Detective Chief Inspector - Deputy Head of Covert Operations and HUMINT (CTPSE)

We welcome applications from substantive Chief Inspectors for the role of Detective Chief Inspector, Deputy Head of Covert Operations and HUMINT. This role is key in leading our regional response to counter-terrorism through covert operations, inclusive of a variety of tactics and human intelligence. This role is responsible for the support and management of covert policing operatives in the South East region, servicing operations across the UK and at times, internationally.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) as a critical member of our Leadership Team, working as part of the national Counter Terrorism Policing network in our mission to reduce the threat and fear of terrorism and wider national security threats.

The successful candidate will work alongside our strategic lead for covert operations, working with many partner agencies, in the delivery of Covert Operations (Surveillance, Technical planning and the CT Policing Operations Room), and Covert Human Intelligence Sources in support of regional and national operations. This includes the collection and protection of sensitive intelligence sources, relationships with other organisations, regions and forces, and contributing to the ongoing development of the CTP network’s HUMINT and Covert Operations Capabilities. Additional responsibilities include deputising for our Head of Covert Operations & HUMINT and managing an operational portfolio.

This is a leadership role lending itself to applicants from a variety of backgrounds with different skillsets. We anticipate that some applicants will have intelligence management or covert operations backgrounds, others will be detectives who have led serious or complex investigations within the crime context, and some may bring Counter Terrorism Policing-specific experiences from which they can draw. The successful candidate will certainly need to have experience of partnership working, and be skilled in managing risk and leading in environments that have involved the use of sensitive intelligence to investigate serious or complex crimes.

Whatever their background, the successful candidate will need to demonstrate experience of managing intelligence and covert techniques to resolve serious or complex crime or counter terrorism situations, and will need to have a strong understanding of intelligence processes and products, They will also need to demonstrate a strong understanding of investigation and court processes and procedures including disclosure.

There is real scope for the successful applicant to build on the skills that they already have and to learn the other skills required for this role. This is why the desirable skills that we list are relatively broad. We do not expect anyone to cover them all.

Above all, what this role really requires is the ability to allow our people to achieve excellence through an inclusive culture, which holds them to account but allows them to develop and thrive. They also need a proven ability to lead people effectively through change, to be able to lead and manage risk under pressure. Given that the CT Policing network is a collaboration with other forces, and which works so closely with other agencies, the role holder must be a person who has shown their ability to build and maintain successful partnership working at many levels.

This role is part of a national, regional and local network and as a result you will be required to travel for business purposes. This may include some travel across the UK and is not limited to the South East. You will be asked to demonstrate flexibility regarding working hours in line with operational demand and, occasionally, this may require working away from home. The successful role holder will be required to perform on call responsibilities.

Security Clearances

Due to the nature of our work, security is of paramount importance to us and therefore it will be necessary for the successful candidate to obtain and maintain vetting level DV together with a number of enhanced security checks. In order to achieve this, you must be a British National and have resided in the UK for the past ten years. Exemptions may apply for overseas or other diplomatic service (with HM Government), and studying abroad.

You can find more information about security vetting here.

How to Apply

To apply, click on the “Apply” button below and submit your application before the closing date of 19th November 2024 at 23:55hrs. Interviews will take place early January 2025.

Substantive Officers - If you wish to apply you need to have support from your Head of Command / Department.

Hampshire officers need to complete an AD277b alongside their application. This form is not available on the force’s standard forms library. It can be found on the HR Portal. Please contact WFPlanning@hampshire.police.uk if you have any queries relating to this.
Kent Officers will need to inform Kent HR Resource Planning at the earliest opportunity of intention to apply. Every Officer application form must be signed by the Chief Supt or police staff equivalent and sent to Kent HR Resource Planning no later than 5 working days prior to closing date unless exceptional circumstances apply. This is required so that Chief Officer approval can be obtained for the application to progress, which will be managed by Kent HR Resource Planning. These steps must be completed prior to application submission. If your application for an opportunity is not approved prior to submission to the recruiting organisation you may not be supported for release to the role, should you be successful.
Officers from other forces are welcome to apply. You may wish to consult with your HR team regarding completion of additional forms.

Substantive officers will be shortlisted against the Essential Criteria and should submit an online application form. You will be required to upload your latest PDR (or if no PDR, a recent copy of your CPD record/Focus Feedback meeting) and a copy of your Training Record. You will be also required to upload the Recommendation for Appointment Form (enclosed with the Job Advert) in the ‘Line Managers Approval Form’. Thames Valley Police (TVP) officers who have already passed the TVP Promotion, can apply as a substantive (above application requirements).

The leadership within CTPSE are actively committed to embedding and sustaining an inclusive culture that recognises and champions the diversity of our people, and promotes equity and equality so that everyone can succeed at work. The region is delivering this commitment through a long term strategy that takes a holistic and intersectional approach to wellbeing & inclusion. Our strategy is underpinned by the five strategic objectives;

Inclusive Culture – We will create, embed, and continually develop an inclusive culture for our people.

Engaged & Involved – We will ensure our people are engaged, involved, and listened to.

Wellbeing – We will prioritise the wellbeing of our people.

Representation – We will attract, recruit, retain and develop a diverse workforce.

Inclusive by Design – We will ensure that inclusion is a core principle of our policies, products, and decisions.

Our people say that benefits include a good work/life balance, a supportive and welcoming place to work and great opportunities to further develop your own capabilities.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact RecruitmentSE@thamesvalley.police.uk quoting the Job Reference number 21913. If you have applied for this role in the last six months, we respectfully ask that you do not reapply at this current time.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy if we receive a high volume of applications. Should you wish to apply for this post, we advise you to complete and submit your application form as soon as possible.

Please use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge when completing your application, wherever possible, as this will enhance performance.