Assessment Centre - Briefing and Instructions


We appreciate that you may be a little daunted by having to attend your Assessment Centre. Please do not worry as we will do our best to make you feel welcome so that you can relax and perform to your best. As the Assessment Centre is an examination environment, we have a number of instructions and stipulations that we will ask you to adhere to. Please consider the following:

Appendices to Assessment Centre Invitation 

Appendix 1 - Logistics for the Assessment Centre 

1. Arriving at the Assessment Centre 

The overall duration of the Assessment Centre session will be up to 3.5 hours approximately and you must arrive at your exact registration time. Please do not arrive at your session early, as there may be limited waiting space prior to registration. 

Once registration has closed you will not be able to register and therefore you will be able to attend the Assessment Centre, so you must make every effort to arrive on time.

We would strongly recommend that you familiarise yourself with travel times to Belfast, (and when it is made known to you, the venue), particularly during rush hour morning, lunchtime and evening traffic, as we will not be in a position to accommodate late arrivals during the Assessment Centre. 

Car parking may be available at the venue. Confirmation will be provided when details of the venue are disclosed to you. (N.B., Where any parking fees apply, candidates will be responsible for payment).

2. Photographic Identification

In order to enter the Assessment Centre, you must bring a printout of your invitation email (showing your UID number) and one of the forms of current (i.e. not expired) photographic identification, you will not be allowed to sit the assessment and it may be not be possible to reschedule your appointment.

  • Passport;
  • Driving Licence (with photograph);
  • Northern Ireland Electoral Identity Card;
  • EU National Identity Card;
  • HM Forces Identity Card;
  • UK Citizen Card.    

Please note that we cannot accept any other form of photographic identification (you should be aware that we cannot accept general employer ID cards as proof of identity at assessment sessions). 

It is also important to note that the name on your photographic identification must exactly match the name in which you made your application. If you have recently changed your name by marriage or Deed of Change of Name, but your identification is in a different name, you will need to also bring the original version of  your Marriage Certificate, Civil Partnership Certificate or documents relating to your Deed of Change of Name to the session, so that we can verify your identity.

3. Communication and Access Needs relating to a disability or condition

At application stage, we had given you the opportunity to declare any reasonable adjustments that you require to allow you to fully participate in the recruitment process. If you declared such a need, you will subsequently have submitted evidence for evaluation by our independent reviewer. This review has happened and those people who have already been confirmed as requiring a reasonable adjustment will be invited to an Assessment Centre where these needs will be catered for.

At this stage in the recruitment process, we can only accommodate additional requests for a reasonable adjustment where this need could have not have been known at applicant stage (e.g. an accident or illness has impacted in the intervening period). If you would like to request a reasonable adjustment arising out of such circumstances, please contact us now at info@joinpsni.co.uk outlining the circumstances that have impacted and the nature of adjustment required. 

We will not be able to consider "on the day" requests for reasonable adjustment at the venue. 

4. Rescheduling Policy 

If upon receiving your allocated appointment you find not suit, you can contact the Recruitment Team to request that your session is rescheduled. 

Given the large number of candidates attending Assessment Centres it will not always be possible to immediately reschedule allocated appointments, therefore you may be added to a 'waiting list' for new slots to come free. While we will do our best to accommodate you, alternative appointments are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. Repeat / multiple requests to reschedule without reasonable justification will not be considered. 

Any requests for alternative appointments must be made as soon as possible by email to info@joinpsni.co.uk and must include a reason for the reschedule request along with your name and UID number. You must also list the date of your current appointment in the subject line of your email to us.  (Failure to meet any of these stipulations may result in your reschedule request being rejected.). On receipt of your request, we will consider whether any alternative slots are available and you will receive a response from us by email as soon as possible. 

During the immediate period after the release of Assessment Centre appointments we plan to prioritise responses to those currently scheduled to the earliest assessment dates. Therefore, if you are currently scheduled to a date after mid-May, please expect a significant delay in our response to any reschedule request you might make. 

5. Security 

In order to minimise the level of risk that you may encounter in applying to join the Police Service of Northern Ireland, you are advised to be discreet about your application (in particular, information relating to your assessment dates or venues) and tell only people that you trust. Sharing details about your application or information about Assessment Centre dates or venues via social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter or any other online forum is prohibited.

