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

1. 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

2. 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)

3. 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 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.

West Midlands Police is the second-largest police force in England, serving more than 2.9 million people across Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull and Walsall. Every day, our people work together to keep our communities safe, protect vulnerable people, prevent crime and bring offenders to justice.

We answer more than 2,000 emergency calls every day and provide policing 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whether responding to emergencies, supporting victims, investigating crime or working behind the scenes, every role plays a vital part in delivering an outstanding service to the public.

We're proud of the progress we've made in reducing crime, improving emergency response times and increasing arrest rates. These achievements are only possible because of the dedication, professionalism and expertise of our officers, staff and volunteers. As we continue to transform the way we police, we're looking for talented people who are committed to making a real difference.

Why Join West Midlands Police?

A career with West Midlands Police is about more than a job, it's an opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the lives of millions of people. Whatever your role, you'll contribute to keeping our communities safe while developing your own skills and career.

When you join us, you'll benefit from:

• Meaningful work that makes a difference every day.
• A diverse range of career opportunities across policing and professional support services.
• High-quality training, development and opportunities to progress.
• A supportive and inclusive working environment where everyone is encouraged to achieve their potential.
• Competitive pay, generous annual leave, excellent pension arrangements and a wide range of employee benefits.
• The opportunity to work alongside dedicated colleagues who share a common purpose.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce helps us better understand and serve the communities we protect. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to succeed.

As a Disability Confident Leader, the highest level of the Government's Disability Confident scheme, we are committed to removing barriers to employment and supporting disabled applicants and employees throughout their careers. Through our Disability Confident Interview Scheme, applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for a role will normally be offered an interview, subject to the scheme's terms and any recruitment constraints.

Our Diversity and Inclusion Vision is to maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness, respect and inclusion, enabling us to deliver the best possible service to our communities.

Professional Standards

Working in policing is a position of trust. Our officers and staff are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and accountability. Successful applicants will be subject to appropriate vetting and are expected to uphold the ethical standards and responsibilities that come with serving the public.

Recruitment and the Use of AI

We recognise that many candidates use AI tools to support activities such as proofreading and improving the presentation of written applications. This is acceptable, provided the content you submit accurately reflects your own knowledge, skills and experience.

Applications must be your own work. Any evidence of plagiarism, false or misleading information, or the inappropriate use of AI during assessments or selection activities where it is not permitted may result in your application being rejected.

Benefits

We know that supporting our people is essential to delivering the best service to our communities. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of employee benefits, wellbeing support and development opportunities to help you thrive throughout your career.

Visit our Benefits page to find out more about the rewards and support available when you join West Midlands Police.