At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the South West Cyber Resilience Centre to enhance cyber security for small businesses.
- Company: Join the City of London Police, committed to inclusivity and flexible working.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive networks, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Agile working with travel across the South West and potential for national responsibilities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in cyber resilience while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in negotiation, stakeholder management, and strategic planning required.
The predicted salary is between 51940 - 59550 £ per year.
Type of contract: Secondment to City of London Police until 31st March 2027 (with the expectation of extension pending funding confirmation).
Rank/Grade: Chief Inspector/Detective Chief Inspector (including temporary promotion)/Staff Grade F from Avon & Somerset, Devon & Cornwall, Dorset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire constabularies.
Salary: Officers: According to National pay scales. Staff: Salary range £51,940 - £59,550 - Starting salary - £51,940.
Directorate/Department: NPCC National Cybercrime Team
Vetting level required: MV/SC
Location: Agile working, requiring regular travel around the South West region and occasional travel to elsewhere in England and Wales.
Statement of expectation for the role: The strategic lead for the South West Cyber Resilience Centre holds critical responsibility for the building of effective and sustainable partnerships across the force areas of Avon & Somerset, Devon & Cornwall, Dorset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire working in collaboration to improve the cyber security posture of small business owners.
About The Team: The Cyber Resilience Centre (CRC) Network comprises nine regional Centres, under the overarching strategic leadership of the NPCC Lead for Cybercrime. The Network was formed to help sole traders, micro, small and medium sized organisations strengthen their cyber resilience and better protect themselves against cybercrime, through the provision of tailored NCSC guidance and free technical and other services, delivered by Cyber PATH students. It is a public/private partnership that brings together the strengths, knowledge and experience of policing with business and academia. The CRC Network is funded by the Home Office and is a key part of the Resilience Pillar of the National Cybercrime Strategy. The CRC Network’s core concept is regionally delivered cybercrime advice, guidance and support for small and medium size organisations (SMOs) by regional staff who understand the local context.
About The Role: The strategic lead for the South West Cyber Resilience Centre holds critical responsibility for the building of effective and sustainable partnerships across South West force areas, working in collaboration to improve the cyber security posture of small business owners. Is responsible for working collaboratively with internal policing colleagues across the South West in the promoting, supporting, and delivering key aspects of the national cybercrime strategy. Holds overall responsibility for the creation, planning, and implementation of all operational aspects of the CRC’s day to day activities, implementing the national CRC strategy in a way that is most effective for South West communities. Line manages CRC staff and influences wider policing colleagues to support the CRC and amplify key messaging. CRC Leads also hold a critical role in the development of the national network, with opportunities for national strategic responsibilities.
Shortlisting: Your application will be scored against the criteria listed below for shortlisting. Please give examples and evidence of your ability, knowledge and experience against the points below in your application:
- The ability to effectively negotiate and influence, and to deliver strong stakeholder confidence, at all levels, including strategic.
- Able to hold themselves, individuals and the wider team to account for performance and behaviours.
- Skilled in planning and objective setting to medium and long-term cycles, co-ordinating a complex range of activities.
- Innovative, with a willingness to share good practice and collaborate across a wider network.
The application and interview will be tested under Level 2 of the College of Policing Competency and Values Framework. Applicants who fail to address the skills/knowledge/experience of the job description/role will not be considered.
If you would like to discuss the post in more detail, please contact patrick.milford@cityoflondon.police.uk. The closing date for applications is 14th June 2026 at 23:59. Interviews will be held during the week commencing 6th July 2026.
We strive to ensure all our information and services are accessible to and useable by everyone. If you would like to receive any information in a different way or would like us to do anything differently to help you apply for our roles, please get in touch with HR via hrservices@cityoflondon.police.uk. This vacancy is open only to those who have the right to work in the UK.
Benefits: The Force has a number of Staff Support Networks that can offer you support and advice. Applicants are very welcome to contact the networks directly if they need any support or ask any question before they apply.
Strategic Director, South West Cyber Resilience Centre employer: City of London Police
The City of London Police is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises flexibility and inclusivity. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the South West Cyber Resilience Centre provides unique opportunities for strategic leadership in cyber security, fostering collaboration across diverse communities while ensuring a supportive culture through various Staff Support Networks. Join us to make a meaningful impact in enhancing the cyber resilience of small businesses across the South West region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Director, South West Cyber Resilience Centre
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the cyber resilience field. Attend local events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at the South West Cyber Resilience Centre. Building relationships can give you insider info and might just land you that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research the latest trends in cyber security and understand the specific challenges small businesses face. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in improving their cyber security posture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a strategic lead, you'll need to influence stakeholders at all levels. Role-play potential scenarios with a friend or mentor to build your confidence and refine your approach before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to take on the challenge of leading the South West Cyber Resilience Centre.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Director, South West Cyber Resilience Centre
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out:Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what the Strategic Director role entails. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and skills. This will help us see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience:When filling out your application, don’t just list your previous jobs. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to negotiate, influence, and manage teams. We want to see how you've made an impact in your past roles!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value diversity and want to know who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your unique perspective and experiences that could contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised and makes the process smoother for you!
How to prepare for a job interview at City of London Police
✨Know Your Cyber Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and challenges in cyber resilience. Familiarise yourself with the National Cybercrime Strategy and how it applies to small businesses in the South West. Being able to discuss specific examples will show your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a strategic lead, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to influence and negotiate effectively. Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully built partnerships or led teams. Highlight how you held yourself and others accountable for performance.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various stakeholders across different constabularies. Think about how you've collaborated in the past, especially in complex environments. Be prepared to share strategies you used to foster teamwork and achieve common goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and innovative thinking. Consider potential scenarios related to cyber threats faced by small businesses and how you would approach them. This will help you demonstrate your strategic planning abilities and readiness to tackle real-world challenges.
