Assistant Director of Forensic Services

Bluetownonline; Wales; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

A major forensic service provider is seeking an Assistant Director of Forensic Services to lead a collaborative effort across three police forces in South Wales. This leadership role involves strategic planning, financial management, and delivering exceptional forensic services. The ideal candidate will have a degree in forensic science or a related field, coupled with strong leadership skills and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments. A comprehensive benefits package is included, enhancing work-life balance and professional development.

Benefits

24 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Access to National Police Healthcare Scheme

Continuous Professional Development opportunities

Qualifications

• An accountable leader responsible for managing a senior management team.
• Experience working on tactical strategies at a regional level.
• Ability to provide expert advice on strategy and planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Tri-Force Forensic Service and manage complex issues.
• Ensure high standards of governance and financial stewardship.
• Set strategic direction for the organization.

Skills

Leadership

Financial Management

Strategic Planning

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Forensic Science or relevant field

Masters level in a relevant subject

Job description

Job Title: Assistant Director of Forensic Services

Location: Police Headquarters, Bridgend - with regular travel across Southern Wales.

Salary: £85,092 - £90,828

Job type: Full Time / Permanent

Level of Welsh language ability required: 2

Working Hours: 37 hours per week

Closing Date: 21/11/2025, 15:00

About Us

The Tri-force Forensic Service is a collaboration between three police forces in South Wales. The Service is responsible for providing investigators and the CPS with objective and scientific evidence to support in exonerating the innocent and bringing the guilty to justice.

With most crimes leaving a forensic footprint, having a flexible, responsive and first-class forensic service has never been more important to policing. Key priorities for the Tri-force Forensic Service are to develop and improve the forensic service offering to customers in parallel with stewardship of quality standards to safeguard the delivery of robust and impartial outcomes.

As Assistant Director of Forensic Services, you will lead this recently formed collaboration, navigating emerging and transformative change to respond to increasing demand, advancements in forensic services, the growth of Digital Forensics and the changing regulatory landscape, whilst maintaining and developing a service to an exceptional standard.

The Role

Reporting to the All-Wales Assistant Chief Constable, this senior leadership position has responsibility for the development and delivery of a comprehensive strategy that directly supports the operational and strategic priorities of the three police forces in South Wales.

You will ensure the highest standards of financial stewardship, governance, and compliance, while also identifying opportunities to drive efficiencies.

The Tri-Force Forensic Service consists of two Forensic bases in Police Headquarters in Bridgend and Police Headquarters in Carmarthen, as well as several Digital Forensics, Forensic Collision Investigator and Crime Scene Investigator hubs across the three force areas. You will provide strong leadership across the collaboration, set strategic direction and manage complex issues.

About You

You will be a transformational leader, passionate about forensic science and its application to deliver justice. You will be experienced and educated to a high standard, being evidence based, robust and proportionate in your decision making.

Requirements

• An accountable leader, responsible for the line management of a senior management team and those they govern.
• Work collaboratively with the All Wales ACC and other management disciplines on the development of tactical strategies at a tri-force regional level.
• Provide complex, expert and specialist advice on strategy, planning performance and delivery.
• A clear understanding of financial management and business planning.
• Accountability through governance and the robust management of people and performance.
• Work with stakeholders to provide appropriate development and updates on policy, strategy and direction.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Qualified to degree level in a relevant subject area such as Forensic science, or equivalent experience

Desirable:

• Qualified to Masters level in a relevant subject
• Qualified to Level 5 in Leadership & Management, IOSH Managing Safety or equivalent

Level of Welsh language ability required: Level 2, If not proficient to work toward attainment of such proficiency within 12 months of appointment.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a forward-thinking leadership team, working in an impactful and dynamic environment, where your expertise will directly contribute to exceptional service delivery and organisational excellence.

The benefits for you would include:

• 24 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years' service (pro rata for part time)
• A Blue Light Card and use of the Police Diolch savings and benefits portal
• Access cycle to work and car salary sacrifice schemes
• Sign up for the National Police Healthcare Scheme
• Subscribe to low-cost onsite gym use or access discounted gym memberships through local providers
• Entry into a generous Local Government Pension Scheme
• Have access to a comprehensive occupational sick pay scheme
• Continuous Professional Development opportunities

Additional Information

The successful candidate must be willing to undergo vetting to MV/SC level.

Shortlist Date: 26 November 2025

Interview Date: 8 December 2025

Please click on the APPLY button to send your CV and Cover Letter for this role.

Candidates with the relevant experience or job titles of: Forensics, Forensic Science, Evidence Handling, Case Management, Case Management, Deputy Director of Forensic Services, Forensic Investigations Assistant, may also be considered for this role.