VN-7492 Head of the Police National Legal Database **External**

THE FOLLOWING VACANCY HAS BEEN ADVERTISED EXTERNALLY

Head of the Police National Legal Database (PNLD)
One full-time permanent post

West Yorkshire Police is seeking an exceptional senior leader to become the next Head of the Police National Legal Database (PNLD), providing strategic, operational and professional leadership to PNLD. This nationally significant role will ensure PNLD continues to deliver high quality, accurate and trusted legal information and products that support policing across England and Wales, as well as a broad range of national partners.

You will set the strategic direction for PNLD, shaping and delivering national strategies, performance frameworks and business plans that drive excellence, meet customer needs and create value for policing and wider stakeholders. You will oversee all business and operational functions, including contracts, information management, ISO compliance, risk, service level agreements and business cases, ensuring robust governance and high quality service delivery. Strong financial oversight is essential, with full responsibility for PNLD’s income and budget to ensure services remain affordable, sustainable and offer value for money.

You will hold overall responsibility for PNLD’s legal content, including the national Standard Offence Wordings and all associated products, ensuring their accuracy, consistency and continued alignment with national standards. As a subject matter expert, you will provide high level specialist advice on criminal law and PNLD’s legal, technical and business services to senior leaders across the police service.

A key part of the role is driving continuous improvement, identifying opportunities for innovation, growth and enhanced service delivery. You will build and maintain influential relationships across the policing landscape, representing PNLD at national level and raising its profile across the criminal justice sector.

A strong commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion is essential. You will treat colleagues and communities with dignity and respect, actively supporting West Yorkshire Police’s ambition to embed equality and human rights into all areas of our work.

We are looking for a flexible, dynamic leader who can confidently navigate a complex and changing environment, providing the clarity, assurance and support needed to enable PNLD to maintain its national reputation for excellence. You will bring a degree in Law, Business, Criminal Justice or an equivalent qualification, alongside substantial knowledge of criminal law and its application in policing. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, extensive policing experience, and strong financial and time management capabilities are essential. You will also have proven senior leadership experience, with the ability to lead people, drive innovation, develop business and IT systems, and build effective strategic partnerships. A postgraduate professional or management qualification is desirable.

This role involves both agile and office based working. The successful candidate will be required to work regularly from PNLD’s offices in central Wakefield and be available at short notice when required, so the ability to commute to Wakefield is essential.

Candidates who are successful in the shortlisting process will be invited in for interview weeks commencing 20th April and 27th April 2026.

The vacancy will close at 23:55 hours on the 6th April 2026.

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