At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic internal audit team, driving improvements across Thames Valley Police.
- Company: Join the largest non-metropolitan police force with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working environment with a respected role in the organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping decision-making and improving public service.
- Qualifications: Experienced audit professional with strong leadership and independent judgement skills.
The predicted salary is between 71429 - 71429 £ per year.
Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Thames Valley
Kidlington/Hybrid
Band 5L, circa £71,429 per annum, plus benefits
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL VACANCY
JOB REF: 23469
Thames Valley Police is the largest non-metropolitan force, with a forward-looking mind-set and commitment to continuous improvement. The internal audit function is a joint team covering both the Police Force and the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner.
We're looking for a Chief Internal Auditor to lead a small but highly respected team that plays an important role across Thames Valley Police. This is a position with genuine variety and influence, ideal for someone who likes getting under the skin of how things work and helping people improve what they do. Internal audit here is not a tick-box exercise. It's a service that adds real value, offering insight, constructive challenge, and practical recommendations that help the organisation operate well and make informed decisions. You'll work closely with senior leaders, but you'll also spend time speaking to teams at all levels to understand what's happening on the ground. That mix of strategic and operational insight makes the role both interesting and rewarding.
What we're looking for:
- You'll be an experienced audit professional with a clear, balanced perspective, the confidence to offer independent judgement.
- This role is much more than managing and delivering an audit programme - you'll provide the leadership to ensure that the internal audit function is influential and demonstrates added value to the organisation.
- We are open to receiving applications on a full time or part time basis (minimum 0.5 FTE with flexibility to be available for key governance meetings) - the most important thing is your ability to lead the function.
What you can expect:
- Plenty of variety - Every week looks different. You'll lead internal audit as well as delivering your own audits covering finance, governance, criminal justice, local policing, operations, change programmes and more.
- A respected role - Internal audit is seen as a trusted partner with genuine influence on the business. Your advice will be listened to and your work will shape how the organisation manages risk and drives improvement.
- A chance to make a difference - Your recommendations will directly support better decision-making, improved service to the public as well as stronger controls.
- Scope to develop the service - You'll have the freedom to design a risk-based audit plan and bring new ideas, tools and approaches.
- Flexible working - We offer a hybrid working environment - staff work in person at least one day per week and where needed to fulfil their responsibilities.
If you are looking for a role as a respected senior leader, where your independence is valued, and you can genuinely help shape the way the organisation operates, we'd be delighted to hear from you.
As part of the Thames Valley Police family you will enjoy a fantastic range of benefits including 30 days annual leave per annum, pro-rata for part time (plus Bank Holidays), flexible working conditions, a wide range of lifestyle discounts, career development opportunities and have the option to join a local government pension scheme.
To apply for this post please attach a cover letter of no more than one page and a CV of no more than 2 pages. NOTE: CV's will not be accepted without a cover letter or if the CV is more than 2 pages long.
Interviews are planned for the 25th June 2026.
Chief Internal Auditor (OPCC) in Oxford employer: Adecco
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Thames Valley is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your expertise as a Chief Internal Auditor will be valued and impactful. With a commitment to continuous improvement, you will enjoy flexible working arrangements, a supportive culture that encourages professional growth, and a comprehensive benefits package including generous annual leave and a local government pension scheme. Join us in making a real difference in the community while advancing your career in a respected and influential role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Internal Auditor (OPCC) in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Thames Valley Police on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and the team, plus it shows our genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the organisation's values and recent projects. We want to demonstrate that we’re not just another candidate; we’re passionate about making a difference in internal audit at Thames Valley Police.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our responses to common interview questions, especially those around leadership and strategic thinking. We need to show that we can lead the internal audit function effectively and add real value to the organisation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our submission to highlight how our skills align perfectly with what Thames Valley Police is looking for.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Internal Auditor (OPCC) in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Keep it to one page and make sure it reflects your passion for the role. Highlight your leadership experience and how you can add value to the internal audit function at Thames Valley Police.
Tailor Your CV:Make your CV stand out by tailoring it to the job description. Stick to a maximum of two pages and focus on relevant experiences that showcase your audit skills and strategic insight. Remember, we want to see how you can lead and influence!
Showcase Your Impact:In both your cover letter and CV, don’t just list your responsibilities—show us the impact you’ve made in previous roles. Use specific examples of how your recommendations have led to improvements or better decision-making.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Adecco
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the internal audit processes and the specific challenges faced by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. Brush up on relevant legislation, governance frameworks, and risk management strategies to show you’re not just a candidate, but a knowledgeable leader.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in guiding teams through complex audits. Think about times when you’ve influenced decision-making or improved processes, as this role is all about adding value and driving improvement.
✨Engage with Real Scenarios
Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you’ve had to provide constructive challenge or recommendations. This will demonstrate your ability to get under the skin of operations and show how your insights can lead to better outcomes for the organisation.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation’s goals. Inquire about their current audit strategies or how they measure the impact of internal audits. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute from day one.
