

Chief Finance Officer
Welcome and thank you for your interest in this pivotal role.
It is an exciting time for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner here in Nottinghamshire. Following my election as Police and Crime Commissioner in May 2021, we are delivering my ambitious Make Notts Safe Plan. Whilst I have recently taken up office it is my vision that by the end of my term there will be fewer victims, greater trust and confidence in the police and a stronger and more resilient network of services supporting victims to cope and recover from harm.
My plan centres on three simple objectives:
- preventing crime and protecting people from harm
- responding efficiently and effectively to community needs
- supporting victims, survivors and communities
In meeting these objectives, my plan focuses on the issues that we know are causing the greatest harm and concern to our communities - particularly serious violence, domestic and sexual abuse and local neighbourhood priorities such as anti-social behaviour, speeding and rural crime.
Through my plan, I have set a clear direction for policing, victim services and crime reduction to tackle the issues impacting upon or are likely to impact upon Nottinghamshire during my term in office. Underpinned by evidence drawn from local and national threat assessments, feedback from professionals and practitioners and of course, the views and concerns of residents and victims, I am confident that this plan will help make Nottinghamshire safer. It is an ambitious plan that is unapologetically tough on crime and has the needs of victims and communities at its heart.
To achieve these ambitions, I need an astute, strategic and skilled Chief Finance Officer; that is where you come in.
The Chief Finance Officer is a statutory role, helping me to set the strategic financial plan for policing in Nottinghamshire and provides robust governance and scrutiny of Nottingham Police’s budget, ensuring the residents of Nottinghamshire receive the most efficient and effective police and crime service within the given financial resources.
I am looking for a technically strong strategic and astute finance leader; with the ability to drive efficiency, business transformation and achieve sound financial and business governance, including strategic risk management. Someone who can bring real insight to the role and who will build collaborative relationships to meet the needs of our communities here in Nottinghamshire. You will be curious, and forensic in your approach, alert to all opportunities available to maximise financial and business resources.
Your approach will be evidence-based, designed to constructively challenge and drive change, ensuring that we maximise efficiencies and continue to improve our services, notwithstanding financial and resourcing challenges. Our communities deserve nothing less than effective service, delivered with integrity and with the needs of victims and communities at the heart of everything we do, everything we strive for.
Through building positive, collaborative relationships internally and with senior policing leaders, you will drive transformation and provide robust challenge with scrutiny having a relentless pursuit of delivering well-respected services safeguarding public money.
As an inclusive leader you will ensure that our approach meets the needs of our diverse and unique residents, and that our workforce represents the communities we serve, creating a culture where everyone feels safe and is welcomed.
In return, the role offers professional satisfaction as well as the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of other people. It will provide stimulating professional interest and challenge - my police and crime plan is designed to deliver across a wide range of culturally diverse towns, cities and rural communities, tailored to maximise local impact and to help ensure that everyone feels safe wherever they are based. Against this complex backdrop you will work with integrity, leading and working strategically with others, on behalf of all our communities.
You will be welcomed by talented colleagues who share our ambitions - let’s all work together to Make Notts Safe.
I hope that you are interested in the role and if you would like to arrange a conversation to discuss it in more detail, please contact our recruitment partners at The Resourcing Solution.
Caroline Henry, Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner

About the role
The purpose of the role is to provide strategic financial leadership and direction to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and to support the Police and Crime Commissioner in her statutory duty to secure an efficient and effective police service for the Nottinghamshire Police area.
The role discharges the statutory duties of the Chief Finance Officer of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner as defined by legislation and Local Government Finance Act 1988, and as outlined in CIPFA guidance on the role, to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
On behalf of the Commissioner, you will be accountable for the Nottinghamshire Police Fund c£235m along with a c£11m combined budget which includes the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Violence Reduction Unit, commissioning and grants. Your strategic influence will extend far beyond your direct accountabilities; this is a strategic and highly influential role. You will work closely with the Police and Crime Commissioner to translate their vision into strategy and policy, to deliver strategic commissioning and governance for policing.
