Lead Digital & Data Engineer

Do you believe that digital innovation and smarter use of data can transform policing in Bedfordshire?

If you do - and you want to play a leading role in shaping that future - an exciting and influential opportunity is now available.

We are looking for a Lead Digital and Data Engineer to join the Business Change & Continuous Improvement team within the Strategic Services Improvement Department (SSID). SSID brings together Business Change and Continuous Improvement, Strategy and Demand, Tactical Intelligence and Performance, Force Crime Registrar Audit, People and Workforce, and Review and HMIC Liaison - collectively guiding the force strategically and operationally.

As Lead Digital and Data Engineer, you will set the direction for digital and data engineering activity across Bedfordshire Police. You'll personally deliver complex engineering work, oversee the integration of data sources into platforms, commission development activity, and coordinate capability building across the team. You'll also work with partners, commercial suppliers, and national/regional policing groups to ensure Bedfordshire Police is at the forefront of digital innovation., Please note that, as part of the vetting process, the BCH Vetting Unit may need to contact your current line manager for a Supervisor Appraisal. This requirement aligns with the 2025 National Guidelines for Vetting (APP 6.5.18). Examples of when this may apply include:

• Transferring to another force
• Renewing vetting clearance
• Moving into a role requiring MV clearance (even if you currently hold MV clearance)
• Moving into or working in a role involving close contact with vulnerable individuals

If any of the above apply to you, please expect your line manager to be contacted when you submit your vetting application.

• Redeployment and Redundancy This vacancy is open to employees at risk of redundancy and will remain available to redeployees until a final offer has been agreed and accepted. Redeployees at risk of redundancy will take priority over all other applicants at any stage of the recruitment process. If successful, redeployees will remain on their home force's terms and conditions.

• Role Profile We recommend downloading and saving a copy of the role profile, as it will no longer be accessible once the advert closes.

• Commitment to Inclusion As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to be themselves. We provide workplace adjustments wherever needed so that all colleagues can thrive. If you have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the role, you will be guaranteed an interview under the Offer an Interview Scheme.

Help us deliver outstanding policing for everyone. We believe that to serve our communities effectively, we need people from all backgrounds, bringing a wide range of life and professional experiences. This helps us reflect the communities we serve and ensures we deliver the best possible service.

Why Choose a Career in Policing? Bedfordshire Police is recognised as a pioneering and forward-thinking service, responsible for policing a large, diverse, and multicultural population.

If you're looking for a meaningful and rewarding career-where you can make a real difference, take on new challenges, and gain a wide variety of experiences-then we want to hear from you., 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. Document Lead Digital and Data Engineer - PO4.docx - 120KB Opens in a new window Converted File Lead Digital and Data Engineer - PO4.docx.pdf - 92KB Opens in a new window Staff Internal Role Summary.docx - 95KB Opens in a new window Converted File Staff Internal Role Summary.docx.pdf - 71KB Opens in a new window

Do you have experience in Project management?, Do you have a Master's degree?, You'll be a driven, solutions-focused individual able to work independently and collaboratively. You will bring strong technical experience, excellent communication skills, and the confidence to lead others while managing competing priorities., * In-depth understanding of police databases or ability to translate existing knowledge to police databases, or 5 years' experience with a relevant Computer Science degree.

• Understanding of police operational work to identify innovations and developments that meet user requirements.
• Strong grasp of data management processes, AI (artificial intelligence), and LLM (large language models).
• Practical skills and/or qualifications in engineering database platforms.
• Experience delivering process improvements within technical/data systems projects.
• Experience leading or working within formal project management programmes.

What We Offer We're proud to support our people with a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Pension Schemes: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, with employer contributions and death-in-service benefits.
• Generous Annual Leave: 24 to 33 days (depending on rank and length of service).
• Sick Pay: Up to six months full pay and six months half pay (depending on service).
• Family Leave: Occupational maternity, adoption, and paternity pay (depending on service).
• Carers and Discretionary Leave
• Flexible Working: Including compressed hours, flexible shifts, job sharing, annualised hours, and agile working (role dependent).
• Wellbeing Support: Local wellbeing teams, on-site gym facilities and exercise classes (location dependent).
• Sports & Social Clubs: Enjoy discounts, trips, and events through our dedicated clubs.
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Blue Light Card App: Option to sign up for discounts in-store and online for emergency service workers.
• Financial Support: Access to Police Mutual for savings plans, insurance, loans, and independent financial advice.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Confidential support for personal and professional wellbeing.
• Staff Support Networks: Including groups for Black and Minority Ethnic colleagues, LGBTQ+ colleagues, disability awareness, menopause support, faith-based groups, and more.
• Trade Union Membership: Access to UNISON.
• Career Development: Opportunities for progression, promotion, and leadership training.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion We are committed to building a workforce that is inclusive and truly representative of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, especially those currently under-represented in policing, including:

• Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities
• People of all ages and abilities
• All faiths and religions
• LGBTQ+ communities
• Individuals from disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds