Head of Forensic Investigations

Surrey Satellite Technology Limited; Guildford; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in forensic investigation is seeking a Head of Forensic Investigations in Guildford. This role involves strategic leadership, managing forensic regulations, and ensuring compliance while promoting continuous improvement and value. Candidates must possess exceptional leadership skills and substantial experience in forensic investigations. The organization offers a competitive salary range and is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Qualifications

• Degree level education or substantial recent evidence of competency in relevant role.
• Exceptional leadership and change management skills.
• Extensive experience in forensic investigations and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and develop national policies.
• Manage and ensure compliance with forensic regulations.
• Oversee departmental vision and risk management.
• Continuous improvement and best practice identification.

Skills

Leadership skills

Forensic investigations expertise

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Change management experience

Education

Degree level or equivalent experience

Job description

Head of Forensic Investigations

Specialist Crime Department is recruiting into the role of Head of Forensic Investigations.

About the Role

In this role you will:

• Provide effective, strategic leadership to promote the development of corporate and national policy, business planning and development, organisational performance management and strategic liaison with key stakeholders.
• Deliver within an environment of continuous change and challenging financial constraints.
• Be responsible and accountable for the management of and compliance with forensic regulations and accreditations (ISO:17025 and ISO:17020).
• Set the vision and strategic plan for the department conducive to the wider objectives of the organisation. Provide leadership to the department in the delivery of such plans.
• Ensure risks, both strategic and departmental, are appropriately identified, mitigated and finalised.
• Be responsible for the continuous improvement of the department identifying best practice and learning.
• Provide customer service to investigative colleagues while providing value for money.
• Ensure respect and courtesy in the workplace built on a strong foundation on wellbeing and inclusion.

Position Summary

This position is offered as a contract/consultancy role. The Qualified Person will provide QP certification, compliance oversight, and expert GMP support on an as‑needed basis. Hours are highly flexible and can be adjusted according to operational needs.

Qualifications

• Degree level or substantial recent evidence of competent performance in a directly relevant equivalent role.
• Exceptional leadership skills and qualities.
• Experience of leading through organisational change and evidence of personal resilience.
• Extensive experience in forensic investigations and regulatory compliance.

Pay & Benefits

• Salary Grade Range – Surrey Police £93,025 – £98,690 / Sussex Police £85,359 – £101,163.
• Working Hours – 36.0 (Surrey) or 37.0 (Sussex) hours per week.
• Location – The role will be based either in Lewes or Guildford (Mount Browne).

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are only as good as our people. It is important that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace and we know that our organisation grows from the variety of thinking, approaches and the skills that diversity brings. We strive to ensure how we deliver our services, provide information and how we recruit is open and accessible to all.

We have multiple staff support groups who help improve our understanding of minority issues and ensure they are reflected in our work. We are proud members of Disability Confident, hold Race Equality Matters Trailblazer status, are a signatory of the Race at Work Charter and are aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement.

We are committed to being an anti‑racist police service. We promise to challenge injustice, ensure fairness and uphold anti‑racist principles in both our organisation and our communities.

We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status or religious belief, we would love to hear from you.