Custody Governance Manager
Job Purpose
To provide strategic leadership and oversight of custody governance and operations across the force. The role ensures custody services are delivered in a safe, lawful, efficient, and high-performing manner, in line with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE), Authorised Professional Practice (APP), and guidance from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS). This includes contract and performance management, policy development, scrutiny of drug testing on arrest (DTOA), and the development of the Out of Court Resolution Team.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Management
- Lead the strategic planning and delivery of custody services across the force.
- Provide governance and direction for custody operations aligned with national standards and legislation.
- Supervise the Central Custody and Out of Court Resolution Teams.
- Drive custody-related projects, policy development, and change initiatives.
- Oversee DTOA processes and policy compliance.
Governance & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with PACE, Human Rights Act, Equality Act, and other relevant legislation.
- Maintain robust performance and compliance frameworks including audits, inspections, and risk assessments.
- Support ethical practice and professional standards across custody operations.
Performance & Quality Assurance
- Monitor custody suite performance data to identify trends and improvement areas.
- Analyse DTOA and Out of Court Resolution data to inform strategic decisions.
- Lead service redesign and innovation initiatives.
- Provide regular reports to senior leadership on custody performance and development.
Strategic Development
- Contribute to custody strategy and policy implementation.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to shape service delivery.
- Promote innovation, digital transformation, and best practice in custody operations.
- Support workforce planning and training needs analysis.
Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as liaison for custody matters with HMICFRS, OPCC, ICVs, healthcare providers, legal bodies, and safeguarding agencies.
- Represent the force at local, regional, and national custody forums.
- Foster multi-agency collaboration to enhance detainee care and service delivery.
Workforce Development
- Support professional development and accreditation pathways for custody staff.
- Promote a culture of excellence, wellbeing, and continuous learning.
- Ensure effective staffing models and succession planning.
Risk & Incident Management
- Lead strategic responses to serious incidents and complaints in custody.
- Ensure learning from incidents is embedded into practice and policy.
Other Duties
- Undertake additional duties as required within the scope of the department.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
- Uphold and promote the Force’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy in all aspects of the role.
Health & Safety
- Take reasonable care for own health and safety and that of others affected by work activities.
Culture, Values & Leadership
- Demonstrate the values and behaviours outlined in the Force’s Culture Strategy.
- Model leadership in line with the Chief Constable’s Leadership Deal.
Safeguarding
- Comply with Force policies and procedures regarding the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.