Chief Superintendent Tim Needham retires from the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) next month, marking the conclusion of an outstanding career spanning almost three decades with the UK Atomic Energy Authority Constabulary (UKAEA) and CNC.
Tim’s journey began as an Authorised Firearms Officer (AFO) at Sellafield. His leadership qualities quickly shone through, leading him to become a Section Sergeant. From there, he broadened his expertise with the Home Office Criminal Investigation Department (CID) course with West Yorkshire Police and the National Special Branch Course with the Security Service.
He then took up post as a Detective Sergeant in CNC Special Branch, during which time he undertook a secondment to a national covert intelligence unit in London, later stepping up as Head of CNC Special Branch on a temporary basis.
On substantive promotion to Inspector, Tim served as the Chief Constable’s Staff Officer before returning to operations as the Operational Unit Commander (OUC) at Wylfa. His promotion to Chief Inspector saw him take charge of North Division, based at Heysham, where he oversaw the expansion of CNC officers at EDF sites, the improvement of CNC facilities, and the successful introduction of the Managed Response Solution (MARSO) model across the EDF sites in northern England and Scotland.
As a Superintendent, Tim led the Strategic Escort Group (SEG) through a period of significant national and international operations, before returning to Sellafield as OUC, steering his teams through the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Throughout his career, Tim has been a nationally accredited Cadre Tactical Firearms Commander and a Strategic Firearms Commander, bringing calm leadership and expertise to the most demanding operational environments. His exceptional service was recognised in 2022, when he was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in Her Majesty’s Birthday Honours.
Most recently, as Divisional Commander for N and A Division, Tim has held responsibility for CNC’s category one units at Sellafield and Dounreay, SEG, and more recently the non-nuclear sites.
Reflecting on his career, Tim said “I have had a fantastic career in the CNC where I’ve been involved in lots of interesting and challenging work across the UK and internationally and I will always be grateful for the opportunities it has given me.
“I’ve seen the organisation grow and develop into the unique police force it has become today and along the way I’ve met some brilliant people, many of whom have become lifelong friends.
“I will really miss the CNC, and after 39 years in uniform, both within the military and police, adjusting to being a civilian will take a bit of time!”
Although retiring from the CNC, Tim’s commitment to global security continues. In October, he will begin a new role with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
In this position, he will work with 170 IAEA member states to strengthen global nuclear security. As an autonomous body within the United Nations, the IAEA plays a critical role in advancing the safe, peaceful, and secure use of nuclear energy, and Tim’s experience will contribute greatly to its mission.
