An opportunity has arisen to lead the small legal team within Cambridgeshire Constabulary and to be part of the force’s senior management team.

The successful applicant will be responsible for the provision of legal advice and representation to police officers and staff on a wide range of matters. The team deal with claims for wrongful arrest, damage to property etc. Lawyers  obtain civil orders on matters such as the prevention of stalking, sexual offences and modern slavery and closure orders on premises associated with crime or serious nuisance.

They also deal with employment advice and tribunals and police disciplinary matters. Public law elements include inquests, firearms licensing appeals, information law and judicial reviews. The team also tries to keep officers and staff informed of new legislation and case law and to learn lessons from cases and claims.

The successful candidate will be a qualified lawyer with some contentious experience who is willing and able to undertake advocacy. The role is based at Police H.Q. in Huntingdon, but allows for some remote working. There is a requirement to travel to courts in Cambridge, Huntingdon and Peterborough and to attend police or other premises for certain meetings, although many are virtual.

Additional Information 

All internal applicants must have successfully completed their probationary period to apply for this role. 

Internal applicants within Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Hertfordshire Constabulary and Bedfordshire Police should upload either a CV or provide relevant skills, experiences and qualifications on Word/PDF document.  

This vacancy is live to those at risk of redundancy and will remain open to redeployees until the conditional offer stage throughout the recruitment process. Redeployees will take priority over other applicants at any point during the recruitment process up until conditional offer. If a redeployee is successful and accepts an offer, they will remain on their home force’s terms and conditions. 

As a Disability Confident leader, we take personal responsibility to help create an inclusive workplace, where police officers and staff respect one another, feel valued for their differences and can be themselves. We are committed to providing workplace adjustments, wherever needed so everyone feels welcome and can flourish. If you have a disability and you meet the minimum criteria for the position you are applying for, you will be entitled to an interview under the ‘Offer an Interview Scheme’. 

It is recommended that you download and store a copy of the role profile as this will no longer be available once the advert has closed. 

To enable us to deliver outstanding policing for everyone, we need people from all backgrounds with a range of professional and life experiences so that we are truly representative of our communities.

Why work for Cambridgeshire Constabulary?

We have gained a reputation as a pioneering and innovative force, responsible for policing a large diverse, multi-cultural population.

If you are looking for a fresh challenge which offers a genuine opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives, variety and the chance to broaden your experience, then we are the force for you.

Benefits include:

• Access to the local government pension scheme (police staff) or Police pension scheme (Police officers) including career average, employer contributions and death in service. 
• Paid leave days depending on force and length of service (police staff - 24 to 33 days, police officers 22 to 30 days).
• Paid sick leave of six months full pay and six months half pay (depending on service).
• Occupational maternity, adoption, and paternity pay (dependent on service).
• Carers and discretionary leave.
• Flexible working arrangements including compressed hours, flexible shifts, job share, annualised hours and agile working (depending on role requirements).
• Gym facilities, weekly yoga classes, exercise classes, squash facilities, exercise space etc. are available (depending on location).
• Each force has its own sports or sports and social club, offering discounts, trips, and events.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Access to Blue Light Card providing discounts to Emergency Services on the high street and online.
• Access to Police Mutual providing financial support including savings plans, insurance, breakdown cover, loans and independent financial advice.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Various support groups including Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Support Group, Christian Police Association (CPA), Disability Awareness Network (DAWN), Lesbian, gay, bi-sexual & transgender (LGBT), Menopause Action Group, Police Chaplains.
• Access to a Trade Union (UNISON)/Staff Association (Federation).
• The Backup Buddy Police Support app is designed to help with mental health issues and gives practical advice and support as well as a range of podcasts.
• Opportunities for development and further study including Further You Talent Management, Be You BCH Senior Leadership Programme, and supervisory leadership workshops.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to increase diversity and inclusion within the Constabulary, where communities are under-represented, including those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, people of all ages, abilities, faiths, religions and gender, LGBT communities and those from other disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds, who share our values and wish to make a difference to the communities we serve.

All applications will be treated on merit, based on the evidence provided in your application and suitability for the role you have applied for.

Flexible Working

All requests for flexible working patterns will be considered and will be dependent on the role.

Recruitment and Selection Policy

Internal applicants who are at risk of redundancy or in need of redeployment and pass the selection process, will be offered the role over the remaining internal and external applicants.

Police Barred and Advisory Lists

Individuals placed on the Police Barred and Advisory lists will not be considered for employment by the police for a minimum of 5 years from the date of listing in the case of gross misconduct, or 3 years from the date of listing in the case of poor performance.

Vetting and Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and operate safer recruitment processes, to ensure a police service that employees are proud to work for because they feel safe, valued and part of a happy and supportive work environment. All employees and volunteers therefore will be subject to background checks including vetting and references.

Closing date: 2 June 2024

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.