Information about the role of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear strategic commander (gold), including the role purpose, key responsibilities and the skills required.
About the role
The chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) strategic commander (gold) sits within the operational support sector of policing. It's a service function leader role in the policing professional profiles.
Role purpose
The CBRN strategic commander (gold) provides the overall strategic command of an incident. They set the strategy and strategic objectives that other operational plans must consider. They will set any tactical parameters and retain the strategic oversight, operational command and responsibility of any CBRN operation or incident.
They employ clear and recorded decision-making, within their level of operational responsibility to support the aims of the operation. They ensure that all records of decisions made and rationales are recorded to allow for any scrutiny post-incident.
Key responsibilities
- Developing a dynamic CBRN strategy appropriate to the assessed threat posed, available intelligence and consultation with partner agencies and adhering to applicable legislation and guidance to ensure a positive resolution to an operation.
- Developing, where appropriate, command protocols in collaboration with partner agencies to ensure that clear lines of communication and information sharing are established with partner agencies.
- Participating in multi-agency and strategic coordinating group (SCG) meetings as part of a multi-agency response to assist in the development and implementation of a CBRN strategy.
- Identifying and establishing the resourcing levels required, including those available from partner agencies, to ensure capability to effectively respond to a CBRN incident.
- Maintaining clear lines of communication, both within the command structure and with partner agencies, to ensure clear oversight of all available tactical resources.
- Monitoring the ongoing deployment of CBRN resources to maintain the overall tactical effectiveness of the operational deployment.
- Maintaining a record of all decisions taken to ensure that there is an effective audit trail for the operation.
Competencies, values and core skills
The competency and values framework (CVF) provides clear expectations for everyone working in policing. It describes the behaviours required by police officers and staff to be effective in their roles and uphold the Code of Ethics for policing.
Competencies
The CVF has six competencies, which are split into levels. These levels can be used flexibly to allow for a better fit with frontline and non-frontline policing roles, and at different levels of seniority. This ensures that there is consistency throughout all the policing professional profiles. Some roles may contain different CVF levels due to the specialist nature of the role. Those working at higher levels should also fulfil the requirements of the lower levels.
This role should be operating at or working towards the following competencies.
- We are emotionally aware – Level 3: senior manager or executive
- We take ownership – Level 3: senior manager or executive
- We collaborate – Level 3: senior manager or executive
- We support and inspire – Level 3: Senior manager or executive
- We analyse critically – Level 3: senior manager or executive
- We are innovative and open-minded – Level 3: senior manager or executive
Values
The CVF has three values. These values apply to everyone in policing, regardless of their role or seniority.
Core skills
All roles in policing have nine core skills in common. These are split into levels that represent the different levels of policing.
This role should be operating at or working towards the following core skills.
- Communicating and influencing – Level 4
- Problem solving – Level 4
- Performance management – Level 4
- Relationship management – Level 4
- Change management – Level 4
- Managing people – Level 4
- Managing resources – Level 4
- Planning – Level 4
- Use of IT – Level 4
Education, qualifications and experience
To achieve effective performance in the role, the following standards, training and qualifications should be met.
Previous education, qualifications and experience
- Must have successfully completed a College of Policing command course and is operationally competent in a command function.
- Knowledge of initial operational response (IOR) and knowledge of incident procedures and management.
- Knowledge of College of Policing CBRN national guidance.
- Knowledge of national and local CBRN policies.
- Hold the rank of at least superintendent (other ranks may be considered in exceptional circumstances).
- Successful completion of the national multi-agency CBRN strategic commanders course.
- Holds vetting level of security check (SC) or above (or SC in progress at the time of the CBRN strategic commanders course).
In-role education, qualifications and experience
- None specified.
Continuing professional development
Continuing professional development (CPD) enables everyone in policing to develop and gain recognition for their professional skills, knowledge and competence.
CPD ensures that we continue to provide high-quality policing to keep the public safe and help to drive career aspirations. Discussion of CPD is usually included as part of professional development review (PDR) conversations.
Learning and accreditation
- Maintain CPD in line with the guidance published by the national biological, radiological, nuclear centre (NCBRNC).
- Complete all core training and learning required by the force.
- Any exemptions to learning and accreditation requirements are at chief constable discretion, in line with the local force policy.
Professional development
This role should consider the following CPD:
- keeping up to date with changing legislation and national guidance and how this may affect own role
- maintaining an oversight of the developing local, regional and national threats concerning the CBRN threat
- keeping up to date with CBRN and command and control trends and learning as announced through the national learning and development groups and other forums
Related roles
You can find other service function leader roles in the: