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Professional development review (PDR)

Information about PDRs and how they can support wellbeing, career growth and personal development.

The professional development review (PDR) is a tool used to support police officers and staff to take ownership of their personal and professional development. 

It provides a clear and structured way to have meaningful two-way conversations that offer support, discuss performance and career development, and boost motivation by helping people feel valued and included. 

PDR discussions

PDRs are intended to be regular, two-way conversations between line managers and staff to discuss:

  • learning and development opportunities
  • wellbeing
  • career progression
  • performance management

In accordance with Police Regulations 2003, all police officers who are on pay progression, up to the rank of chief inspector, must have a PDR.

Good practice 

Supporting people to set goals, understand their contribution, and plan for the future, can lead to greater job satisfaction and better outcomes for the public. Good practice includes: 

  • Regular conversations that work around shift patterns and flexible schedules
  • Opportunities to discuss career goals and development needs
  • Recognition of personal and team achievements
  • Clear plans for developing skills and continuous learning
  • A safe space for staff to talk about challenges and find practical solutions

The PDR approach puts people at the centre – highlighting wellbeing, skills development, recognising achievements, and exploring career aspirations as key topics of regular conversations between staff and their managers. 

PDR tools

To help forces enhance and further embed good practice for PDR, the College has created two core resources: 

Strategy

The PDR strategy outlines the purpose, benefits and key principles of the PDR, showing how it supports professional policing.

Guidance

The PDR guidance is a practical tool for individuals and managers, with advice and conversation prompts to support meaningful PDR discussions.

 

Go to more supporting materials at the bottom of this page. 

National talent development strategy 

PDR plays a key part in delivering the vision of the national talent development strategy (NTDS), which recognises that everyone in policing has potential. By identifying excellence, encouraging continuous learning and supporting development, PDR helps individuals progress – whether that means building more skills in their current role or getting ready to take on new responsibilities. This also means we’re developing the future leaders who will help shape the future of policing. 

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