Local Policing SME x2 (Remote UK Secondment) – College of Policing
The College of Policing is recruiting two (2) Local Policing Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for a 2-year full-time secondment. This is a designated homeworking (remote) opportunity available to experienced serving police officers across the UK.
If you have extensive operational experience in Neighbourhood Policing, Response Policing, and Contact Management, this is an excellent opportunity to influence policing nationally by developing professional standards, operational guidance, and evidence-based policing practices.
Important: This vacancy is only open to existing serving officers of a UK police force or UK policing organisation.
Application Deadline
11:55 PM (BST), Sunday, 2 August 2026
Job Summary
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Employer | College of Policing |
| Job Title | Local Policing Subject Matter Expert (SME) x2 |
| Reference Number | 470729 |
| Vacancy References | 7239 & 7240 |
| Grade | Senior Executive Officer (2B / Sergeant) |
| Contract Type | 2-Year Secondment |
| Working Pattern | Full-time, Flexible Working |
| Location | Remote (Anywhere in the UK) |
| Number of Positions | 2 |
| Salary | Existing secondment terms and conditions apply |
About the College of Policing
The College of Policing is the professional body for policing in England and Wales. Its mission is Leadership, Standards, Performance, supporting police officers, staff and volunteers through professional standards, operational guidance, leadership development and evidence-based policing.
About the Role
The successful candidates will join a collaborative national team responsible for developing policing guidance, standards and programmes that improve professional practice across UK policing.
You will support the development of:
- Authorised Professional Practice (APP)
- National policing standards
- Evidence-based operational guidance
- Neighbourhood Policing Programme
- Professional learning and development
The role involves collaboration with police forces, government departments, national policing leads and partner agencies. Occasional UK travel will be required, with all authorised travel expenses funded.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain national policing standards.
- Produce evidence-based Authorised Professional Practice (APP).
- Support delivery of the National Neighbourhood Policing Programme.
- Research emerging policing issues and operational best practice.
- Work with operational experts to improve frontline policing.
- Identify learning and development needs across policing.
- Support curriculum and training development.
- Analyse research and operational evidence.
- Recommend improvements to policing standards and guidance.
- Build effective relationships with policing partners and stakeholders.
- Translate operational experience into practical national guidance.
Essential Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Current service with a UK police force or UK policing organisation.
- Experience in Neighbourhood Policing.
- Experience in Response Policing.
- Experience in Contact Management.
- Experience developing or applying evidence-based policing standards.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively across organisations.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are restricted to:
- Serving Police Sergeants.
- Officers eligible for temporary promotion to Sergeant.
- Existing officers employed by a UK police force or recognised UK policing organisation.
Applicants must also provide:
- Support from a Chief Officer (NPCC Rank).
- Completed Secondment Approval Form.
Selection Process
Applicants will be assessed on:
- Personal Statement
- Experience
- Technical Skills
- Behaviours
Behaviours Assessed
- Changing and Improving
- Delivering at Pace
- Managing a Quality Service
Technical Skills
Candidates should demonstrate experience in:
- Neighbourhood Policing
- Response Policing
- Contact Management
- Developing evidence-based professional policing standards
Interview Dates
10–11 August 2026
Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97%
- Up to 31.5 days annual leave
- Public holidays plus one privilege day
- Flexible working arrangements
- Structured career development
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Flexi-time (where applicable)
- Benenden Healthcare
- National Dental Plan
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Interest-free season ticket loans
- Online shopping discounts
- Staff recognition programme
- Inclusive and supportive workplace culture
Security Requirements
Applicants must:
- Pass Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance.
- Complete Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks.
- Provide three years of UK address history.
- Have the legal right to work in the UK.
- Hold Indefinite Leave to Remain where applicable.
Why Apply?
This opportunity allows experienced police officers to influence policing across the UK by shaping national standards, developing professional guidance, and supporting evidence-based operational improvements while working remotely.
How to Apply
Applications close at 11:55 PM (BST) on Sunday, 2 August 2026.
Applicants must submit their completed Secondment Approval Form alongside their application.