Transferees - Frequently Asked Questions
We hope the information below will answer some of the questions you may have and assist you in deciding if a transfer to Greater Manchester Police is the right move for you.
As well as these Frequently Asked Questions your application pack should also include the following forms and information, please contact us if any of these items are missing:
- Applicant Letter
- Join on Transfer Application Form
- Security Questionnaire Form
- Checklist for the Security Questionnaire Form
- DNA Sampling
- Authorisation Form
- Greater Manchester Police Force Area Map
The Organisation
Q. How large is GMP in terms of officers and population?
A. GMP currently employs 8,000 police officers and 3,500 support staff. We serve a population of 2.5 million people, which equates to approximately 5% of the UK population.
Q. How large is GMP in terms of area?
A. GMP covers an area of 500 square miles and includes 12 Divisions (see Force Map enclosed), which are:
- Bolton
- Bury
- Rochdale
- Oldham
- Tameside
- Stockport
- South Manchester
- North Manchester
- Metropolitan
- Trafford
- Salford
- Wigan
Q. What is the structural organisation of GMP?
A. Chief Constable Michael Todd leads GMP. A Deputy Chief Constable along with 6 Assistant Chief Constables and 2 Assistant Chief Officers support him. Each leads one of the following 8 Departments:
- Business Resources & Operational Communications
- Corporate Services & the Counter Terrorist Unit
- Serious Crime Division
- Criminal Justice & Diversity Command
- Human Resources
- Specialist Operations
- Territorial Policing North
- Territorial Policing South
The force area is divided in to 12 Divisions. A Chief Superintendent heads each Division supported by Superintendents, a Divisional HR Manager and a Divisional Finance & Admin Manager.
Operational
Q. Where will I be posted?
A. You will be posted to the Division which has the greatest operational need at the time of your appointment.
Q. How soon can I apply for a specialist post?
A. You will be able to apply for a specialist post from your first day with GMP providing you meet the eligibility criteria for the specific post. These are advertised weekly each Thursday through the force Intranet.
Q. What training can I expect to help me adjust and settle in?
A. As a transferring officer you will join a structured induction programme together with officers transferring from other forces.
Your first week with GMP will be spent in the Force Training School at Sedgley Park and will include a full introduction to GMP and an overview of the force. You will also receive specific training to ensure you are operationally and personally able to fulfil your role within GMP.
In your second week you will meet with your Divisional HR Manager to continue your induction on Division. This will include an overview of Divisional priorities and objectives as well as more general administrative requirements of starting in a new force.
Occasionally officers may join the force in between planned intakes. In these cases your Divisional HR Manager will plan your induction and training requirements and you are likely to start your first week on Division. Any additional operational training you require will be planned in conjunction with the Force Training School.
Officers in the Rank of Chief Inspector and above will have an induction planned which is relevant to their role within Greater Manchester Police.
Q. What shifts will I work?
A
. The shifts used in GM P generally follow a 5-week cycle:
|
Week 1 |
Week 2 |
Week 3 |
Week 4 |
Week 5 |
Monday |
Early |
Rest Day |
Rest Day |
Night |
Afternoon |
Tuesday |
Early |
Rest Day |
Rest Day |
Night |
Afternoon |
Wednesday |
Rest Day |
Rest Day |
Early |
Night |
Afternoon |
Thursday |
Rest Day |
Afternoon |
Early |
Night |
Rest Day |
Friday |
Night |
Afternoon |
Early |
Rest Day |
Rest Day |
Saturday |
Night |
Afternoon |
Rest Day |
Rest Day |
Early |
Sunday |
Night |
Afternoon |
Rest Day |
Rest Day |
Early |
GMP operates a variable shift agreement, dependent on the operational needs of the Division. This means that although all early shifts will start at 0700hrs, afternoon shifts may start anytime between 1200hrs and 1700hrs. Nightshifts will generally start at 2100hrs. Most tours of duty will be 10 hours long, although there will be some 8 hour and 9 hours tours within the variation made by different Divisions.
