About The Role

South Yorkshire Police

South Yorkshire Police - Inspector / Detective Inspector – September 2026

If you have the drive, the vision, and qualities to become an Inspector with South Yorkshire Police, we want to hear from you. The force is seeking applications from substantive Sergeants/Detective Sergeants who are looking for promotion either within force or to join SYP. Successful post holders will be instrumental in delivering the best service ensuring the force continues to improve, delivering the highest quality service for members of the public.

For substantive Inspectors/Detective Inspectors looking to transfer to South Yorkshire Police at the same rank please refer to our transferee advert .

About the role

As an Inspector/Detective Inspector, you w ill play an intrinsic part in ensuring the public receives the very best service from us, by working proactively and collaboratively with colleagues. The key aims of South Yorkshire Police should always be at the forefront of everything you do.

We are looking for leaders who will

Motivate and inspire staff, engaging with them and implementing change effectively
Have operational credibility
Be able to drive, improve and deliver performance outcomes
Be truly committed and passionate about the service provided to the public of South Yorkshire.

The link below will take you to the specialist role details on the College of Policing website. The Inspector core rank profile outlines the basic requirements of the role; it should be read in conjunction with the specialist role requirements.

Policing professional profiles | College of Policing

Eligibility

Completed 2 years in service at the rank of Sergeant, periods of continuous temporary service will be counted.
Must be NPPF Step 2 Legal exam qualified (previously OSPRE part 1) (within 5 years of the final selection date, which is anticipated to be November 2026) OR OSPRE Part 1 and 2 qualified (no time limit)
Internal candidates – must have attended one of the Inspector Familiarisation Presentations and completed/submitted your Personal Statement and CPD Log
External candidates - must attend the Inspector Familiarisation Presentation and complete/submit your Personal Statement and CPD Log alongside your completed CVF Application (details below)

In addition

You must meet the Force Attendance Criteria and Code of Conduct Criteria
You must have an up to date signed off Performance Review with a minimum ‘meets expectations’ rating or equivalent Performance Development Reviews for external candidates
If you are subject to UPP or have a live performance improvement plan you will not be eligible
If you have a live misconduct sanction you will not be eligible
You need written comments by line managers and Superintendent or above/Police Staff equivalent

For internal candidates please see attached guidance notes on how to download your PR.

Before progressing with your application, you should arrange to meet with your line manager to hold a professional discussion about your intention to apply and your readiness for promotion, the outcome of which is noted on your application.

Application

Step 1 Internal Candidates: Familiarisation Event, Personal Statement and CPD Log

South Yorkshire Police Internal candidates must have already attended one of the familiarisation events, or where this wasn’t possible arranged to meet Superintendent Wood/Insp. Bywater separately and have submitted to the Promotions email inbox your Personal Statement and CPD Log, prior to the go-live of this advert.

In exceptional circumstances - if you have not been able to complete the above in advance of the advert ‘go live’, you should email [email hidden] outlining your case and due consideration will be given as to eligibility to apply for this promotion process.

Step 1 External Candidates: Familiarisation Event, Personal Statement and CPD Log

External Candidates are invited to attend a familiarisation event which is being held on teams on Tuesday 8 th September at 12.30. To attend the event please email [email hidden] by noon on Monday 7 th September in order for us to send you the relevant link.

Having attended the event you will then be sent the Personal Statement and CPD Log templates which must be completed and attached to your ORACLE application in line with Step 3 below.

Step 2: CVF Document and Sign Off (internal & external candidates)

Applicants are required to download the CVF Application Questions (link below) and provide responses to the five CVF based questions. Answers provided should include recent examples, where applicable, within the last 2 years. If you are unable provide examples from the last two years (e.g. due to maternity leave), please email [email hidden] to agree an appropriate timeframe for your examples.

Details on how to complete the form can be found on page 2 of the CVF Applications Question Form. To maintain confidentiality and fairness within the process, please do not include your name or any personal details on this form which could be used to identify you.

Candidates will also need to have sign off from their line manager and Superintendent or above/Police Staff equivalent. You will need to arrange for your line manager and Superintendent/Police Staff equivalent to complete their sections of the form before uploading to ORACLE.

Line managers, Superintendent or above/Police Staff equivalent will be required to sign off this application as validation of its true and accurate content.

Candidates applying for promotion are required to answer all five Competency Values Framework based questions as part of the selection process. Each question will be assessed against the relevant assessment criteria. Candidates must achieve a rating of ‘Meets Expectations’ or above for all five questions in order to meet the required standard and progress to the next stage of the promotion process.

Note: this form must be uploaded to your ORACLE application, alongside your PR/PDR for your application to be considered.

To access the CVF document, please click here.

Step 3: Online Application via ORACLE (internal & external candidates)

All candidates will be required to complete their application via ORACLE. You will complete the personal questions on ORACLE and must upload the CVF application questions and 2026 completed Performance Review document to your application.

External Candidates must also attach their Personal Statement and CPD Log to their ORACLE application.

Closing Date: 23:55 on 23 September 2026

Step 4: Work based practical assessment and candidate presentation

Those who are shortlisted, will be notified and invited to book an assessment and interview slot through the ORACLE system.
Assessments and Interviews will commence Monday 9 November and run for dates across a 2 week period.
Interviews and assessment will be undertaken by Superintendent Wood and Inspector Bywater.

Further information

The below link provides further information about working for South Yorkshire Police in the role of Inspector ( Recruitment Pack 2026).

SYP is running the 2026 Inspector promotion process with deployment expected from January 2027.

These include detective and uniformed postings across South Yorkshire. If you are successful at interview, you will be posted where there is an organisational need and only under exceptional circumstances will you be able to request an alternative posting. Consideration will be given to any restrictions on location of deployment where possible, however filling vacancies based on force demand is a priority.

After we have met the current force demand, we may utilise a select list to have a pool of candidates who meet the benchmark to be promoted to Inspector rank and will be posted later.

South Yorkshire is a culturally diverse area and to ensure that our service is fully representative of the communities we serve we welcome applications from all under-represented groups and individuals wishing to work part time. If you would like any further information or support, please email [email hidden]

Vehicle Sacrifice Scheme

South Yorkshire Police is presently working with Procurement to implement a vehicle sacrifice scheme. Subject to final sign off, the scheme will allow colleagues to lease an electric or hybrid cars from a specific provider, which offers most makes and models, both new and used. The cost of the lease will be paid monthly, directly from your salary. As the deduction is made before tax, national insurance and pension contributions are applied, therefore individuals can make a substantial saving.