Assistant Chief Constable

West Midlands Police; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

A police department in the UK seeks an Assistant Chief Constable to lead strategic changes and enhance performance within the diverse West Midlands community. The ideal candidate must embody leadership values, have completed specific police leadership programs, and be passionate about building trust in the communities served. The role involves substantial collaboration and oversight over multiple policing portfolios while fostering connection with local communities. This position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for performance-related awards.

Qualifications

• Applicants must have leadership experience in policing operations.
• Candidates should successfully complete the required leadership courses.
• Demonstrated passion for community service and improvement required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and shape the future direction of the police force.
• Deliver strategic change and improve performance.
• Support community engagement events and initiatives.

Skills

Collaborative leadership

Strategic change delivery

Building trust and confidence

Education

Strategic Command Course

Police Leadership Programme (PLP): Stage 5

Job description

Grade: Assistant Chief Constable

Salary: £120,489 – £135,756 pa with annual pay awards (where awarded nationally)

Closing Date: 5th Jan 2026 at 16:00

West Midlands Police are seeking to appoint an Assistant Chief Constable into several portfolios.

Here at West Midlands Police, we are looking for Assistant Chief Constables who will help our continued drive for performance improvement. We will appoint to portfolios depending on experience and in order that the Chief Constable can balance his force executive team. Our portfolios are:

• Change and Contact
• Security (CT and ROCU)
• Local Policing
• Crime and CJ
• Operations

We are also looking for an individual who also has experience in leading policing operations which is a key part of our Force Executive rota responsibilities. We police one of the most diverse and challenging policing environments. Our Force serves over 3 million people in an area rich in diversity, with around 37 per cent of its population from ethnic minority backgrounds and the highest proportion of young people (aged under 25) than any other Force. Our diversity is not just about people’s heritage, the West Midlands are proud of its many communities and we play an active part in supporting events each year.

Who we are looking for?

We are looking for Assistant Chief Constables who share our Force values, embody our strategic vision and have a real passion for people and communities. You will have a collaborative leadership style with a desire to lead and shape the future direction of the second largest force in England. Your appetite to work in a challenging and complex organisation will be key in ensuring that we achieve our strategic commitments to the communities of the West Midlands.

We are looking for someone who can deliver strategic change, build trust and confidence amongst those we serve and those we lead.

As a Force we have delivered a significant amount of performance improvement over the past 3 years. Our focus is now on sustaining performance, whilst driving a continuous improvement ethos across the organisation.

To be considered for this role, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Successfully completed the Strategic Command Course prior to 2024.
• Successfully completed the Police Leadership Programme (PLP): Stage 5 (Executive Leaders) as part of cohort one, two or three.
• Successfully completed the national development centre and achieved the national standard for entry onto the ELP, and be due to complete the programme within 12 months. Successful candidates will be appointed on a temporary basis until the programme is complete.

Applicants must meet one of these eligibility criteria as outlined by the College of Policing for appointing a chief police officer.

More Information:

• Please provide the name, email and telephone contact details for 2 referees, one of which should include your current Chief Constable in the References section of the application form.
• Interviews will be held in January 2026 and will consist of a Stakeholder panel and Competency-based interview.
• For information about West Midlands Police, please visit our website at www.west-midlands.police.uk
• For more information on the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner Click Here
• Link to ACC Appointment Brief

If you would like to discuss the role in more detail, please email Staff Officer, Chief Inspector Sara Beech via [e-mail]

Should you have any queries regarding your application, please contact Recruitment Manager, Chris Houghton on 07387 097 400 or email [e-mail]