Training for operational frontline roles
Many of our frontline roles involve working directly with members of the public and can involve managing challenging situations. Public and Personal Safety Training, known as PPST, gives you the skills to carry out these responsibilities safely, professionally and proportionately.
What is PPST?
PPST (Public and Personal Safety Training) provides the skills and knowledge needed to work safely in frontline and operational environments. Training focuses on areas such as risk awareness, communication, de-escalation and, for some roles, physical intervention techniques.
Communication, awareness and de-escalation are emphasised across all training levels. Physical techniques are used only where lawful, necessary and proportionate as part of Level 2 and 3 training.
How do I know which PPST level I need?
There are three levels of PPST. The level required depends on the responsibilities and operational risks associated with the role.
You won’t need to decide this yourself. The job advert will state whether the role requires Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 training.
Find out what each training level involves.
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Level 1 introduces personal and public safety, risk awareness, decision making and effective communication skills.
It is generally suitable for roles involving occasional or limited contact with the public, where colleagues need to recognise and report risks. Physical intervention is not expected as part of these roles.
This level is usually completed online as part of onboarding or pre-course learning. The length of the training may vary depending on the role and learning package.
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Level 2 develops practical personal safety skills, with a strong focus on communication, conflict management and de-escalation.
It may be required for roles involving regular public contact or operational activity, where colleagues could encounter challenging or confrontational situations.
The course includes practical training and unarmed defence techniques. You must be physically fit, willing and able to undertake the training.
The course duration is usually around two days and is delivered at a designated training venue.
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Level 3 is designed for frontline operational and enforcement roles where colleagues may be required to use arrest or restraint techniques.
Training can include:
- practical personal safety skills
- restraint techniques
- arrest-related procedures
- scenario-based exercises
- operational safety training relevant to the role
Communication and de-escalation remain the preferred response wherever possible. Physical intervention is used only when it is lawful, necessary and proportionate.
You must meet the role’s health and fitness standards and successfully demonstrate the required level of competence during training.
Level 3 typically takes around 10 working days (approximately two weeks) and may be delivered as a standalone course or as part of a wider training programme.
Public and Personal Safety Training FAQs
These frequently asked questions explain what to expect before and during your training, including health requirements, travel, accommodation and pay.
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Some roles requiring Level 2 or Level 3 training have health and fitness requirements.
Depending on the role, you may be asked to complete a health declaration or pass a medical assessment before training begins. The job advert will explain the requirements that apply to you.
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Level 1 is usually completed online.
Levels 2 and 3 are normally delivered at a designated training venue. The location and joining instructions will be provided before your course begins.
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You may need to travel to a training venue. If you live outside a reasonable daily travelling distance, overnight accommodation may be required.
Travel and accommodation arrangements will be explained before the training begins. Approved costs will be covered in line with departmental arrangements.
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Training arrangements depend on the role and programme. Where training takes place at a designated venue, it is normally delivered Monday to Friday during normal working hours. In some circumstances, you may need to travel on a Sunday before the course begins. Check the role-specific information below and your job advert for the arrangements that apply to you.
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Yes. PPST forms part of your employment.
Any role-specific pay, allowance arrangements or other conditions that apply during training will be explained in the job advert, onboarding information or appointment documentation.
If Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) is applicable to the role you are applying for, please note it is not payable during the initial training period. If you are an internal candidate who already receives AHA, payment of the allowance will continue during your initial training.
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Some roles may require colleagues to complete regular refresher or recertification training. The requirements depend on the role and training programme and will be explained after appointment.
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PPST may form part of a wider initial training programme for some roles. The information below explains the additional arrangements that apply to specific roles. Your job advert will confirm the requirements for the role you are applying for.
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For frontline Border Force Officers, PPST forms part of a wider initial training programme that also includes induction and core immigration training.
You will be allocated to a training hub near Heathrow, Manchester, Folkestone, Stansted, Tilbury or Gatwick, or a location near your home port, depending on the location and number of new entrants.
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For frontline Immigration Officers in Immigration Enforcement, initial PPST takes just over two weeks. This includes 10 days of Level 3 training and two days of Level 2 training.
When you enrol, you will receive joining instructions confirming your training location. Training is likely to take place at a venue in Southampton or Stockport, although locations may change.