What we need from you:

  • Arrive on time. Do not show up to the venue early, as you will simply not be called forward to registration until the time advised on your invitation email. Do not congregate in groups with other candidates to socialise during downtime. 
  • Bring your own stationery (pens, pencils and an eraser is all you'll need). Take note, we will supply all the paper you will need. Personal notebooks brought from home are not permitted during the Assessment Centre. We will provide a dedicated notebook for your use.
  • Where possible bring your own drink (e.g. water / soft drink) and a snack if you wish, as catering or refreshments will not be supplied (you will be on site for 3-4 hours). 
  • Do not attempt to shake hands with staff or fellow candidates, like you might be tempted to upon meeting people for the first time.
  • Please remain seated until advised to move. This includes needing the bathroom - please raise your hand and you will be given the go-ahead from staff when appropriate. 
  • If you bring a mobile or any form of camera / electronic device to the session it must be switched off fully on site*. If you are seen to be using your mobile phone (or any other form of communication device / camera / wearable technology) or it goes off and disturbs other candidates during your session, you may be disqualified from the recruitment process. As such, remember that mobile phones or smartwatches etc cannot be used for time-keeping purposes during your assessment – we recommend you wear a basic wristwatch if possible.
  • *Only in very specific pre-approved circumstances will use of such devices be considered - your understanding is appreciated. 
  • Be prepared for possible colder conditions in assessment rooms (e.g., wear extra layers of clothing). 
  • During roleplays please limit ‘shouting’ or ‘raised voices’.
  • If staff give you instructions about your movements or a task / activity to attend to within the venue, please follow these instructions carefully.
  • If you feel suddenly ill and cannot continue (but wish to remain in the process), you must alert a member of the Recruitment Team as soon as possible. You will be asked to leave the assessment. You must contact us via info@joinpsni.co.uk within seven days to request another appointment to allow you to fully complete your assessment. If availability allows you will be accommodated with a later appointment. 
  • Give us your feedback! You will receive a link to an online feedback survey in the days following your assessment. It is important that we capture feedback so that you can have your say about your experience. It also feeds into continuous improvement measures.  

On the day of your assessment - Please try to focus on the task in hand, and not think too much about our stipulations. Our staff will do their best to guide you where possible. 

Appendix 2 - Preparing for the Assessment Centre

1. What happens at the Assessment Centre?

If you have never attended an Assessment Centre, you may have some trepidations before attending. Please do not worry. We will do our best to make everyone feel at ease, so they can perform to their best. We have produced a short familiarisation video that you should find useful when preparing for your Assessment Centre. The video summarises the activities you will undertake and will give you a feel for the experience you will have at the assessment venue. That video is available via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGpxsGJzvUc. In addition, please consider the following details of what the Assessment Centre stage is all about:

An Assessment Centre uses a number of methods to gather information about a person’s capabilities. It is relevant to the job and is objective. Typically an Assessment Centre involves:

  • multiple assessment methods;
  • trained assessors
  • work based exercises; 
  • and clear criteria against which participants are assessed.

Information from all the exercises is combined to enable assessors to reach a decision on whether you will progress to the next stage.

The Assessment Centre is designed to assess you against the Competency Values Framework (CVF) for Policing Professionals, in a simulated policing environment. Further information regarding the Competency Values Framework can be found on Page 22 of the Guidance for Applicants document.

In preparation for your Assessment Centre you should study the information provided by the College of Policing in relation to the CVF. Think about how you will demonstrate the values and behaviours to assessors at your Assessment Centre. (Please note that your assessment will measure against Level 1 – Practitioner Level of the CVF).

The Assessment Centre is based within the ‘Rossgall Police Service’ and you will be asked to undertake the role of a new constable. The centre consists of six different exercises and will last up to 3.5 hours. The exercises are:

  • Two action plans – written exercises requiring you to set out plans for discussing issues or problems with different individuals.
  • Three role plays – interactive exercises where you will be asked to discuss an issue or problem with a role player.
  • Report writing exercise – you will be required to summarise information you have collected during the course of the Assessment Centre.

