Overview
South Wales Police is seeking an exceptional leader to work within our Specialist Crime Portfolio. Responsible for shaping and delivering our response to some of the most complex and critical areas of policing. This is a pivotal leadership role requiring a dynamic, forward-thinking individual with a proven track record in strategic crime investigation and/or safeguarding leadership. You will be responsible for driving performance, embedding national standards, and ensuring public confidence through effective service delivery. You will play a critical strategic role in delivering first-class policing service to the public against the South Wales Police Delivery Plan; operating at CVF Level 3. If you are ready for the next challenge in your career and have the skills to work closely with the Chief Officer team, we would be interested to hear from you.
Role Title: Detective Chief Superintendent – Specialist Crime Portfolio
Location: Force Headquarters, Bridgend
We Are Currently Seeking Applications From
* Substantive Chief Superintendents/Detective Chief Superintendents; or
* Suitably qualified and substantive Superintendents/Detective Superintendents who are interested, eligible and supported for promotion.
Responsibilities
* Leading and developing investigative capability.
* Ensure investigations meet national standards and deliver organisational priorities.
* Overseeing strategic crime investigations.
* Developing investigative policy, quality assurance, and audit frameworks.
* Building strategic partnerships to manage threat, risk, harm, and vulnerability.
* Representing the force externally and lead media strategy relating to crime.
* Leading Crime and Criminal Justice and/or Safeguarding strategies across the force, ensuring effective multi-agency partnerships.
* Drive cultural change and professionalise public protection and investigative services.
* Oversee investigations and ensure compliance with national frameworks.
* Promote evidence-based approaches.
* Represent South Wales Police in national forums and initiatives.
Essential Skills And Experience
* Minimum of PIP 2 accreditation and willingness to work towards PIP 4.
* Extensive experience in serious and/or complex investigations or safeguarding leadership.
* Proven ability to lead high-performing teams and deliver strategic change.
* Strong understanding of national policing standards, including APP and PIP frameworks.
* Ability to manage risk, influence stakeholders, and drive continuous improvement.
* Demonstrated commitment to professional development and ethical leadership.
* Experience in multi-agency working and partnership development.
Eligibility Criteria
* Substantive Chief Superintendents/Detective Chief Superintendents
* Or suitably qualified and substantive Superintendents/Detective Superintendents who have 12 months or more service in that rank at the closing date and are also interested, eligible and supported for promotion.
* Satisfactory performance appraisal over last two consecutive years. External candidates should email confirmation of ratings/scoring with their application to talent@south-wales.police.uk.
* Not subject to any current live written warning or final written warning under Police (Conduct) Regulations.
* Not subject to any live Written Improvement Notices for performance or attendance under Police (Performance) Regulations, or a reduction in rank under those procedures in the previous 18 months.
* An acceptable level of attendance.
Selection Process
* Evidence your readiness for the role in response to the stated questions (max 250 words per question).
* Endorsement from your Head of Department / relevant Chief Officer to confirm readiness for promotion or suitability for the role.
* Shortlisting; Force interview and assessment board, including internal Stakeholder panel.
* References, vetting and continued good conduct and fitness; external candidates may require a medical examination.
* Chief Constable final ratification.
Level 2 Welsh is desired; if not held, you would be expected to reach Level 2 within 12 months of appointment. Successful candidates must be prepared to undergo vetting to MV/SC level.
As an employer who champions equality, diversity and inclusion, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. We particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse individuals as they are currently under-represented within South Wales Police.
Application Details
Please submit an online application form to GM-Talent on talent@south-wales.police.uk before 5:00pm on Tuesday 14th October 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. If shortlisted, candidates will be invited to attend a formal promotion assessment. For further information or support, contact the HR Talent Team at talent@south-wales.police.uk.
Seniority level
* Director
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Other, Information Technology, and Management
Industries
* Law Enforcement
Completed applications
Note: This posting is for internal and external applicants and is based in Bridgend, Wales, United Kingdom.
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