Head of Research - Data & Analysis - Band B - Counter Terrorism Policing HQ
Job Title: Head of Research - Data & Analysis - Band B - Counter Terrorism Policing HQ
Salary: The starting salary is £59,839, which includes allowances totalling £2,928.
The salary is broken down as £56,911 basic salary, which will increase annually until you reach the top of the scale £69,342. Plus, a location allowance of £1,928 and a non-pensionable allowance of £1,000.
Location: West Brompton
Job Summary
The Counter Terrorism Policing Headquarters, on behalf of government and the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), ensures that the CT network has the funding, capabilities and resources it needs to deliver CONTEST effectively and to keep people safe from terrorism. It does this through the provision of corporate services as well as national operational tasking and co-ordination. It houses unique national CT capabilities that support the entire network as well as overseeing delivery of CT Policing across the regions to ensure that it operates in a way that is both effective and efficient. Crucially, the HQ represents CT Policing’s interest within government and with wider stakeholders - ensuring that the policing contribution to CONTEST is both understood and appreciated.
Counter-Terrorism Policing (CTP) is revolutionising the way it uses data, analysis, research and technology. We have established a principal overarching strategy for Data and Analysis in CTP under a new Director. We are now creating a set of new functions and teams to develop advanced data and analytical capabilities and services to support the national CT Network. These functions report into the Director through four lead roles; Head of Data (Chief Data Officer), Head of Analysis, Head of Data Science and Chief Scientific Officer (CSO).
Job Description
The Head of Research is a senior role reporting to the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). The role will be responsible for driving scientific innovation and will contribute to the overall R&D strategy within CTP, based on operational requirements from CTP’s stakeholder communities. The role will deputise for the CSO on R&D innovation issues and will work with the CT Research laboratory team, and our Analysis and Data team members to ensure that CTP has the right research and technology approach to realise our aspirations in the use of scientific capability towards targeted operational innovation.
Job Purpose
Counter-Terrorism Policing is revolutionising the way it uses data, analysis and technology. We have established new strategies for Data & Analysis and for Information & Communications Technology. We are now creating this new Head of Research role to establish our wider research and innovation strategy and to set the direction for future development within the wider NS ecosystem.
The role will be responsible for setting direction and strategy for CTP R&D Research, with a clear implementation plan, performance metrics and governance structures. The role will work with the Chief Scientific Officer in building a new research and development function within the CTP HQ, to generate our requirements, sponsor innovation, access scientific advice and coordinate engagement with research communities.
Key Tasks
The post holder will be required to do the following:
- Create and implement a CTP R&D research strategy. This will build upon the work already being done in building an S&T Problem Book, the S&T roadmap to achieve CTP’s mission objectives, and a strategy on a page. The post holder will develop and maintain a detailed strategy for R&D looking at short and longer-term research. The post holder will line manage Domain Leads and work closely with them to deliver this objective.
- Work with the CSO to establish an overarching research and innovation framework to generate research requirements for the organisation. This task will involve maintaining constant engagement with CTP’s stakeholder community, collecting operational requirements, and maintaining a “live” version of the S&T Problem Book. This function will also involve collaborating and de-conflicting with other government partners, to make sure there is no duplication of effort and the commissioning of S&T is being handled in the most cost effective and collegiate manner.
- Work with the CSO to form a central team including the Head of Innovation, Leads for S&T Strategy, Domain Experts, and Capability Integration Heads. The role holder will engage with HR functions, design the job description for building their team, and will attract a diverse range of individuals best suited for the role. They will also be key in the sifting and selection process of the candidates. Finally, they will have line management responsibility for the team. The role holder is expected to engage in authentic and inclusive leadership, and keep the team motivated and help with their personal development objectives.
- Establish strategic coordination with UKIC, the NCA, the MPS, leads within the National Police Chiefs’ Council and regional CTP units. Establish technical partnerships with the Home Office, Dstl and other science and technology organisations. The S&T function established in CTPHQ is a collaborative network. This means accessing the right expertise, data sharing agreements, commercial frameworks, and managing the matrix of disperse collaborative entities to accomplish CTP’s S&T mission is vital. The role holder alongside the Head of Innovation will maintain close engagement with current and future S&T function’s collaborators and seek and encourage wider collaboration within the wider NS ecosystem. The role holder will work with our collaborators to (1) create research projects addressing CTP’s operational problems (2) identify the best routes to commission the research (3) govern the research projects and (4) identify the science-of-the-future that we should be engaging with to invest in anticipatory innovation.
- Establish international relationships for science and technology collaboration. This must include access to research and technology agreements to enable sharing and joint projects. This involves fostering new collaboration opportunities government partners. The post holder will also explore other national and international avenues of collaboration.
Scope for Impact
The Head of Research has the scope for significant impact. The role will be at the core of a new scientific and technical capability in CTP, linked to partner capabilities across HMG. This role will transform our approach to research-led innovation, revolutionise our relationships with industry and academia and ultimately ensure that CTP and its partners maintain critical operational edge against our adversaries. This will be absolutely central to our commitment to outpace the rapidly changing threat environment. The role will also be at the core of a new generation of inter-agency collaboration on technical capability across the national security and law enforcement community.
This role has been identified by Directors and CSO as a game-changing function to enhance kick start and enable Innovation capability within CTP.
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) Developed Vetting (DV) level before taking up the post.
This post requires British nationality (some dual nationals may be ineligible) and an Enhanced Security Check (eSC)/Developed Vetting (DV)] clearance.
As the post holder will have access to very sensitive information, there are limitations on travelling to a small number of countries and we will undertake additional security checks as part of the recruitment process. Applications from candidates with close connections to certain countries may take considerably longer to process, or in some cases result in a withdrawal of an offer of employment. Further details will be provided at the conditional offer stage.
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 begin your career at the Met, please click the "apply now" button below. The application process requires a comprehensive CV, a Personal Statement, and an online application form. In your Personal Statement, you should explain your interest in the position and illustrate how your skills and experiences make you a suitable candidate. Please note that you should not submit two copies of your CV, and ensure that your documents are saved in either PDF or Word format, clearly labelled as CV and/or Personal Statement.
Completed applications must be submitted by 23:55 on 14th October 2025.
Once received, your application will be reviewed against eligibility criteria, following this, your application will be reviewed by the hiring manager. The application review for this vacancy will commence 2 weeks after the closing date.
Following application review, successful candidates will be invited to interview. Interview dates will commence 2 weeks after hiring manager review.