Vacancy Information
Volunteer Police Cadet (VPC) Leaders support and facilitate the delivery of the VPC programme across Sussex. Cadet leaders will form a leadership team responsible for ensuring cadet activities contribute towards the VPC aims and objectives along with the corporate aims and objectives of Sussex Police.
Leaders will establish an environment where Cadets are developed and inspired to strive towards their goals, support each other and realise their potential to contribute as active citizens. Throughout the programme, Cadets will broaden their knowledge of policing and social action (volunteering) in the community. Leaders will introduce Cadets to opportunities and issues, challenging them to develop ideas and implement solutions that will make their communities safer and more cohesive. As positive role models, leaders will ultimately play an important part in the cadet’s personal development.
The Role & Key Responsibilities
The key accountabilities of VPC leaders will be to:
1. Support and assist the unit leader and team to deliver effective programme sessions and activities in accordance with the VPC curriculum
2. Decide objectives and learning outcomes desired from these activities.
3. Provide administrative support for the VPC programme which may include assisting with logistics and ensuring adequate resources are in place for evening meetings and other events
4. Maintain accurate records of meeting and event attendance, activities and outcomes
5. Actively support police and partner operations and volunteering in the community through personal involvement and supervision of deployed cadets
6. Support at community events including Remembrance Sunday and Annual Parade.
7. Ensure all events and activities both in unit and beyond are fully risk assessed, with effective safeguarding cover at all times.
8. Promote and comply with the Code of Ethics and Sussex Police’s policies on equal opportunities and health and safety both in the delivery of the programme and treatment of others.
Skills & Experience
VPC leaders will need to:
9. Work as part of a team and with young people without direct supervision
10. Be tactful, diplomatic and sensitive to issues raised, taking into consideration social and cultural differences
11. Develop and maintain relevant knowledge for the role of VPC leader including the completion of all mandatory training
12. Represent Sussex Police in a professional manner, negotiating and influencing with other agencies and organisations when required
VPC Leaders should have:
13. Enthusiasm and confidence to inspire and motivate young people
14. Excellent communications skills to engage with young people, leaders and parents as well as members of the public and other agencies/organisations
15. A flexible approach to team working
It would be advantageous (but not essential) for VPC leaders to have:
16. Experience of working with young people and/or volunteering
17. Experience delivering and/or developing training
18. An understanding of safeguarding principles Knowledge of community/policing issues
Vetting/Requirements Leaders must be:
19. Be over 18
20. Complete and pass Sussex Police level 3 vetting
21. Complete and pass an additional enhanced and barred role DBS check
22. Provide two references for the role
23. Complete a ‘Confidential Declaration’ to confirm that there is no reason why he/she should not be working with children and adults experiencing, or at risk of abuse or neglect.
24. Agree to wear the VPC cadet leader uniform and abide by Sussex Police’s policies
Training - VPC leaders must complete mandatory training to cover the following subjects:
25. Safeguarding
26. Health and Safety
27. First Aid
Why Volunteer With Us?
The role of VPC leader will give individuals the opportunity to:
28. Encourage positive youth engagement with Sussex Police
29. Inspire young people to get involved in activities within their communities such as crime prevention initiatives and other social action
30. Volunteer within a challenging team environment
31. Contribute to realising Sussex Police’s vision of making Sussex the safest county it can be
32. Develop their CYP portfolio, including the option to acquire accredited training
The National VPC Team provide a variety of optional virtual training including the accredited Working with Children and Young Persons course.
Sussex Police also provide bespoke training including an annual CPD day for cadet leaders.
Further Information
Marianne Hovenden - 07971 336652
Juliette MacPherson - 07783 803971
Diversity Statement
We are only as good as our people. It's important that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace and we know that as an organisation we'll grow from the variety of thinking, approach, and the skills that diversity brings; all of which help us to deliver a better policing service. We strive to ensure how we deliver our services, provide information and how we recruit is open and accessible to all.
We have multiple staff support groups who help to improve our understanding of minority issues and ensure they are reflected in our work. We are proud members of Disability Confident, hold Race Equality Matters Trailblazer status, are a signatory of the Race at Work Charter and are aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement.
We are committed to being an anti-racist police service. We promise to challenge injustice, ensure fairness and to uphold anti-racist principles in both our organisation and our communities. For more information, you can read our .
We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status, or religious belief, we would love to hear from you.
Please use the following links to find out more on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion atand
Additional Information
Following submission of your application you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your application attached. Occasionally emails from this address can fall into spam/junk folders so please ensure this is checked regularly. You may wish to consider adding to your address/contact list to ensure you receive all communications.