Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to deliver top-notch policing services in South Yorkshire.
- Company: Join South Yorkshire Police, a force committed to community service and improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for part-time roles.
- Why this job: Be a key player in enhancing public safety and community trust.
- Qualifications: Must be a substantive Inspector/Detective Inspector with leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Chief Inspector / Detective Chief Inspector
Salary: £70,344 – £73,149
South Yorkshire Police
South Yorkshire Police – Chief Inspector / Detective Chief Inspector – May 2026
If you have the drive, the vision, and qualities to become a Chief Inspector at South Yorkshire Police, we want to hear from you. The force is seeking applications from substantive Inspectors/Detective Inspectors who are looking for promotion either within force or to join SYP. Successful post holders will be instrumental in delivering the best service ensuring the force continues to improve, delivering the highest quality service for members of the public.
For substantive Chief Inspectors/Detective Chief Inspectors looking to transfer to South Yorkshire Police at the same rank please refer to our transferee process.
About the role:
As a Chief Inspector/Detective Chief Inspector, you will play an intrinsic part in ensuring the public receives the very best service from us, by working proactively and collaboratively with colleagues. The key aims of South Yorkshire Police should always be at the forefront of everything you do.
We are looking for leaders who will:
- Motivate and inspire staff, engaging with them and implementing change effectively
- Have operational credibility
- Be able to drive, improve and deliver performance outcomes
- Be truly committed and passionate about the service provided to the public of South Yorkshire.
The link below will take you to the specialist role details on the College of Policing website. The Chief Inspector core rank profile outlines the basic requirements of the role, it should be read in conjunction with the specialist role requirements.
Policing professional profiles | College of Policing
On appointment, we will assess successful candidates’ skills and experience, as you will be required to form part of the force cadre responsibilities, performing one or more of the below listed roles following appropriate training and mentoring:
1) Force critical incident manager, tactical firearms
2) PIP Level 2 Manager
3) Public order bronze or silver.
Unless otherwise exempt from PSU; for uniformed applicants we expect you will be PSU trained to level two and have deployed operationally twice during the last 12 months (exceptional circumstances are considered). If you are not already a trained and accredited Bronze Commander, be prepared to undertake this challenging role. If you are an existing Public Bronze Commander, be prepared to train as a Silver Commander.
Eligibility:
- Applications are invited from Inspectors who passed their OSPRE Part 2 or completed their NPPF Step 4 Promotion process.
- Where a candidate holds additional accreditations (for example POPS Bronze/Silver, TFC, SIO), please provide details of when these were achieved, along with examples and dates of the three most recent occasions on which they have been applied in practice.
- Detective Inspectors must have completed their ISM at DI Level
In addition:
- You must meet the Force Attendance Criteria and Code of Conduct Criteria
- You must have an up to date signed off Performance Review with a minimum ‘meets expectations’ rating or equivalent Performance Reviews for external candidates
- If you are subject to UPP or have a live performance improvement plan you will not be eligible
- If you have a live misconduct sanction you will not be eligible
- You need written comments by line managers
- You need sign off by your Chief Superintendent
For internal candidates please see attached guidance notes on how to download your PR. click here
Before progressing with your application, you should arrange to meet with your line manager to hold a professional discussion about your intention to apply and your readiness for promotion, the outcome of which is noted on your application.
Application:
Step 1: CVF Document and Sign Off
Applicants are required to download the CVF Application Questions (link below) and provide responses to the five CVF based questions. Answers provided should include examples within the last 2 years. If you are unable provide examples from the last two years (e.g. due to maternity leave), please email promotions@southyorks.pnn.police.uk to agree an appropriate timeframe for your examples.
Candidates will also need to have written Line Manager comments and sign off from their Chief Superintendent. Line manager comments; must include whether the line manager believes the candidate is ready for promotion, they will recommend the individual for this process or not, including rationale for either. If a line manager does not recommend a candidate they must state why, the candidate can choose to continue with their application and may still be shortlisted if they have additional evidence (such as PRs, Chief Superintendent sign off and within the answers to the CVF based application questions) which supports their readiness for promotion.
Chief Superintendents are required to sign off all candidate applications as validation of its true and accurate content.
Line managers and Chief Superintendents are not required to ‘support’ applications but are required to provide comment and validation of the individuals application.
