“The SBAA maintains a civilian police force (SBA Police) of 241 officers, which has primacy for all criminal law enforcement within the bases and the military stations.”

The Sovereign Base Areas are the United Kingdom’s permanent sovereign bases in the Eastern Mediterranean. The two Sovereign Base Areas cover approximately 100 square miles of southern Cyprus and are the home of some of the United Kingdom’s most valuable defence and security assets.

The Bases are a Sovereign State, independent of the Republic of Cyprus and the United Kingdom, with its own laws, Attorney General and Courts system.

The SBA Administration maintains a civilian police force (SBA Police) of 241 officers and 18 civilians, which has primacy for all criminal law enforcement within the bases and the military stations.

237 of the SBA police are locally employed Greek and Turkish Cypriots. All are highly trained and professionally accredited to UK police standards. The four most senior officers are the Chief Constable, the Deputy Chief Constable and the two Divisional Commanders for the Eastern and Western Divisions. These four posts are UK national positions.

The Challenge

The SBA Police face significant challenges in relation to Counter Terrorism, Public Order, Organised Crime and Counter Corruption. Furthermore, the history and location of the Bases create unique political, jurisdictional and operational circumstances in operating effectively across international boundaries with the Republic of Cyprus, the United Nations Buffer Zone and the Turkish Controlled Northern Areas of Cyprus.

The Administration is seeking to fill the post of Divisional Commander which will become vacant upon the retirement of the incumbent on 20th March 2025.

The Role

The Divisional Commander is responsible for the operational delivery of policing within the Eastern sovereign base area as well as performing the role of Deputy Superintendent of Prisons at HMP Dhekelia .

She/he plays a critical command role in all major operations with the British Forces and in those which affect the civil population.
The role requires the Divisional Commander to have been a recently serving Superintendent with a UK Civil Police Force or British Overseas Territory. Senior command experience of armed policing, serious and organised crime, public order, counter terrorism, professional standards and resource management are desirable.

The successful candidate will:

• Have ‘developed vetting’ security clearance or must pass that clearance process.


• Be an accredited strategic public order and strategic firearms commander or must become accredited in those roles

Competency and Values Framework for Policing – Level 3

Candidates will be assessed at level 3 of the Policing Competencies and Values Framework. In addition to demonstrating evidence of ‘values based leadership’, candidates will be required to demonstrate evidence against the following competencies:

• We are emotionally aware


• We take ownership


• We are collaborative


• We deliver, support and inspire


• We analyse critically


• We are innovative and open minded.

The successful candidate must hold a valid UK licence and be able to drive.

The Person

Track record of exceptional operational leadership of law enforcement officers at senior levels.

Ability to embrace personal accountability and to hold individuals and the organisation to account for performance and behaviours.

Skilled in developing people and inspiring others, promoting values, behaviours and strategic organisational priorities.

Skilled in engaging and influencing multi-agency stakeholders in a political environment.

Skilled in effectively using a wide range of communication and negotiation techniques.

Employment package

The successful candidate will be appointed on a four-year fixed term contract with the Sovereign Base Areas Administration.

The role will attract a salary package of £73,265 per annum

The Divisional Commander will be expected to work a 42-hour week and demonstrate flexibility to meet the operational and strategic requirements of the role.

Benefits Package

The successful candidate will be provided with rent free furnished military accommodation and, if married and accompanied by their spouse and/or dependent children, will be provided with appropriate married quarters. They will also receive or have access to:

• Removal and Relocation expenses


• Cost of Living Allowance (COLA)


• Primary and Secondary Health care for themself and their entitled family members


• UK standard children’s education provision up to age 18


• Access to Military Sports facilities

Application Process:

Interested officers are invited to contact the Chief Constable and Deputy Chief Constable of the SBA Police for further information.

Chief Constable
Tel +00 357 9513 5193
Email Stephen.Ellen101@mod.gov.uk

Deputy Chief Constable
Tel +00 357 9964 9735
Email: Stephen.Jupp@mod.gov.uk

Applicants are required to apply for the position via civil service jobs - Vacancy Number 366062 and include a detailed professional CV and a statement of suitability addressing the core competencies and requirements for the role.

A familiarisation visit to Cyprus will be available, Short listed candidates will be flown to and from Cyprus from RAF Brize Norton (Oxfordshire) and will be provided Mess accommodation for the duration of their visit. It is expected that the successful candidate will take up their appointment on 21st March 2025.