Head of Stakeholder Engagement, Centre for Policing Research and Learning in Milton Keynes

The Head of Stakeholder Engagement will work with the Professor of Policing and Research to co‑ordinate and ensure high‑quality implementation of the Centre for Policing Research and Learning (CPRL) strategy, working in close collaboration with the CPRL Operations team and the Centre’s 18 police partners. The postholder will strengthen and widen these partnerships to enhance the Centre’s ability, in collaboration with partners, to create and apply knowledge to improve policing for the good of society. You will be part of a core team in the Faculty of Business & Law, working with colleagues in the faculty and across the University, to take forward ambitious plans for the future of CPRL. This is a post offered on a 15 hours per week basis (equivalent to 2 days per week) for 2 years.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Development: Build strategic relationships between CPRL, the wider University and UK Policing in order to collaboratively drive forward CPRL and OU strategy. Lead activities designed to develop and enhance CPRL’s partnerships with policing and within the University. Contribute to the achievement of the University strategy in order to maintain and advance the partnerships and growth agendas. Lead the delivery of CPRL’s stakeholder engagement strategy, agreeing priorities with the Academic Director and regularly reviewing engagement to improve partnerships and inform Centre strategy.
• People Management: Support individuals through change to their ways of working and job roles. Create a sense of unity and common purpose, inspiring individuals to contribute to common team goals.
• Planning, managing and delivering services: Working with the CPRL leadership team, identify members’ policing challenges and translate these into researchable questions and feasible collaborative projects with academic colleagues, supporting the application of research to policing policy and practice. Foster and strengthen engagement with senior police leaders and other stakeholders to reinforce and grow partnerships with police across the four nations of the UK. Work with member forces/agencies to identify and develop the collaborative projects and encourage active engagement with the OU academics and with partner forces. Undertake a regular review of all partners, considering the range of their engagement and work with the CPRL. Liaising with point(s) of contact within police partner organisations to take appropriate action and address relevant issues. Identify critical issues, manage risks, and troubleshoot problems that may compromise delivery, and proactively manage them in order to produce high‑quality products, processes or services to agreed budgets and deadlines. Develop and provide timely and relevant management information against agreed key performance indicators.
• Internal and external perspective: Keep abreast of the changing policing landscape and related agencies and blue light services. Anticipating and making decisions about necessary changes in consultation with relevant stakeholders and disseminating implications to relevant stakeholders. Work in collaboration with others to improve and develop communication and services to partners and CPRL’s contribution to University objectives. Keep abreast of national and international initiatives in UK Policing and ensure that this knowledge is effectively shared within CPRL, Department for Policing and the wider University.

About You

Essential Criteria:

• A PhD, ideally in a discipline relevant to policing.
• Demonstrable understanding of research methods and the university research environment, with the ability to assess collaborative research opportunities and uphold academic independence.
• Experience of working collaboratively and proactively with policing practitioners.
• Wide‑ranging knowledge of police context including operations, leadership, learning and evidence‑based practice.
• Proven experience of senior police leadership and leading strategic partnerships.
• Direct experience of working with senior police leadership nationally to foster collaborative working relationships and knowledge‑based practice.
• Evidence of working with appropriate external national and international networks, and demonstrable ability to develop strong collaborative links.
• The ability to represent the Centre within the University and in the policing policy and practice context.
• The ability to communicate with clarity, confidence and gravitas at all levels; adapting style and content to the needs of the audience.
• Evidence of using data informed analytical thinking to shape timely and pragmatic decisions and manage risks to fulfil strategic and operational needs.
• The ability to take ownership of delivering outcomes, monitor achievement of agreed objectives, and strive to exceed expectations.
• The ability to work in a manner which aligns with the OU values in relation to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Desirable Criteria:

• The ability to foster creativity and innovation, embracing new ideas and inspiring continuous improvement.
• Experience of delivering pragmatic and cost‑effective solutions within resource, time and quality parameters.
• Experience of translating research findings into policing policy, practice or organisational learning.
• The ability to drive and embrace change positively.

What's in it for you?

At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Flexible working options are available, including job share, part time, compressed hours or other arrangements.

It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where the successful candidate can work from home and the office. However, some attendance in the office will be required when necessary and in response to business needs.

Next steps in the Recruitment process: Interviews are likely to be held in the week commencing 14 December. Applications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

If you have any queries or questions about the recruitment process, or regarding your application, please contact: Careers@open.ac.uk.

The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas.