Head of Insight and Innovation

About Police Care UK

Police Care UK is the national, independent charity supporting serving and veteran members of the police community, and their families, when they've been physically or psychologically harmed through policing.
Demand for our services has grown by more than 400% in the last decade. This reflects the increasing impact of trauma in modern policing - from major incidents and serious violence to cumulative and vicarious trauma. We understand that harm doesn't end with a shift, and that families are often affected too.

We've evolved from a traditional benevolent fund into a sector-leading organisation delivering evidence-informed support, trauma-focused recovery services and practical prevention programmes across UK policing. Our work is grounded in compassion, clarity and evidence, and we're fiercely independent so we can focus on what people really need.

Our vision is simple: a future where every member of the police community has access to the care and support they need, and nobody faces the impact of harm alone. Based in Woking and working nationally, we're committed to strengthening the people behind the force - and we're looking for those who want to be a part of that work.

Role Purpose

Reporting to the Director of Development and working closely with the Executive Leadership Team, the Head of Insight and Innovation will lead the Charity's research, data, evaluation and innovation functions. This is a strategic leadership role responsible for embedding a culture of evidence-informed practice, continuous improvement and sector-leading innovation across the Charity.

The postholder will ensure that our insight drives decision-making, strengthens fundraising, informs service design and positions Police Care UK as a thought leader within the policing and blue light sectors. This will involve leading a multi-disciplinary team, with responsibility for future growth of the Insight and Innovation function as organisational needs evolve.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development of our long-term insight and innovation strategy.
• Ensure data, evidence and evaluation meaningfully influence strategic planning and resource allocation.
• Drive horizon scanning across policing, mental health and the charity sector to inform organisational priorities.

Research and Academic Development

• Oversee our research portfolio, including academic collaborations and commissioned studies.
• Translate research findings into actionable recommendations that strengthen our services, policy influence and fundraising.
• Ensure our understanding of unmet need across the policing family remains current and robust.

Data, CRM and Impact Intelligence

• Lead the strategic development of our CRM and data systems.
• Embed strong KPI frameworks, dashboards and impact reporting across the charity.
• Ensure high standards of data governance, integrity and compliance.

Innovation and Service Development

• Lead our innovation pipeline, from discovery and prototyping to pilot evaluation and scaling.
• Embed co-production with beneficiaries and policing partners.
• Develop business cases and secure funding for new initiatives.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Impact

• Oversee our success measurement framework and ensure outcomes are evidenced and clearly articulated.
• Produce high-value insight for funders, trustees and external stakeholders.

Governance and External Representation

• Provide high-quality insight and reporting to the Board of Trustees.
• Represent the charity externally across academic, sector and policy forums.
• Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding, ethics and data protection.

Person Specification

Essential

• Degree-level education and ongoing professional development.
• Significant senior experience in research, insight, evaluation or organisational development.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insight.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and driving data-informed decision-making.
• Excellent communication skills, including presenting to senior stakeholders and Boards.
• Strong understanding of mental health, trauma or wellbeing in a public-sector or charity context.
• Knowledge of evaluation methodologies, data governance and ethical research standards.

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field.
• Experience within policing, emergency services or the wider blue-light sector.
• Experience securing research or innovation funding.
• Knowledge of innovation methodologies (e.g. design thinking, co-production, agile).

Why work with us

You'll be joining a forward-thinking, committed and values driven team making a real difference to the people who keep our communities safe. We offer:

• Enhanced wellbeing support
• Pension scheme with up to 8% employer contributions
• Development opportunities
• A 35-hour working week
• A supportive, collaborative culture
• The chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of police officers, staff, volunteers, and their families

How to Apply: Please submit your CV and a detailed cover letter explaining why you're the right fit for this role. Applications are assessed on a rolling basis, so please apply as soon as you are able.

Limitations: This job description is neither exclusive nor exhaustive. The duties and responsibilities may vary from time to time in the light of changing circumstances in consultation with the jobholder. The jobholder will be required to work within the rules and regulations of the Charity and accept the authority of the Chief Executive, who has the discretion to delegate authority to the jobholder and to withdraw it.

Equal Opportunities Policy: The Charity is committed to eliminating any discrimination and promoting diversity and equality of opportunity in all it does.

The Charity is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, and we will not unlawfully discriminate against job applicants, employees of the Charity, volunteers, workers, or contract workers on the grounds of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins) religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

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