' book as recommended, which helped with some of the forward facing questions. I'm glad I came to you and will certainly recommend you to my colleagues and friends. Tim also passed the process. ”
Scott (Sergeant) - Passed Inspectors Selection Process
" I found the workshop very useful indeed. Steve is an inspiration ”
Eddie - Passed Sergeants Promotion Board
Steve…Thanks for your support! I passed!!
Gerri - Passed Inspectors Promotion Board
" Having previously been unsuccessful at the interview stage, I was starting to perceive it as an insurmountable problem. The workshop gave me a shake and made me realise that in order to perform in interview, I had to invest time in my preparation. It helped to energise and structure my preparation in a way I was unlikely to have come to myself, undoubtedly contributing to my eventual success.”
Steve - Newly Promoted Sergeant
" Hi Steve. I was successful. Thanks! ”
Chris - Passed Inspectors Selection Process
" Steve, I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you. I heard today I have successfully earned a place on the fast-track PC-Inspector scheme.  This was wholly due to me working smarter not harder thanks to the combination of your extremely helpful and informative application guides, your blogs and your excellent promotion workshop.  They helped me clarify what was actually required of me for each rank, develop my presentation skills (an area of significant dread but even less than the crippling fear of having nothing to say at my interviews!) and I am very happy to report success even though this is my first time applying!

I will no doubt use your materials and approach again during my challenging programme to achieve promotion to Inspector. I particularly enjoyed your recent perseverance blog. I have been there when attempting to progress laterally. Your comments and positive outlook really resonated with me and I am confident they will help colleagues facing challenges of re-applying "

