The National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) has launched a programme to develop the next generation of police leaders.

A group of 84 officers comprising constables and sergeants from police services across England and Wales will be the first to begin their training under the new High Potential Development Scheme (HPDS).

Police forces will be working with the NPIA to find high-potential officers early in their career to put them on the course. The HPDS will provide staff with the operational policing knowledge and business skills required to fill senior roles.

Angela O'Connor, chief people officer at the NPIA, said: "The HPDS scheme is an important step in the development of a cohesive talent management programme. Talent is the most valuable commodity that any business has and we take seriously the need to grow our leaders of the future from our existing workforce."

The NPIA also announced it would be working with Warwick University to deliver academic and professional programmes as part of HPDS.