INSPECTOR TO CHIEF INSPECTOR PROMOTION PROCESS 2026
THIS ADVERT RELATES TO EXTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY
Promotion opportunities have arisen for serving Police Officers to the rank of Chief Inspector within South Wales Police.
So, if you are ready for the next challenge in your career, or you have the skills to thrive in a new role, take advantage of the promotion opportunities now available within South Wales Police.
- Our mission is to prevent and detect crime: protect, serve and reassure our communities; and provide a first-class service to victims.
- Our vision is to be an outstanding police service: accessible, reliable and trusted by our communities.
- Our values of courage, integrity and compassion underpin everything we do.
We see the commitment and participation of our dedicated officers, staff and volunteers in shaping our organisation as being essential to our success.
You will play a critical strategic role to delivering first-class policing service to the public aligned with the South Wales Police Delivery Plan.
We are currently seeking applications from substantive and suitably qualified Inspectors/Detective Inspectors who are interested and eligible for promotion.
Eligibility Criteria
- A substantive Inspector/Detective Inspector and has been promoted for 12 months or more at the closing date (NPPF Level 5 Step 4 work-based assessment fully completed).
- Satisfactory performance level over last two consecutive years
- Please email confirmation of your most recent appraisal ratings/scoring along with your application to talent@south-wales.police.uk.
- Not subject to any current live written warning or final written warning issued under the Police (Conduct) Regulations.
- Not subject to any live Written Improvement Notices for performance or attendance issued under Police (Performance) Regulations. Or, a reduction in rank under those procedures in the previous 18 months.
- An acceptable level of attendance.
Selection process
Providing you meet the above criteria your application will be considered, and the process involves:
- A completed Senior Promotion Portfolio, which acts as an assessment of competence within core operational areas, which will include:
- Shortlisting panel process.
- Force promotion assessment board.
- Chief Constable final ratification.
Any offer of appointment will be subject to satisfactory references, vetting and continued good conduct and maintenance of fitness. External candidates will be subject to additional medical examination and vetting at the level appropriate to the rank.
Level 2 Welsh is required however if you do not have this requirement, you would be expected to reach Level 2 within 12 months of you promotion appointment.
As an employer who champions equality, diversity and inclusion, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. However, as ethnically diverse candidates are currently under-represented within South Wales Police, we would particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse individuals.
Completed applications
Please submit the completed Senior Promotion Portfolio before the deadline of 15.00hrs on Monday 7th September. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
In the event your application is successful at the shortlisting stage, you are expected to be available to attend the force promotion assessment boards during week commencing 16th November 2026.
Please contact the HR Talent Team on talent@south-wales.police.uk should you require further information or support.
