Support Officer

The College of Policing is recruiting three Performance Improvement Support Officers to join its newly established Support and Intervention Team. This is an exciting opportunity for experienced policing professionals to contribute to national policing reforms by supporting police forces across the UK to improve performance, strengthen public confidence, and deliver better outcomes for communities.

This position offers remote working across the UK, excellent Civil Service benefits, a competitive salary of £47,720, and a fixed-term contract until 31 March 2028.

 Overview

About the College of Policing

The College of Policing is the professional body responsible for setting standards, improving leadership, and supporting performance across policing in England and Wales.

Its mission is built around three key priorities:

• Leadership
• Standards
• Performance

The organisation works closely with police forces, government departments, and policing partners to improve policing services through evidence-based practice, innovation, and continuous professional development.

 Summary

As part of the national policing reform programme, the College has created a specialist Support and Intervention Team that works directly with police forces experiencing performance challenges.

Successful candidates will help police forces:

• Improve operational performance
• Implement sustainable reforms
• Strengthen leadership capability
• Increase public confidence
• Share best practices across policing nationally

This is a strategic improvement role rather than a frontline policing position.

Key Responsibilities

Successful applicants will:

• Lead short and medium-term performance improvement projects.
• Diagnose organisational performance issues.
• Develop evidence-based improvement plans.
• Support police forces through implementation and change management.
• Coordinate external specialists and professional associates.
• Build relationships with senior leaders across policing.
• Work alongside the Home Office, NPCC, CPS, IOPC, and other national partners.
• Identify innovative policing practices.
• Share successful approaches across UK policing.
• Support cultural and operational transformation.

Areas of Specialism

Applicants should have expertise in one or more of the following HMICFRS PEEL inspection areas:

Preventing Crime

• Neighbourhood policing
• Crime prevention
• Anti-social behaviour
• Vulnerability reduction

Investigating Crime

• Criminal investigations
• Suspect management
• Investigative performance

Safeguarding

• Adult safeguarding
• Child protection
• Risk management
• Vulnerable persons

Essential Requirements

Applicants should possess:

• Recent experience leading performance improvement within a policing environment.
• Strong project management skills.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and relationship management abilities.
• Experience leading high-performing teams.
• Ability to work across complex matrix organisations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience implementing organisational change.

Behaviours Assessed

The recruitment process will assess:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace

Technical Skills Assessed

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Performance improvement leadership experience.
• Ability to influence organisational change.
• Knowledge of HMICFRS PEEL inspection frameworks.
• Experience embedding performance improvement within policing.

Working Location

This role offers exceptional flexibility.

Applicants may work:

• Fully remote from anywhere in the UK
• Hybrid working arrangement
• Office-based from:
  • Ryton (CV8 3EN)
  • Durham (DL15 8DS)
  • London (E14 4PU)

Regular travel across the UK will be required.

Salary and Benefits

Successful candidates will receive:

• £47,720 annual salary
• £5,038 London allowance (where applicable)
• Civil Service Pension with 28.97% employer contribution
• Up to 31.5 days annual leave
• 8 public holidays
• 1 privilege day
• Flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid working opportunities
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Learning and development opportunities
• Structured career progression
• Benenden Healthcare
• National Dental Plan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Shopping discounts
• Interest-free season ticket loans
• Recognition and reward schemes
• Inclusive workplace culture
• Active employee networks

Security Requirements

Successful applicants must complete:

• Counter Terrorist Check (CTC)
• Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)
• Pre-employment vetting

Security clearance may take up to 10 weeks.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy:

• UK nationality and residency requirements.
• Right to work in the UK.
• College of Policing vetting requirements.

Serving police officers, police staff, Civil Service employees, and eligible secondment applicants are encouraged to apply.

Recruitment Process

Selection includes:

• CV assessment
• Success Profiles assessment
• Behaviour-based interview
• Technical assessment
• Experience assessment

Expected interview week: Commencing 20 July 2026.

Application Deadline

11:55 PM (BST), Sunday, 5 July 2026

Late applications will not be accepted.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their application through the official UK Civil Service Jobs portal before the deadline.

Ensure all required documentation, including secondment approval (where applicable), is submitted before your application closes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this a remote job?

Yes. The role supports remote working anywhere within the UK, with hybrid options also available.

Does this role offer visa sponsorship?

No. Applicants must already meet the UK’s nationality, residency, right-to-work, and vetting requirements.

How many vacancies are available?

There are 3 full-time vacancies.

Is travel required?

Yes. Occasional travel across the UK forms part of the role.

What is the contract length?

The appointment runs until 31 March 2028, subject to funding and performance.

What salary does the role offer?

£47,720 per year, plus a London allowance of £5,038 where applicable.

Final Thoughts

The Performance Improvement Support Officer position at the College of Policing presents a unique opportunity to shape the future of policing across the UK. If you have experience driving performance improvement within policing and want to contribute to national reform while enjoying flexible remote working and outstanding Civil Service benefits, this role is well worth considering.

With only three vacancies available, interested candidates should prepare their applications and apply before 5 July 2026.