Promotion Process - Chief Inspector

Applications are invited from candidates who are ready to be promoted to the role of Chief Inspector. This is an internal and external process for a number of Chief Inspector and Detective Chief Inspector vacancies.

 

Applicants should be aware that this is a Forcewide process. Successful candidates will be posted as required taking into account their specific skills and experience. The Constabulary will also consider individual preferences where possible.

 

The successful applicants will support the vision and values (4Cs) of the Chief Constable, delivering an outstanding police service to Keep Cumbria Safe.

Applicants will demonstrate the ability to lead transformational change and improve performance with pace and rigour; improve the wellbeing of the workforce and have the ability to inspire commitment from staff and police officers at all levels; and well-developed strategic thinking with sensitivity to public concerns.

Successful candidates will also demonstrate effective networking skills, strong working relationships with managers and partners at all levels, with excellent leadership and management skills.

Please refer to the Police Officer Promotion, Development and Posting Policy in relation to postings following successful completion of the Promotion Process.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible to apply for promotion applicants must be:

 

• Substantive Inspectors suitable for promotion or
• Substantive Chief Inspectors suitable for transfer
• Not be subject of a performance related formal action plan or any formal written improvement notice under the Unsatisfactory Performance Procedures, and
• Have an acceptable conduct record as determined by PSD

 

For Uniform Roles –

If not already an accredited planned Tactical Firearms Commander, applicants must be available to attend the spontaneous iTFC course. Appointment for external candidates and substantive promotion for all will be dependent upon successful completion of this course. 

 

For Detective roles –

Must be suitably qualified as a detective (PIP Level 2 / ICIDP) and have experience of managing serious crime investigations.

Must have completed a MSCIDP Course and working towards completion of portfolio.

               

Knowledge of firearms, public order and major incident command is desirable. 

 

External candidates will also be subject to relevant eligibility checks as outlined in the information pack.

 

SELECTION PROCESS:

 

Following the closing date: 

• Shortlisting of applications 
• Notification of briefing session and interview
• 14 and 17 November 2025 - selection process

 

 

1. Application Process:

 

Completion of application form, including a submission addressing Level 2 of the Competency and Values Framework (CVF) against the following question and three CVFs:

 

With reference to the below Level 2 Competencies & Values of the CVF, please illustrate your experience and knowledge that demonstrate your readiness to be a Chief Inspector:

• Deliver, Support, Inspire
• Collaborative
• Take Ownership

 

Please enter a maximum of 500 words in total. Please upload your submission as a word document with your application. 

 

Management Approval

 

You must obtain Chief Superintendent approval for promotion, they will be asked to outline why you are suitable / ready for the role you have applied for prior to submitting your application.

 

Instructions - Please find attached to this advert the “Manager Approval Form” and send to your Chief Superintendent / Head of Department. The instructions for completion of this form are contained within the document.

 

Once the approval form has been returned to you, please attach the document to your application via the ‘attachments’ section. Details on how to upload are contained within this page.

 

All candidates must also upload a copy of their current PDR along with the management approval form.

 

EXTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY

 

As part of the application process, external candidates will be asked to provide the following:

 

Please outline your skills and experience relevant to the rank applied for. (Maximum 500 words)

 

Please outline why you believe you are suitable to perform the role applied for in Cumbria Constabulary. (Maximum 500 words)

 

A relocation package for successful candidates of up to £8,000 may be available. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.

 

2. Assessment Process:

 

There will be a presentation, followed by an interview with questions based on the following areas:

• Leadership
• Performance Management
• Workforce Culture
• Change Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Strategic Partnerships

The selection process will be against Level 2 of the CVF. The interview questions will be a mix of forward and backward facing questions.

 

Indicative Timeline:

 

• 10th October 2025 - Advert published Internally and Externally
• 26th October 2025 at midnight - Closing date for applications.
• Following closing date - Shortlisting of applications / eligibility checks
• 14th /17th November 2025 Selection process

 

Cumbria Constabulary are a Disability Confident Leader, all consideration will be made to any requests for reasonable adjustments throughout the process.

 

For further general information regarding your application and the process please contact the Recruitment Support Team recruitmentsupport@cumbria.police.uk

 

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