To be recognised as a trusted and credible advisor with the ability to support and challenge to good effect, you will draw upon your significant experience in an equivalent role and in sector that has enable you to understand the complexity, nuances, rigor and transparency of public sector finances. An astute and influential leader, you will have the ability to form robust, strategic and collaborative relationships beyond the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, into Nottingham Police, regional police forces and nationally.

As the Chief Financial Officer your integrity enables you to lead us to do the right thing - not just legally, but through your innate ability to drive efficiency and transformation to deliver improved, tangible outcomes. It is important that you have in depth knowledge of complex public sector structures, relationships and funding arrangements.
You will discharge the statutory duties of the Chief Finance Officer of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner as defined by legislation, including being the Section 151 Officer. Also ensuring the promotion and delivery by the Commissioner of good financial management so that public money is safeguarded at all times and used appropriately, economically, efficiently and effectively; and ensures that the finance function is resourced to be fit for purpose.
You will have the highest standards of integrity and probity. This role must provide assurance that the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Nottinghamshire Police deliver an excellent service to the communities of Nottinghamshire and Nottingham City. Through your ability to drive transparent and accountable governance, the office positively delivers improved community safety, reduction in crime and support of victims.
Your strategic understanding of public sector finances, risk management, public sector structures and culture will enable you to develop successful approaches and enable strong collaborative relationships with policing colleagues. In this role you will also be responsible for enhancing the reputation of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, supporting the Police and Crime Commissioner to engage and influence whilst build their profile locally, regional and nationally.
Nottinghamshire is culturally rich region, your inclusive leadership and determination enables you to pursue safety, justice and support for everyone in our diverse communities.
Essential criteria of the role
- qualified accountant - must hold the CIPFA qualification or an equivalent professional accounting qualification
- strategic budget setting, monitoring and financial reporting including medium-term financial planning, and driving change to ensure efficiency and effectiveness
- demonstrable ability to operate effectively at a senior level in a similar or equivalent role in public sector finance
- using a robust evidence-based approach, the ability to question and challenge constructively and influence decision making at a senior level
- ability to provide advice and counsel to senior leaders, which may be complex or sensitive in nature
- ability to analyse complex issues and evidence, for example around risk and financial management and culture, and to make informed, insightful and impartial interventions to support and challenge Nottinghamshire Police and other partners
- ability to bring a strategic approach to the work of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, build positive strategic relationships, inform and drive delivery of strategic plans to achieve tangible outcomes
- demonstrable understanding of the complexity and sensitivities of the context in which the Police and Crime Commissioner, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner operate including the importance of securing public confidence in policing and the office of Police and Crime Commissioner
- excellent communication skills, coupled with a personal and professional demeanour that helps build positive relationships and generates trust and confidence in others
- demonstrate inspirational, inclusive, and supportive leadership with the ability to see through complex change that deliver positive outcomes and results on behalf of all Nottingham’s diverse communities
Chief Finance Officer - job description and person specification
Job description
Job title: Chief Finance Officer
Service unit: Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner / Violence Reduction Unit
Department / location: Nottinghamshire Police HQ
Scale and salary range: £85,500 pro rata, per annum
Politically restricted: Yes
CVF level: CVF level 3
Responsible to: Police and Crime Commissioner
Job context
The Police and Crime Commissioner appoints statutory and non-statutory officers to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to ensure that the powers and duties of the Commissioner are carried out efficiently and effectively. Alongside the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Office ensures that the Commissioner’s strategic programme for policing and crime is carried into effect - providing, commissioning and overseeing services which meet the objectives, priorities and outcomes set out in the Police and Crime Plan.
In Nottinghamshire, the Police and Crime Commissioner is also responsible for a Violence Reduction Unit, which is overseen by a Strategic Partnership Board, chaired by the Commissioner. The Violence Reduction Unit is a partnership that brings together specialists from Local Government, Health Education, Policing and Criminal Justice to work with communities and the third sector to reduce serious violence and tackle its underlying causes.
