Professional Standards Department Appropriate Authority in Tempsford

Appropriate Authority – Professional Standards Department (PSD) Bedfordshire Police, Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Hertfordshire Constabulary (BCH) Fixed Term Contract until the end of March 2027

Hours: 22 hours per week

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a qualified Appropriate Authority to join the BCH Professional Standards Department (PSD) on a fixed-term basis until March 2027. This is a pivotal role within the department, supporting the PSD Senior Leadership Team in the assessment and management of conduct referrals relating to Police Officers and Police Staff. You will play a key role in ensuring proportionate, timely, and effective decision-making, enabling appropriate investigative outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess conduct notifications and determine how cases should be managed
• Complete severity assessments in line with relevant regulations
• Support the Appropriate Authority cadre by delivering final determinations at the conclusion of conduct investigations
• Exercise delegated Appropriate Authority decision-making powers for cases that do not meet the threshold for misconduct
• Gather and analyse information from multiple sources to inform sound, evidence-based decisions
• Collaborate and engage with senior leaders across BCH to support professional standards and organisational integrity

About You

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Proven and recent experience within a Professional Standards Department (PSD) environment
• Strong working knowledge and application of relevant conduct regulations
• Completion of appropriate training for the Appropriate Authority role
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to assess complex information and reach balanced conclusions
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with experience of building effective professional relationships at a senior level
• A clear commitment to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Behaviour, leading by example with professionalism and integrity

What We Offer

• Flexible, agile working (home and office-based)
• A supportive and collaborative working environment
• The opportunity to contribute to the highest standards of professionalism across BCH

Further Information

For an informal discussion or to learn more about the role, please contact: DCI Leigh Allman - leigh.allman@cambs.police.uk - 07711 038997

Internal Applicants

To apply for this role, internal applicants must have successfully completed their probationary period. If you qualify as an internal candidate within the advertising force, you may upload either your CV or the internal role summary form attached to this advert.

Vetting Process

Please note that, as part of the vetting process, the BCH Vetting Unit may need to contact your current line manager for a Supervisor Appraisal. This requirement aligns with the 2025 National Guidelines for Vetting (APP 6.5.18). Examples of when this may apply include:

• Transferring to another force
• Moving into a role requiring MV clearance (even if you currently hold MV clearance)
• Moving into or working in a role involving close contact with vulnerable individuals

If any of the above apply to you, please expect your line manager to be contacted when you submit your vetting application.

Redeployment and Redundancy

This vacancy is open to employees at risk of redundancy and will remain available to redeployees until a final offer has been agreed and accepted. Redeployees at risk of redundancy will take priority over all other applicants at any stage of the recruitment process. If successful, redeployees will remain on their home force’s terms and conditions.

Commitment to Inclusion

As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to be themselves. We provide workplace adjustments wherever needed so that all colleagues can thrive. If you have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the role, you will be guaranteed an interview under the Offer an Interview Scheme.

We believe that to serve our communities effectively, we need people from all backgrounds, bringing a wide range of life and professional experiences. This helps us reflect the communities we serve and ensures we deliver the best possible service.

Why Choose a Career in Policing?

Cambridgeshire Constabulary is recognised as a pioneering and forward-thinking service, responsible for policing a large, diverse, and multicultural population. If you're looking for a meaningful and rewarding career—where you can make a real difference, take on new challenges, and gain a wide variety of experiences—then we want to hear from you.

What We Offer

• Pension Schemes: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, with employer contributions and death-in-service benefits.
• Generous Annual Leave: 24 to 33 days (depending on rank and length of service).
• Sick Pay: Up to six months full pay and six months half pay (depending on service).
• Family Leave: Occupational maternity, adoption, and paternity pay (depending on service).
• Carers and Discretionary Leave
• Flexible Working: Including compressed hours, flexible shifts, job sharing, annualised hours, and agile working (role dependent).
• Wellbeing Support: Local wellbeing teams, on‑site gym facilities and exercise classes (location dependent).
• Sports & Social Clubs: Enjoy discounts, trips, and events through our dedicated clubs.
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Blue Light Card App: Option to sign up for discounts in-store and online for emergency service workers.
• Financial Support: Access to Police Mutual for savings plans, insurance, loans, and independent financial advice.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Confidential support for personal and professional wellbeing.
• Staff Support Networks: Including groups for Black and Minority Ethnic colleagues, LGBTQ+ colleagues, disability awareness, menopause support, faith-based groups, and more.
• Trade Union Membership: Access to UNISON.
• Career Development: Opportunities for progression, promotion, and leadership training.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to building a workforce that is inclusive and truly representative of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, especially those currently under‑represented in policing, including:

• Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities
• People of all ages and abilities
• All faiths and religions
• LGBTQ+ communities
• Individuals from disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds

All applications are assessed fairly and based on the evidence you provide and your suitability for the role.