Special Constabulary Deputy Chief Officer

Our mission is simple: prevent harm, protect people, and build trust. The Deputy Chief Officer of the Special Constabulary plays a key role in supporting this mission. Reporting to the Chief Officer, the Deputy will help ensure that Special Constables are able to be effectively deployed and contribute meaningfully to our policing priorities.

Our vision is to deliver a high-performing Special Constabulary that empowers volunteers to provide a professional, high-quality service as an integral part of the West Midlands Police family. You will work to ensure our 160 Special Constables are prepared to protect people and build trust, whilst also working to grow our numbers to make a bigger impact in our communities.

This vacancy is only open to existing Special Constables. Applications are welcome from existing Special Chief Inspectors within West Midlands Police or Specials from other forces that operate at a force level.

Key Responsibilities

We are seeking a dedicated individual to take on this pivotal leadership role, which includes:

- Supporting the Chief Officer by providing visible, impactful leadership to the Special Constabulary, fostering a positive, collaborative culture aligned with our organisational values.
- Deputise for the Chief Officer at events and meetings. These can be at any time during the day and with some evening and weekend events.
- Overseeing the strategic development and delivery of the Special Constabulary, ensuring alignment with West Midlands Police’s wider strategic goals.
- Monitoring and evaluating performance to maintain high standards of policing, working closely with the Force Executive Team, Citizens in Policing Manager, Local Policing Area (LPA) Commanders, and the Special Constabulary’s senior leadership team.
- Promoting a supportive leadership environment that enhances the volunteer experience and strengthens our values-led culture.
- Reviewing existing policy documents and operating procedures.

Essential Criteria

- Sufficient availability and commitment to carry out this role effectively, this should not be underestimated.
- Proven senior-level leadership and management experience.
- Experience working strategically in a large, complex organisation.
- Demonstrated success in leading or working alongside volunteers.
- Strong understanding of strategic performance management and delivering against operational plans.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building abilities.
- Experience engaging with senior stakeholders at both local and organisational levels to meet strategic goals.
- A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive service delivery.

Desirable Criteria

- Awareness of community concerns, including safety, anti-social behaviour, and crime reduction
- Familiarity with current developments from the College of Policing, Association of Special Constabulary Chief Officers, NPCC, and the Home Office.
- Although this is a non-operational role, operational involvement is expected from all senior leadership team members.
- Must be a Special Constable and must not be employed in a precluded occupation.
- Must be willing and able to travel across the West Midlands Police area (agile working arrangements are supported).

Selection Process

- Online Application and Sift - You will complete an online application form, which will be reviewed against the skills, experience and behaviours required for the role.

Closing Date: 28 October 2026 - 23:55
- Interview - Candidates who successfully pass the application stage will be invited to attend an interview and/or assessment. This will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your suitability for the role.

Proposed date(s): 7 November 2026 (subject to change)
- Pre-Employment Checks - If you are selected as the preferred candidate, you will be required to successfully complete relevant pre-employment checks before receiving a formal offer. For internal candidates, some checks may not be required. Checks may include: Vetting Checks - You must successfully complete the required level of Management vetting and Security Clearance before starting the role. This may include providing information relating to your background and financial history as part of the vetting process. Click here (https://www.joiningthepolice.co.uk/application-process/get-ready-to-apply/whats-involved-in-the-vetting-process) for more information.
- Medical Checks - Appointment to this role is subject to successfully completing medical checks. This may include a drugs test and, where required, a fitness assessment.
- Reference Checks - You will need to provide details covering at least five years of employment, education or other relevant activity history.

We are committed to supporting candidates throughout the recruitment process and reasonable adjustments are available for those who need them.