Meri - passed PC to Inspector fast track interview first attempt
" Thank you for the excellent package and material. I approached Rank Success on peer recommendation from others who had been successful after contacting you. I followed the guidance and I passed the Sgt’s booklet first time, the interview board first time and am now a DS in a new department. Better still, I feel I am a better officer, with much more clarity around my own views, my supervisory role and the organisation as a result of my learning. I strongly recommend Rank Success.”
Chris - Newly Promoted Sergeant (First Attempt)
" Hi Steve. I passed everything thanks to your help. I am now awaiting promotion. Thanks! ”
Scott - Passed Inspectors Selection Process
" Open your eyes, pin back your ears and take in everything he talks about! I left focused, with a clear direction and a plan in my head. Steve inspires, enthuses and motivates. When the next rank beckons, there is only one person to whom I will go.”
Alex - Detective Constable. Passed Sergeants Promotion Board.
" Hi Steve, I thought I’d send you a quick email to let you know I found out on Friday that I’d passed the MPS Inspector promotion process! I’m so happy! Thank you very much for your input during the workshop. It certainly gave me a strong steer as to how to structure my answers during the board. Thank you once again. "
Alex - Passed Inspectors’ selection process ”
“ Steve, Passed my inspectors board this week. Many thanks for the tips and advice.”
Ben - Passed Inspector Selection Process First Time
" Dear Steve, Just writing to say thank you for your help. It all paid off and I achieved my promotion. I have recommended the guide to colleagues as a must have tool for interview prep. "
Katherine, New Sergeant
" What struck me about your guidance was it opened my eyes to a way of being a leader based on knowing myself and never losing sight of what really counts…It awakened a self confidence, in being able to espouse and require high levels of professionalism by all those around me; and crucially from myself. It gave me belief. Thank you "
Grant - Passed Inspectors Promotion Board (First attempt)
" I spoke to you last year when I was having problems passing my sergeants interview. I can confirm that I have now been successful and I will soon be a sergeant at the training school. Many thanks for all your help, I don't believe I would have passed without your help and guidance."
Matt, Passed Sergeants selection process
" Had my Inspector interview today, hard work and understanding the process.. contributed to the most comfortable smooth interview I have ever had. Great product, I must have read it through at least 5 times and each time picked up something extra... By far the best advice for me was saying the examples out loud instead of just reading them, that alone got me through this."
Ewan - Passed Inspectors Promotion Board
" Just a quick note to say, thanks to your guide I was successful."
Alan, New Sergeant
" Just to let you know I have been successful this time in the Inspector’s process. The material on your website and your presentation I attended were vital for my preparation and gave me a lot more depth to the material I had to talk about. The presentation also gave me an understanding of how to deliver in the interview which gave me confidence on the day. Your phrase "give a response not an answer" is very true. Thanks for your help."
Mike - Passed Inspectors Promotion Board
" Just to let you know with your product and a lot of hard work… I have been promoted to Sergeant. I used your guide to change my mind set which assisted greatly. Thanks very much"
Shane, New Sergeant
" Take this advice seriously. I have been seriously impressed with the support, tips and advice provided by Steve at Rank Success. 
After FOUR previous attempts at promotion to Inspector over 8-years this was a final attempt.
Steve provided a very positive and complimentary outlook on preparation and progress. The state of mind is vital!!! I thoroughly recommend one-to-one assistance through Skype or personally. The tips and encouragement are invaluable.
Use of the online booklets and coaching sessions are a must for any prospective candidate who wants to be in with a chance of success. The title says it all Rank Success!!!
On my 5th attempt I passed my promotion process "
David - Promoted to Detective Inspector
" I approached Steve because I had been unsuccessful in a previous promotion process and wanted to give myself the best opportunity to pass. He quickly demystified the interview process, helping me to understand how to structure my interview, understanding that the whole process is extremely competitive. The result was ' I was successful in the force interview board and offered a promotion opportunity a few weeks later!’ One thing I liked was the one 2 one mentoring, it gave me the inspiration to really improve my game. I found the experience enlightening, if only I had known about this mentoring before! The feedback from my interview was that I performed very well. I have recommended Steve to colleagues who were unsuccessful in the process to help them with their future development. "
Lee, T/Sgt, passed Sergeants Promotion board
“ I found Steve’s dynamic and positive delivery a real boost to my preparation. The mix of interview tips and motivational clips meant that I left the master-class ready for my Inspectors interview. Just six days later I was interviewed and passed it. By following Steve’s preparation tips I was calm and ready to tell the panel why I should be promoted. I have no doubt that this was the difference between passing and failing ”
Julian - Passed Inspectors Promotion Board
" I was successful at my first attempt. I found the workshop helped me in respect of understanding the core areas that I needed to focus on, it provided good positive and constructive insight and… the point about massive preparation. Specifically for me I found the memory aide around the role of Sergeant an excellent way of linking into all my evidence and gave me a well defined way of presenting them. I genuinely could not fault any area of the course, with the content provided by Steve I was much better equipped. ”