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner ensures that the Commissioner has full executive and professional support in carrying out their duties and responsibilities comprehensively and lawfully. Staff report to the Chief Executive as Head of Paid Service, although as a statutory officer, the Chief Finance Officer reports directly to the Commissioner. In addition to the roles of Monitoring Officer and Chief Finance Officer, the OPCC undertakes a wide range of functions via a scheme of delegated powers, supporting and as necessary representing the Police and Crime Commissioner in carrying out all aspects of her public service provision, scrutiny and governance roles.
Purpose
To discharge the statutory duties of the Chief Finance Officer of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner as defined by legislation, including being the Section 151 Officer.
The promotion and delivery by the Commissioner of good financial management so that public money is safeguarded at all times and used appropriately, economically, efficiently and effectively; and ensures that the finance function is resourced to be fit for purpose.
Principal duties and responsibilities
- Act as the professional lead officer to the Police and Crime Commissioner on all strategic financial matters; financial propriety; and the financial aspects of corporate governance. Ensure the financial affairs of the Police and Crime Commissioner are properly administered and that financial regulations are observed and updated.
- Ensure that there are effective and appropriate internal financial controls covering codified guidance, budgetary systems, supervision, management review and monitoring, physical safeguards, segregation of duties, accounting procedures, information systems, authorisation and approval processes. Ensure these controls are an integral part of the underlying framework of corporate governance.
- To be responsible for the totality of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Violence Reduction Unit budgets, working in conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer including overseeing and agreeing annual budgets, monitoring and ensuring best value and that audit recommendations relating to the Police and Crime Commissioner are implemented efficiently and effectively.
- To hold statutory responsibility under Section 151 of the Local Government Act 1972, to ensure proper arrangements are in place for the proper conduct of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s financial affairs and monitor their adequacy and effectiveness in practice.
- Ensure the resources, expertise and systems for the Force’s finance function are able to meet business needs and reviewing the performance of the finance function and ensuring that the services provided are in line with the expectations and needs of its stakeholders and the business
- Work with the Police and Crime Commissioner and Nottinghamshire Police Chief Officer Team to develop an ambitious medium-term financial strategy and ensure that the requisite funding is available from the Government, precept, other contributions and recharges, to discharge the Chief Finance Officer’s statutory responsibilities.
- Ensure the production of the statements of accounts of the Police and Crime Commissioner; receipt and scrutiny of the statements of accounts of the Chief Constable and ensure production of the group accounts.
- Working with the Deputy Chief Constable and Chief Constable Chief Finance Officer to ensure the provision of efficient and effective audit services and liaise with both internal and external auditors in reporting to the Joint Audit and Scrutiny Committee.
- Ensure effective strategic financial monitoring and that accurate, complete and timely financial management information is provided to the Police and Crime Commissioner, including regional collaboration budgets.
- Promote, develop and sustain effective senior working relationships at a local, regional and national level, particularly the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, Police and Crime Commissioner Chief Executives, the Chief Constable and senior officers of the force, Her Majesty’s Treasury, the Home Office, HMICFRS, the National Audit Office and the Police and Crime Commissioners Treasurers’ Society (PaCCTs).
- To fulfil any additional duties within the scheme of delegation including the signing of contracts on behalf of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
- Reporting to the Police and Crime Commissioner and to the external auditor (informing the Joint Audit and Scrutiny Panel, the Head of Internal Audit and the Police and Crime Panel) any unlawful, or potentially unlawful, expenditure by the PCC or officers of the PCC or when it appears that expenditure is likely to exceed the resources available to meet that expenditure.
- To deputise for the Chief Executive in their absence
- To be responsible for personal and corporate development by identifying opportunities for continuous improvement, developing innovations and business case proposals to ensure you are supporting both your own career needs and the professional development and evolution of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Violence Reduction Unit.
Note
The above list is not exhaustive and other duties commensurate with the grade and general nature of the post may, from time to time, be required. In addition, there may be some variation and / or development of the above duties and responsibilities without changing the general nature of the post.
With the exception of any Deputy appointed by a Police and Crime Commissioner, staff within an Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner must not undertake political work but are required to operate in a way which is sensitive to and fully informed by the local, regional and national policy context in which the Police and Crime Commissioner’s policing, community safety, public protection and criminal justice responsibilities operate. The post holder will be in a politically restricted post under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner is required to undertake its role in a way which is agile and responsive to the public interest, to the direct accountability of the Police and Crime Commissioner to the public as well as to the supportive oversight and scrutiny of the Police and Crime Panel and independent audit committee arrangements. Alongside the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner undertakes its roles by direct engagement with police and public, private and third sector partner agencies at all levels, with local and national government and with the public.