Responses to the five questions will be assessed against the Competency and Values Framework (CVF) and scored one to five. Successful applications will need to meet the average of 15 across the 5 shortlisting questions. Candidates may only score one ‘2’ across the 5 questions and overall achieve the average of 15 to pass, a score of 1 in any question will result in the individual failing shortlisting.
Note: this form must be uploaded to your ORACLE application, alongside your PR/PDR for your application to be considered.
To access the CVF document, please click here
Step 2: Online Application via ORACLE
All candidates will be required to complete their application via ORACLE. You will complete the personal questions on ORACLE and must upload the CVF application questions and 2026 completed Performance Review document to your application.
Closing Date: 23:55 on the 5th June 2026
Presentation and Interview:
Interviews will commence Tuesday 7th July and run for dates across a 2 week period.
Panels will be chaired by ACC McFarlane and supported by a Chief Superintendent and Senior Police Staff member.
Information Event:
We are running an information event on Wednesday 20th May at 17.00. To join the event please click on this link at the start of the meeting.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/315137589257987?p=2Sm5VsQU4VjH1ixCTM
Meeting ID: 315 137 589 257 987
Passcode: mX6pe9U9
External candidates only, please email: promotions@southyorks.pnn.police.uk by noon on the 20th May in order for us to send you the relevant link.
Further information:
The following link provides further information about working for South Yorkshire Police in the role of Chief Inspector.
SYP is running the 2026 Chief Inspector promotion process with deployment expected from end of July 2026 onwards.
These include detective and uniformed postings across South Yorkshire. If you are successful at interview, please expect to be posted in accordance with force demand. Consideration will be given to any restrictions on location of deployment where possible, however filling vacancies based on force demand is a priority.
After we have met the current force demand, we may utilise a select list to have a pool of candidates who meet the benchmark to be promoted to Chief Inspector rank and will be posted later.
South Yorkshire is a culturally diverse area and to ensure that our service is fully representative of the communities we serve we welcome applications from all under-represented groups and individuals wishing to work part time. If you would like any further information or support, please email positiveaction@southyorks.pnn.police.uk
Vehicle Sacrifice Scheme
South Yorkshire Police is presently working with Procurement to implement a vehicle sacrifice scheme. Subject to final sign off, the scheme will allow colleagues to lease an electric or hybrid cars from a specific provider, which offers most makes and models, both new and used. The cost of the lease will be paid monthly, directly from your salary. As the deduction is made before tax, national insurance and pension contributions are applied, therefore individuals can make a substantial saving.
Chief Inspector / Detective Chief Inspector Promotions employer: South Yorkshire Police
Contact Detail:
South Yorkshire Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Inspector / Detective Chief Inspector Promotions
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Connect with current Chief Inspectors or Detective Chief Inspectors on LinkedIn or at local events. They can offer insights into the role and might even give you a heads-up about upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your leadership skills. Think of examples where you've motivated teams or implemented change effectively. We want to see your operational credibility shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current policing issues and trends in South Yorkshire. Being knowledgeable about local challenges shows your commitment to delivering the best service to the public and makes you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their career moves.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Inspector / Detective Chief Inspector Promotions
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. We want to see how you've motivated and inspired your team in the past, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive performance and implement change.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your responses to the job description. We’re looking for candidates who understand the key aims of South Yorkshire Police and can articulate how their skills align with our mission.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what you want to say. Avoid jargon and ensure your passion for public service shines through!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at South Yorkshire Police!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Yorkshire Police
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Chief Inspector/Detective Chief Inspector. Familiarise yourself with the key aims of South Yorkshire Police and how your experience aligns with their mission to deliver excellent policing services.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've motivated and inspired your team in previous roles. Highlight any changes you've implemented and the positive outcomes that resulted from your leadership. This will demonstrate your operational credibility and commitment to improving performance.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making and problem-solving skills. Think about past incidents where you had to manage critical situations, and be ready to explain your thought process and the actions you took to achieve successful outcomes.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity
South Yorkshire Police values diversity and representation. Be ready to discuss how you have engaged with diverse communities in your previous roles and how you plan to continue this commitment as a Chief Inspector. This shows that you understand the importance of serving all members of the public.