Peter, PC, passed Sergeants Promotion board first attempt
“ Just to let you know I passed my board and I am in a pool awaiting an inspector post. Thanks for you help, that initial 2 hours really kickstarted a positive mindset and determination to perform… the Superintendent has said I did really well.… Thanks again ”
Howard - Passed Inspectors Selection Process
" The workshop helped to crystallise how much work I needed to do to prep. I specifically remember the points that I need to aim to be the best instead of having a ‘just getting through’ mindset and comparison to how much I had to prep for passing the exam….this really helped me get into the right gear. ”
Farhat, DC, passed Sergeants Promotion board
Hi Steve. Just thought I’d drop you a quick e mail to say I passed the Inspectors process. Thanks for everything, I’m delighted”
Mark - Passed Inspectors promotion board - first time
" I had paid for and attended another independent 1-2-1 workshop…on reflection Rank Success has a more professional approach and is easy to follow. I found some of the quotes ‘stuck’ and the presenter very easy to listen to and confident. He gave me confidence. I thought the presentation and delivery was good…it was far more than I expected to receive!! ”
Russ, A/Sgt, passed Sergeants Promotion board
" Hi Steve …a weight off my mind…I was over two years temporary!
I found the interview guide really useful, I already had the knowledge but needed a structure to hang it from. You gave me a nice simple focus, helped me utilise a conversational style without veering too far from the subject.
I have recommended your products to others looking for promotion."
Rich, Passed Inspectors Promotion board
" The workshop made it very clear how much preparation was required and how best to structure that preparation. There were some excellent pointers on things that needed brushing up on - for instance - briefing and decision making that I may not have thought to look at….it gave me the focus and direction for my preparation. It is probably the most useful presentation I have ever had and was certainly the best in terms of actual presentation. I would recommend it to anyone seeking promotion. ”
Simon, passed Sergeants Promotion board
“ As police officers we like some direction and a kick up the proverbial to get going. This was exactly what I needed to get my head around what I should be planning, looking at, and thinking. The content was set at the right pace, the sessions were long enough, and the input was exactly what I needed...invaluable ”
Mark, Sergeant - passed Inspectors board first attempt
" The workshop reinforced a belief that I had that I should be aiming to be number 1, not number 300 and to try and smash the board rather than stumble across the line. what worked was the emphasis on prepping for the interview, the guidance and tips for revising. ”
Mark, Constable, passed Sergeant’s Promotion board
“ I found it very helpful and drew on all of it in my preparation. In particular was the emphasis on developing a structure to my answers…. this helped me sort my evidence into drop down boxes in my head which were easy to refer to. I will definitely recommend Rank Success to future promotion candidates. ”
Joe, Sergeant - passed Inspectors board first attempt
" The workshop helped me to focus my thoughts. It identified areas in which I needed to improve for the board. It gave me direction and ideas. It was very thought provoking. I purchased the online digital guide following the workshop which helped reinforce what had been said and for me to digest in my own time. I found it especially useful for the aides surrounding responsibilities and those relating to decision making which I did use in the composure and rehearsal of my answers. ”
Eddie, passed Sergeants Promotion board
“ People generally don’t like public speaking or interviews. This support enabled me to manage and centre my thought processes and to understand the interview in a structured way. I felt this helped to even out and redress the power bias of the interview situation. ”
Paul, Detective Sergeant - passed Inspectors promotion board first attempt
“ Steve gave me practical guidance to help sell myself and demonstrate my skills, experiences, and competencies specifically for the role. I felt like I’d been on a week long residential course! I have no doubt this helped me realise my full potential at interview. ”
Samantha, Detective Sergeant - passed Inspector's promotion board first attempt
" I approached Steve after being unsuccessful in my first attempt at promotion. He came recommended from peers who had previously used his services. I purchased both guides which gave me a good grounding however I felt I needed further specific guidance surrounding the board so opted for a one to one session.
During the session with Steve we were able to focus on how to deliver answers during the board which was my biggest fear. Steve’s guidance gave me confidence to approach the board in the right way and he was able to tailor the session to meet my needs after a short discussion about what I was hoping to gain from the session. I was successful at my first board and my feedback was positive. I have already recommended Steve to others and will continue to do so. "
Jonathan, Passed Sergeant’s Promotion Board First Attempt
" I attended one of Steve's seminars on recommendation of several colleagues. I was really impressed. When it came to preparation for interview I had no hesitation in contacting Steve for a one to one coach/mentor session. Steve helped me understand what leadership and promotion actually means to me, to the community and the service.  The result was that I achieved promotion to Detective Sergeant. I have a new unit and team and I’m really looking forward to it. I will be recommending Rank Success to colleagues ”
Trystan, DC, passed Sergeants Promotion board
“ I passed my interview with flying colours and had great feedback (from the interviewers) ”
