Location: Hindlip, Worcestershire
Salary: £125,188 - £141,050.
West Mercia Police is seeking an outstanding leader to join its Chief Officer team.
If you’re looking for a supportive, fulfilling and dynamic working environment, West Mercia Police could be the ideal place for your next career move. We’re a large enough force to offer a wide variety of policing challenges – covering all areas of rural and urban policing - yet small enough to build strong, lasting relationships with the communities of Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire. This balance contributes to consistently high levels of public confidence in our work.
The successful applicant will become a key member of the executive team. Your strategic leadership will play a vital role in ensuring we deliver an effective and efficient service aligned with the West Mercia Safer Communities Plan and our recently launched Blueprint 2030.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for a leader with energy, compassion and authenticity - someone who can drive the force forward with purpose and vision. The ideal candidate will be passionate, highly capable, and operationally strong, with a proven track record in leading organisational change.
They should demonstrate in-depth knowledge of contemporary policing challenges, a strong background in strategic performance management, and an exceptional record of delivering successful change that enhances service to the public.
Requirements
Applicants who previously qualified as eligible for a chief police officer appointment by virtue of successfully completing the Senior Police National Assessment Centre (SPNAC) and the strategic command course (SCC) will be eligible for substantive appointment to a chief police officer role.
Police officers who have successfully completed the PLP – stage 5 (executive leaders programme) as part of cohorts 1, 2, 3 and 4 will be eligible for substantive appointment to a chief police officer role.
For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Deputy Chief Constable Damian Barratt on 07773 364 306 or email damian.barratt1@westmercia.police.uk.
How to apply
Application packs are available from talent@westmercia.police.uk.
The closing date for applications is 12:00 noon on Monday 1 June 2026.
Shortlisting will take place on Tuesday 2 June 2026.
Assessment days will take place on Monday 20 July and Tuesday 21 July.