The Stripes Ahead journal

Notes on promotion, from the other side of the board.

FEATURED

Interview technique 6 min read · July 2026

The three words that quietly sink promotion board answers

Most officers lose marks not on knowledge, but on how they frame their examples. Here is the pattern I see again and again on the board — and the simple fix.

Shaun Page

Founder · former DCI

Interview technique 4 min · Jul 2026

STAR-L, not STAR: why the Learning matters most

The final letter is where strong candidates separate themselves.

Read article →

Study 5 min · Jun 2026

How to revise the legal syllabus around a rota

A realistic system for officers who cannot block out whole days.

Read article →

Leadership 6 min · Jun 2026

What the board actually means by "ownership"

Decoding the behaviour that trips up the most candidates.

Read article →

Values 4 min · May 2026

Integrity examples that don’t sound rehearsed

Finding authentic evidence in ordinary shifts.

Read article →

Career 5 min · May 2026

So you passed Part 1. Now what?

Turning the exam result into a successful board.

Read article →

Study 3 min · Apr 2026

The ten-minute revision habit that works

Why small and frequent beats rare and heroic.

Read article →

Promotion insight, monthly.

Practical articles on the exam, the board and leadership — straight from Shaun. No spam.

you@force.police.uk