Jon, Sergeant - passed Inspectors promotion board first attempt
" I found the workshop helpful, it gave me a different way of thinking. I realised that I couldn’t rely on delivering evidence in a robotic and systematic way. This was fortunate as the board was not like that at all and turned into more of a conversation for which I had answers prepared due to the Rank Success input. I also felt comfortable showing my personality and passion, which I might otherwise have kept back. "
James, A/Sgt, passed Sergeants Promotion board
“ (the workshop) ...really boosted my confidence... ”
Justin, Sergeant - passed Inspectors promotion board first attempt
" I approached Steve on recommendation from colleagues who could not speak highly enough of the input he provided. He helped me by providing an excellent structure to my board and preparation.
The result was a successful board and an immediate promotion. One thing I liked was the relevance and content of the material provided which made preparation easier. I found the whole experience with Steve totally worthwhile and I have to say his input was invaluable. I would highly recommend him to all colleagues aspiring to promotion ”
Greg, passed Sergeants Promotion board
“ I applied for a temporary detective Inspector post along with 20 highly qualified and experienced colleagues. This was a very competitive process but the preparation work I did as a result of our  session resulted in me coming top and securing the position! The session helped me focus on the important parts of the interview and made sure I was prepared for anything I was asked. Thanks again. ”
Mike, Detective Sergeant - passed Inspector's promotion board first time
" Steve I simply cannot thank you enough; I have finally been promoted to the rank of Sergeant. I have been acting for many years  mainly due to my apparent inability to pass a board. I failed two boards over the years, preparing for them in my own way and really just not getting it.
Via a telephone conversation with you and utilising your excellent guides, I managed to finally get my head around what it was all about and get in the right mindset. This time around I went into the board with relative confidence and actually bizarrely quite enjoyed the experience.
Getting promoted has been my aspiration for some time and I would not have achieved my goal without your help. I have recommended your services to numerous colleagues ”
Lee, A/Sgt, passed Sergeants Promotion board
" I cannot measure it, but compared to a previous unsuccessful interview, I felt completely different and more relaxed. One main part was your assistance with my promotion application booklet, for me it was a godsend and I have to say your input on this was first class.
For me it was worth every penny and I have already recommended you to a few people who have approached me wanting to know the golden secret to my success on this occasion. The answer will be yourself/your company. ”
Steve, A/Detective Inspector - passed Inspector's promotion board
Hi Steve, 
Yet another good news story, I passed my Sgts Board at my first attempt and just wanted to say a massive thank you.  What stuck in my mind was some key points which I took in with me, professional conversation, delivering stories and most definitely the mnemonic! Thanks again. "
Pete, Passed Sergeants Promotion board first time)
" In a one hour conversation and with your excellent guides, I managed to finally understand what it was all about. I would not have been able to achieve my goal without your help. I have already recommended you to numerous colleagues ”
Tim, Passed Sergeants Promotion board)
" I thought the booklet download was very good and the two hour 1-2-1 was for me invaluable and I feel the difference between passing and failing. In my board I used the mnemonics and vitally STRUCTURE STRUCTURE STRUCTURE.
The biggest boost I felt as I walked through the door was confidence in my preparation. This allowed me to relax relatively given the situation. As I relaxed I felt my answers flowed and I was able to display passion and commitment. I am overjoyed at having attained the rank of Inspector but fully appreciate that there is some hard work ahead and there is no room to take your foot off the pedal. Thank you once again, it made the difference. ”
David, Passed Inspectors Promotion board
" Steve, passed this time! I used mnemonics to break down sections. It also gave me ideas over the process structure and  in interview "
Spencer, Passed Sergeants Promotion board)
" Hi Steve, Just to let you know that I was successful this time. I loved the mnemonic!  It definitely kept me focused and structured for the ‘How are you going to get the best from your team and manage performance, etc, etc question. "
Yvonne, Passed Sergeant’s Promotion Board - 3rd attempt
" I know your promotion guides are for Sergeant & Inspector promotions, but I downloaded and used a fair amount for my Chief Inspector’s board, especially round preparation, mindset, exercise, structure, well everything basically. Having previously failed I nailed this one. Got a 3rd pip now. Thank you mate, great guide. ”
Richard (Passed Chief Inspectors Promotion Board)
“ What I found refreshing was your obvious passion for the whole process. The support really helped when preparing for my promotion and I managed to get through my promotion board at my first attempt. Many thanks. ”
John, Acting Sergeant - passed Sgt interview first attempt
" Steve I have just found out that I was that I was successful in the inspector process.
The one day master class that I attended in August was key to my success. It allowed me the opportunity to evaluate where I was on the promotion journey, the realisation of what work was needed and the tools to allow me to get there.
Without doubt money well invested. Even the seating position was a great tip. I will be recommending your services to others undergoing the current sergeant process. Finally, coming away from the interview I was confident of my prep and delivery which I learned through your class  - self belief. Thank you.  "
