At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Chief Constable in leading Essex Police and enhancing community safety.
- Company: Join a top-rated police force committed to innovation and public service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, lease car option, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace valuing diversity and offering support throughout the application process.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic leadership team shaping the future of policing.
- Qualifications: Must have served as a police officer with leadership training.
The predicted salary is between 171993 - 178014 £ per year.
Location of Role: Headquarters, Chelmsford
Advert Closing Date: 24/08/2026
Salary Range: £171,993 to £178,014 (Plus South-east Allowance and lease car option)
Part/Full Time: Full Time
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Working Pattern: Mon-Fri
Weekend/Evening Working: No
Now is an exciting time to join Essex Police. Our force is stronger than it has ever been. We have just been graded as Tier One by HMICFRS, which is testament to the hard work of our talented and dedicated officers, staff and volunteers. Our force offers significant operational challenge and opportunity and continues to build on our successes in driving down crime and maintaining good levels of public trust and confidence.
With international air and sea borders, proximity to the capital and a large rural community, the force is large enough to prevent and respond to the most serious crime while retaining a strong sense of identity and police family culture. We continue to find innovative ways to tackle crime, anti-social behaviour, protect our communities, and provide the best possible service to victims and the public.
Our Chief Officer team brings experience from policing and other professions, with a shared commitment to professionalism, public service, and continuous improvement. We tackle violence, support and safeguard victims, deal with vulnerability and maintain visibility in our communities, ensuring we never take public trust for granted.
It is an exciting time to join our Chief Officer team as not only is our force in a strong position, but we are also about to welcome our new Chief Constable into post. This presents a real opportunity to be part of supporting our new Chief as she sets out her vision for the force and seeks to embed that across all of our people.
The Role
As Deputy Chief Constable, you will provide invaluable support to Chief Constable as the designated deputy. You will help to set and oversee delivery of the forces’ direction, culture, and performance, leading and overseeing the day-to-day running of the force and ensuring the most effective and efficient policing response to crime, anti-social behaviour, and major and critical incidents.
You’ll balance oversight and delivery of performance with longer term approaches to force-wide activity and strategic programmes that deliver our vision, strategic aims, and policing priorities, whilst continuing to focus on culture, professionalism and ensuring all colleagues are inspired, empowered and supported to deliver the best possible service to the public, especially victims. The success of your leadership will be evident through performance outcomes.
The Person
We are seeking an inclusive, dynamic, and collaborative leader with an exceptional operational background and outstanding leadership qualities. The successful candidate will demonstrate exemplary leadership, a strong public service ethos, and a commitment to leading an organisation that innovates and delivers an outstanding service to all communities.
Candidates will be expected to evidence a track record of delivering organisational performance, objective judgement and sophisticated decision making in complex and sometimes ambiguous operational environments. Among other responsibilities, the postholder will play a leading role in developing and implementing strategies that deliver a professional service that supports victims, reduces violence, enhances visibility, prevents crime, and protects vulnerable people.
Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible for appointment candidates:
- Must have served as a police officer who is eligible to undertake either Police Leadership Programme (PLP) (Stage 5) for executive leaders or the Strategic Command Course (SCC).
- Must have successfully completed the SCC or PLP (Stage 5).
- Successful completion of the A7 authorising officer’s course.
- Candidates will be required to pass the necessary vetting checks required to attain the rank of Deputy Chief Constable before appointment. Developed Vetting & SC is required.
In return for your dedication, Essex Police will offer you a policing, leadership and organisational challenge that would satisfy the most aspiring police leaders to fulfil their ambitions.
A briefing session will be held for candidates on 18th August 2026 from 14:30 therefore prompt registration of interest is essential. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 10:30hrs on 24th August 2026. It is currently anticipated that the assessment process for this opportunity will be held during the week commencing 31st August 2026.
To arrange an informal and confidential discussion about this opportunity please contact our People Development team on hr.people.development@ecis.police.uk the team will make arrangements for candidates to speak to the most appropriate person.
Essex Police and Kent Police welcomes applications regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, sex, or employment status. Please let us know if you require extra support at any stage of the application process, or for further information regarding this position, please email us at recruitment.business.services@ecis.police.uk stating ‘Application Support and Adjustments’ in the title of your email. Alternatively, you can call us on 01245 452833.
Where appropriate we will make adjustments to the selection process, working arrangements and/or the working environment provided it is reasonable in all the circumstances to do so.
If you’re not from the UK, you must be a resident in the UK and have lived here continuously for the last three years. You must also be free from restrictions with indefinite leave to remain. If you’re from the UK you must have lived here continuously for the last three years. This doesn’t apply to those serving abroad in the British Armed Forces.
Essex Police and Kent Police are an equal opportunities employer. Communications may be recorded for monitoring purposes. Essex Police is a Disability Confident Leader, we have subjected our Disability Confident self-assessment to external challenge and validation and are taking an active leadership role in encouraging and helping other employers on their journey to becoming Disability Confident.
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion are central to the values of our organisation. At Essex Police we value and embrace the unique experiences, identities and abilities that each of us bring to our roles. We strive to empower everyone to bring their authentic self openly and safely to work. Through the dedicated commitment of our support networks, DE&I team and wider HR departments, we are on a journey to embed our DE&I commitments, ensuring Essex Police is an employer of choice; where everyone feels included.
Deputy Chief Constable - Headquarters, Chelmsford employer: Kent Police
Kent Police is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. As a Team Leader in the Maidstone/Tonbridge area, you will benefit from a structured career path with incremental salary increases, a focus on health and safety training, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within the community. Join a dedicated team where your leadership skills will be valued, and enjoy a work-life balance with no weekend or evening shifts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Chief Constable - Headquarters, Chelmsford
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Kent Police, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Kent Police and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Chief Constable - Headquarters, Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Kent Police and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent Police
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Kent Police, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Kent Police.