Application Procedure
Q. Are there any restrictions on length of service?
A. In order to transfer to GMP you must have completed your probationary period, however, there is no restriction on maximum length of service. As long as you meet the recruitment criteria we will consider your application.
Q. What is the selection process?
A. To apply on transfer to GMP you will need to complete a competency based application form, vetting, background and security checks, formal interview and medical. You will be asked to complete a medical history questionnaire, which must also be signed by your G.P. Any expense incurred should be paid yourself.
We will also request a performance report from your current force, sickness prints, conduct reports and further employment and/or education references.
Q. I am currently a supervisor, is there any extra a
s sessment for me?
A. No, if you are currently a substantive Sergeant o r Inspector there will be no additional assessment for you to transfer in rank.
Terms & Conditions
Q. I currently receive housing allowance - will I still receive it?
A. Yes, you will still be entitled to housing allowance, but it may not necessarily be the same amount due to the regional variations in entitlement.
Q. What salary scale point will I start on?
A. GMP adheres to the national pay scales and as such you will transfer on the same pay increment you currently receive.
Q. Will I receive Competency Threshold Payment?
A. If you meet the necessary criteria you are invited to apply for this payment. If you currently receive this payment in your current force you will need to reapply for it once you have joined GMP.
Q. Which roles receive a Special Priority Payment (SPP) in GMP?
A. GMP has agreed Special Priority Payments for a number of different posts; these are subject to 5 years qualifying police service. Payments can be requested for relevant posts through an application process and are subject to eligibility criteria.
Should you require further information about the specific posts SPP applies to and the estimated amount they qualify for please contact the Recruitment Unit.
Q. Can I carry Annual Leave from my current force to GMP?
A. No, you will be expected to have taken all of your annual leave owing prior to starting with GMP. Your annual leave entitlement will then be calculated according to the length of time you have been in the Police Service; pro-rata from the date you start for the remainder of the leave year.
Q. How will my pension be affected?
A. Your pension is transferable to GMP. If you require further information please contact GMP pensions department on 0161 856 1225 or 1226.
Q. Will I receive assistance with moving costs?
A. Yes, the Greater Manchester Police Authority will pay a discretionary amount of relocation expenses for transfers as follows:
- Constable to Chief Inspector rank £5,000 (maximum)
- Superintendent/Chief Superintendent £8,000 (maximum)
Any requests for payment must be made in writing with accompanying receipts. In order to qualify for reimbursement officers will ne ed to demonstrate that the requirement to move house was purely to support a transfer of employment to this Force. Each case will be considered on its own merit and the Chief Constable reserves the right to reject any requests for reimbursement.
Q. What if I transfer to GMP CTU, but then want to leave either for career progression or illness, or any other reason?
A. If you are from a Force in the North West Region, GMP CTU will make the request to your home force for your return. An agreement has been reached regionally that this should be looked at sympathetically.
Personal
Q. Are there any restrictions on where I can live?
A. There are no restrictions on where you can live; however, the Chief Constable must approve your residence (as per police regulations).
Q. Will GMP assist with finding accommodation?
A. Unfortunately we are not able to assist with finding accommodation nor do we have any links with Estate Agents, but we will happily try to answer any questions you may have or point you in the right direction for an answer.
Q. Are there any recommended schools in the area?
A. Greater Manchester incorporates 10 Local Education Authorities. In addition to state provision, Greater Manchester also has a large number of independent schools. You are advised to contact the Local Education Authority for further information.
Q. Does GMP have private health insurance?
A. Yes, a private health scheme known as "No. 1 Police Group Health Care Scheme" is available through Greater Manchester Police Federation for Officers serving with GMP. Further information is available on the Federation website.
Useful Contacts
We hope the information provided has been useful, if you have any further questions regarding a transfer to Greater Manchester Police please do not hesitate to contact us.