Niall (Successful in the Inspector process)
" Steve’s workshop cut through the fog, helped me focus on the important areas, explained the structure of the interview, and provided a clear direction for my preparation. I came away feeling inspired, confident about what to expect, and full of self belief and drive to succeed ”
Andy, Detective Constable - passed Sgt board 1st attempt
" The session was highly valuable to widen my knowledge in leadership and how to perform in promotion boards. Acronyms and other memory methods assisted my learning and retention of information "
Joanne, A/Detective Sergeant - passed Sgt board first time
" My first attempt at a promotion board & I was inundated with conflicting advice. This one workshop with Steve gave me answers and a toolkit for success. All aspects of the preparation were covered, leaving me prepared and confident on the day. ”
Steve, Detective Constable - passed Sgt interview 1st time
“ The promotion process was not a journey I particularly enjoyed. I knew I was good enough for the rank (I had been doing it for 3 years as a temp!) but cracking that promotion interview was just something I couldn’t seem to do. I then decided to try a different approach.
From the first time I sat down with Steve, I started to feel confident I would be able to get through this process. From the very first session, Steve’s enthusiasm was clear to see, he very quickly managed to unjumble the chaos and confusion in my head and he created a calm thought process.
I’m still not sure how he managed to do it, but he just started to talk about tool kits and structure and before I knew it I was really started to see the light! Steve’s approach was just what I needed; I was able to create structures for answering anything the board wanted to throw at me.
Steve’s style leaves nothing to chance; he even gives you top tips about what to do the day before and the day of the board. Steve is very passionate about helping people through the promotion process, he won’t sit the board for you (I asked!!) but he will give you everything you need (and more) to make sure you have the best chance of passing. I would highly recommend him.
As for me, over 120 people applied for 12 Inspector jobs a few months ago. I passed with flying colours! Thanks Steve. "
Mike - T/Detective Inspector Passed Inspectors Promotion Board
" The professionalism and emphasis put on the need for me to create the right impression during my forthcoming interview. I left thinking that I now have a structure and confidence to go and deliver. I recently received the results of my promotion board and can confirm I was successful. ”
Mark, Patrol Constable - passed Sgt board first time
" I passed my Sgt to Insp interview at the first attempt. 
I genuinely feel that I wouldn't have done so without the downloaded interview guide. Initially I found the preparation overwhelming, not knowing where to start. After downloading the interview guide it gave me a place to start, helped me to focus, calmed the anxiety and allowed me to concentrate and not worry about the competition.
The assistance and suggestions provided within the scoring matrix assisted me in formulating answers for the competencies being marked. They helped me to formulate my own answers to the best of my ability and the repetitive practice as suggested gave me the confidence before my interview. I prepared answers to all the questions that could have been asked of me. As result I conducted my interview calmly and confidently, providing succinct, proficient, prepared answers to the questions. After my success I was given very good feedback from the interview board.
I would recommend the interview guide to anyone wanting to interview to the best of their ability. "
Ed, Passed Inspectors Promotion Board - First Time
" I received several recommendations about Rank Success from friends and colleagues who had been successful in recent Inspectors processes. Having narrowly missed out on a paper sift the previous year I thought I would explore the options. I purchased the application and interview guides and found that they resonated with me. 
I then went on the one day course presented by Steve which gave me a really positive mindset going forward into the process.  Having successfully navigated the booklet process I invested in one to one support from Steve to focus on my promotion board.  The two sessions I had were invaluable in focusing my knowledge and presentation style for the board.  
I walked into the interview feeling the most confident and prepared I had ever felt for any interview process in my life. I was successful on my first board and have been promoted to Detective Sergeant...achieving a life long goal.  It made all the difference and I will be calling Steve again when I go for Inspectors promotion ”
Jon, A/Sergeant - passed Sgt interview  first time 
" Steve focused my attention more on the interview, how I was going to present myself and how to have a positive impact on the panel. I had been given a lot of information from many people wanting to help but this had just overwhelmed me. Steve provided literature on the role of the sergeant and other useful documents such as a checklist. This really assisted with my preparation and I felt more positive after as I had less to read and it gave me better direction.
Steve made me realise that it was not as daunting as I had made out and that they just wanted to see the real me. He made me realise and believe that I was worthy of the role of sergeant and that I could perform the role as well as if not better than other candidates!!! Before meeting Steve I was considering pulling out of the promotion board as I was unsure if I was ready for the job and also I thought I did not have enough time to prepare. After leaving Steve I realised how much I wanted the promotion and he gave me the confidence to conduct the interview and gave me a positive attitude. I went away thinking that I had plenty of time to prepare and that I would be ready in time which was a very different attitude than when I had first met him!!! ”
