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- Tasks: Lead a new unit to enhance police performance across England and Wales.
- Company: Join the UK Home Office, dedicated to public safety and crime reduction.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and impactful work.
- Why this job: Shape the future of policing while collaborating with key leaders in law enforcement.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in law enforcement and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Work from Manchester or London hubs; apply by 07 August 2025.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
Deputy Director – Head of Police Performance Improvement Unit
Join to apply for the Deputy Director – Head of Police Performance Improvement Unit role at UK Home Office
Deputy Director – Head of Police Performance Improvement Unit
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Join to apply for the Deputy Director – Head of Police Performance Improvement Unit role at UK Home Office
This range is provided by UK Home Office. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
Location
Please note, this is a national role, however will require regular attendance to our Home Office hubs in Manchester or London.
About the job
Job summary
The Public Safety Group (PSG) in the Home Office is responsible for a set of outcomes which are fundamental to our national life. Our role is to keep the public safe by cutting crime (including by disrupting the highest harm criminals), protecting the vulnerable and ensuring that our critical police, fire and rescue services are as efficient and effective as they can be in delivering front line public services.
To deliver on our mission, we develop and deliver policy, provide funding, deliver legislation, and make the most of innovation, data, and partnerships to prevent crime, protect the vulnerable, and tackle the highest harm crimes. The Safer Streets mission leads on keeping people safe.
A new Police Standards and Performance Improvement Directorate (PSPID) has recently been created within the Public Safety Group. The Police Performance Improvement Unit is a new unit within this directorate.
This role provides a unique opportunity to shape and lead a new Home Office unit to improve police force performance across England and Wales. It will be a key part of delivering the Government’s Safer Streets Mission.
You will advise the Home Secretary and Ministers about police force performance against a new Police Performance Framework being developed for a Police Reform White Paper.
The successful candidate will work closely with His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) to implement a new tiered performance system, building on existing systems and structures. And you will work in partnership with the College of Policing and others to provide performance improvement support to police forces where it is required, as part of a renewed ladder of support and intervention. This may include establishing turnaround teams, in consultation with police system partners and the force, to problem solve and address concerns.
You will be required to provide strategic, decisive leadership across the policing system through the development of strong, collaborative working relationships with senior policing leaders, including HMICFRS, the College of Policing, National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), Chief Constables, the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC), and others.
You will need high quality performance analysis skills and be able to use data and qualitative insight to both support and challenge police forces, whilst building strong foundations for a trusted presence in the policing system.
The post holder will lead a team of multi-disciplinary professionals, provide critical senior leadership and urgently moving forward this exciting new function.
You will report to the Director for Police Standards and Performance Improvement and be required to work collaboratively with the Policing Policy Director, Director of Strategy Capability and Resources, and other colleagues across the Public Safety Group, Home Office, and partners in the wider criminal justice system.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supporting work to design a system-wide policing improvement programme through problem and benefit realisation, data and evidence mapping the current policing landscape, and building in lessons learned from previous improvement frameworks.
- Leading and motivating a diverse team of experts (including police secondees, technical experts and analysts) to deliver performance analysis and assessments and determine the need for performance support.
- Working collaboratively with forces and policing system partners to provide performance improvement support to police forces where it is required, as part of a renewed ladder of support and intervention.
- Ensuring the Home Secretary’s Police Reform strategic priorities are reflected in improvement activities and delivery outcomes.
- Working with all Home Office UK Police Forces and law enforcement agency colleagues to establish and develop a data strategy, including significantly improved access to, and availability of, consistent police data for Ministers and Home Office officials.
- Managing your unit\’s budget, resource plans and, ensuring the effective use of public spending and maximising value for money.
- Being an active and corporate member of the Public Safety Group senior strategic leadership team and specifically supporting the development of the wider reform of policing.
Person specification
- Wide ranging operational law enforcement experience with proven operational competence in policing, with a demonstratable track record of successful experience working at a strategic level. The candidate will also have a strong understanding of the law enforcement system, knowledge of relevant policing local, regional and national policies, strategies and initiatives and an understanding of the implications within the policing context.
- Experience of gathering, using, and analysing evidence/data to inform decision making and the ability to evaluate its impact, specifically within a law enforcement context.
- Excellent personal impact, resilience, and interpersonal skills, with experience of successfully engaging with and influencing a diverse range of partners.
- Strong leadership skills and experience of delivering at pace and getting things done under pressure whilst driving a culture of performance and improvement.
- A significant track record of visible, inclusive and results focussed on direct and matrix managed leadership which builds resilience and motivates staff to deliver and thrive.
- Experience and/or understanding of Programme and Project Management to support the governance and assurance framework for your work-stream.
Online Application:
Please follow the job advert instructions on the Civil Service Jobs website and apply online by 23:55 on 07 August 2025.
Seniority level
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Seniority level
Director
Employment type
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Employment type
Full-time
Job function
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Job function
Consulting
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Industries
Law Enforcement and Government Administration
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Deputy Director - Head of Police Performance Improvement Unit employer: UK Home Office
Contact Detail:
UK Home Office Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director - Head of Police Performance Improvement Unit
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in law enforcement and public safety sectors. Attend relevant conferences or seminars where you can meet key figures from the Home Office, HMICFRS, and other policing bodies. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the current Police Performance Framework and any recent reforms in policing. Understanding the latest developments will not only prepare you for discussions during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and its challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your leadership experience by gathering specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight instances where you've driven performance improvements or implemented strategic changes, as this aligns closely with the job's requirements.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on data strategies and performance analysis tools used within law enforcement. Being knowledgeable about these areas will help you articulate how you can contribute to the development of a robust data strategy for police forces, which is a key responsibility of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director - Head of Police Performance Improvement Unit
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Deputy Director - Head of Police Performance Improvement Unit role. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Focus on showcasing your operational law enforcement experience and strategic-level competencies. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and implement performance improvement initiatives.
Use Data Effectively: Since the role requires strong performance analysis skills, include examples of how you've gathered and used data to inform decision-making in previous positions. This will show your capability to support and challenge police forces effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only summarises your qualifications but also expresses your passion for public safety and improving police performance. Make sure to address how you can contribute to the Home Office's Safer Streets mission and the new Police Performance Improvement Unit.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Home Office
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you thoroughly understand the key responsibilities of the Deputy Director role. Familiarise yourself with the Police Performance Improvement Unit's objectives and how they align with the Government’s Safer Streets Mission. This will help you articulate how your experience and skills can contribute to these goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership roles, particularly in law enforcement or related fields. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led teams, managed projects, or implemented performance improvements. This is crucial as the role requires strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate a diverse team.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience with data analysis and how you've used evidence to inform decision-making in past roles. The interviewers will be looking for your ability to evaluate data and its impact on policing strategies, so prepare examples that showcase your analytical capabilities.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves working closely with various stakeholders, prepare to discuss how you've successfully engaged and influenced partners in previous positions. Share examples of how you've built collaborative relationships and navigated complex environments, as this will be key to your success in the role.
