This role is within a unit where Surrey Police and Sussex Police work in collaboration, whilst remaining two separate legal entities/employers with different terms and conditions.
Both Surrey Police staff and Sussex Police staff are employed in this unit on their own force terms and conditions.
Successful candidates may be appointed on the terms and conditions of employment of either Surrey Police or Sussex Police, depending on organisational requirements. A discussion will be held with the successful candidate to confirm the details of location, salary, allowances and hours.
Division / Department - Operations Command
Grade - Surrey Police Grade H / Sussex Police Grade 11
Status - Full Time
Contract Type - Permanent
Salary Grade Range - Surrey Police £39,149 - £45,058 / Sussex Police £41,487 - £45,765
Working Hours - 37.0 Hours per Week
Shift Allowance - No
Politically Restricted - No
Location - Multiple Locations (see advert)
The starting salary for this role will usually be at the bottom of the salary range and will be pro-rata if the working hours are less than full time.
We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe.
We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference. If you feel you are that person then we want to hear from you.
We wish you all the very best with your application.
Chief Constable Tim De Meyer & Chief Constable Jo Shiner
Join Surrey and Sussex Police in a highly specialist leadership role where public safety is at the heart of everything you do. As the Deputy Firearms and Explosives Licensing Manager, you will support the management of the Firearms and Explosives Licensing Unit (FELU), overseeing licensing decisions, leading a skilled team, and exercising delegated authority on behalf of the Chief Constables of Surrey and Sussex. You will play a critical role in ensuring firearms and explosives legislation is applied fairly, proportionately and effectively to protect communities across both counties.
What you'll be doing:
• Leading, supervising and developing Firearms and Explosives Licensing Officers, supporting recruitment, training and performance management.
• Making and reviewing complex licensing decisions relating to the grant, renewal, variation, refusal and revocation of firearms, shotgun and explosives certificates.
• Applying risk-based decision making to assess threats, safeguard the public and ensure compliance with legislation, Home Office guidance and national professional standards.
• Producing robust reports and recommendations that can withstand legal and judicial scrutiny.
• Providing expert advice to police colleagues, partner agencies, shooting organisations and members of the public on firearms and explosives legislation and policy.
• Representing the Chief Constables in court and other legal proceedings arising from licensing decisions.
• Supporting operational resilience through participation in an on-call rota and responding to urgent incidents when required.
We're seeking an experienced leader with strong decision-making skills, excellent judgement and the confidence to manage complex and sometimes contentious cases. You will have substantial knowledge of firearms and explosives legislation, experience leading and developing teams, and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. Strong communication, report-writing and presentation skills are essential, along with the ability to make and defend evidence-based decisions in court and under scrutiny.
This is an exceptional opportunity to take on a role with real responsibility and impact, working alongside law enforcement partners, government agencies and national shooting organisations to help keep the public safe across Surrey and Sussex.
Skills & ExperienceQualifications
Educated to A level or equivalent experience or have suitable work and management experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
• An in-depth working knowledge and understanding of Firearms and Explosive legislation, guidance and case law.
• A knowledge of Firearms and Explosives; understanding both theoretical and practical aspects in order to make risk based decisions.
• Ability to assess threat/harm/risks associated with individuals and situations, make decisions and take appropriate action.
• Working under pressure and tight deadlines, manage high workloads and staff with high workloads.
• Ability to negotiate and influence senior personnel.
• Has well developed communication and interpersonal skills, and is sensitive to the needs of others, but is able to be persuasive and assertive in order to influence the behaviour of others and drive performance, based on facts.
• Ability to manage a workforce that is located at various locations.
• Evidence of developing staff.
• Ability to present evidence at court.
• Ability to write clear, concise and accurate reports.
• Ability to secure an Assessor Qualification and provide that function within 4 months.
Additional Requirements
• To be flexible with working hours to ensure resilience within the team and meet the requirements of the role, colleagues and the public
• Full UK Manual Driving Licence.
Why Work With Us?Policing is an exciting 24/7 business and we all have commitments outside work. We’re invested in supporting people to balance their life with work and we encourage flexible working. We are open to conversations about job shares and part time working. We encourage agile working, giving you the opportunity to manage your own diary and work wherever you give the best service to the public. This may include flexi-time and home working.
We take pride in looking after our people and offer a variety of benefits;
• career progression
• contributory pension scheme (LGPS)
• generous annual leave allowance
• discounts for everyday spend
• on-site gyms and a range of sports clubs
• generous and supportive parental leave
• financial and mental wellbeing guidance and support
• discounted contributory healthcare scheme
Please use the following links for more information on the benefits of working with Surrey Police or Sussex Police
Further InformationFor more information, please contact Inspector Tom Bezants - tom.bezants@sussex.police.uk
Diversity StatementWe are only as good as our people. It's important that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace and we know that as an organisation we'll grow from the variety of thinking, approach, and the skills that diversity brings; all of which help us to deliver a better policing service. We strive to ensure how we deliver our services, provide information and how we recruit is open and accessible to all.
We have multiple staff support groups who help to improve our understanding of minority issues and ensure they are reflected in our work. We are proud members of Disability Confident, hold Race Equality Matters Trailblazer status, are a signatory of the Race at Work Charter and are aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement.
We are committed to being an anti-racist police service. We promise to challenge injustice, ensure fairness and to uphold anti-racist principles in both our organisation and our communities. For more information, you can read our full anti-racism statement here.
We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status, or religious belief, we would love to hear from you.
Please use the following links to find out more on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Surrey Police and Sussex Police
Following submission of your application you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your application attached. Occasionally emails from this address can fall into spam/junk folders so please ensure this is checked regularly. You may wish to consider adding noreply@policejobssurreyandsussex.as.recruitmail.com to your address/contact list to ensure you receive all communications.
This post is being advertised in parallel with Force redeployment processes. Any redeployees who are identified will be given preference. This may result in the post being withdrawn at any point during the recruitment process.
Please note that not all jobs are available for internal candidates across both Forces, the current agreed recruitment principles are;
• vacancies in collaborated units are available to all officers and staff across both Forces
• vacancies in non-collaborated units are only available to officers and staff within the Force with the vacancy unless it is advertised externally
• if the vacancy is advertised externally and an officer or member of staff from the other Force is successful it will result in a transfer of employment
Surrey Police and Sussex Police Special Constables, Volunteers and Agency Staff (excluding self employed workers) covered under the Agency Worker Regulations (AWR) are eligible to apply for internal advertised posts.