Dominique, A/Sergeant - passed Sgt interview first time
" I approached Steve after a colleague recommended Rank Success to me. After four unsuccessful interviews I knew I needed to take positive steps towards getting promoted. 
I attended one of Steve’s Master classes and found it invaluable. It brought into focus for me that there are no shortcuts to this and that if I REALLY wanted it, it would mean simply knuckling down and becoming an expert on me as an individual and as a leader and what the role means to me. 
Through Steve’s guidance I was able to structure the approach I took to my preparation, and at my next interview I was successful! I highly recommend Rank Success. "
Rachel, Passed Sergeant’s Promotion Board
" I felt I had a much better knowledge after the session which reassured me that the rest of the preparation for my promotion interview was heading in the right direction. Your sessions enlightened me to the process of the interviews, which gave me the confidence to be myself and try to stand out from the crowd. ”
Ed, Detective Constable - passed Sgt board first time
“ Constructive guidance was provided on how to develop the evidence to a level which maximised its value within the interview, as well as assistance on how to prepare for the process in the medium and short term. The learning was delivered in an informal yet effective manner. ”
Roy, Detective Constable - passed Sgt interview first time
“ I just wanted to say thank you for your promotion seminar in November, it really helped me to focus. Despite the fact I was the only person in the room who had never done any acting, I've managed to pull it off - so thanks. ”
Tamzin, Constable - passed Sgt board first time
"  Got the City Centre Skipper’s job! Thanks for your help.
The one-to-one session helped cut through the fog of fear, confusion and nerves and gave me clarity about what I had to do to succeed.
Your 'Guide to passing your Police promotion interview' was invaluable in clarifying my understanding of the mechanics of the interview and the mental processes required to pass. With some easily remembered 'Top Tips' and a structure to hang your preparation on, using it is a 'no-brainer' ”
Chris, Patrol Constable - passed  Sgt promotion board
"  I am currently on A/L but just called into the station to send a couple of thank-you emails, I am pleased to say that I passed the PC to Sergeant Promotion board. When we met, a couple of things changed for me about the way I viewed the boards. The most important and I'm certain it played a big part in the successful outcome, was what you said about 'going in there and believing you are the very best, aim to come first etc. ”
Mark, Patrol Constable - passed SGT board first time
" Hi Steve,
Hopefully, you will have a few referrals from me at both Insp & Sgt recently! So this is why Rank Success was so critical to my promotion:
It started off by enabling me to understand the difference between the roles. This sounds like a simple matter however despite the fact I had been doing it for years (Temporary Detective Inspector), how do I tell 3 strangers about what I do in the context of the competency based framework. What your e book started me thinking about was the critical gap in my knowledge -  how to turn reality into the promotion process.
Secondly, having understood the process I was then able to use the guides to start my planning phase well before the force promotion selection process opened. This meant that come the fortnight submission deadline I was ahead & waiting with examples & evidence. This meant I could concentrate fully on the essential skills as my competency evidence was ready to go.
Finally the board...! The best aspect of the package was the one-to-one. it brought clarity where my head felt it was going to burst. Most importantly the method of recall & structure you showed me meant I was able to tell the board my evidence even though I thought I was just about to pass out!
I am sad to say that at the end of my board I actually found myself enjoying the process & that is down to the confidence I had in the method and delivery you showed me. I honestly don't know how you could approach the process without this model. "
Jon (D/Sgt - Promoted to Detective Inspector)
" Steve helped me understand the promotion process. I felt lost having failed at my first attempt but with Steve's positive, inspiring, coaching I was able to deeply reflect on what really made me a good leader and manager. This gave me the belief and the confidence to present my skills and experience effectively (and successfully) during the board.
In my previous interview I was tense, unsure and lacking confidence. Having worked with Steve I felt calm and confident and more importantly I felt prepared. The fees and guides were great value for money.
One of the things which was most value to me was helping me really sit back and think about the role of the Sergeant and discussion around the framework and mnemonics. Secondly to have someone where you can totally open up about your fears, concerns and perceived weaknesses and then come away feeling enthused positive and confident.
The one to ones I had with Steve gave me the clarity and focus I needed to be successful in a process which can often leave you feeling uncertain, stressed and struggling to decide how best to prepare and present yourself. Steve is professional, provides a confidential service, inspiring with pep talks and motivation.
Thank you Steve for helping me discover that 'light bulb' moment and to be the best I can be in such a competitive process   "
Bryan - (Passed Sergeants Promotion Selection Process)
“ Steve helped me with interview preparation for a specialist role within the Police service. I approached Steve days before my interview and had a one to one. I had spent a long time learning about the role I was applying for, legislation around it and spending too much time worrying about what I didn’t know. Steve improved my confidence, identifying the strengths in my knowledge and taught me how I could put it across confidently to the interviewers.

