Strategy & Policy Adviser

Salary:
Band 9, £42,861 – £49,716 (Please note it is Northumbria Police policy to appoint at the beginning of the band)

Location:
Agile, Middle Engine Lane Police Station and homeworking

Hours/

Contract:

37 hours per week, permanent

Here at Northumbria Police, we think our region is amazing! It takes a great deal of people from different backgrounds, with diverse skills and experience to serve our force area effectively, think you have what it takes to help us make a difference? This could be the perfect time for you to join us in our Corporate Hub as a Strategy and Policy Adviser.

As a Strategy and Policy Adviser, you will play a vital role in shaping the long-term strategic direction of the Force. You will lead environmental scanning and research activity to identify trends, risks and opportunities affecting policing and public safety, producing high quality strategic analysis that informs senior leaders’ decisions. You will also contribute to key corporate products, including the Force Management Statement (FMS), ensuring that organisational strategy, operational planning and resource decisions are grounded in robust evidence and good practice.

In this role, you will build strong relationships with academic institutions, external partners and national policing networks to strengthen the organisation’s evidence base and embed innovative, forward-thinking approaches. Working collaboratively across departments and area commands, you will act as a strategic business partner – supporting local planning, influencing priorities and promoting continuous improvement in strategic planning, policy development and change processes.

• Lead environmental scanning and research activity to identify trends, risks, opportunities and challenges affecting policing and public safety.
• Deliver high quality strategic analysis and evidence-based insights to inform senior leaders’ decisions on long term direction and strategic planning.
• Build strong relationships with external partners, academic institutions and professional networks to gather intelligence and share learning.
• Support the Force’s strategic and business planning processes, ensuring alignment between long term strategy, operational plans and resource decisions.
• Provide expert policy advice and produce strategic products that reflect organisational priorities and emerging trends.
• Lead or support engagement with academic institutions and research partners to strengthen the Force’s evidence base, maintaining effective relationships with universities, research bodies and national policing networks.

• Demonstrable experience in strategic analysis, policy development or public sector planning, with a strong understanding of the UK policing landscape – including national strategies, governance structures and emerging challenges – and experience in roles involving external engagement, horizon scanning or futures thinking.
• Highly proficient in producing high-quality written reports, briefings and presentations for senior audiences, with additional desirable experience in policing, criminal justice or public safety sectors, as well as familiarity with public insight or community engagement methods and an understanding of policy development processes and relevant legislation.
• Demonstrates strong strategic analysis and policy development capability, with experience in public sector planning and engagement; able to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced environment using a structured, methodical approach; applies analytical thinking and good judgement to complex problems; works collaboratively to support organisational goals; and communicates with clarity and impact, tailoring style to different audiences.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to identify root causes and propose evidence-based solutions, alongside the initiative to identify emerging issues and opportunities for strategic development.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the team and wider organisation to achieve shared goals, contributing positively to team discussions by sharing insight and supporting others.

We know it’s important for you…