Dear Candidate,

Thank you for your interest in becoming the next Deputy Chief Constable of the British Transport Police (BTP). This role is an opportunity to join the leadership team of the police service which keeps Great Britain’s rail network safe and running.

BTP’s responsibilities are extensive, providing crucial service to all passenger and freight operators, Network Rail, rail staff and customers across England, Scotland and Wales, as well as policing the London Underground, Docklands Light Railway, the Midland Metro Tram System, Croydon Tramlink, Tyne and Wear Metro and Glasgow Subway.

You will be joining BTP at an exciting point as the government’s plans for the reform of policing and of the railways coalesce. As the network moves into public ownership the Force must deliver value for money for its funders and the taxpayer by exploring new ways of working in partnership, exploiting new technologies and innovation and maximising the efficiency of its operations. Whilst keeping the passengers and staff who travel and work on the railways safe is what BTP exists to do, it takes a broader role in contributing to the national policing discourse and works closely with the Home Office, Police Scotland, College of Policing, HMICFRS and others in policing to shape the debate.

The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader who can build and motivate teams and successfully navigate a multi-stakeholder landscape across policing, the rail industry the Department for Transport and the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales. They will be passionate about innovation, change and the improvement of corporate and front-line services as well as able to work credibly at a strategic and operational level. The new Deputy Chief Constable will need to have the acumen to engage across both a politically challenging and multi-jurisdictional landscape.

I hope you are inspired to shape this challenging and exciting opportunity to be at the heart of national policing and rail.

Ron Barclay-Smith,
Chair, British Transport Police Authority

 

Dear Candidate,

Thank you for your interest in the role of Deputy Chief Constable at BTP. This is an extraordinary opportunity to lead within a unique, national police force that plays a critical role in safeguarding millions of people across Britain’s railways. BTP is an organisation defined by excellence, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to public service.

Joining BTP means becoming part of a kind and world-renowned police force with a strong family feel. It is recognised for its expertise in law enforcement and transport security. As Deputy Chief Constable, you will be at the heart of strategic decision-making, shaping the future of policing in a complex and dynamic environment. Operating as a key member of both the Chief Officer Group and Force Executive Board, you will drive the implementation of transformative objectives, ensuring BTP remains at the forefront of modern policing.

BTP’s work spans the full spectrum of policing, from countering serious and organised crime to safeguarding the most vulnerable in our society. We stand firm in tackling violence against women and girls, protecting children and adults from harm, and responding to disruptive incidents that impact the railway network. Our mission is clear: to create an environment where every passenger and railway worker feels safe, supported, and confident as they travel, work, and live their lives.

Our reach is vast, and our community is diverse. That is why we are committed to building a force that reflects the very best of the communities we serve—one that embodies inclusivity, innovation, and integrity. Through our Race Action Plan, we are determined to cultivate a force that is not only anti-racist but also a model of fairness and trust, ensuring we deliver policing that is both proportionate and legitimate.

This role demands exceptional operational acumen, the ability to govern performance with rigour, and the vision to drive outstanding results for both the public and our stakeholders. As Deputy Chief Constable, you will operate within a stakeholder-rich environment unlike any other, leveraging your leadership, strategic foresight, and political acumen to forge powerful partnerships and collaborations.

Working closely with me and my fellow Chief Officers, you will be instrumental in delivering our strategic priorities and transformation agenda. This is an opportunity for a bold, forward-thinking leader—someone who thrives in a performance-driven culture, who naturally fosters collaboration, and who is committed to innovation in policing. More than that, we are seeking an individual who understands the value-driven nature of the railway environment and who can inspire a policing ethos rooted in service, integrity, and excellence.

Lucy D’Orsi,
Chief Constable