WEST MIDLANDS POLICE
Appointment of Assistant Chief Constable
APPLICANT INFORMATION PACK
For enquiries please contact:Caron Hargrave
Email: [email protected]
Applications should be submitted by: Friday 27 March 2015 at 10am
Chief Constable’s Foreword 2015
Thank you for your interest in the Assistant Chief Constable opportunity within West
Midlands Police.
The successful applicant will be part of a team of dedicated, committed professionals working in
a diverse range of environments during a period of unprecedented change.
West Midlands Police has recently been assessed by HMIC as ‘outstanding’ having undergone
a period of major change in both our structure and approach to policing, whilst saving £130
million from our budget.
We achieved one of the country’s lowest recorded crime levels and
successfully faced many major operational challenges in areas such as Counter Terrorism,
Serious and Organised Crime and Public Order. This has been a successful period for West
Midlands Police but our aspiration to continue improving remains as strong as ever.
This year we begin West Midlands 2020. This will be a unique five year change programme
delivered with our partner Accenture.
The programme will reshape the Force to be more
digitally enabled, with a greater emphasis on preventing crime and supressing demand. You
will play a key part in leading this programme with the Chief Officer Team.
The decision to apply for this post will be one of the most important career decisions you will
make. If you would like to discuss any aspects of the role please contact DCC David Thompson
via Tricia Phillips on 0121 626 5485.
Once again, thank you for considering West Midlands Police.
Chris Sims
Chief Constable
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JOB DESCRIPTION
Responsible to the Deputy Chief Constable.
PURPOSE
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To provide effective and high profile leadership in the development and
implementation of strategies to further the policing of the West Midlands.
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To support the Chief Constable in directing and controlling the Force to provide an
efficient effective and visible police service to the people of the West Midlands.
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To develop and implement performance standards linked to designated functional
areas.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Working with the Chief Constable, Command Team and Police and Crime
Commissioner to develop and implement strategies to further the policing of West
Midlands.
2. To participate in the strategic management of the West Midlands Police as a member
of Command Team.
3. To discharge a designated portfolio of strategic and operational responsibilities.
4. The command of operational matters within the West Midlands Policing area.
Performing on call responsibilities with other Chief Officers. This will include the
deployment of firearms, specialist equipment and tactics.
5. Representing the Force locally and nationally when required.
6. Understanding and influencing the external and internal environments affecting the
policing of the West Midlands.
7. To Chair Discipline and capability Hearings on behalf of the Chief Constable.
8. To work corporately with other Chief Officers to formulate strategies, policies,
practices and procedures to ensure the effective delivery of quality services
furthering the policing of West Midlands Police.
9. To support and mentor Local Policing Units and Departmental Commanders/Heads
of Department.
10. Contribute to the process of future planning, implementation of plans and the
continued development of the planning process.
11. To undertake such other duties and responsibilities appropriate to the role of
Assistant Chief Constable as may be determined by the Chief Constable.
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
QUALIFICATIONS
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Completed the Strategic Command Course.
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Passed the Senior Police National Assessment Centre.
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A track record of successfully delivering in an operational environment, including the
operational command of police officers at a senior level.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE OF
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Commitment to the community and customer focus at a senior leadership level.
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Contemporary policing issues and techniques.
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Strategic Performance Management
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Driving and implementing change
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Operational Police Command.
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Strong internal and external leadership, in particular effective communication and
successful engagement in partnerships, in the public, private and voluntary sectors.
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Evidence of continuing professional personal development.
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Experience of developing and implementing effective policing plans.
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Financial management and financial awareness.
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Policing Professional Framework (PPF)
Assistant Chief Constable
Personal Qualities
DECISION MAKING
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Assimilates complex information quickly, weighing up alternatives and making sound,
timely decisions.
Gathers and considers all relevant and available information, seeking out and listening
to advice from specialists.
Asks incisive questions to test facts and assumptions, and gain a full understanding of
the situation.
Identifies the key issues clearly, and the inter-relationship between different options at a
local and national level, assessing the costs, risks and benefits of each.
Prepared to make the ultimate decision, even in conditions of ambiguity and uncertainty.
Makes clear, proportionate and justifiable decisions, reviewing these as necessary.
LEADERSHIP
Leading strategic change
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Thinks in the long term, establishing a compelling vision based on the values of the
Police Service, and a clear direction for the force.
Instigates and delivers structural and cultural change, thinking beyond the constraints of
current ways of working, and is prepared to make radical change when required.
Identifies better ways to deliver value for money services that meet both local and
national needs, encouraging creativity and innovation within the force and partner
organisations.
