ROLE PROFILE: Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Joint Scientific Services
Role Title:
Head of Scientific Services
Rank/Grade:
SM3/MB4/A8ii
Reporting to:
Main purpose of the role:
Detective Chief Superintendent, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and
Hertfordshire Joint Protective Services
The lead the joint scientific services department in the development and
implementation of the scientific services business strategy required to support the
goals of the strategic alliance and the three forces. This will include the strategic
planning, development, co-ordination and management of appropriate scientific
services that are consistent with the national and local policing environment with a
view to deliver efficient, effective and economic forensic support to the alliance forces.
Role Specification: What the role holder needs to do to achieve the role purpose
Key Responsibilities
Time %
In support of both the strategic alliance and the three individual forces, to:

To formulate, implement and review an overall scientific services strategy and supporting
strategies in order to provide an effective and efficient service to Bedfordshire,
Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, including responsibility for delivering the current and
future change programmes.
20%

To ensure the overall quality and performance in the delivery of the Scientific Service
function across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, meeting agreed national
and local standards.
15%

Provide operational strategic leadership, professional guidance and operational resilience.
15%

Responsible for the analysis and evaluation of internal and external environment to ensure
changes in legislation are considered and complied with. Also responsible for the
development of new scientific services is anticipated and exploited to the organisation’s
advantage.

Fulfil the head of profession and strategic leadership role whilst planning, allocating and
controlling the efficient and effective use of resources, to include strategic management of
the devolved budgets for scientific services and operational resilience.
15%

To ensure a service level or performance approach to the delivery of the function's services
and take action to maintain and monitor the quality of service provision to clients in order to
meet the agreed performance and standards.
5%

Lead and direct the staff of the respective scientific services functions in Bedfordshire,
Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, ensuring appropriate professional training and
development in order that they meet the required national standards and local levels of
service delivery.
Beds, Cambs & Herts Joint Scientific Services, Head of Scientific Services
5%
5%
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
Ensure effective liaison is maintained with the Forensic Regulator and national strategic
forensic leads ensuring that the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Scientific
Services Unit is appropriately strategically aligned with national and regional forensic
development programme.

Contribute to the strategic development of the three forces via the provision of professional
advice as a member of senior management team within Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and
Hertfordshire.
5%
15%
These key duties and responsibilities are intended only as a guide to the main responsibilities of the
post and are not intended to restrict the scope of the postholder to perform other duties. Additional
responsibilities for the postholder may be agreed on an individual basis and recorded as part of the
annual performance review.
Scope
Section/Location – Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Joint Scientific Services Department.
Hours – Full time: 37 hours.
Transport – Ability to travel across the three counties.
Security – Standard recruitment vetting
The Numerical Measures in the Role (if applicable)
Financial e.g. limits/mandates
Budget responsibility:


Revenue Budget: £5M pa
Staffing Budget £7.5M pa
Non-financial e.g. staff responsibility

Staffing responsibility: 225 FTE
Competencies (Technical)
The experience, knowledge, skills and qualifications needed by the role holder to achieve the role responsibilities
Entry Level - Role related experience, knowledge, skills, qualifications at selection
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
Degree or equivalent professional qualification in either Forensic Investigation or Forensic Management
and/or substantial scientific management experience.

Experience as a manager at a senior level with evidence of building strong relationships with a range of
internal and external stakeholders.

Evidence of significant experience and expertise in the provision of scientific services at a senior level
within a large and complex environment with multiple stakeholders to include a track record of successful
delivery against strategically-linked objectives.

Experience of managing senior professional staff.

Experience of managing large scale, complex projects.

Experience of working in a police environment.

Demonstrate ability and experience of managing significant budgets.

Track record of bringing together, managing and developing high performing teams of professional and
senior staff working across a multi-site environment.
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES
Leading the Organisation
Leading
People
Area
Behavioural heading
Effective Communication: Communicates ideas and information effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Uses language and a style of communication that is appropriate to the situation and people being
addressed. Makes sure that others understand what is going on. Level definition: Communicates all
needs, instructions and decisions clearly. Adapts the style of communication to meet the needs of the
audience. Checks for understanding.
Problem Solving: Gathers information from a range of sources. Analyses information to identify problems
and issues, and makes effective decisions. Level Definition: Applies a range of analytical techniques to
understand complex information issues. Considers a range of options and their effects. Makes strategic
decisions by logically analysing all the relevant factors.
Planning & Organising: Plans, organises and supervises activities to make sure resources are used
efficiently and effectively to achieve organisational goals. Level Definition: Plans activities thoroughly for
self and others. Builds milestones into plans, monitors progress and adjusts them as necessary in response
to any changes. Provides clear direction and makes sure that staff know what is expected of them.
Community & Customer Focus: Focuses on the customer and provides a high-quality service that is
tailored to meet their individual needs. Understands the communities that are served and shows an active
commitment to policing that reflects their needs and concerns. Level Definition: Sees things from the
customer’s point of view and encourages others to do the same. Builds a good understanding and
relationship with the community that is served.
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Leading the Way
Personal Qualities &
Values
Respect for Race & Diversity: Considers and shows respect for the opinions, circumstances and feelings
of colleagues and members of the public, no matter what their race, religion, position, background,
circumstances, status or appearance. Level Definition: Understands other people’s views and takes
them into account. Is tactful and diplomatic when dealing with people, treating them with dignity and respect
at all times. Understands and is sensitive to social, cultural and racial differences.
Strategic Perspective: Looks at issues with a broad view to achieve the organisation’s goals. Thinks
ahead and prepares for the future. Level Definition: Concentrates on issues that support the broad
organisational strategy. Maintains a broad view, and understands and considers the interests and aims of
other units or outside organisations.
Openness to Change: Recognises and responds to the need for change, and uses it to improve
organisational performance. Level Definition: Supports, promotes and puts into practice change.
Introduces new ways of doing things and encourages others to accept them. Overcomes barriers to
change.
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