Chief Operating Officer

College of Policing

Homeworking, or based at Ryton, Durham, Harrogate, or London – with regular national travel

  • Location Homeworking, or based at Ryton, Durham, Harrogate, or London – with regular national travel
  • Sector Community Protection
  • Client College of Policing
  • Job Type Permanent
  • Salary/Remuneration £100,000 – £162,500 (up to £174,000 potential total package for police applicants)
  • Reference GSe124553
  • Closing Date 12 noon - Monday 15 September 2025

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a strategic, visionary, and compassionate leader to join the College of Policing as our Chief Operating Officer (COO). This is a pivotal national role at the heart of policing transformation, offering the chance to shape the future of professional standards, leadership, and innovation. The College is the professional body for policing in England and Wales and is a mission-driven organisation, with a bold ambition: to ensure everyone working in policing has the skills, knowledge, and support to protect the public and keep communities safe.

As COO, you will be a key member of the Executive Team, deputising for the CEO as necessary, and working closely with the Board to translate strategic vision into operational excellence. You will lead the delivery of the College’s priorities, drive change, and ensure high performance across all  functions. You will:

  • Lead the operationalisation of the College’s strategy, ensuring delivery of high-impact programmes and services.
  • Provide inspirational leadership across the organisation, fostering a culture of ambition, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
  • Build and influence relationships across the policing system, government, and wider public sector.
  • Champion innovation, using data and emerging technologies to enhance performance and decision-making.
  • Develop and empower a high-performing senior leadership team.

In order to succeed, you will be a dynamic and experienced leader with:

  • Proven success operating at Board level in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
  • Exceptional strategic thinking, relationship-building, and change leadership skills.
  • A deep understanding of public service values and the ability to lead with integrity and compassion.
  • A Level 7 Management qualification or equivalent experience.

This is more than a leadership role – it’s a chance to make a national impact across policing. In return, we offer:

  • Defined benefit pension scheme (avg. employer contribution: 28.97%)
  • Up to 31.5 days annual leave + public holidays
  • Enhanced parental leave
  • Discounts, healthcare, and wellbeing support
  • Interest-free season ticket loans
  • Tailored learning and development
  • A culture of inclusion, flexibility, and innovation

* Some benefits may not apply to police officers/staff on secondment.

The College is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal characteristics or background.

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Documents

  1. College-of-Policing-Business-plan-2024-26 (1).pdf

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