Steve's approach was very relaxed, he is clearly passionate about passing on his knowledge and expertise to help you gain success and reach the objective. Steve explained best interview techniques and how to approach the interview with a clear fresh mind, things that I would have overlooked and hadn’t even considered, that proved to be very important. Steve is a very good communicator, I found myself wanting to listen more.

I was successful in my interview and scored considerably higher than the other applicants, Steve's knowledge and guidance helped without doubt. I felt confident before the interview and I felt confident after the interview! I intend to start preparing for the promotion process very soon, and I will most definitely go to Steve to assist me with this.

I would recommend his services to anyone looking for development within the Police. "

Ryan, Intelligence officer
“ The positive mindset you kept me in was very good for me. I will admit I was a bit skeptical about coaching/mentoring and I was not sure what to expect. You often corrected me from saying ' if' I pass to 'when' I pass, which had an impact psychologically on my preparation. I cannot measure it, but compared to a previous unsuccessful interview, I felt completely different and more relaxed. One main part was your assistance with my promotion application booklet, for me it was a godsend and I have to say your input on this was first class. The booklet process is now so tight that every word counts and your support may have been the difference in mine being successful or not!

Let's just say the 'lightbulb' came on when you started giving examples. You should not underestimate how important that was to me. Talking/discussing as we did, made me feel I was not alone in the process. I used the mnemonic in interview and more in my presentation to help explain the contribution I would make as an Inspector. The advice on prep on the day - was also good, it kept my head very clear. Though I had attempted the Inspector promotion board twice before, you still come into the process on your own and scratching your head. To have someone wanting me to succeed and to discuss issues/topics was a huge benefit and actually made me feel you were keeping me on track. Where I was unsure (and normally would worry if I had it right or not), a quick chat put me back in the 'positive' thinking area again.There were a few times you did that.

For me it was worth every penny and I have already recommended you to a few people who have approached me wanting to know the golden secret to my success on this occasion. The answer will be yourself/your company. ”

Steve, A/Detective Inspector - passed Inspector's promotion board
“ I faced a three stage PC to Sergeant promotion process over an 11 week period, consisting of two paper sifts and an interview. The processes also included two different competency frameworks. I had examples demonstrating the behaviours but Steve patiently explained the structure expected in both paper applications enabling me to focus and polish to make the best of the raw material. Likewise for the interview: Steve explained the various models of answering questions in interview enabling me to prepare comprehensively and as it turned out, successfully. Thank you.

I didn't know anything about the promotion process so understanding exactly what I needed to cover was the most valuable. Steve tailors support to the individual, the process and the timescale which enabled me to develop a personal study schedule. Ready contact, suggestions for reading and background research as well as motivational input all helped in my successful preparation.

The experience of preparing is going to be different for each individual and their personal timescale, so Steve's adaptability and email accessibility and quick turn round was pivotal given the impact of my work schedule on the times when I was studying.

The most important thing I found about Steve's support is that he is always accessible and knowledgeable, responding and offering suggestions constructively. This enabled me to work towards the separate booklet applications and then an interview with the necessary confidence and skill-set appropriate to each part of the whole process."

Mary - passed promotion board first time
“ Thank you for helping me to prepare with my interview for ---- Police. (Specialist Unit) After our conversation I did so much prep I nearly went into meltdown! The interview was last Tuesday and I had really good feedback straight after the interview. The Detective Inspector said I had a really good board and they could tell I was prepared. I was offered a job which I have accepted!

Prior to meeting with you I had amassed a a wealth of information about relevant areas (RIPA, CPIA, Covert codes of practice etc) and I felt not only daunted but mildly panicked at the prospect of my impending presentation and interview.

The value you provided was in assisting me to thread together all of the areas I needed to work on and I felt you enabled me to contextualise my interview. For example aligning my skills and experience with the values, priorities and aims of ---- police and how that related to wider issues. I felt I was prepared to answer whatever was asked during the interview rather than feeling I had to have prepared answers. I had taken a somewhat 'scattergun' approach up to that point. The penny seemed to drop. Despite feeling ridiculously nervous, the preparation I had completed served me well. Thank you again. "

Katy (transferred between police forces)
“  My employers ---- police were cutting back severely on staffing levels and I had to compete against numerous colleagues for my own job. I knew I could do the job but was frustrated at the number of hoops I would apparently need to jump through in what appeared to me to be a complicated process. I contacted Steve who called at my home and went through the whole process with me. His encouragement from the outset was a boost to my confidence and well being during what was a very stressful time.

Steve assisted me in portraying my skills and experience to my best advantage, explaining what my employers were likely to require. He guided me in selecting the best examples from my evidence to put forward. (I was surprised that I could include examples that were not 'work based' and I was able to use evidence from a role I was performing outside of the police service). Steve made it seem simple and by the time we had finished, my personal confidence and the confidence I had in my application had grown.

I was subsequently delighted to hear that of numerous applications mine was successful and I secured my job. I later received feedback that the panel had commented on the high standard of my application.

Terry (Police staff administrator)