Overview
2026 National Graduate Programme - Avon and Somerset Police
Join to apply for the 2026 National Graduate Programme - Avon and Somerset Police role at Police Now.
This range is provided by Police Now. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range: Our two-year programme, starting in March 2026, is designed to develop diverse graduates, from any degree, who want to build trust, reduce crime and transform communities. We are partnering with Avon and Somerset Police, so you will work in Bristol, Bath, Somerset, or South Gloucestershire.
Role and responsibilities
- On our National Graduate Programme, you’ll train to become a neighbourhood police officer and be at the forefront of creating safer communities, working proactively to address long-term issues and enhance the quality of life for residents in the communities you serve.
- You’ll work as part of a neighbourhood policing team, spending two years embedded within a community. During this time, you will focus on identifying threats, harm and risk and tackling local issues and complex challenges.
- During the programme, you will have full ownership and responsibility for bringing about positive change and will be supported by a wide network to guide you along the way.
- Once you successfully complete the programme, you will be a fully warranted neighbourhood police officer with a permanent role in policing and will join the Police Now alumni network.
Qualifications and requirements
- Be over 17 years of age (18 by appointment) and a British citizen, a citizen of a country in the European Economic Area or Switzerland, a Commonwealth citizen, or a foreign national who is resident in the UK with settled status or leave to remain and work without restrictions.
- Hold a first, 2:1 or 2:2 in any undergraduate degree from a UK university (or equivalent from a non-UK university) and have completed all education by the programme start date (including part-time or distance learning).
- Have a full UK manual driving licence.
Training and development
Our award-winning training sets the foundation for a successful and transformative career in policing. Throughout the eight-week residential training academy, you’ll have access to a Performance and Development Coach who will support you to navigate a new career and maximise your potential. Depending on which route you take, you can also apply for an external secondment or internal attachment during the second year of the programme.
Upon successful completion of the programme, you will be a fully warranted neighbourhood police officer with a permanent policing role and you’ll join our Police Now alumni network. Many graduates have gone on to be promoted or move into other areas of policing such as Counter Terrorism or Investigations.
Rewards and benefits
- Salary: Your salary starts on day one of your training academy. A starting salary of £29,907, rising to £48,231 within seven years. On promotion to sergeant, the starting salary can be £51,408.
- Leave: 22 days per year (plus public holidays), rising to 30 days with length of service. Other leave including adoption, maternity and paternity.
- Work-life balance: Variable shift patterns provide flexibility, with several days off in a row. It may take time to adapt, but the schedule can offer flexibility for life outside work.
- Pension: Automatic enrollment in the Police Pension Scheme 2015 with a secure retirement package. Access to additional financial services and discounts through partner organisations and police force provisions.
Application process
Conditional offer.
Additional information
- Seniority level: Entry level
- Employment type: Full-time
- Job function: Other
- Industries: Non-profit Organizations
Yeovil, England, United Kingdom
Bridgwater, England, United Kingdom
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