Head of Strategic Centre

Job title: Head of Strategic Centre
Grade: PO 4
Role code: EU102a
Status: Police Staff

Main purpose of the role:

The post holder will be responsible for all operations performed within the Strategic Centre. This will include the effective supervision and management of all staff.

Main responsibilities:

• The purpose of the Strategic Centre is to provide additional strategic capacity and capability for the command. The proposals aim to:
• Provide a central function to coordinate improvement activity relating to Public Protection matters ensuring there is a single, coherent and integrated plan for improvement.
• Produce and review Public Protection policies and procedures whilst supporting officers and staff across the Force in their application;
• Ensure that learning and best practice is identified and then disseminated through effective training and communication with staff;
• Support and scrutinising standards in order to drive consistency and raise investigative and safeguarding quality.
• Production and maintenance of a comprehensive demand management strategy focussing on areas of most benefit, including proactive opportunities;
• Produce regular performance reports for use both internally and by external stakeholders and Statutory Boards. Responsible for attendance and representation at relevant post incident inquiry mechanisms such as Domestic Homicide Reviews and Serious Case Reviews.
• Provide a single point of engagement for scrutiny bodies (HMIC, IOPC etc), partners and other organisations that require responses or feedback from force. This will ensure a consistent response to such matters;
• Produce and implement a communications strategy for Public Protection matters (internal and external).
• Oversee and manage the professional development, welfare and support mechanisms for officers and staff within the Command, including the development of clear career paths.
• Strategic coordination of the partner relationships to include local authorities, the CPS, third sector organisations, and research and academic bodies.

Vetting level:

Management vetting req.

Necessary experience:

Person specification and skills - large teams dealing with high risk or high value business - delivering change with internal and external stakeholders - reporting staff and of the wider organisation - and through written reports - a broad range of contexts, both in the public and private sector Mandatory - Experience of managing large teams within a complex and diverse organisation - Excellent oral and written communication - Knowledge of Public Protection disciplines including broad understanding of relevant investigation and safeguarding considerations - Experience of working with partner agencies spanning a variety of professional disciplines.

Essential - Degree level qualification in relevant subject field or commensurate professional experience and qualifications - Competence in investigative procedures and the wider Criminal Justice process - Competence in child and adult protection matters including relevant legislation such as the Childrens Act and the Care Act.

Desirable - Experience of managing budgets within a team setting - Ability to manage change both internally and through collaboration.

Behaviours:

Analyse Critically (Level 2)

I ensure that the best available evidence from a wide range of sources is taken into account when making decisions. I think about different perspectives and motivations when reviewing information and how this may influence key points. I ask incisive questions to test out facts and assumptions, questioning and challenging the information provided when necessary. I understand when to balance decisive action with due consideration. I recognise patterns, themes and connections between several and diverse sources of information and the best available evidence. I identify when I need to take action on the basis of limited information and think about how to mitigate the risks in doing so. I challenge others to ensure that decisions are made in alignment with our mission, values and the Code of Ethics.

Collaborative (Level 2)

I manage relationships and partnerships for the long term, sharing information and building trust to find the best solutions. I help create joined-up solutions across organisational and geographical boundaries, partner organisations and those the police serve. I understand the local partnership context, helping me to use a range of tailored steps to build support. I work with our partners to decide who is best placed to take the lead on initiatives. I try to anticipate our partners' needs and take action to address these. I do not make assumptions. I check that our partners are getting what they need from the police service. I build commitment from others (including the public) to work together to deliver agreed outcomes.

Deliver, Support and Inspire (Level 2)

I give clear direction and expectations, helping others to understand how their work operates in the wider context. I identify barriers that inhibit performance in my teams and take steps to resolve these, enabling others to perform. I lead the public and / or colleagues, where appropriate, during incidents or through the provision of advice and support. I ensure the efficient use of resources to create the most value and the right impact within my areas. I keep track of changes in the external environment, anticipating both the short and long term potential implications for the Police Service. I motivate and inspire others to achieve their best.

Emotionally Aware (Level 2)

I consider the perspectives of people from a wide range of backgrounds before taking action. I adapt my style and approach according to the needs of the people I am working with, using my own behaviour to achieve the best outcome. I promote a culture that values diversity and encourages challenge. I encourage reflective practice among others and take the time to support others to understand reactions and behaviours. I take responsibility for helping to ensuring the emotional well being of those in my teams. I take the responsibility to deal with any inappropriate behaviours.

Innovative and Open-minded (Level 2)

I explore a number of different sources of information and use a variety of tools when faced with a problem and look for good practice that is not always from policing. I am able to spot opportunities or threats which may influence how I go about my job in the future by using knowledge of trends, new thinking about policing and changing demographics in the population. I am flexible in my approach, changing my plans to make sure that I have the best impact. I encourage others to be creative and take appropriate risks. I share my explorations and understanding of the wider internal and external environment.

