Head of strategy, business support and policy NPCC

If you have in-depth knowledge of armed policing, we have a key role for you at the heart of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC). As head of strategy, business support and policy, you’ll directly influence the NPCC Armed Policing Portfolio at a strategic level.

The role

Reporting to the head of the NPCC Armed Policing Portfolio, you’ll head up strategy, business support and policy, which are three vital areas. In particular, you’ll be driving the development and implementation of national doctrine and policy towards armed policing. This is a huge responsibility.

It means linking up with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) to commission scientific research, and chairing working groups where necessary. Meanwhile, you’ll be analysing reports from government, policing and other sources, leading on National Armed Policing Organisational Learning, and compiling the National Armed Policing Strategic Threat and Assessment. 

What we're looking for 

Your work will have far-reaching implications, so it’s crucial that you have experience of armed policing at a strategic level. We’re also looking for knowledge of the:

• Code of Practice on Armed Policing
• Police Use of Less Lethal Weapons
• Armed Policing Authorised Professional Practice

Along with this technical expertise, you’ll bring high-level communication skills and the ability to write reports for senior leaders. A capable leader yourself, you’ll know how to build relationships and develop team members.

Besides the rewarding nature of the job itself, a competitive salary and a civil service pension, you'll also benefit from excellent career and professional development. If you’re looking to progress, this is an outstanding opportunity.

Job purpose

The post holder, working directly to the head of the NPCC Armed Policing Portfolio (who provides the link to the chief officer lead), will:

• provide day to day direction and oversight to the discrete strategy, business support and policy function within the NPCC Armed Policing Portfolio
• ensure that all strategy, policy and business support functions work to deliver the objectives of the portfolio
• co-ordinate and provide direction and oversight of the development of strategy, policy and doctrine, including business planning processes and the National Armed Policing Strategic Threat and Risk Assessment
• provide direction and control of scientific and research activity conducted on behalf of armed policing nationally, and  preparing comprehensive reports to enable the chief officer lead, the head of the NPCC Armed Policing Portfolio and where relevant other senior leaders to discharge their responsibilities effectively, across a wide range of subjects and methodologies

Key result areas

The post holder leads the day to day business of the strategy, business support and policy functions within the NPCC Armed Policing Portfolio structure. In doing so the post holder:

• reviews and analyses a wide variety of reports from policing, judicial, governmental, academic or other sources, determines the necessity for further action in respect thereof and advises the Senior Leadership Team on necessary responses
• participates in and where necessary chairs and co-ordinates working groups at all levels in response to the development of doctrine, policy, standard operating procedures or other associated outputs in an armed policing context
• is responsible for the compilation of the National Armed Policing Strategic Threat and Risk Assessment, in doing so building and maintaining relationships with the Criminal Use of Firearms Portfolio, the National Ballistic Intelligence Service, the National Crime Agency, the Home Office and other key stakeholders
• leads on national armed policing organisational learning, receiving, assessing and co-ordinating the response to recommendations from public inquiries, inquests, inspections, reviews and other sources
• ensures the collection, assessment and dissemination of strategic and national data, and receives, assesses and responds to a wide variety requests for information and data, and is able to analyse and interpret data from a variety of qualitative and quantitative sources
• provides the NPCC armed policing link to the DSTL and leads and co-ordinates discrete work with them, identifying work packages that require DSTL involvement, commissioning this work through the Home Office commissioning hub and monitoring and reporting on progress

Vetting

This post requires access to the most sensitive intelligence material on a daily basis. Applicants must hold or be prepared to undergo National Security Vetting (NSV) Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) level before taking up the post. You'll also have a willingness to undergo Developed Vetting (DV) once in post, if required.

Additionally, this material is of particular sensitivity to the UK and its distribution must be restricted to UK nationals. In approved circumstances dual nationals (of which one element is British) may also be granted access. However, in the event that potential conflicts of interest cannot be managed the post holder will not be able to see the intelligence material and will not be able to perform their duties. For the purpose of safeguarding national security and in line with Cabinet Office Policy, supported by Section 82(2) to (4) of the Police Reform Act (2002), applicants who do not hold or acquire Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) OR Developed Vetting (DV) clearance and meet the nationality requirements cannot be offered the post.

Confidentiality agreement

Applicants should also be aware of the need to sign a confidentiality agreement on taking up the post.

Our employee commitments

Counter Terrorism Policing aims to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere and culture and an environment where all our people feel a strong sense of belonging and are able to reach their full potential. Where any group or individual can be and feel respected, supported and valued to fully participate and contribute to our mission of “Working to keep people safe from Terrorism”.

Inclusion, diversity and equality is at the front and centre of our approach to make the composition of Counter Terrorism Policing more representative of the communities we serve.  As Counter Terrorism is rooted in local policing, to tackle today’s complex policing challenges, applications from across all communities are therefore essential and encouraged. Counter Terrorism Policing as a network is committed to ensuring that disabled people and those with long-term health conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations’.

Counter Terrorism Policing is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working arrangements, including part time working or job share. In addition, this role has been reviewed following learning from work during the Covid pandemic and may be done in an agile manner. In the first instance, please contact the vacancy holder to discuss how such arrangements could be accommodated (where applicable). 

Counter Terrorism Policing recruitment is open to all, but we are keen to positively support those who are younger in service to join into our specialist environment.