Welcome

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Thank you for expressing an interest in the position of Chief Executive of the Association of Police Authorities (APA).

The key role of Police Authorities is ensuring that communities’ voices are heard in local policing.

In turn the Association of Police Authorities, established in 1997, has a key role in ensuring that our voice is heard at national level when decisions, that can be crucial to local policing, are made.

The Chief Executive’s role is to ensure that the APA is able to deliver a platform where its members can impact on national decisions and support all its members in carrying out and developing the local accountability expected in the light of the first round of statutory inspection of police authorities.

Police Authorities and the APA form a key element of policing’s ‘Tripartite arrangement’ and it is essential that the APA is able to act as an equal and effective partner with the Home Office and Chief Constables (and their representative body, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO)).

A key area where the APA’s voice will crucially need to be heard is in developing political debate on accountability structures in policing, prior to the next general election.

An early task will be to ensure that the APA and its membership can effectively participate and ensure that this debate is informed about the strengths of Police Authorities and the risks and possible benefits of alternative models.

You will need to understand the perspective and role of elected and independent members.  Moreover, you will have to work in a context where consultation with members and local police authorities is essential.

Our Chief Executive will be the professional leader of the APA, making sure that we have a well managed, enthusiastic and professional team supporting and supported by the Executive Board of Police Authority members.

We look forward to receiving your application

Bob Jones
Chair, Association of Police Authorities