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Day rate: £400–£650, depending on experience and scope

Hours: Consultancy basis, 2–3 days per week

Based: Police Headquarters, Penrith, Cumbria with hybrid / agile working available

Duration: From appointment to May 2027, with potential for extension

Reports to: OPFCC Chief Executive

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria is seeking an experienced and highly credible Strategic HR / People Consultant (Interim) to provide senior-level professional advice, leadership and capacity during a significant period of organisational change. This is a key interim consultancy role supporting the PFCC, the Chief Executive and senior leaders on HR, people and organisational development matters, while helping shape and deliver the transition to the new Mayoral Strategic Authority in May 2027. You will act as a trusted adviser on complex people issues, ensuring HR activity is lawful, evidence-based and aligned with statutory responsibilities, organisational priorities and the future governance model.

What the role will involve:

  • Providing strategic HR and people advice to the PFCC, Chief Executive, senior leadership team and programme team.
  • Leading the HR and people workstream for the transition to the Mayoral Strategic Authority, including workforce planning, risk management and implementation planning.
  • Advising on organisational design, TUPE, staff transfers, workforce integration and cultural development.
  • Providing senior oversight of employee relations, complex casework, workforce standards and compliance with relevant employment frameworks.
  • Building strong relationships with trade unions, staff associations and partner organisations across policing, fire and rescue, and local government.
  • Preparing high-quality reports, briefings and governance papers to support informed decision-making.

What we are looking for:

  • CIPD Level 7 or equivalent, with Chartered Member or Fellow status, or equivalent senior professional standing.
  • Extensive senior HR leadership experience in the public sector, ideally within policing, fire and rescue, or OPCC/OPFCC environments – or local government / combined authorities.
  • Strong knowledge of employment law, organisational change, workforce reform and transition programmes.
  • Experience of advising senior leaders and operating effectively in politically sensitive environments.
  • Strong employee relations expertise, including complex case management and partnership working with trade unions and staff associations.
  • Excellent judgement, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to provide confident challenge and support at senior level.
  • A collaborative, resilient and values-driven approach, with a strong commitment to integrity, inclusion and high-quality public service.

Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference to policing and fire in Cumbria by improving the way they serve the public. You’ll work in a supportive environment, collaborating with senior leaders and contributing to meaningful change.

If you’re motivated, a strategic problem-solver, and passionate about making a difference, we’d love to hear from you!

For further information please visit our website, e-mail: commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk; or telephone: 01768 217734.

How to apply:

To apply, please provide a copy of your current CV (3 pages maximum); and a Covering Letter (2 pages maximum) outlining why you are interested in the role to the email above.

Applications must be returned by 9am on Monday 13th July 2026 to The Office of the Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner, 1–2 Carleton Hall, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2AU, or by email to: commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk – marked ‘Strategic HR / People Consultant’.

If you are successful at shortlisting you will be invited to interview with the Chief Executive the week commencing 20th July 2026.