Lead Investigator - Birmingham

About this role

Package Description

What we Offer

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27.5 days paid annual leave (increasing with service to 32.5 days)

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The option to buy, sell, or carry over annual leave is reviewed each year and offered when possible

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Voluntary Health Cash Plan provided by BHSF

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Civil Service pension

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Civil Service maternity leave package

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PAM employee assistance programme

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Access to Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) membership

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Cycle to work scheme

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Opportunity to enjoy the latest home and electronics in a more affordable way provided by Vivup

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Car Leasing Scheme

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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

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Learning and development tailored to your role.

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An environment with flexible working options

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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. Given the nature of the work, you will have contact with individuals who are experiencing extreme distress. 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 recruitment@policeconduct.gov.uk and this can be arranged.

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

Job Introduction

We have multiple Lead Investigator vacancies available within our Core Investigations department.

Core Investigations

Our Investigation teams cover all of England and Wales, and carry out hundreds of independent investigations every year, often under extreme pressure. Our investigators are supported by a range of teams who do a huge amount of work to support them. You can read more about the investigations on our website.

As a Lead Investigator, you will be a part of a dynamic investigations team working locally and nationally on a wide range of investigations that are often in the public eye in the Investigation, Oversight and Casework directorate. The IOPC is on a journey to develop its culture, perspectives and ethos to support the organisations core outcomes, and this is your opportunity to enter the varied world of investigations, allowing you to develop your mindset and approaches to contribute to improving the police complaints system in England and Wales. The investigations team are tasked with upholding our values whilst establishing the facts behind a complaint and reaching conclusions to draw recommendations.

As a Lead Investigator, you will lead all aspects of an investigation, from setting out the initial terms of reference, to collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, drawing conclusions, and writing a final report, many of which are published. Reports also include recommendations for the police force or Police and Crime Commissioner about actions to be taken to improve practice and prevent mistakes in the future. Therefore, it is imperative that you take a ‘cultural knowledge accountability’ approach to your work, so that you produce rounded and robust outcomes. After the investigation, investigations staff are responsible for supporting criminal, disciplinary and coronial proceedings which may follow.

The nature of the work requires investigations staff to participate in an out of hours on call function for which an appropriate allowance is paid under IOPC policy.

You will need relevant experience of undertaking investigations in any sector, such as social work, the probation services, local authority enforcement or regulatory services, as well as fraud or criminal justice. This role requires highly developed analytical and report writing skills, and an ability and commitment to acting independently. The IOPC is a public service and aims to ensure that everyone receives an equal service. To make this a reality we need innovative and socially aware people to join us. The IOPC are committed to developing the mindset of a team of diverse and passionate individuals reach their career goals whilst contributing to improving policing confidence.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; therefore, a standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be carried out for the successful candidate during the pre-employment process.

Recruitment Process*

We are advertising separately for various locations. Please only apply for your first choice location and indicate your additional location preferences within your application.

Information sessions - optional

At the application stage, you are encouraged to join an optional information session, to learn more about the role and assessment process. Details of the joining instructions for these Microsoft Teams sessions can be found in the attached document.,

Briefing Session - mandatory

Later in the process, if you are shortlisted for the assessment centre, you will be required to attend a mandatory briefing session. This session will provide further information about the role, the training programme, and what to expect when in post.

Attendance at the briefing session is an essential requirement. Applications from candidates who do not attend will not be progressed, as it is important that all applicants have a clear understanding of the role and its requirements.

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

We'll assess you against Experience and these Behaviours at *Higher Executive Officer (HEO)*equivalent level during the selection process:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

Stage 1: Technical Interview*

Technical interviews will take place between 9 and 23 September.

Candidates who are successfully shortlisted will be invited to attend a technical interview via Microsoft Teams. The interview is expected to last approximately 30 minutes.

We are aiming to send invitations to shortlisted candidates on 1 September.

Stage 2: Assessment Centre

The assessment centre will take place between 5 October and 13 November.

Candidates who are successful at Stage 1 will be invited to attend a three-part assessment centre, which will include a formal interview, role-play exercise, and written exercise. The assessment centre will be conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams.

Throughout Stages 1 and 2 of the recruitment process, we may assess your experience, behaviours, strengths, technical skills, and values.

Training

Successful applicants will be expected to start on 22 February 2027.

During training, you will undertake a period of induction and training. As part of the training programme, you will engage in a Professionalising Investigations Programme Level 1 (PIP1) that is designed to develop your skills and knowledge as an investigator whilst working to achieve a qualification. The PIP1 programme includes formal and, on the job, learning as well as the support to build a portfolio of evidence which will provide you with the skills and knowledge to become a PIP1 investigator. You will also complete the Pearson Unit 4 accreditation relating to leading IOPC investigations.

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