Overview
The MDP Headquarters is based at RAF Wyton, near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. However, location can be flexible within reason; for example, working or being based at other Defence sites within the UK (subject to line manager agreement and site availability / capacity). As a critical contributor to national defence through GUARDIAN, this role will require engagement with strategic leadership at SJC HQ in Aldershot and MOD Head Office in London. As a national Force deployed across the UK there will be a requirement for work‑related travel (which is reimbursed in line with Departmental policy) to MDP operational locations predominantly in Scotland, Berkshire, Portsmouth and Yorkshire.
Overall responsibility for leading the organisation, setting direction and embedding the culture of the police service that together builds on public and organisational confidence and trust, enabling the delivery of an effective and efficient police service. Responsible for providing a professional, effective and efficient police service and in doing so, fulfilling all statutory and legal obligations of the Office of the Chief Constable. Direction and control of the service in accordance with s1(3) Ministry of Defence Police Act. Accountable to the MOD GUARDIAN director for the delivery of an effective and efficient policing organisation, has access to the Permanent Secretary as required and when necessary, may request or be required to meet the Minister with lead responsibility for the MDP, or Secretary of State for Defence. To take command of policing and operational matters as and when required.
Chief Constable Responsibilities
* Leading the MDP to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of its outputs, meeting the College of Policing standards for a UK police service with particular focus on the standards and protocols governing the use of firearms.
* Ensuring that it meets MOD's policing requirements and setting the strategic direction and delivery of changes to continuously meet those requirements.
* Setting and ensuring the implementation of organisational and operational strategy for the MDP, considering wider plans and objectives, and ensure MDP is integrated into the development of a Strategic Joint Command approach to homeland protection in partnership with other MOD security organisations.
* Ensuring a mutually productive strategic relationship with the Commander of Single Joint Command (SJC), the GUARDIAN Director, and the independent Chair of the MOD Police Committee, whilst maintaining the principle of operational independence as a police Force.
* Ensuring compliance with Departmental policies to support the delivery of an effective and efficient policing service to the MOD.
* Establishing strong bilateral relationships with MDP's customers; focusing on joint responsibilities, performance and affordability.
* Modernise the Force to become an integral part of Defence's new strategy for homeland protection as well as reflecting the direction of UK police reform.
* Leading the police service, communicating a clear direction, creating organisational culture and promoting values, ethics and high standards of conduct, equality, diversity and inclusion to enable an effective and professional service.
* Leading, inspiring and engaging the Chief Officer team, setting and role‑modeling approaches to a workforce culture which promotes wellbeing, facilitates impactful professional development and performance management to create empowered teams effectively enabling the achievement of the MDP's strategic objectives and priorities.
* Fulfilling the authorising responsibilities of a Chief Constable, e.g. authorisation of intrusive surveillance and maintain operational oversight, holding accountability for effective, compliant policing responses to protect key Defence assets, Critical National Infrastructure and further develop the police service's operational strategies.
* When required, lead and command the operational policing responses to attacks on Defence assets and Critical National Infrastructure in order to protect Defence and the public and to ensure an appropriate effective response.
* Advising Defence Ministers and senior officials on matters of national security and ensure that the MOD Police is prepared to support the national counter‑terrorism response where required.
* Ensuring MDP complies with all necessary departmental and corporate governance policies and standards and delegated authorities.
Application Requirements
+ A CV (no more than 2 pages) setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years.
+ A Personal Statement (no more than 2 pages) explaining how your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role.
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
External candidates who join the MOD and are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six‑month probation period.
Candidate Drop‑In Session
We will be offering an online Q&A session on Wednesday 26 November 2025 at 14:30‑15:30 to provide an overview of the role and welcome any questions you may have. Candidates can access the meeting by clicking here.
Timeline
Shortlist meeting: w.c 1st December 2025
Staff engagement exercise: Wednesday 10th December 2025 in RAF Wyton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire
Interviews: Thursday 18th December 2025 in London
For further information about the role and full application process, please refer to the candidate pack attached below. If you wish to receive any material in a different format for accessibility, then please contact People-CivHR-SCSCandidateSupport@mod.gov.uk.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window). See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Essential Criteria
* Has held the rank of ACC/Commander or a more senior rank in a UK Police force.
* Has successfully completed the Strategic Command Course or Executive Leadership Programme.
* A proven track‑record of improving and restructuring business operations in a large and complex policing organisation where there are competing and challenging priorities.
* A demonstrable track‑record of exceptional strategic leadership embracing the command of law enforcement officers and senior levels.
* Able to embrace personal accountability and be capable of holding individuals and the organisation to account for performance.
* Experience of successfully engaging with and influencing multi‑agency stakeholders.
Other Requirements
* It is essential that the candidate achieves 5.4 on the MSFT, and thereafter annually.
* Must undergo and pass drug and alcohol testing upon recruitment and thereafter be part of the random drug and alcohol testing programme.
* Must be able to pass the annual Personal Protection Safety Training (PPST) qualification.
* Will hold a full UK Driving License.
* Must be able to pass UK Security Developed Vetting and Police Management Vetting.
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £172,104, Ministry of Defence contributes £49,858 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
* Learning and development tailored to your role
* An environment with flexible working options
* A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
* A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
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