CLEVELAND Police is looking for candidates to apply for direct entry to the force at Inspector rank.

The programme is aimed for people with proven leadership skills who are looking for a new challenge.

An Inspector is an operational leader, generally responsible for planning and directing the work of a team of police officers and staff in a diverse range of policing activities.

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Simon Nickless said: “Cleveland Police is participating in the Direct Entry Inspector programme, and this will be a great opportunity for those with leadership experience to apply to be a police officer. The issues faced by today’s police service call for fresh ideas and new ways of working, and direct entry programmes can change the composition of police leadership by bringing in a greater diversity of experience, thinking perspectives and backgrounds.

“Direct entrants can support existing police leaders to bring about fundamental, positive changes to police culture. This could be your opportunity to have an impact on policing, the local community and wider society in a way you never thought possible.”

While no specific academic or educational qualifications are required, candidates will need to demonstrate collective and adaptive leadership qualities, innovative ideas and the determination to make tangible differences in modern policing.

Candidates will also need to meet the same eligibility criteria required of other individuals who join the police service, including checks around your financial position, any previous criminal convictions, your level of fitness and whether you are a member of any political groups.

A questionnaire to assess your eligibility can be found at www.leadbeyond.police.uk