Leading the workforce
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Inspires people to meet challenging organisational goals, creating and maintaining the
momentum for change.
Gives direction and states expectations clearly.
Talks positively about policing and what it can achieve, building pride and self-esteem.
Creates enthusiasm and commitment throughout the force by rewarding good
performance, and giving genuine recognition and praise.
Promotes learning and development within the force, giving honest and constructive
feedback to colleagues and investing time in coaching and mentoring staff.
Managing performance
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Translates the vision into action by establishing a clear strategy and ensuring
appropriate structures are in place to deliver it.
Sets ambitious but achievable timescales and deliverables, and monitors progress to
ensure strategic objectives are met.
Identifies and removes blockages to performance, managing the workforce and
resources to deliver maximum value for money.
Defines what good practice looks like, highlighting good practice. Confronts
underperformance and ensures it is addressed.
Delegates responsibilities appropriately and empowers people to make decisions,
holding them to account for delivery.
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PROFESSIONALISM
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Acts with integrity, in line with the values and ethical standards of the Police Service.
Delivers on promises, demonstrating personal commitment, energy and drive to get
things done.
Defines and reinforces standards, demonstrating these personally and fostering a
culture of personal responsibility throughout the force.
Asks for and acts on feedback on own approach, continuing to learn and adapt to new
circumstances.
Takes responsibility for making tough or unpopular decisions, demonstrating courage
and resilience in difficult situations.
Remains calm and professional under pressure and in conditions of uncertainty.
Openly acknowledges shortcomings in service and commits to putting them right.
PUBLIC SERVICE
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Promotes a real belief in public service, focusing on what matters to the public and will
best serve their interests.
Ensures that all staff understand the expectations, changing needs and concerns of
different communities, and strive to address them.
Builds public confidence by actively engaging with different communities, agencies and
strategic stakeholders, developing effective partnerships at a local and national level.
Understands partners' perspectives and priorities, working co-operatively with them to
develop future public services within budget constraints, and deliver the best possible
overall service to the public.
WORKING WITH OTHERS
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Builds effective working relationships through clear communication and a collaborative
approach.
Maintains visibility and ensures communication processes work effectively throughout
the force and with external bodies.
Consults widely and involves people in decision-making, speaking in a way they
understand and can engage with.
Treats people with respect and dignity regardless of their background or circumstances,
promoting equality and the elimination of discrimination.
Treats people as individuals, showing tact, empathy and compassion.
Negotiates effectively with local and national bodies, representing the interests of the
Police Service.
Sells ideas convincingly, setting out benefits of a particular approach, and striving to
reach mutually beneficial solutions.
Expresses own views positively and constructively.
Fully commits to team decisions.
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TERMS of APPOINTMENT
The appointment will be made by the Chief Constable. The post will be a permanent
appointment.
The successful candidate must be certified to be medically fit by the Force Medical Advisor
before appointment is confirmed.
The post holder will be based at Police Headquarters in Birmingham City Centre.
Salary
The salary band for the post is £95,640 - £107,976 per annum.
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The post holder will be provided with a car in line with the Force scheme for ACPO ranks.
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A relocation package is available up to £24,000. (A copy of the relocation scheme is
available upon request)
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Membership to the private health scheme will be paid for by West Midlands Police. You
have the option to purchase additional cover for family members.
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The cost of annual Association of Chief Police Officer subscriptions will be reimbursed.
Taxation
Taxation is the responsibility of the tax payer. Candidates are strongly recommended to take
personal advice from a recognised taxation specialist.
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SELECTION PROCESS TIMETABLE
Applications must be submitted by email to [email protected] by
10am Friday 27 March 2015. Candidate applications will be acknowledged by e-mail on the
afternoon of 27 March 2015.
Short listed applicants will be informed as soon as possible after Monday 30 March 2015
A familiarisation day will be arranged for all short listed candidates on Thursday 2 April, 2015.
Candidates attending the familiarisation day will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire.
Candidates selected for interview will be invited to make a presentation to a Stakeholder
Panel chaired by the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Yvonne Mosquito, on
Wednesday 8 April, 2015.
The final part of the selection process will take place on Thursday 9 April, 2015
A detailed schedule will be provided in due course but candidates should expect this to include
an exercise and interview relevant to the rank of assistant Chief Constable. The process is
designed to explore the personal qualities of the police and professional framework and
candidates strengths in relation to the job description and person specification set out in this
pack.
All candidates will be expected to be available on these dates.
Expenses for Candidates invited for interview
Reasonable and necessary expenses of short listed candidates will be paid in accordance with
Police Regulations.
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