1. Real World Solutions to Real World Problems

The examiners are testing your ability to deal with a problem. They will try to set you the sort of problem that you may well face in the real world, and are looking for you to solve it as you would in the real world. For example if you are dealing with a Police Officer for a poor performance issue, what would you do normally? The issue you are dealing with is self evident, so you need to find out why the officer concerned is not performing, and deal with both the cause and the effect.

If the cause is a welfare matter there will be welfare issues to resolve; involve the officer in those solutions, and ask if they are happy to do what you suggest.

As far as the poor performance is concerned you must deal with that. A SMART action plan, with deadlines built in, is a good course. You will need to monitor progress too. You will need to make a decision if the behaviour warrants disciplinary action. There is no right or wrong answer to this, but explain the reason for your decision to your role actor.

In other words deal with it the way you would in real life.

2. Solve the Problem

A high percentage of the marks available are given for what you propose to do about the situation faced. The examiners are looking for your solutions - make sure you don't run out of time before you get to them. Clearly you need to understand what the issue that you are dealing with is, and there will be marks for that. It is a bit like showing your working out in a Maths exam.

3. Involve your Role Actor

If your role actor is a member of the public, involve them in the solution of the problem. Make sure you DON'T tell them what you want them to do, but ask if they would be willing to help out in some specific way.

4. Use your Notes

You have been given time to prepare for your seven stations, and should make sure that when you have done all you preparation you use the notes you have made. I have seen delegates welcome the role actor into the room and then put their notes to one side and for 5 minutes not look at them once. Your notes should contain your plan, and your memory joggers - they are very important so make sure you use them.

5. It is not just what you do, but how you do it!

The assessor is scoring you in two different ways; 'Competence based behaviour statements' and 'Scalars'. The Competence based behaviour statements may be 'Takes responsibility for' or 'States intention to do'

While the scalars may be for example 'Considerate - Inconsiderate'.

So not only do you have to deal with the situation, you have to deal with it in appropriate manner. Think about how you would expect to be spoken to if you were being dealt with in the situation you find yourself dealing with. If you are dealing with a welfare issue show some empathy, but if you are dealing with a discipline matter you will need to be decisive.

6. Reading Suggestion

There is a great little book called the 'One Minute Manager' by Kenneth H. Blanchard. You can pick it up for less than £10 from W.H.Smiths. It tells you how to carry out a one minute discipline interview and also how to do a one minute praising. Both of which could be invaluable when you are trying to develop someone and you only have 5 minutes to do it in.

7. Get All The Help You Can

There is nothing like attending OSPRE Part 2 fully prepared having been through a selection of realistic scenarios set by people in the know, with full marking and feedback. Research supports the fact that candidates who prepare for Part 2 using an outside, police-run company, have a very significant advantage over those who just prepare by themselves. The investment in a course is minimal compared to the salary and career benefits that passing Part 2 will bring. For a selection of the best on the market, visit the OSPRE Assistance page.