Assumptions and pay data
- Police Regulations 2003, Annex L (Home Office Circular 003/2020). PCSOs and other police staff are on force staff terms instead.
- Pound figures use the pay shown and 2026/27 SMP of £194.32 a week; they are gross, before tax and pension.
Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Calculator
England & WalesPolice forcePay points from 1/9/2025
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Guide for Assistant Chief Constable
This guide summarises enhanced maternity and paternity pay that typically applies to Assistant Chief Constable under Police pay (England & Wales) at Police. Eligibility and exact terms depend on your contract and length of service.
Family leave for Assistant Chief Constable
As Assistant Chief Constable at Police, enhanced maternity and paternity usually follow Police Regulations (police officers). Typical enhanced maternity includes 26 weeks at full pay. Police Regulations 2003, Annex L: 26 weeks at full pay, with SMP counted as part of it, if you have 63 weeks' continuous police service by the start of the week the baby is due. You can choose half pay in weeks 22 to 31 instead of full pay in weeks 22 to 26. Then SMP to week 39, then unpaid to 52 weeks. Enhanced paternity is often 1 week's full pay, subject to eligibility and notice rules. Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) and Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) are legal minimums; occupational schemes may top up or run alongside them.
Eligibility and service
Enhanced schemes often require continuous service (commonly 12 months at the qualifying week). Return-to-work conditions and Keeping in Touch (KIT) days vary. Always read your contract and HR policy.
Shared parental leave
Shared parental leave and pay have separate rules. This page focuses on maternity and paternity; ask your employer about SPL if you plan to share leave.
Typical entitlement for Assistant Chief Constable
Summary based on Police Regulations (police officers) terms. Your contract may differ.
Maternity (enhanced)
26 weeks full pay. Then Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) or Maternity Allowance where eligible, up to 52 weeks total leave.
Police Regulations 2003, Annex L: 26 weeks at full pay, with SMP counted as part of it, if you have 63 weeks' continuous police service by the start of the week the baby is due. You can choose half pay in weeks 22 to 31 instead of full pay in weeks 22 to 26. Then SMP to week 39, then unpaid to 52 weeks.
Paternity (enhanced)
1 week full pay (typical enhanced paternity).
Annex S: 2 weeks' maternity support (paternity) leave. Week 1 is at full pay. Week 2 is at the Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) rate if you have 26 weeks' continuous police service by the 15th week before the baby is due.
Police Regulations 2003, Annex L (maternity pay, as amended by Home Office Circular 003/2020, in force from 4/1/2021) and Annex S (maternity support leave). These cover police officers in England and Wales. PCSOs and other police staff are on Police Staff Council terms instead.
Statutory minimums are set in law (SMP, SPP). Enhanced pay is what your employer offers on top of or instead of part of the statutory amount, depending on scheme rules.
Frequently asked questions
How much maternity pay would that be?
On £125,188 (the first point of the Assistant Chief Constable scale), a week's pay is about £2,407. Weeks 1 to 26 pay full pay, about £2,407 a week (£62,594); weeks 27 to 39 pay SMP, about £194 a week (£2,526). That is about £65,120 over 39 weeks before tax, against £19,413 from SMP alone.
What if I do not qualify?
You get the legal minimum instead. SMP needs 26 weeks with your employer by the 15th week before the baby is due and average earnings of at least £129 a week; without it you may get Maternity Allowance instead (GOV.UK).
Can I work during maternity leave?
Yes, up to 10 keeping in touch (KIT) days without ending your leave or losing SMP (GOV.UK).
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About this role
What is an Assistant Chief Constable?
An Assistant Chief Constable (ACC), or Commander in London forces, is a chief police officer rank above Chief Superintendent. Pay is set via the Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB) framework.
Typical demands, progression and balance
ACC roles involve force-wide portfolios (crime, local policing, people). They are the usual gateway to Deputy / Chief Constable.
What enhanced maternity or paternity pay do I get?
Many public sector employers offer enhanced pay on top of statutory maternity or paternity pay. Use the calculator above to see typical entitlement for your sector. Check your employer and contract for exact terms.
Disclaimer
Illustrative estimates, not legal or HR advice. Your contract and your employer's policy decide your actual entitlement.