How we support our applicants

Everyone deserves the chance to succeed. At Avon and Somerset, we are committed to making our recruitment process fair, inclusive and accessible to all

We are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive recruitment process. If you have a disability, a long-term condition or neurodiversity, we are here to ensure you have access to reasonable adjustments throughout your application journey and beyond.

Your journey with us matters, and we’re dedicated to helping you feel confident, prepared, and valued as you take the next step in joining our team. We believe in empowering everyone to reach their full potential.

Read our guidance on:

Understanding reasonable adjustments
Benefits of reasonable adjustments in the workplace
How to request reasonable adjustments
Preparing for your interview with reasonable adjustments in place
Confidentiality and privacy
Eligibility for adjustments during interviews
Common misconceptions about adjustments
After the interview
Resources for interview adjustments

Understanding adjustments

What reasonable adjustments are and how they apply to you
How to request support

Step-by-step guidance and confidentiality
What happens at interview and beyond

From arrival to feedback, with a virtual tour and 360 view

Reasonable adjustments for interviews

We understand that everyone’s needs are different, and we are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process where all candidates have an equal opportunity to showcase their talents.

Reasonable adjustments are changes or modifications we can make to ensure that candidates with disabilities, long-term conditions, or specific requirements are supported during their interviews.

Whether it’s adjusting the interview format, providing extra time for assessments, or ensuring physical accessibility, our goal is to remove barriers and help you perform at your best. Let us know how we can support you – we’re here to help.

Why you should tell us if you need adjustments

Reasonable adjustments are practical changes that remove barriers and make our recruitment process accessible. They do not give anyone an unfair advantage, they simply ensure every candidate has the opportunity to show their skills and potential.

Common misconceptions about reasonable adjustments

“Adjustments give me an advantage.”

Adjustments simply remove barriers so everyone can show their skills.

“It will affect how my application is viewed.”

Requests are confidential and do not affect assessment.

“Only major changes count.”

Even small adjustments, like rest breaks, can make a big difference.

“Adjustments are a sign of weakness.”

Asking for support shows self-awareness and sets you up to succeed.

Adjustments you can ask for

Adjustments are considered on a case-by-case basis. There is no single adjustment that suits everyone. It isn’t possible to show every condition or adjustment, but the examples below highlight the types of support that may be available.

You may realise later in the recruitment process that you should have requested an adjustment when submitting your initial application. If this happens, please contact the named person in the job advert as soon as possible so that we can support you.

Display adjustments

Test text can be fully adjusted using screen settings before starting.

Depending on the browser you are using, you can change:

text size or zoom
background and text colour
font type
screen contrast (you can also use filters to reduce glare

Adjustments for Police Officer Roles

While all candidates can request adjustments, some are specific to police officer recruitment and training. These may include:

- adjustments during the fitness test (rest breaks, modified pacing)

- support with uniform or equipment (adaptations where possible)

- changes to assessment centre tasks (e.g., written prompts, alternative formats)

- operational adjustments during probation (where compatible with role safety) Each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis to balance accessibility with the operational requirements of policing.p

Assistive technology

Assistive technology available includes:

screen readers and speech-to-text software
dictation tools
hearing loops or captioning services
adaptive keyboards, mice, or specialist input devicesa

BSL adjustments

British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters are available for interviews or assessments.

We also offer:

video relay or captioning for virtual interviews
written alternatives to verbal instructions

Time adjustments

You can access:

extra time for written tests or online assessments
rest breaks during longer assessments or interviews
flexible scheduling to manage fatigue, medication, or health needs

Workplace adjustments

If you are successful and offered a job, you can discuss ongoing adjustments before starting work. These may include:

flexible hours or working patterns
ergonomic equipment or furniture
quiet spaces or sensory tools
assistive technology or accessible formats for workplace systems

The Workplace Adjustment Passport

The Workplace Adjustment Passport can help structure conversations with your manager about the support you need. It acts as a record of:

the barriers you experience
the adjustments in place
the support agreed

Sharing and regularly reviewing your Passport ensures your adjustments continue to meet your needs. It also helps with continuity if you change roles or managers.

Case studies

At Avon and Somerset Police, we are dedicated to inclusivity and ensuring equal opportunities for everyone.

This section showcases real stories of how we have supported applicants with reasonable adjustments, reflecting our commitment to helping each individual succeed.

Link off to individual pages.

Virtual tour of an interview set up

Welcome to our virtual guide to the interview process! We want you to feel as comfortable and prepared as possible, so here’s a step-by-step look at how we organise interviews, with reasonable adjustments highlighted along the way.

This virtual tour reflects our commitment to making interviews as accessible and inclusive as possible. If you have any questions or specific requirements, please contact us in advance, and we’ll ensure everything is in place to support you.

Your inclusion

We place a great deal of importance on the wellbeing of our officers, staff, and volunteers. We have a number of professional departments providing help and support when it’s needed including:

Occupational Health
Physical Development Services
Chaplaincy Service
Blue Light Champions
Dedicated Wellbeing Team

Staff support networks

We are a workforce that values and supports one another, proud to be home to a diverse range of staff support networks and groups.

Our peer-led networks offer advice and support on a variety of issues, including faith, gender, disability, neurodiversity, and ethnicity. They also serve as a critical friend to the organisation, championing policy and practice improvements that enhance the working lives of everyone within the force.

(link to why work for us page)

Initiatives and Accreditations

If you have any questions about reasonable adjustments or would like to discuss your options, please don’t hesitate to get in touch: [email address]

We’re here to support you every step of the way!