Vacancy Information
Volunteer Police Cadet (VPC) Leaders support and facilitate the delivery of the VPC programme across Sussex. Cadet leaders will form a leadership team responsible for ensuring cadet activities contribute towards the VPC aims and objectives along with the corporate aims and objectives of Sussex Police.
The Role
Leaders will establish an environment where Cadets are developed and inspired to strive towards their goals, support each other and realise their potential to contribute as active citizens. Throughout the programme, Cadets will broaden their knowledge of policing and social action (volunteering) in the community. Leaders will introduce Cadets to opportunities and issues, challenging them to develop ideas and implement solutions that will make their communities safer and more cohesive. As positive role models, leaders will ultimately play an important part in the cadet’s personal development.
Key Responsibilities
The key responsibilities of VPC leaders will be to:
• Assist in the organisation and management of the VPC programme in accordance with the curriculum
• Provide administrative support for the VPC programme which may include logistics and ensuring adequate resources are in place for evening meetings and other events
• Maintain accurate records of meeting and event attendance, activities and outcomes
• Conduct relevant safeguarding and risk assessments and monitor compliance.
• Work in partnership with the Force’s VPC Management Team to support recruitment and retention of VPC leaders and cadets
• Actively support police and partner operations and volunteering in the community through personal involvement and supervision of deployed cadets
• Promote and comply with the Code of Ethics and Sussex Police’s policies on equal opportunities and health and safety both in the delivery of the programme and treatment of others.
• Support at community events including Remembrance Sunday and Annual Parade.
Skills & Experience
VPC leaders will need to:
• Work as part of a team and with young people without direct supervision
• Be tactful, diplomatic and sensitive to issues raised, taking into consideration social and cultural differences
• Develop and maintain relevant knowledge for the role of VPC leader
• Represent Sussex Police in a professional manner, negotiating and influencing with other agencies and organisations when required
VPC Leaders should have:
• Enthusiasm and confidence to inspire and motivate young people
• Excellent communications skills to engage with young people, leaders and parents as well as other agencies/organisations
• A flexible approach to team working
• Commitment to the delivery of the programme through evening and weekend engagement
It would be advantageous for VPC leaders to have:
• Experience of working with young people and/or volunteering
• Knowledge of community/policing issues
• An understanding of safeguarding principles
• Experience of dealing with members of the public and partnership working
The role of VPC leader will give individuals the opportunity to:
• Encourage positive youth engagement with Sussex Police
• Inspire young people to get involved in activities within their communities such as crime prevention initiatives and other social action
• Volunteer within a challenging team environment
• Contribute to realising Sussex Police’s vision of making Sussex the safest county it can be
• Develop their CYP portfolio, including the option to acquire accredited training
Vetting/Requirements Leaders must be:
• Be over 18
• Complete and pass Sussex Police level 3 vetting
• Complete and pass an additional enhanced and barred role DBS check
• Provide two references for the role
• Agree to wear the VPC cadet leader uniform and abide by Sussex Police’s policies
Training
VPC leaders must complete mandatory training to cover the following subjects:
• Safeguarding
• Health and Safety
• First Aid
The National VPC Team provide a variety of optional virtual training including the accredited Working with Children and Young Persons course.
Sussex Police also provide bespoke training including an annual CPD day for cadet leaders.
It will remain the leaders responsibility to keep all training up to date and relevant for
Contact Details
Marianne Hovenden - 07971 336652 marianne.hovenden@sussex.police.uk
Juliette MacPherson - 07783 803971 volunteer@sussex.police.uk
Diversity Statement
We are only as good as our people. It's important that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace and we know that as an organisation we'll grow from the variety of thinking, approach, and the skills that diversity brings; all of which help us to deliver a better policing service. We strive to ensure how we deliver our services, provide information and how we recruit is open and accessible to all.
We have multiple staff support groups who help to improve our understanding of minority issues and ensure they are reflected in our work. We are proud members of Disability Confident, hold Race Equality Matters Trailblazer status, are a signatory of the Race at Work Charter and are aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement.
We are committed to being an anti-racist police service. We promise to challenge injustice, ensure fairness and to uphold anti-racist principles in both our organisation and our communities. For more information, you can read our full anti-racism statement here.
We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status, or religious belief, we would love to hear from you.
Please use the following links to find out more on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Surrey Police and Sussex Police
Additional Information
Following submission of your application you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your application attached. Occasionally emails from this address can fall into spam/junk folders so please ensure this is checked regularly. You may wish to consider adding noreply@surreysussexpolice.as.recruitmail.com to your address/contact list to ensure you receive all communications.