July 31, 2025 | Human Resources , Officer and Staff: Recruitment and Promotion
Request Number: FOI/15165
Category: Human Resources - Promotion
Subject: Promotion to Chief Superintendent in 2025
Request and Answer:
Your request for information has now been considered. In respect of Section 1(1)(a) of the Act we can confirm that the Police Service of Northern Ireland does hold some information to which your request relates and this is being provided to you.
We do not however hold information in relation to request number 3 below. We have also provided you with links to guidance issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office which we have followed in responding to your request.
Request 1
When did the most recent promotion competition take place for promotion to Chief Superintendent in the PSNI? (i.e when was the competition first advertised, when were results notified to candidates, and when did the Senior Management Appointments Panel decide on promotions).
Clarification requested:
Could you please confirm the promotion process you are referring to? The most recent process is currently ongoing, is this the one to which you refer?
Clarification received:
Yes, it would be this promotion process. I was unaware it was ongoing. Have all candidates received their results? If this is the case I am content to receive information relating to how many were successful, even if this predates actual appointment into posts.
Answer 1
The promotion competition was advertised March 21st 2025 and the process is currently still ongoing so we are unable to provide a response in regards to notification of results and the decision making time frame.
Request 2
How many candidates participated in the competition (you may exclude any who entered but subsequently withdrew). Of these candidates, how many were PSNI officers and how many were from other police forces?
Answer 2
There were 15 applicants, all were PSNI officers.
Request 3
How many of the candidates were successful? Of these, how many were PSNI officers and how many were from other police forces?
Answer 3
Your request for information has now been considered. In respect of Section 1(1)(a) of the Act we can confirm that the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) does not hold information in relation to your request. Enquiries made in relation to your requests failed to locate any records or documents relevant to your request based on the information you have provided.
The process is still live so we are unable to provide a response to this request.
Accordingly, we have determined that the Police Service of Northern Ireland does not hold the information to which you seek access.
Request 4
How many temporary promotions to C/Superintendent in PSNI have been made from February 2025 to the date of response to this question? Please could you break down your response by month?
Answer 4
March 2025 – 1
April 2025 – 1