Head of Strategy & Continuous Improvement

Hertfordshire Constabulary; Hatfield; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A law enforcement agency in the UK is seeking a strategic leader for the Strategy & Continuous Improvement Team. The role involves developing the Constabulary's strategic plans, ensuring compliance with inspection regimes, and promoting continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. Candidates should have relevant degree qualifications and a strong background in strategic planning and governance. Excellent leadership and analytical skills are essential for this position, which offers an opportunity to impact the organization's strategic direction significantly.

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification in a relevant field, e.g., Business Administration, Risk Management.
• Postgraduate or professional qualification in governance or continuous improvement is desirable.
• Substantial experience in strategic planning and governance in a complex organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the Constabulary’s strategic planning framework.
• Act as the strategic lead for HMICFRS inspections.
• Oversee the management of inspection recommendations and action tracking.
• Establish and lead a corporate continuous improvement program.
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team across strategy, audit, risk, and performance functions.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Influencing skills

Problem-solving abilities

Education

Degree-level qualification in a relevant field

Postgraduate or professional qualification in governance or continuous improvement

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen to lead the Strategy & Continuous Improvement Team.

The key responsibilities of this role include the following;

Strategic Planning and Organisational Performance

• Lead the development and delivery of the Constabulary’s strategic and business planning framework, ensuring alignment with the Police and Crime Plan and national policing priorities.
• Provide strategic insight and analysis to the Chief Officer Team to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Ensure that performance, governance, and risk information is integrated to drive strategic improvement and accountability.
• Lead corporate horizon scanning and environmental analysis to inform strategic direction and resource prioritisation

HMICFRS Inspections and External Reviews

• Act as the strategic lead for HMICFRS inspections, ensuring robust planning, coordination, and delivery of inspection activity across the organisation.
• Oversee the management of inspection recommendations, action tracking, and reporting to ensure compliance and demonstrable improvement.
• Maintain strong relationships with external inspectorates, auditors, and oversight bodies, representing the Constabulary at regional and national levels.

Audit, Governance and Risk

• Lead the development and implementation of the corporate audit, risk, and governance frameworks, ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance.
• Coordinate internal and external audit activity, working closely with internal audit providers and the Joint Audit Committee.
• Ensure effective risk identification, management, and mitigation processes are embedded throughout the organisation.
• Provide high-quality assurance reporting to Chief Officers, the Police and Crime Commissioner, and governance boards

Continuous Improvement and Organisational Learning

• Establish and lead a corporate continuous improvement programme, supporting departments to identify efficiencies, innovate, and enhance service delivery.
• Promote a culture of evidence-based practice, learning from a range of sources including internal reviews, debriefs, external scrutiny, academia, industry, research and policing bodies e.g. College of Policing, NPCC.
• Implement structured problem-solving and improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent).
• Champion collaboration across local and regional partners to share learning and best practice

Survey, Research and Insight

• Lead on force-wide survey and feedback programmes, including staff and public perception surveys to capture insight and inform strategic decision-making.
• Analyse and interpret survey and performance data to identify trends, improvement areas, and organisational strengths.
• Ensure results are communicated effectively and drive tangible actions for improvement

Leadership and People Management

• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team across strategy, audit, risk, and performance functions.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture that values integrity, innovation, and professional excellence.
• Manage resources effectively, ensuring value for money and delivery of high-quality outputs.
• Promote diversity, wellbeing, and continuous professional development within the team

The entry requirements for the role are;

Education and Professional Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification in a relevant field (e.g., Business Administration, Public Policy, Risk Management, or related discipline).
• Postgraduate or professional qualification in governance, audit, or continuous improvement (e.g., Chartered Internal Auditor, PRINCE2, Lean Six Sigma) desirable.
• Membership of relevant professional body (e.g., Institute of Internal Auditors, CIPFA, or Institute of Risk Management) advantageous.

Knowledge and Experience

• Substantial experience in strategic planning, governance, risk management, audit, or performance improvement within a complex organisation.
• Strong understanding of public sector inspection regimes (especially HMICFRS) and compliance frameworks
• Proven track record of leading continuous improvement or organisational development programmes.
• Deep understanding of governance, assurance, and risk management principles.
• Experience of producing high-quality strategic reports and assurance products for senior boards and external bodies.
• Experience of engaging with senior leaders, partners, and regulators in complex stakeholder environments.

Skills and Abilities

• Strategic thinker with the ability to link insight, risk, and performance to organisational outcomes.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage across all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a focus on evidence-based improvement.
• Skilled in developing and maintaining governance and performance frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver through others and manage multidisciplinary teams effectively.

Values and Behaviours

• Embodies the Code of Ethics for Policing, demonstrating integrity, transparency, and accountability.
• Champions continuous improvement and innovation.
• Promotes inclusion, fairness, and respect in all aspects of leadership.
• Builds trust through open communication, professionalism, and commitment to public service.

Should you have any questions or would like to know more about the role please contact Dhanmita Boodhna at [e-mail].