Police Science and Technology: Research, Development & Innovation Lead

Job Title: Police Science and Technology: Research, Development & Innovation Lead 

Salary: £67,261 to £77,982 plus a Location allowance of £1,639. You will receive £67,261 the band minimum. Progress to the band maximum of £77,982 will be via incremental progression.

Location: This role is based at 10 Victoria Street, London and/or with flexibility to work remotely. NPCC encourages applications from candidates living across the UK. 

Contract – Fixed term to 31st March 2025 (with the potential for further extension subject to funding and performance).

The National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Office of the Chief Scientific Advisor 

The National Police Chiefs’ Council brings UK police leaders together to set direction in policing and drive progress for the public.  It enables Chief Constables and their forces to work collectively and collaboratively to help policing coordinate operations, reform, improve and provide value for money. 

As articulated in the NPCC Strategic Plan 2021-2025, science, technology, analysis and research (STAR) is central to our delivery of a world-class police service. The Office of the Police Chief Scientific Advisor (OPCSA) sits at the heart of this ambition. OPCSA delivers independent and timely scientific and technology advice to NPCC members on strategic, policy and operational issues. It drives the growth of Science, Technology, Analysis and Research (STAR) by encouraging an integrated and ambitious set of activities across NPCC portfolios. Additionally, it fosters collaboration across Whitehall and with the wider science community both nationally and internationally. 

The Role 

You will lead development of research and innovation, including the Office of the Chief Scientific Advisor’s futures programme, across policing, aligning activity to the strategic priorities set out in the Police Science, Technology, Analysis and Research (STAR) strategy. You will be expected to provide strategic direction and drive implementation of the ‘Evolve Pillar’ of the strategy, which has primacy on commissioning and delivering world-class science and technology for the NPCC. You will deliver this by, inter alia:  

• Proactively identifying key partnerships across the science and technology community and driving collaborative opportunities, including securing co-investment.  
• Managing the distribution and delivery of the STAR funding programme;  
• Helping to build and implement new processes for policing to prioritise, access and adopt innovative, cutting-edge science and technology capabilities; and 
• Deputising for the Chief Scientific Advisor where required. 

While formal scientific qualifications are not essential, the successful candidate would be part of an innovative team and would need to have the following experience and skills: 

• Knowledge of policing’s science and technology landscape—what is going on and where, and what priorities are driving current efforts;  
• Extensive experience of identifying how S&T can be applied practically within policing, with the ability to give direction to unfolding work at the Force and national level;  
• Comfortable representing policing’s interests across-government, in a range of S&T forums and, where possible, leveraging joint effort; 
• Strategic and operational experience relating to police activities with broad knowledge of the wider policing system and its functions– e.g. APCC, NPCC, HMICFRS, the Home Office, and Dstl, together with a good understanding of the role of key National Law Enforcement and Intelligence Agencies at home and abroad. 

• Experience of the application and commissioning of science and technology for policing, together with an understanding of the associated legislative requirements. 

What we offer (to name a few): 

• Systems insight – this is a unique role within a developing system for STAR which you will have the opportunity to help shape
• Large amounts of autonomy over direction, budget etc, and a real opportunity to change the science and technology landscape for policing

• Regular exposure to senior decision-makers at the heart of policing and government 
• A supportive, friendly working environment
• Flexible and remote working. 

This is an exciting opportunity within NPCC, within a fast-paced environment and an ever-growing organisation. Should you want to know more about the role, we would strongly encourage you contact csa@npcc.police.uk. 

Vetting  

This post requires access to the most sensitive intelligence material on a daily basis. Applicants must hold or be prepared to undergo National Security Vetting (NSV) Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) level before taking up the post; with a willingness to undergo Developed Vetting (DV) once in post, if required.

Additionally, this material is of particular sensitivity to the UK and its distribution must be restricted to UK nationals. In approved circumstances dual nationals (of which one element is British) may also be granted access. However, in the event that potential conflicts of interest cannot be managed the post holder will not be able to see the intelligence material and will not be able to perform their duties. For the purpose of safeguarding national security and in line with Cabinet Office Policy, supported by Section 82(2) to (4) of the Police Reform Act (2002), applicants who do not hold or acquire Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) OR Developed Vetting (DV) clearance and meet the nationality requirements cannot be offered the post.

Application Requirements 

Within your personal statement (1000 words) please evidence your suitability for the role by demonstrating how you meet the required skills and experience set out above, and what you will bring to the role. 

Additional Information 

Occasional national travel may be required. Travel expenses will be paid if location allowance is not being received, or when travel falls outside of the home to work journey. NPCC will pay for overnight accommodation if required. 

The Metropolitan Police manage HR for NPCC recruitment. 

Click the apply now button below. Applications will be via a detailed CV and Personal Statement – following a sift, those successful will be shortlisted for interview. Your personal statement should evidence your suitability for the role (1000 words max) as per guidance under ‘application requirements’. NB. Please do not attach 2 copies of your CV. 

Completed applications must be submitted by 21st August 2022 23:55. 

We view diversity as fundamental to our success. To tackle today’s complex policing challenges, we need a workforce made up from all of communities nationally. Applications from across the community are therefore essential. 

As a Disability Confident Employer, the NPCC have committed to ensuring that disabled people and those with long-term health conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.