Inspector on Promotion and Level Transfer - Jan 2026 in London

Applications are welcomed from substantive Sergeants and Detective Sergeants on promotion to Inspector or Detective Inspector from other Force areas via transfer on promotion or level transfer. Applications will also be welcomed from individuals who wish to re-join the Force at a higher rank.

The landscape of policing is ever changing, and we are looking for leaders who have a firm grip on operational priorities, deliver an outstanding service to the public within current resources and actively motivate and empower their staff. We are looking for dynamic and operationally credible leaders who have the ability to develop teams to deliver improved performance.

Applicants require a high degree of awareness of contemporary public concerns and a proven track record of consistent delivery working collaboratively with partners, communities and colleagues across both forces to achieve results. Strong leadership through change is particularly important, so you must be able to demonstrate how you bring difference to the people you lead. Adaptability, innovation and encouraging diversity of thought and action are essential, alongside engaging and motivating teams in new and challenging environments.

Surrey and Sussex Police collaborate across a range of operational policing services. Both forces serve diverse communities, affording plenty of scope for a varied leadership and career opportunities. We would particularly value applications from under-represented groups to enhance public confidence and representation.

The application will allow you to advise us of your preferred top three roles and locations, together with any specific work-related needs. Subject to your successful application and interview, your preferences will be taken into consideration in postings decisions and accommodated where possible. As there are a limited number of vacancies available, this will be a competitive process.

Chief Constables' Message: We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe. We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference. If you feel you are that person then we want to hear from you.

Skills & Experience:

• Current Serving Officers: A high level of competence at your current rank evidenced through a current live Focus (or PDR) rating of satisfactory contribution. No live written warnings, unsatisfactory performance or attendance action plans. If you are subject to a live conduct investigation, you are permitted to apply but if successful at interview, any confirmation will not be provided until the outcome of that investigation is known.
• To Apply You Must Also: Be in possession of the Inspectors NPPF Step 2 legal qualification. Have a current JRFT/OST qualification (unless you are exempt or have a condition or disability which would negate this requirement as a reasonable adjustment, as confirmed by Occupational Health). Be of substantive rank having completed 12 months as temporary Sergeant (with WBA completed and signed off), followed by 12 months as substantive Sergeant.

Re-joiners: If you are considering re-joining the Force, we will welcome applications from former officers of Constable or Sergeant rank who have the desire to help protect our communities, catch criminals and deliver an outstanding service.

The Following Criteria Will Apply:

• Have served in a Home Office Force or British Transport Police (BTP).
• Have completed your probation period prior to leaving the force and achieved independent patrol status.
• Have had no disciplinary, integrity or performance issues.
• Have a full UK manual driving licence.
• Not have any cautions or convictions.
• Have not made another application to re-join another police force at the same time.
• Have resided in the UK for three years immediately prior to submitting your application (exceptions to this are considered on a case‐by‐case basis).
• Declare any business interests.
• Not be a member of the British National Party (BNP) or similar organisation.
• Not have any existing County Court Judgements (CCJs) outstanding against you or have been registered bankrupt and not have been discharged for the past three years.
• Not have any tattoos which cause offence.
• Take the NPPF Inspectors Legal Exam at the earliest opportunity.

Further Information: Applications will be based on the Competency and Values Framework (Level 2). In order to apply you must first seek line manager endorsement (with the exception of re-joiners), without which your application will not be accepted. The deadline date for your application and line manager endorsement is 23:59 hours on Monday 26th January 2026.

Please ensure that you have had discussions with your line manager and that they support your application, as those who are not supported will be unable to apply. Please note the link to the line manager endorsement form will only be sent to you once you have completed and submitted your application form. You will then need to forward the link to your line manager for their completion. This will need to be completed and submitted by the deadline date, so please take this into consideration when planning your timeline for application submission.

The final shortlisting of applications will take place between 27th January and 13th February 2026 and interview invites are estimated to be sent out to successful applicants from 16th February 2026. If successful at shortlisting, you will be invited to attend an interview based on the Competency and Values Framework (Level 2). The interview will consist of 3 questions and an operational scenario. It is anticipated interviews will take place between Monday 2nd and Friday 13th March 2026.

If you have any dates to avoid, ie annual leave, court warnings or course commitments, please make us aware to assist with scheduling of interviews.

Diversity Statement: We are only as good as our people. It's important that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace and we know that as an organisation we'll grow from the variety of thinking, approach, and the skills that diversity brings; all of which help us to deliver a better policing service. We strive to ensure how we deliver our services, provide information and how we recruit is open and accessible to all.

We have multiple staff support groups who help to improve our understanding of minority issues and ensure they are reflected in our work. We are proud members of Disability Confident, hold Race Equality Matters Trailblazer status, are a signatory of the Race at Work Charter and are aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement. We are committed to being an anti‐racist police service. We promise to challenge injustice, ensure fairness and to uphold anti‐racist principles in both our organisation and our communities.

We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status, or religious belief, we would love to hear from you.

Additional Information: Following submission of your application you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your application attached. Occasionally emails from this address can fall into spam/junk folders so please ensure this is checked regularly.