Job advert for new MPS commissioner goes live
The job advert for the new commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has gone live, with the successful candidate tasked with “addressing the serious failings” in the force.
Previous commissioner Dame Cressida Dick left the post last week after Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he had “lost confidence in her”. Deputy Commissioner Sir Stephen House is temporarily taking charge until a permanent successor is appointed in the summer (see https://www.policeprofessional.com/news/dame-cressida-blasts-politicisation-of-policing-as-she-leaves-post/)
The Home Office said it was looking for someone with “a strong commitment to public service, who has extensive experience of leading a policing organisation”.
As the country’s most senior police officer, they will also be expected to “drive up performance on reducing and preventing crime”.
Crucially, the Home Office said the successful candidate will also ensure that the MPS “respects and upholds the interests of victims of crime”.
The job advert states: “It has become evident that significant and sustained improvements need to be made within the MPS to restore public confidence and legitimacy in the largest police force in the UK.
“This will require inspirational leadership to deliver a demonstrably more professional police force, that better reflects the diversity of London itself.
“You will lead the service through significant change, role-modelling credible, visible and empowering leadership to address concerns around police conduct and tackling institutional culture.
“The successful candidate will be responsible for re-establishing trust and confidence in policing among everyone living in London, particularly women and girls and those from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
“Maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism of the police officers who serve Londoners, you will be responsible for addressing the serious failings that have emerged from recent Independent Office for Police Conduct and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies and Fire and Rescue Services reports, and the outcomes of ongoing inquiries led by Dame Eilish Angiolini QC and Baroness Louise Casey.
“You will need to show your understanding of the scale and urgency of these particular challenges in the MPS, and that you have an achievable plan to restore the trust and confidence of Londoners.”
The Home Office is working with the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime in the search for a new commissioner.
They said the new commissioner will have a proven track-record in leading change in a large and complex organisation, using evidence-led policing to deliver for and with the public, demonstrating an understanding of and empathy with community concerns, and developing excellent services and support for victims.
As well as a focus on partnership work to reduce and prevent crime in the capital in “challenging situations”, the new commissioner will also take on the national responsibility of the force for counter-terrorism policing.
The closing date for applications is May 4.