Is emotional awareness the same as being nice?

No. It's about reading people and yourself accurately and responding in the way that helps the situation. Sometimes that means being firm.

Can I use an example about feedback I received?

Yes. How you handled difficult feedback about yourself, and what you changed, is a good way to show self-awareness.

We are emotionally aware: police CVF examples and how to write your answer

Updated 2 November 2026 · 3 min read

'We are emotionally aware' is about understanding your own feelings and other people's, and using that understanding to respond well, especially when things are tense. Policing puts people at their worst moments, so assessors want to see that you notice how someone is feeling, stay in control of your own reactions, and adapt how you deal with them.

'We are emotionally aware' is one of the six competencies in the College of Policing's Competency and Values Framework (CVF), updated in 2024. You'll meet it in application forms, assessment processes, interviews and promotion boards. Our main CVF guide covers the whole framework; this page goes deep on 'We are emotionally aware'.

What assessors look for

You noticed how someone else was feeling, even when they didn't say it.
You managed your own emotions, especially under pressure or provocation.
You changed your approach to suit the person and the situation.
You reflected on how you came across, and learned from it.

Showing the values at the same time

The three CVF values (courage, respect and empathy, and public service) run through every competency. Emotional awareness sits naturally with respect and empathy: show that you treated the person with dignity and tried to see things from their point of view.

How the question is usually worded

Tell us about a time you had to manage your own emotions in a difficult situation.
Give an example of when you recognised that someone was upset and changed how you dealt with them.
Describe a time you received difficult feedback and how you responded.

An example answer

Example · Example from retail work (around 220 words)“Tell us about a time you recognised how someone was feeling and adapted your approach.”

Working on a supermarket customer service desk, a man came to complain loudly that he'd been overcharged. He was shouting, and other customers were staring. My first instinct was to defend the store, but I noticed he was shaking and kept looking at a prescription bag in his hand. I kept my voice low and calm and asked if he'd like to step to the quieter end of the desk. I said I could see he was having a hard day and that I would sort the receipt out with him. Once he felt listened to, he explained that he'd just been given bad news at the pharmacy and that the extra £8 was the last straw. I checked the receipt and found a promotion hadn't applied, so I refunded the difference straight away. I also told him about the store's community support scheme, which he hadn't known about. He apologised for shouting and thanked me. My manager, who had seen it, asked me to share how I'd handled it with the team. I learned that anger is often covering something else, and that slowing down helps me respond to the person, not just the complaint.

Why it works

Notices emotion the person didn't voice
Manages their own instinct to get defensive
Adapts their approach and treats him with dignity
Reflects on what they learned

Your examples don't have to come from policing. Most applicants use work, volunteering, sport or study. What matters is that it clearly shows the competency, and what you personally did.

Common mistakes

Describing how calm you are without showing a moment that tested it.
Focusing on the other person's behaviour and not what you noticed and did.
Leaving out reflection: emotional awareness includes awareness of yourself.

The CVF describes each competency at different levels for different roles, so read the indicators for the level on your force's advert, and check which version of the framework they're using. Then save your best 'We are emotionally aware' answer: it will come up again at interview, and again at promotion. The STAR method is the structure behind every answer on this page.

Frequently asked questions

Is emotional awareness the same as being nice?: No. It's about reading people and yourself accurately and responding in the way that helps the situation. Sometimes that means being firm.
Can I use an example about feedback I received?: Yes. How you handled difficult feedback about yourself, and what you changed, is a good way to show self-awareness.