All the exercises have been designed to reflect particular aspects of a constable’s work but you are not required to have any in-depth knowledge of the role of a constable in order to perform well at the Assessment Centre. You will, however, be expected to use your common sense and initiative, where appropriate, in order to effectively perform the role that is asked of you. You should be aware that the exercises have been designed to reflect ‘real-life’ scenarios that constables will encounter as part of their role. You may find that some exercises are particularly sensitive in nature.

NB: The Deloitte Recruitment Team retain the right to rotate exercise content and can use alternative scenarios or exercises when required in order to protect the integrity of the assessment process.

All exercises and content of the PSNI assessment centre is copyright to Deloitte. Please be cautious of unofficial training providers engaged in tutoring potential applicants on elements of the process. These training providers are not endorsed. N.B. no one outside of the Deloitte design team has the appropriate knowledge to help applicants prepare.

2. Frequently Asked Questions

How will the timetable for the Assessment Centre be organised? When you arrive at the venue your timetable will be explained to you so that you will know the time at which you will be undertaking the various exercises. It is your responsibility to manage your own time, and to ensure you are at correct exercise room indicated on your individual timetable at the right time, prepared to undertake the relevant exercise.

You should be aware that your assessment session will be conducted with candidates divided into different groups. You will find details of what group you are allocated to on a notice stuck to your desk. Listen carefully for any instructions issued to your specific group.

At your session you will be based in a Briefing Room. To encourage social distancing, Deloitte staff will be conducting marshalling of groups moving to role play / interview rooms. Please remain seated at your desk in the Briefing Room until notified to move to a role play by a Deloitte staff member. When asked to move, please do so quietly and in an orderly fashion. All Assessment Centre rooms will be clearly labelled on or near the room door. Before entering an exercise room be sure to double check it is the correct room you are due to attend at that particular time.

All candidates will use the same Briefing Room and exercise rooms throughout the session. As instructions / announcements may be made during the session and people will be moving around, you should expect some low-level noise / disruption when you are completing your assessment activities. Please treat this as part of your day and disregard. Do your best to get on with your own applicable work and focus only on instructions aimed at you. This experience is ‘by-design’ and is intended to simulate the day in a life of a police constable, who may be required to work independently in a busy environment.

Can I store my personal items somewhere during the Assessment Centre? At your discretion, you are welcome to leave personal items such as coats or bags at your allocated desk as you go about your activities. Note that any items left unattended are left at the owner’s risk.

When I reach the role play interview room I am due to attend, what do I do? Double-check you are at the room you are due to attend at that particular time. When you are sure you are at the correct room, proceed to knock on the door and enter the room promptly. A seat will be provided for you directly opposite a role player - please use that seat. Do your best to settle in the room quickly. The exercise timer will start when the candidate is settled and about to start.

How will exercise time be kept during the Assessment Centre? During the Assessment Centre, certain activities will be timed. The time limit will be indicated to you. Staff will use stopwatches and timers to keep time. Written logs of timings will be kept when applicable. You should be aware that while clocks may be available in the centre, due to seating arrangements and distance (particularly due to social distancing measures) they may not be visible to you. As such, you are encouraged to wear your own basic wristwatch (or use your own basic stopwatch) to help you keep time for yourself. Note that you may not use a mobile phone or smartwatch to help you keep time. Also, any device that you do use to help you keep time must be kept silent throughout (i.e., ‘warning beeps’ must be turned off).

How long will the Assessment Centre last? Your assessment day will last approximately 3.5 hours. While you will not be assessed for all of this time, you should consider the whole experience as a ‘Day at the Station’. Therefore, use any down-time not only to relax and re-charge your batteries between exercises, but to have a think about what you have done and what you are about to do. You should note that you will not be able to leave the Assessment Centre premises during the course of the assessment session.

Given how long the session will last, please be sure to plan your homeward travel and any parking arrangements with that in mind. If you intend to use on-street parking, take note of any local parking restrictions and be sure to pay metre-parking fully, so as to avoid any parking penalties.

How will my performance be assessed? All the exercises will be observed and marked by assessors who will be comparing your performance with a set of detailed guidelines. They will assign scores based on the extent to which you have shown behaviours and abilities that match the required competency values. 

