Person Specification

You will need to demonstrate, through your application, that you bring the professional expertise, breadth of experience and personal qualities required for this role, together with the leadership capability to operate successfully at Director level within the Senior Civil Service and across the policing and political landscape.

Knowledge

• Deep understanding of AI, digital transformation or advanced technology ecosystems, gained through senior roles in policing, government, academia, industry R&D or emerging technology sectors.
• Sophisticated appreciation of ethical, legal, societal and operational implications of AI deployment in public service, including human rights, public trust, regulatory frameworks, and risk governance.
• Strong knowledge of complex system leadership, national governance frameworks, cross-government structures, and multi-agency delivery models.
• Understanding of research environments, scientific innovation, and how to build world-leading labs and academic partnerships.
• Familiarity with commercial innovation and IP management, including licensing, co-development models, partnership ecosystems and investment strategies.
• A strong grasp of public finance, value-for-money principles, business case development, benefits management, and assurance processes.
• Ability to navigate high-stakes political environments, ensuring ministers, senior policing leaders and oversight bodies have confidence in evidence, advice and delivery.

Capabilities & Experience

• Strategic Vision: Able to set a bold, compelling long-term direction for AI in policing, balancing innovation, safety and public trust.
• System Leadership: Proven ability to lead across complex, multi-agency environments, aligning diverse stakeholders behind a unified national mission.
• Gravitas & Credibility: Commands confidence with ministers, Chief Constables, PCCs, regulators, civil liberties groups and international partners.
• Political & Organisational Acumen: Skilled in navigating high-stakes political environments with sound judgement, diplomacy and resilience.
• Transformational Leadership: Able to build a new national organisation from inception, shaping culture, values, standards and high-performing teams.
• Ethical Stewardship: Demonstrates strong integrity and a commitment to responsible AI, human rights, fairness and public legitimacy.
• Exceptional Communication: Capable of translating complex technical and ethical issues into clear, authoritative messages for varied audiences.
• Delivery Excellence: Track record of leading major programmes or organisations delivering complex outcomes under intense scrutiny.
• Innovation & Commercial Insight: Able to identify and shape opportunities for innovation, partnerships and IP-based value creation for policing.
• Global Outlook: Confident representing the UK internationally, positioning Police AI as a world-leading centre for responsible AI in policing.

Start Your Application