Due to the nature of the role the portfolio content may change in line with legislation, Home Office and Ministry of Justice policy, and Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner priorities.
The areas of work are determined by the priorities set by the Police and Crime Commissioner; as such the portfolio areas may be amended or refocused to align to these priorities.
All employees are to comply with confidentialities laid down in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Management of Police Information (MOPI), and the Official Secrets Act (which you will be bound for, for life).
All employees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to the principles of equality of opportunity and fairness of treatment for all.
Hierarchy of responsibility
Financial: On behalf of the Commissioner, accountable for c£235m (the Nottinghamshire Police Fund)
Responsible for c£11m (Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Violence Reduction Unit, commissioning / grants)
Staffing: No direct reports. Reporting directly to the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Chief Finance Officer will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, led by the Chief Executive Officer and comprising ‘Heads of’ functions of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Violence Reduction Unit.
The post-holder will have influence that extends beyond the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, into Nottingham Police and regional police forces. In addition, the role has national profile through the APCC and APACE, as well as working with Ministry of Justice and Home Office and HM Treasury officials.
Person specification
Job title: Chief Finance Officer
Department / location: Nottinghamshire Police HQ
Knowledge and qualifications
Essential | Desirable |
Qualified accountant - must hold the CIPFA qualification or an equivalent professional accounting qualification. | |
Strategic budget setting, monitoring and financial reporting including medium-term financial planning. | |
In depth knowledge of complex public sector structures, relationships and funding arrangements. | |
The role of a Section 151 Officer and the relevant statutory duties. |
Experience
Essential | Desirable |
Significant experience of providing strategic financial oversight, monitoring and advice at a senior level for a complex, multimillion-pound public sector organisation. | |
A successful record of ensuring robust and proper financial management at a strategic level, governance and scrutiny, including the timely and accurate production of corporate accounts. | |
Treasury management, capital and reserves strategies and performance. | |
Strategic financial planning and budget setting, and the efficient and effective management of financial resources in a climate of constant change. |
Skills and abilities
Essential | Desirable |
Ability to work effectively as a member of the PCC’s Senior Leadership Team, helping to develop and implement strategy and associated resourcing. | |
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to interpret complex information and provide appropriate and timely briefings, often confidential in nature, in a politically sensitive environment. | |
High level, effective negotiating and influencing skills, within a high-profile environment. | |
Demonstrate a strong desire to think innovatively and to add value at a strategic level. | |
Able to work independently in a dynamic environment and manage own workload effectively with little supervision. | |
Possess a flexible approach to meet the demands of the workload. |
Other
Essential | Desirable |
Highest standards of integrity and probity. | |
Ability to manage multiple tasks, competing priorities and project conflict. | |
Service user/customer focused approach. | |
Ability to travel to different locations across the Force area. | |
Able to demonstrate a personal commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and comply with and promote the organisation’s Equal Opportunities Policy. |
All applicants who identify themselves on their application as having a disability under the Equality Act 2010 and who meet the essential criteria for the post will be guaranteed an interview.
Competency and values framework for policing: Level 3 - senior manager / executive
Competency | Level 3 - senior manager / executive |
Emotionally aware |
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Taking ownership |
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Collaborative |
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Deliver, support and inspire |
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Analyse critically |
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Innovative and open-minded |
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Values | All levels |
Integrity |
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Impartiality |
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Public service |
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Transparency |
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Salary and benefits package
- Salary: £85,500 pro rata, per annum
- Hours: Open to applications on either a part-time (3-4 days) or full-time basis
- Annual leave: 24 days, after five years, 29 days, after ten years, 32 days
- Pension: Comprehensive employer pension
- Department / location: Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, based at Nottinghamshire Police HQ
- Notice period: Three months
Further information
- Nottinghamshire Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner website
- Police and Crime Plan
- Nottinghamshire Police website
- Nottinghamshire Police Performance - performance and insight reports 2020
- Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services
- Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Panel
- Violence Reduction Unit website
- Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011
- Local Government Finance Act 1988
- CIPFA guidance on the role of the Chief Finance Officer of the Police and Crime Commissioner
- Police Crime Plan Panel
Living and working in Nottinghamshire
Nottinghamshire holds the seventh-largest economy in the United Kingdom, considered by many to be one of the top destinations, also well known for its diversity and history captured in its landscape, towns and villages, as well as the vibrant city of Nottingham.