What will help me to do well during the Assessment Centre? While there is no particular ‘learning’ that you need to do before the Assessment Centre, there are some tips that people have found useful in ensuring they perform to their potential:

  • Think about the Competency Values Framework and how this is relevant to the work of a constable;
  • As the Assessment Centre is based in a police setting, it would be useful to undertake some research on the Police Service of Northern Ireland, to understand the types of scenarios a constable encounters in a typical day, and then think how you would react in these particular situations;
  • During the Assessment Centre, use the opportunity to show the assessors what you can do – they can only assess what they can see or hear, so during the exercises try to make it clear what you are trying to achieve or how you are trying to deal with an issue; and
  • Don’t give up! There are six exercises in total, so if you feel you have not performed well during one exercise, there are further opportunities for you in other exercises.

3. Other Helpful Tips

We also encourage you to take note of the following before attending the Assessment Centre:

  • Elements of the Assessment Centre are timed and it is your responsibility to manage your own time, therefore you may wish to bring your own wristwatch or stopwatch. Announcements will not be made as to how long is remaining on the invigilator’s stopwatch.
  • You should be respectful to your fellow candidates and keep noise to the absolute minimum so as not to disturb others.
  • Mobile phones are not permitted (apart from in specific pre-approved circumstances). Once instructed, your mobile phone and any other devices you have you must be turned off completely. If you are found with a mobile phone on during the session, you will be disqualified.
  • Public discussion / sharing of information about the Assessment Centre is prohibited. Attendance at your appointment means you enter into a legally binding confidentiality agreement and failure to adhere to such may lead to your disqualification and further legal action being taken by Deloitte / PSNI.
  • While at your Assessment Centre you will be responsible for safekeeping of a variety of documents issued to you. Failure to keep safe documents issued to you may lead to your disqualification. Removal from the venue of the Assessment Centre materials we issue is prohibited.
  • Photography / video / recording is not permitted at the Assessment Centre.
  • Calculators are not permitted at the Assessment Centre. 
  • Keep all personal items you bring with you to the session in your possession at all times. Please do not leave any bags unattended while at the venue. Please remember to bring all your personal property (including your photo ID) with you once the session has ended.
  • There is no specific dress code for this stage of the process, but many people choose to wear business attire. Please feel free to wear what you feel comfortable in.
  • Candidates are reminded of their Candidate Charter, which is applicable throughout the recruitment process.

Appendix 3 - Communications and Assessment Centre results

During the Deloitte-managed stages of the recruitment process the primary means of communicating with candidates is by email. You should check your email (including ‘junk’ folders) regularly for updates from us.

Please bear in mind that we may contact you at short notice and it is your responsibility to look out for emails from us and to take any required actions. You should note that in the event of a last minute emergency cancellation of assessment events (e.g., environmental issues at the venue such as power failure, or inclement weather) we will endeavour to make contact by email to advise you not to attend. Consequently, you are particularly advised to check your email immediately before setting out for arranged appointments in case we have been required to make contact with you to cancel the appointment. We would also encourage you to regularly check the ‘Recruitment News’ section on the www.joinpsni.co.uk/police-officer homepage for updates regarding Assessment Centres.

For security purposes all communication with us must be via email. Please do not telephone Deloitte as we will not be able to discuss your application with you over the phone. Furthermore, please do not contact the Assessment Centre venue about your attendance, as venue staff will not be able to take messages for Deloitte staff. You should also note that we will only communicate with the individual applicant concerned about their own application. We will not communicate with any third party (e.g., parent, guardian, relative or friend) about your application.

After your Assessment Centre

Within a few weeks following your assessment session, we aim to be in touch to provide some follow-up information and to give you the opportunity to provide feedback on your experience.

Also, after your Assessment Centre we may contact you to follow-up on your eligibility to join the PSNI as part of our QA process following the Evidence Uploader stage. If we contact you, you are obliged to follow any instructions we set. 

Ultimately, it is our intention to communicate the result of your Assessment Centre by no later than end-of-day on 6th August 2025. Please note that this date is indicative and may change. Also note that Deloitte and the PSNI reserve the right to instigate phased processing of candidates through to the PSNI managed stages of the process. We would appreciate if you could refrain from contacting us regarding your Assessment Centre result until after that date.

All the best for your Assessment Centre

Recruitment Team 

Deloitte MCS Limited 

info@joinpsni.co.uk | www.joinpsni.co.uk