Police Sergeant

Are you a substantive or qualified Police Sergeant seeking a new and rewarding professional challenge?

The Port of Tilbury London Police is inviting applications from motivated, enthusiastic, and experienced Sergeants to join our specialist policing service at London’s major port. Applicants must be substantive in the rank of Sergeant or have successfully achieved the NPPF Step 2 Sergeant’s examination within the past five years, supported by a level 3 management qualification and relevant operational experience.

This is a unique opportunity to police a complex and dynamic environment where no two days are the same. The successful candidate will work within a specialist port policing context, responding to a wide range of incidents and adapting to the distinctive challenges of a critical national infrastructure site. We pride ourselves on delivering a high-quality, bespoke policing service to the Port, its tenants, and its customers.

As a Police Sergeant, you will be part of the supervisory team, with responsibility for the line management and professional development of a team of constables. You will also work closely with the Police Inspector and Chief of Police to support strategic objectives and ensure effective operational delivery across the Port.

The Port of Tilbury handles approximately 16 million tonnes of cargo annually, with an estimated value of £8.7 billion, making it the largest port on the River Thames. The port estate extends over more than 1,000 acres and supports a diverse range of cargo operations, facilitated by both short-sea and deep-sea vessels.

Port Police officers attend a broad spectrum of incidents, including crime investigations and medical emergencies. All officers are trained to advanced medical responder standard, reflecting the self-sufficient and professional nature of the service.

The Port operates a community policing model, with officers actively engaging with tenants, businesses, and port staff to promote a safe, secure, and well-managed environment.

Successful candidates will have to be physically fit, pass a medical and will be subject to a vetting process required for police officers.

A full driving licence valid in the UK is essential for this position.

If you’re interested in learning more about the role and the work of the Port Police, we’ll be hosting an online information session with a live Q&A on Tuesday 10 February at 18:00

To receive an invitation to the session, simply apply for the role and we’ll be in touch with the details.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading a team upholding values and ethical standards. Acting with the highest level of professionalism in accordance with the law, the public interest, and professional policing practice to protect the public by preventing and detecting crime.

• Co-ordinating and controlling policing responses and investigations. Allocating resources, directing activities, managing risks, and reviewing progress to deliver an effective response which supports law enforcement and enables public safety.

• Supervising and monitoring the appropriate handling of information, intelligence and evidence. Aligning record keeping with legislation, policies and guidance which enables effective law enforcement and the initiation of criminal justice proceedings.

• Building engagement, co-ordinating and monitoring the establishment of effective relationships with communities, partners and stakeholders. Delivering an effective approach to preventing and addressing vulnerability and crime in line with the force's planned approach.

• Identifying and implementing opportunities for change and innovation to drive continuous improvement in policing. Applying critical thinking to identify solutions to problems in line with evidence-based practice within own area of responsibility.

• Leading, motivating, developing, and engaging a team. Supporting and enabling continuing professional development through regular review conversations. Discussing and agreeing goals and standards and giving timely, specific and constructive feedback. Enabling identification and support for career planning and high-performance.

• Leading and fostering an inclusive workplace culture. Role modelling good practice that demonstrates fairness, respect, integrity and accountability. Using reflection and feedback to develop and enhance leadership skills and performance. Developing these skills to enable successful policing.

• Monitoring pressures faced by team members, encourage personal reflection. Supporting team members to recognise and address their wellbeing needs to ensure the delivery of an effective policing response.

• Providing specialist advice and guidance to team members to deliver responses within appropriate policies and legislation and achieving the best possible outcomes.  

• Supporting the allocation of resources to enable effective service delivery and efficient use of available budgets.

• Managing performance effectively, assessing the capabilities and development needs of team members. Devising appropriate development plans to promote high performance and potential progression.

• Assisting with implementation of the ISPS Code by supporting the Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) as a Deputy PFSO

What we’re looking for

We are seeking a substantive or qualified Police Sergeant with proven operational and supervisory experience, motivated to take on a challenging role within a specialist port policing environment. You will demonstrate Level 2 leadership aligned to the Competency and Values Framework, with experience in developing others, managing performance and fostering an inclusive team culture. The role requires sound operational judgement and the ability to manage resources, risk and performance effectively in a complex, fast-paced setting, while working collaboratively with senior leaders and partners to deliver a high-quality, bespoke policing service that supports public safety, security and confidence across a critical national infrastructure site.

Qualifications & Skills

• Level 3 management qualification (or equivalent) and completion of all mandatory assessments.

• Proven leadership and teamworking skills, with the ability to motivate, support and manage performance effectively.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to adapt style and approach to suit different audiences and situations.

• Sound planning, organisational and time-management skills, enabling effective prioritisation and allocation of work.

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, including the ability to assess risk and make balanced, evidence-based judgements.

• Ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues, partners and local communities, including understanding vulnerability and local safety issues.

• High levels of emotional intelligence, with the ability to manage conflict, exercise discretion and defuse challenging situations.

• Ability to interpret and apply policy, guidance and legislation, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

• Competent IT skills, including the use of operational systems and databases.

• Trained and competent in personal safety tactics, including the use of approved equipment and restraints.

• Full right to work in the UK

• Full driving licence, valid in the UK

What Forth Ports can offer you:

At Forth Ports, our people are our priority, and we are committed to creating a flexible, open, and supportive working culture. As part of our team, you will enjoy

• A competitive salary

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 34 days including bank holidays

• Defined contribution pension scheme with up to 16.5% joint contribution plus life assurance at 4x salary

• Health promotion events and employee wellbeing initiatives to support your physical and mental wellbeing

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing free, confidential 24/7 telephone support for you and your family

• On-site Occupational Health Team with access to professional support and referrals to services such as counselling, physiotherapy and free flu jabs

• An annual Christmas thank you gift of a complimentary turkey or meat-free alternative for all employees

• GymFlex health club memberships offering discounted access to gyms including Nuffield Health, PureGym, Anytime Fitness, The Gym Group, and selected local gyms

• Cycle to Work scheme to support affordable, sustainable commuting

• On-site free parking available for all employees

• Attractive family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity cover

• Employee discount platform providing savings on UK-wide restaurants, retail, car rentals, days out, and holidays 

We value diversity and inclusivity, and we are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and will consider all applications for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.

How to Apply

If you are a committed and capable Sergeant looking to apply your leadership skills in a specialist policing role, we welcome your application. Please submit your CV and a cover letter when submitting your application via the ‘Apply Now’ link.