Nottingham is a green city with a vibrant culture and a delightful selection of restaurants for everyone to explore. A great location to live, work and visit renowned for the home of the legendary Robin Hood. A modern and diverse city with a cultural charm. For instance, it offers a rich history of LGBTQ+ with the first officially licensed gay club, the first professor of Gay and Lesbian Studies, the first trade union of LGBT support group and the first permanent rainbow crossing.
The county of Nottinghamshire’s heritage is vibrant and distinct. Let’s also not forget the innovations like the Bramley apple, HP Sauce, Ibuprofen, the Raleigh Chopper, shin guards, and MRI scanning originated in Nottinghamshire.
Nottinghamshire is a safe place to live
Nottinghamshire has a thriving economy with a low unemployment rate. It is also a safer place to live because of the proactive actions of the Nottinghamshire police with its highly visible operations to prevent crime and violence by maintaining a noticeable police presence and providing more opportunities to seek help. The area also benefits from a dedicated Violence Reduction Unit, which draws in expertise from policing, health and criminal justice to tackle the root causes of violence and vulnerability.
Nottinghamshire is easily commutable from surrounding areas
It takes less than two hours to travel from London to Nottingham on the train and just under three hours drive from Central London to Nottingham. Nottingham is also commutable from Sheffield, Stoke-on-Trent, Peterborough and Birmingham within a 50 mile radius.
Things to do in Nottinghamshire
Get inspired and discover Nottingham and Nottinghamshire; while exploring Sherwood Forest, its beauty gives you a chance to step back in time and backtrack legendary Robin Hood steps. You can explore the rich history of the Nottinghamshire region by visiting a fascinating network of caves, stunning Newstead Abbey, Wollaton Hall and of course Nottingham Castle. The legendary landscape offers fantastic days out in the country site.
Nottingham has more to offer with its rich history of industry links from lace-making to gritty coal mining, bicycle and tobacco, the fruits of long-gone industries to explore in museums and heritage attractions.
We have it all here in Nottinghamshire! It is a unique place to live and work, where everybody is welcome.
Contact us and apply
Key dates
- Closing date: Sunday 6th March 2022
- Shortlisting: 10th March 2022
- Informal engagement with shortlisted candidates: week commencing 14th March 2022
- Final interview: 22nd March 2022
- Confirmation hearing (Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Panel): March 2022 (date to be confirmed)
Contact us
For an informal confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Leanne Auton on 07815 028548 / Leanne.Auton@northyorks.gov.uk from our recruitment partners - The Resourcing Solution.
Apply
To apply please send your CV including a personal statement in one Microsoft Word document and your completed equal opportunities form, to Leanne Auton at Leanne.Auton@northyorks.gov.uk as soon as possible.
It is important that your CV includes: your full contact details (telephone, email, address), full employment history (name of employer, job titles, dates of employment and salary), full education history (qualification, grade, dates and place of study), explanation of any gaps in employment and the contact details of at least two referees including your current / most recent employer indicating whether you consent to us contacting each referee prior to interview. Please also provide details of your current salary and notice period.
Your personal statement should outline your motivation for applying and provide evidence for how you meet the essential criteria for the role.
Diversity monitoring
Along with your application, please complete and return this diversity monitoring form. Thank you.
This role will be subject to full police security vetting, to management vetting level, together with any other pre-employment checks that are applicable to the role such as identity, health assessment, eligibility to work in the UK, qualifications and at least two employment references, covering at least two years employment including your most recent employer.
Political restriction: The role is politically restricted as defined by the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011: Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.
We will not accept applications from agencies.
Your privacy
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