A job advert to find Dame Cressida Dick’s successor as head of the Metropolitan Police has been published.

The advert says the successful candidate will be responsible for addressing “serious failings” within the force.

The appointment, for an initial five-year term, has an annual salary of £292,938. Applications close on 4 May.

Dame Cressida announced she would be stepping down in April and left the job last week, with her deputy Sir Stephen House temporarily taking charge.

A series of damaging events

During her time at the helm, public confidence in the force was damaged by events, including the rape and murder of Sarah Everard by a serving officer, the publication of highly offensive messages shared by officers based at Charing Cross, and the jailing of two constables for sharing images of the bodies of murder victims Nicole Smallman and Bibaa Henry on WhatsApp.

The advert stated: “It has become evident that significant and sustained improvements need to be made within the MPS to restore public confidence and legitimacy in the largest police force in the UK.

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“This will require inspirational leadership to deliver a demonstrably more professional police force, that better reflects the diversity of London itself.”

Addressing outcomes of inquiries

The advert also states the new commissioner will be responsible for addressing the outcomes of two inquiries, set up in the wake of Ms Everard’s murder, which are being held to investigate the culture within the Met.

They will also be responsible for enacting the force’s response to heavy criticisms by two watchdogs, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) in recent months.

The advert said: “You will lead the service through significant change, role-modelling credible, visible and empowering leadership to address concerns around police conduct and tackling institutional culture.”

It added: “The successful candidate will be responsible for re-establishing trust and confidence in policing amongst everyone living in London, particularly women and girls and those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

“Maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism of the police officers who serve Londoners, you will be responsible for addressing the serious failings that have emerged from recent IOPC and HMICFRS reports, and the outcomes of ongoing inquiries led by Dame Elish Angiolini QC and Baroness Louise Casey.

“You will need to show your understanding of the scale and urgency of these particular challenges in the MPS, and that you have an achievable plan to restore the trust and confidence of Londoners.”

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