Operations Specialist Support Team (OSST) Disclosure Team Member / Support Investigator

Package Description

What we Offer:

• 27.5 days paid annual leave (increasing with service to 32.5 days)
• The option to buy, sell, or carry over annual leave is reviewed each year and offered when possible
• Voluntary Health Cash Plan provided by BHSF
• Civil Service pension
• Civil Service maternity leave package
• PAM employee assistance programme
• Access to Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) membership
• Cycle to work scheme
• Opportunity to enjoy the latest home and electronics in a more affordable way provided by Vivup
• Car Leasing Scheme
• Staff Networks focussed on each of the protected characteristics - run for staff, by staff: Enable Network, Age Network, Welsh Network, Pride and LGBTQ+ Network, Sex and Family Network, Race, Religion and Belief Network
• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity

Additional Information:

Any move to the Independent Office for Police Conduct from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may, however, be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

Emotional Consideration:

In performing this role, you will have regular exposure to distressing material which will likely be impactful, traumatic and challenging. The IOPC recognises this and offers all staff a range of wellbeing provisions, including TRiM (Trauma Risk Management), peer-to-peer support, a dedicated Wellbeing Advisor, and access to free confidential counselling. All staff are strongly encouraged to proactively access and engage with the support available. If you would like to speak about this element of the role with somebody already doing similar work at the IOPC please contact [email removed] and this can be arranged.

Rydym yn croesawu ymgeiswyr i ymgeisio am rolau trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg fel eu dewis iaith.

Job Introduction

Job Introduction:

As an OSST Disclosure Team Member/Support Investigator within the IOPC, you can expect to work in a progressive and dynamic organisation with declared and strong core values. This role has opportunities to be involved in the implementation of new processes and contribute to the investigation process. The work will be fulfilling and offer opportunity for personal growth and satisfaction.

You will be responsible for providing disclosure advice and guidance to Major Investigations and the wider organisation completing the review and assessment of all retained material from a disclosure perspective regarding Criminal, Misconduct or Coronial proceedings, ensuring a quality service is provided on all investigations.

The role is challenging and interesting. You will be expected to make impartial and unbiased decisions when performing the role and ensure that our decisions can withstand scrutiny by being fair, balanced and supported by legislation and appropriate guidelines.

The Home Office Large Major Enquiry System (HOLMES) is the principle case management system used in Major Investigations. However, you will also be required to support investigations being managed on CMS.

This will primarily be supporting investigations utilising the HOLMES database but there may also be a requirement to support investigations managed on CMS.

In response to business led demand the Disclosure Team Member role will also provide support to investigations by conducting other appropriate investigative tasks. It is not anticipated that this part of the role will exceed (20%) of the overall role profile.

As a Disclosure Team Member / Support Investigator you may view some distressing or sensitive material gathered as part of our independent investigations.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles, to find out more, please click here.

At application stage, we'll assess you against Experience and Technical questions and the following Behaviour at the equivalent of Higher Executive Officer (HEO) level:

• Working Together

If you are shortlisted for interview, we'll share more information regarding what will be assessed:

Main Responsibilities

Disclosure Team Member

• To examine all material within a criminal investigation by applying the guidelines and the Code of Practice as set out in The Criminal Procedures and Investigation Act 1996 (as amended by the Criminal Justices Act 2003), the Disclosure Manual, The Disclosure Protocol and the Attorney General’s Guidelines’ on disclosure and in accordance with agreed IOPC policy and guidelines
• To examine all material within a Misconduct investigation by applying the legislation as set out, but not restricted to, the Police Reform Act 2002 (as amended from time to time), The Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2012 or 2020 as applicable and the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2012 or 2020
• Assess all material retained within the investigation to ascertain its relevancy, evidential value, sensitivity and ability to undermine the prosecution case or assist the defence

Investigator Support

• Conduct grade appropriate investigative actions on independent investigations in accordance with agreed IOPC guidelines and or objectives set by the Lead Investigator (LI) as designated by the Police Reform Act 2012
• Conduct witness and subject interviews, evidence collection, analysis and presentation of evidence in report or other format to progress the investigation
• When required undertake your responsibilities in criminal, coronial, misconduct, and associated proceedings where necessary

Please refer to the Job Description for full role responsibilities.

The Ideal Candidate

Essential Experience/Skills

• Proven experience of undertaking the role of Disclosure Team Member in a criminal investigation, experience of using the disclosure package on the HOLMES database after 2016
• Experience of having been a case builder who has completed files of evidence for criminal trials at the Magistrates and Crown Courts
• A sound knowledge and understanding of the Criminal Procedure & Investigations Act 1996 and relevant amendments to disclosure requirements
• Proven experience of making appropriate and effective decisions based on assessment and analysis of existing and emerging information
• Evidence of effective oral and written communication skills including report writing
• Experience of engaging effectively with a diverse range of individuals and stakeholders
• Delivering a high standard of work within demanding timescales
• Working effectively in a changing environment.

Desirable Experience/Skills

• Practical knowledge of Data Protection Act, Freedom of Information and Government Protected Marking Scheme.
• The post holder may be requested to support operational requirements across the IOPC regional locations and as such a degree of flexibility is required
• Current UK DVLA Driving Licence
• Necessity to travel to various locations to achieve operational objectives
• Requirement to stay away from home to achieve operational requirements when deemed necessary

We believe that diverse perspectives contribute to a more innovative and dynamic workplace. We actively encourage applications from individuals who are typically under-represented or disadvantaged in society. This includes women, people from e