St Helena is a self-governing Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom located in the South Atlantic. We are seeking an exceptional policing leader to take on the role of Director of Police at a pivotal moment in the development of the Royal St Helena Police Service.
This is not a typical senior policing role.
The Service is entering a significant period of transition and rebuild. A new operating model has been developed to strengthen resilience, improve service delivery and create a sustainable platform for the future. The successful candidate will lead this change, rebuilding capability, developing local talent and helping shape the future of policing across St Helena and Ascension Island.
The restructured Service will comprise a Director of Police supported by two Inspectors and a Detective Inspector/Chief of Staff, delivering policing through four response teams, a neighbourhood team, CID and Special Constables. A dedicated core of officers and staff already provides a strong foundation. A key priority will be recruiting and developing the right people to build a resilient, balanced and sustainable workforce.
While crime demand is generally lower and less complex than in many UK forces, the operating environment is distinctive. The role requires sound judgement, political awareness, strong community engagement and the ability to lead in a small, highly visible and resource-constrained environment.
While badged at Superintendent level, the breadth, visibility and accountability of the role are often more comparable to senior command roles within larger organisations. Reporting directly to the Governor, you will lead operational policing, organisational reform, workforce development and partnership engagement across the Territory.
We are looking for an experienced senior policing leader, ideally at Chief Inspector, or above or recently retired from a comparable role, who has a proven track record of operational command, leading change, developing people and improving performance.
This role will suit someone who is motivated by impact, purpose and legacy rather than organisational scale or further promotion. We are looking for a visible, practical and collaborative leader who can build trust, bring people with them through change and develop the next generation of local policing leadership.
Living and working on St Helena requires a commitment to a remote island environment. Travel to and from the island is planned rather than immediate and candidates should carefully consider the practical implications for family and personal circumstances. Those who thrive here are typically motivated by challenge, service and the opportunity to make a lasting difference.
Success in this role will not simply be measured by operational performance. It will be reflected in the strength of the team you build, the people you develop, the confidence you restore and the capability you leave behind.
Our Benefits Package Includes:
· An International Supplement, full details of which are in the Overseas Vacancy Information at sthelenapublicservicejobs.sh
· Relocation Allowances, full details of which are in the Overseas Vacancy Information at sthelenapublicservicejobs.sh
· Annual Pension Contribution of 7.5% of salary
· Annual Leave of 30 days per annum plus Public Holidays
How to Apply:
An application form is available at sthelenapublicservicejobs.sh where further information can also be found, or you may contact Kedell Worboys on 0203 818 7610 or via email: shgukrep@sthelenagov.com.
Applications must be sent to recruitment@sainthelena.gov.sh and received by 6 August 2026.
Interviews will be held week commencing 17 August 2026.
To be considered for this role, you must complete our application form. Failure to do so will mean that your application will not be considered. Please do not submit your CV.
The Public Service positively accepts applications from all members of the community regardless of race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and will consider all applications on the basis of merit, in accordance with the person specification.
The St Helena Public Service welcomes all applications from across our whole community, including our St Helenian diaspora wishing to return to St Helena. If you are a St Helenian currently living and working overseas, please contact at us recruitment@sainthelena.gov.sh