Chief Internal Auditor (Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley) in Kidlington

Thames Valley Police is the largest non‑metropolitan force, with a forward‑looking mind‑set and commitment to continuous improvement. The internal audit function is a joint team covering both the Police Force and the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner. We’re looking for a Chief Internal Auditor to lead a small but highly respected team that plays an important role across Thames Valley Police. This is a position with genuine variety and influence, ideal for someone who likes getting under the skin of how things work and helping people improve what they do. Internal audit here is not a tick‑box exercise. It’s a service that adds real value, offering insight, constructive challenge, and practical recommendations that help the organisation operate well and make informed decisions.

You’ll work closely with senior leaders, but you’ll also spend time speaking to teams at all levels to understand what’s happening on the ground. That mix of strategic and operational insight makes the role both interesting and rewarding.

What We’re Looking For

You’ll be an experienced audit professional with a clear, balanced perspective, the confidence to offer independent judgement. This role is much more than managing and delivering an audit programme – you’ll provide the leadership to ensure that the internal audit function is influential and demonstrates added value to the organisation. We are open to receiving applications on a full time or part time basis (minimum 0.5 FTE with flexibility to be available for key governance meetings) – the most important thing is your ability to lead the function.

What You Can Expect

• Plenty of variety – Every week looks different. You’ll lead internal audit as well as delivering your own audits covering finance, governance, criminal justice, local policing, operations, change programmes and more.
• A respected role – Internal audit is seen as a trusted partner with genuine influence on the business. Your advice will be listened to and your work will shape how the organisation manages risk and drives improvement.
• A chance to make a difference – Your recommendations will directly support better decision‑making, improved service to the public as well as stronger controls.
• Scope to develop the service – You’ll have the freedom to design a risk‑based audit plan and bring new ideas, tools and approaches.
• Flexible working – We offer a hybrid working environment – staff work in person at least one day per week and where needed to fulfil their responsibilities.

As part of the Thames Valley Police family you will enjoy a fantastic range of benefits including 30 days annual leave per annum, pro‑rata for part time (plus Bank Holidays), flexible working conditions, a wide range of lifestyle discounts, career development opportunities and the option to join a local government pension scheme.

To apply for this post please attach a cover letter of no more than one page and a CV of no more than 2 pages. NOTE: CVs will not be accepted without a cover letter or if the CV is more than 2 pages long. If you have any queries please contact the Recruitment Team at RecruitmentPoliceStaff@thamesvalley.police.uk quoting reference 23469. We will endeavour to respond to your query as quickly as possible. The closing date for enquiries and receipt of applications is Monday 25 May 2026. Interviews are planned for the 4th, 5th and 8th June 2026.