Student Placement - Project Support Assistant - Strategy, Performance, and Planning - 2025/2026 - Counter Terrorism Policing HQ

Title: Student Placement - Project Support Assistant - Strategy, Performance, and Planning - 2025/2026 - Counter Terrorism Policing HQ

Department: Counter Terrorism Policing

Salary: £23,936

Location: West Brompton

Duration: 12 months

Number of students we are looking to recruit: 2

MORE CHALLENGES, MORE EXCITEMENT, MORE OPPORTUNITIES - BE AT THE HEART OF A CHANGING SERVICE

The MET

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) employs approximately 44,000 officers and Staff, plus thousands of volunteers and provides policing to one of the most diverse capital cities in the world. The service provides policing to the 32 London Boroughs as well as a number of other local, national and international functions such as counter terrorism and organised crime prevention. As the country’s largest police service, the service is recognised internationally as a leader in fighting crime and many other policing organisations look to the MPS for best practice and guidance.

We are looking to recruit students for a 52 week student placement with the Metropolitan Police Service. All roles will give students valuable insight and experience of working for one of the largest public organisations in the UK and the largest single employer in London. The role is a substantive post and we seek to provide valuable practical experience wherever our students work.

All roles will give students valuable insight and experience of working for one of the largest public organisations in the UK and the largest single employer in London. The role is a substantive post and we seek to provide valuable practical experience wherever our students work.

Counter Terrorism Policing

Counter Terrorism Policing is a collaboration of UK police forces working with the UK intelligence community to help protect the public and our national security by preventing, deterring and investigating terrorist activity. As the threat of terrorism continues to change and evolve, we need to be ready which means we need to be constantly adapting. Delivering change is hugely important therefore, and this is your chance to play your part in a challenge that is as important as it gets: protecting the UK and its communities.

Job Summary

Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) is one of the most complex and shifting policing environments. To keep us one step ahead, we want to recruit an individual to work as part of a small team in the Private Office function of the Director, Strategy for CTPHQ. The individual will work alongside other Private Office personnel, assisting across all functions in the Private Office but with a focus on helping develop and deliver project focused initiatives, including Women in CT (WinCT) and Women in National Security (WiNS).

The Director, Strategy has responsibility for a diverse, strategic and skilled team that sits at the heart of CTP’s Headquarters, liaising with national and regional partners in CTP’s network, and working closely with CTP’s leadership team to deliver impact for CTP through strategic intent, implementation, insight and influence.

The individual will work alongside the Director, Strategy Staff Officer and Personal Assistant (PA) and assist them in delivering the functions of a private office. This includes day to day management of correspondence and meetings, problem solving queries, engagement and liaison with key stakeholders (internal and external) and assisting in performing the secretariat function for national meeting groups and local forums. More crucially, the individual would be part of delivering project focused initiatives on behalf of the Director, Strategy and their Senior Leadership Team. This is a great opportunity for exposure to the workings of a private office, where you would have the opportunity to engage with senior personnel across CTP and beyond and help improve working practices across CTP who play a vital role in protecting the UK. You will learn the tradecraft of both supporting senior members of personnel and gain a breadth of experience in project management. You will be able to actively learn and apply industry standard project management skills, helping to develop crucial documents, support key workshops and manage and monitor the delivery of critical priority projects. You will be able to work alongside established project managers to gain valuable experience which will contribute to your own continuous professional development.

The ideal candidate will be able to use their range of skills to flex and adapt to the initiatives that need to be delivered. They are proactive, keen to learn and have an eye for detail with excellent verbal and written skills. They will have an active interest in both Counter Terrorism and in learning effective project management skills and controls which will be invaluable for their career (aligned to PRINCE2).

We are looking for someone who is keen to deliver excellent private office services and is happy to get involved with the priority activities across any initiatives. You should be innovative, well-organised and self-motivated. You should be able to demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of project management aspects (for instance, key documents we would use to manage a project, roles and stages). You will also be able to evidence to us that you’re keen to develop both within the team and the critical role we play in Counter Terrorism Policing.

Work with us and you will be joining a world-class Counter Terrorism Policing network team, where you will work with other change practitioners and operational staff who are passionate about keeping the country safe from terrorism.

Key Tasks

The post holder will be required to do the following:

Secretariat support function for meetings and local forums, including agenda setting and minute taking
Inbox management
Calendar management
Project management support including action trackers, risk logs, decision logs, highlight reports and comms
Assist with CTPHQ induction programme for new joiners
Ad Hoc administrative support as directed by Director Strategy

Key Skills

The post holder must have:

Planning, organisational and problem solving skills

Highly motivated, flexible and proactive approach to working including a strong desire to meet deadlines and deliver quality work.
Keen interest in developing project management skills, particularly in the planning and risk and issue management areas (i.e. development of plans on a page, management of risk and issues and control documents).
Can define and solve problems in a logical manner, being aware of the variety of solutions possible. Shows evidence of being able to balance theory with reality to produce a pragmatic solution.
Very organised and methodical, with an eye for detail.
Able to manage competing priorities and workloads to ensure on-time delivery of work

Communication and relationship skills

Strong ability to build rapport and relationships with colleagues and managers from across the Counter Terrorism Network and our partners.
Ability to work as part of a small team and deliver services to the most senior personnel In CTP HQ.
An excellent level of both written and verbal communication skills, and ability to present information appropriately to a wide variety of stakeholders in a clear, concise and sometimes technical manner.
Intuition for knowing what levels of information can be shared to whom, and when.
Strong work ethic and communication skills including experience at presenting.
Excellent planning skills, and ability to quickly respond to changing priorities and manage your own workload.
Ability to learn and adapt on the job, especially in responding to changes/unexpected issues, tailoring communication styles as change progresses through the project lifecycle.
Demonstrates a respect for diversity through all aspects of work. Shows consideration and respect for the opinions and feelings of others, regardless of their status or background.

Writing

The ability to translate complex information into a concise and understandable summary.
Write and edit project control documents, in a way that is clear, grammatically correct and in line with documentation guidelines set out by our portfolio office.

IT Literacy

Excellent knowledge of the MS Office suite and comfortable and competent in using such tools. (Confident in finding the answer if unsure).
Ability and desire to quickly pick up new tools and techniques.
Comfortable in completing a range of templates/reports across different mediums.

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; with 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).

How to apply

To apply, please visit our website. Applications will be via a detailed CV, Personal Statement and online application form. Your personal statement should outline why you are interested in the role and how your skills and experience demonstrate your suitability for the role (NB. Please do not attach 2 copies of your CV).

Completed applications must be submitted by 28th November 2024