Job Title: Graduate Strategic Trainee
Grade: A4 – £32,613 (Full Time)
Contract Type: Fixed-Term – 12 months
Hours: Full Time (37 hours per week) Standard office hours: 9am - 5pm
Location: Hertfordshire Police HQ, Welwyn Garden City (Hybrid working available). Onsite parking available. Minimum 2 days in the office, subject to business needs.
Reports to: Superintendent – PCC Strategic Lead / Rotational across Directorate Leads
Organisation: Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire (OPCC)
About the RoleAre you a motivated recent graduate with an interest in policing, community safety, justice reform and public sector innovation?
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire as a Graduate Strategic Trainee, working in a dynamic public office at the forefront of policing, community safety and justice reform.
Over a 12-month placement, you will contribute to strategic communications and high-impact projects linked to the OPCC Police and Crime Delivery Plan 2026-2027, gaining practical experience of policy development, project delivery, partnerships, commissioning and governance.
The successful candidate will work primarily in the Policy and Partnerships department but with scope to rotate across Communications and Engagement, and Resources & Governance, gaining broad exposure to strategic communications, policy development, commissioning and oversight.
Key ResponsibilitiesThis is a varied developmental role, providing the opportunity to support work across three directorates and contribute to meaningful community outcomes across Hertfordshire. Working with OPCC colleagues, Hertfordshire Constabulary and local partners, you will support delivery activity across the Police and Crime Delivery Plan, including the following policy and priority areas: Hotspot Policing, Retail Crime, Safer Town Centres, Tool Theft, Clear Hold Build, Live Facial Recognition, Serious Violence & Knife Crime, AI, Data & Automation, Road Safety, Rural Crime, Safer Streets, VAWG, Immediate Justice, Harassment, Children & Young People and Accountability.
Policy & Partnerships
- Support research, horizon scanning and policy development across the OPCC’s 2026-2027 delivery priorities, including Hotspot Policing, Safer Streets, Clear Hold Build, Serious Violence & Knife Crime, VAWG, Harassment and Children and Young People.
- Assist with commissioning analysis and partnership activity linked to prevention, early intervention, youth engagement, victim support, community safety and confidence-building initiatives.
- Help prepare briefings, updates and evidence summaries that support delivery against the Police and Crime Plan priorities and Strategic Performance Objectives.
Communications & Engagement
- Support operational and digital communications aligned with the Police and Crime Commissioner’s public engagement strategy.
- Create timely, inclusive and engaging content across digital channels, including TikTok, Threads and Instagram Reels, to support public confidence and reach underrepresented audiences.
- Assist with communications activity linked to delivery plan priorities, including Safer Town Centres, Retail Crime, Tool Theft, Road Safety, Rural Crime, VAWG, Serious Violence, Children and Young People, Immediate Justice and other public-facing campaigns.
Resources, Governance & Oversight
- Support project governance, performance monitoring and reporting across OPCC-led delivery activity, including accountability, scrutiny, innovation and delivery plan tracking.
- Assist with financial analysis, risk management, compliance activity and benefits tracking for projects and funded initiatives.
- Contribute to work on AI, Data & Automation, Live Facial Recognition and innovation activity by supporting ethical governance, assurance, evidence gathering and evaluation.
We’re looking for someone with:
- A recent undergraduate or Masters degree (2024–2026) in public policy, digital communications, social sciences, criminology or a related field.
- Strong analytical, writing and communication skills.
- An interest in policing, justice reform and public sector innovation.
- A curious, collaborative approach and the confidence to communicate clearly with a range of audiences.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with data tools.
- Experience with social media platforms and content creation for diverse audiences.
- An excellent insight into strategic decision-making in policing, governance, community safety and communications.
- Opportunities to shape real policy and contribute to meaningful community outcomes.
- Mentoring from experienced professionals and the chance to present your own ideas.
- Experience in a fast-paced, purpose-driven public office.
- The post holder may be required to use their own vehicle; where required, business insurance will need to be organised by the individual.
- The post holder may be required to work from different locations other than the home station.
- Police vetting is required, as advised by the vetting unit.
- The post holder will be expected to undertake training as and when required.
- The post holder may be required to work additional hours, agreed in advance with management and the post holder.