Take Ownership (Level 2)

I proactively create a culture of ownership within my areas of work and support others to display personal responsibility. I take responsibility for making improvements to policies, processes and procedures, actively encouraging others to contribute their ideas. I am accountable for the decisions my team make and the activities within our teams. I take personal responsibility for seeing events through to a satisfactory conclusion and for correcting any problems both promptly and openly. I actively encourage and support learning within my teams and colleagues.

Values:

Impartiality (Accredited)

I take into account individual needs and requirements in all of my actions. I understand that treating everyone fairly does not mean everyone is treated the same. I always give people an equal opportunity to express their views. I communicate with everyone, making sure the most relevant message is provided to all. I value everyone's views and opinions by actively listening to understand their perspective. I make fair and objective decisions using the best available evidence. I enable everyone to have equal access to services and information, where appropriate.

Integrity (Accredited)

I always act in line with the values of the police service and the Code of Ethics for the benefit of the public. I demonstrate courage in doing the right thing, even in challenging situations. I enhance the reputation of my organisation and the wider police service through my actions and behaviours. I challenge colleagues whose behaviour, attitude and language falls below the public's and the service's expectations. I am open and responsive to challenge about my actions and words. I declare any conflicts of interest at the earliest opportunity. I am respectful of the authority and influence my position gives me. I use resources effectively and efficiently and not for personal benefit.

Public Service (Accredited)

I act in the interest of the public, first and foremost. I am motivated by serving the public, ensuring that I provide the best service possible at all times. I seek to understand the needs of others to act in their best interests. I adapt to address the needs and concerns of different communities. I tailor my communication to be appropriate and respectful to my audience. I take into consideration how others want to be treated when interacting with them. I treat people respectfully regardless of the circumstances. I share credit with everyone involved in delivering services.

Transparency (Accredited)

I ensure that my decision-making rationale is clear and considered so that it is easily understood by others. I am clear and comprehensive when communicating with others. I am open and honest about my areas for development and I strive to improve. I give an accurate representation of my actions and records. I recognise the value of feedback and act on it. I give constructive and accurate feedback. I represent the opinions of others accurately and consistently. I am consistent and truthful in my communications. I maintain confidentiality appropriately.

Technical skills:

Health and Safety (Level 4)

Has received Supervisor training and takes responsibility for the safety of directly subordinate staff and visitors. Understands the procedures in place for the safe storage of hazardous substances, fire precautions and evacuation. Resolves hazards or problems identified within roles or work environments. Undertakes skills passport assessments for new and existing staff. Re-assesses passport as and when new equipment/technology is introduced. Completes annual reviews of skills passports, training needs analysis.

Information Gathering and Analysis (Level 5)

Information gathered is sufficient, valid and reliable and is consistent with the organisation's values, policies, guidelines and procedures. Able to deal with situations when information is insufficient, contradictory or ambiguous. Able to organise and interpret information so that conclusions can be drawn.

Information Management and Technology (Level 4)

Can conduct basic computer searches and can correctly interpret data generated. Can create and amend records, according to role requirement. Knows established rules and protocols. Understands impact of data quality, and is self-monitoring on data quality issues.

Knowledge of Police Environment and Policy (Level 4)

Displays a general appreciation of changes affecting the police service. Understands the inter-relationships between the roles of the various Operational and Support activities, and how organisation structures and police systems work. Possesses a detailed understanding of working procedures, practices and policies relevant to the current role and the roles of subordinates and ensures that these are followed at all times. Is clear about Force goals and effectively contributes to local business plan objectives.

Knowledge of Legislation and Policy (Level 4)

Has a thorough understanding of all legislation, policy and procedure relevant to the current role. Able to apply this and offer advice to colleagues as necessary.

Management of Police Information (MOPI) (Level 3)

Has a basic understanding of the APP for Information Management (incorporating MOPI guidance) and its practical application. Recognises when there is a policing purpose to record information. Is familiar with the NPCC Retention Schedule. Takes personal responsibility to ensure information is recorded accurately and is retained for as long as it has a policing purpose and is stored in such way to allow it to be accessed by those with legitimate reason. Securely disposes of material which no longer has a policing purpose. Has successfully completed all standard relevant Information Management and Security, training package(s). Accurate use of Government Security Classification (GSC). Ensures physical and digital records are stored with appropriate security relevant to the sensitivity of the documents.

Risk Management (Level 4)

Able to anticipate risks likely to affect the team's ability to execute their function, in terms of likelihood and impact, and assesses how the challenges facing the wider organisation might affect their team and their objectives. Has an understanding of pathways to alert local managers to flawed or ineffective operational control strategies and provide continuity/recovery options. Has an appreciation that seizing opportunities also generates risks.