RS635 Director of Regional Scientific Support Services **External**

Yorkshire and the Humber (YatH) Scientific Support Services is led by West Yorkshire Police and is aligned to the strategic objectives of the regional stakeholders, providing an essential and critical contribution to the investigation of crime and the administration of justice, through a wide range of technical and scientific expertise in order to investigate, detect and reduce crime. As an integral part of the Regional Police Service, Scientific Support Services contribute significantly to making the public safer by delivering an operating model that enables Police Officers to access key forensic tools and services. From scene attendance through to critical evidence in court, forensic services are provided by a talented and diverse workforce. YatH RSSS employs the largest body of police staff within the region and is the largest police forensic organisation outside the Metropolitan Police Service in the United Kingdom. The position is a strategic role leading regional forensic services, with responsibility for over 500 staff and management of budgets in excess of £40m. The purpose of the role is to provide overall leadership and management of all regionally delivered forensic capabilities, providing strategic direction on the development and application of policies, processes and systems relating to the delivery of forensic services, ensuring the provision of an effective, efficient and comprehensive service to the Chief Constables, the Mayor and Police & Crime Commissioners of the Yorkshire and Humber Region. The Director will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of these services ensuring that YatH RSSS meet the requirements of the Forensic Science Regulator's Codes of Practice and Conduct, as well as compliance with legal, ethical and professional requirements set out by West Yorkshire Police and relevant external bodies. Service delivery responsibilities include crime scene investigation, forensic collision investigation, fingerprint and footwear identification, forensic submissions, specialist digital imaging, VIPER and other forensic services. Additionally, the Director is responsible for the management of service delivery by the Forensic Service Provider Eurofins. Key Responsibilities of the role include:

• Engage and influence the Home Office, Forensic Regulator and other national stakeholders in relation to all forensic science and scientific support related developments, representing the YatH region on national bodies and being an active member of appropriate national working parties.
• Develop and maintain effective strategic working relationships with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, regional Police & Crime Commissioners, Chief Constables and Chief Officer Teams of the 4 forces across the YatH region to ensure that service level commitments and ongoing operational needs are met.
• Responsible for the design, development and implementation of the YatH RSSS Business Plan determining the strategic direction and goals of Scientific Support within the YatH force areas.
• Accountable for the performance of the department, providing analysis and presenting information to Police & Crime Commissioners, Chief Constables and Chief Officer Teams to assure strategies and performance are effective and relevant.
• Optimise resources and ensure they are appropriate to the emerging forensic investigation challenges that face the organisation, in order to maintain the national standing of the unit.
• Lead the Senior Management Team ensuring that appropriate direction is provided, legislative requirements are met and internal processes such as communication, information exchange, supervision, staff development, accountability and discipline are maintained in accordance with force standards.
• Effectively manage the departmental budget and the individual member force forensic service budgets and plan future expenditure in order to maximise efficiency savings and effectiveness.
• Critically examine and proactively seek innovative methods of improving internal and external service delivery, attracting funding opportunities from the Home Office and European budget holders, directing and implementing special projects where appropriate.
• Act as the most senior point of contact between Regional Scientific Support Services and the various stakeholders, forensic science providers and the Home Office, in order to ensure that the interests of the YatH Scientific Support Services are represented and opportunities to develop and steer the service nationally are exploited., Applicants should be aware that it is not always possible to carry out adequate vetting checks on persons who have not been resident within the UK for the last five years. Therefore, where this applies, applicants may be refused because it was not possible to vet them to the appropriate standard.
For a detailed description of the Competency and Values levels required, please refer to the Competency and values framework (CVF) | College of Policing (this link may be copied and pasted into your browser). This document will assist you in completing the Evidence of Achievement section of the application form. Please note: the Evidence of Achievement section will not be visible until the employment section has been completed. Shift Allowance No Shift Allowance


• Demonstrate a detailed strategic understanding and experience of delivering Scientific Support Services to an investigative body.
• Hold a relevant degree level qualification, or equivalent experience.
• Subject matter expert in a field of forensic services with experience of participation on national strategic working groups.
• A proven ability to achieve results through people by leading, motivating directing and developing staff.
• Significant experience at a senior management level with experience of managing and developing individuals and teams at a senior level.
• Budgetary management experience at a senior level.
• In depth knowledge of the CJS and of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, plus emerging political and legislative issues within the field of Forensics.