Cleveland • Durham • Northumbria

Closing date: Friday 19 April 2026

The three North East forces are seeking to appoint a Regional Chief Officer (ACC or ACO level) to lead and coordinate the region’s response to emerging national policing changes and future governance arrangements. This is a pivotal senior leadership role, shaping how the region transitions toward any future national service or standards framework as it develops

About the Role

The postholder will provide strategic leadership and system level coordination across Cleveland, Durham and Northumbria. You will lead the development and delivery of a single Northeast Transition Strategy, working through established force leads across workforce, performance, neighbourhood policing, digital/data, forensics and enabling services.

You will act as the region’s primary interface with the Home Office, NPCC and HMICFRS, ensuring that the Northeast has a strong voice in shaping national reform design and that local policing performance remains protected throughout the transition.

A key part of the role is ensuring that national reforms are implemented safely and consistently, particularly in relation to Local Policing Guarantees, 999 standards, neighbourhood visibility and the Police Performance Framework.

You will maintain the regional reform risk register, assurance framework, and stakeholder communications, supporting chiefs and governance partners to navigate change with clarity and confidence.

It is also anticipated that the postholder will assume responsibility for relevant regional collaboration functions and shared capabilities, aligned to programme requirements and the strengths of the successful candidate.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking an experienced, credible and forward-looking chief officer who can lead multi-force transformation and influence across the national policing landscape.

The successful candidate will be:

• A substantive chief officer able to commit to the role for up to two years
• An individual with a proven track record of leading complex organisational change, collaboration, or modernisation programmes
• A leader with strong system thinking partnership capability and the ability to operate without direct command
• Someone with excellent stakeholder skills, able to balance regional needs with national direction
• A senior leader who can provide strategic continuity through a period of significant change

Knowledge of the Northeast policing context is desirable but not essential.

Applications will also be considered from individuals applying to the ELP in 2026.

Support & Hosting

• The role will initially be supported by a PS/Inspector level staff officer (development post), with support arrangements expected to expand as the programme progresses.
• The post will be funded equally by Cleveland, Durham and Northumbria.
• The hosting force will be confirmed following appointment, based on the successful candidate’s location and operational considerations.

Success Measures

The successful postholder will demonstrate impact through:

• Sustained or improved service performance during transition
• Documented and assured readiness for regional governance transfer and national standards
• Measurable efficiencies within enabling services and reinvestment into frontline priorities
• Clear regional influence on national policing design work

Please see the advert pack here

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted via Northumbria Police. Applicants should apply via the link that corresponds to the level they are seeking to be considered for:

Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) applicants:

Police officers at chief officer rank or eligible substantive superintendent/chief superintendent candidates should apply via the ACC application here

Assistant Chief Officer (ACO) applicants:

Police staff candidates at senior executive level should apply via the ACO application here

Application process and timeline

Candidates are encouraged to have an informal discussion regarding this role with Chief Constable Victoria Fuller at Cleveland police by contacting Chief.Constable@Cleveland.Police.uk or calling 01642 301215

Successful candidates will be invited to participate in the following selection process:

• Psychometric Assessment – shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a psychometric and personality profile exercise.
• Stakeholder Panel – Comprising of external stakeholders. Candidates should note that this panel will not be scored, feedback will be provided to the appointment panel as we value the perspectives of our partners and communities.  There will also be opportunity for internal engagement with members of our force.
• Presentation and Interview - will comprise of an assessed presentation and interview with the appointment panel.

Advert Closing date: Sunday 19 April 2026

Shortlisting: 20^th April 2026

Psychometric assessment: between 21^st April 2026 and 5^th May 2026

Stakeholder event and internal engagement: 5^th May 2026

Presentation and interview: 6^th May 2026