Skip to main content
AfterDuty

Lead Investigator - Birmingham

Independent Office for Police Conduct · Birmingham, West Midlands

Type
Full-time
Posted
7 days ago

Overview

Details A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% GBP Job grade Other Type of role Investigation Working pattern Full-time Number of jobs available 2 Contents • About the job • Benefits • Things you need to know • Apply and further information About the job Job summary Our…

About this role

Details

A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

GBP

Job grade

Other

Type of role

Investigation

Working pattern

Full-time

Number of jobs available

2

Contents

About the job

Benefits

Things you need to know

Apply and further information

About the job

Job summary

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 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.

Job description

Leading independent investigations into criminal and misconduct allegations in accordance with agreed IOPC guidelines.

Undertaking investigative actions, including interviewing and taking statements, preparing case files and making recommendations for criminal and/or disciplinary action.

Visiting incident scenes and supervising scene management where required to ensure that all necessary action is taken to preserve and recover evidence.

Writing investigation reports upon completion of the investigation for submission to the IOPC decision maker.

Identifying potential learning for police forces to consider improving the service they provide and prevent harm to the public.

Please refer to the Job Description for full role responsibilities.

Person specification

Essential Experience

Conducting investigative interviews, evidence gathering, analysis and presentation.

Evidence of effective oral and written communication skills.

Evidence of excellent analytical and report writing skills; ability to reach and document clear, rational, evidence-based, and independent decisions based on analysis of existing and emerging information.

Experience of engaging effectively with a diverse range of people and stakeholders, and evidence of a commitment to equality and diversity within the workplace.

Delivering a high standard of work within demanding timescales.

Identification of operational and organisational risk.

Working effectively in a changing environment.

Full driving licence valid for driving in the UK

Essential Skills and Abilities

Ability to show initiative and adapt in a changing environment.

Writing investigation reports upon completion of the investigation for submission to the IOPC decision maker.

Communicate effectively with complainants, bereaved families, and other internal and external stakeholders.

Ability to recognise your development needs and be proactive in addressing them.

Ability to prioritise and manage tasks effectively to deliver quality outcomes within demanding timescales.

Ability to work effectively in a team with diverse ideas and people.

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and adapt communication styles as appropriate.

Desirable Technical

PiP2 qualification or equivalent investigative experience

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,596, Independent Office for Police Conduct contributes £10,891 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides .

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

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

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

For more information, please visit the role on the IOPC recruitment portal.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

About investigation roles for ex-police

Investigator roles across corporate, insurance, financial and public-sector settings. Interviewing (PEACE), evidence handling, disclosure and case-file discipline are exactly what these employers struggle to hire.

See all investigation jobs in Birmingham

Why this fits a police background — match score 100/100

  • Police experience explicitly valued
  • Interviewing (PEACE / ABE)
  • Evidence & case files
  • Financial crime & fraud
  • Investigative casework

What investigation roles pay ex-police

Advertised UK ranges, editorial estimates reviewed July 2026

Claims / junior investigator£28,000–£38,000
Corporate / counter-fraud investigator£35,000–£48,000
Senior investigator£48,000–£65,000
Investigations manager£60,000–£85,000
Full investigation salary guide →

More investigation jobs for ex-police

  • Investigations Manager – Core Business - Welsh Desirable

    Independent Office for Police Conduct · Birmingham

    Full-time

    Package Description What we Offer: • 27.5 days paid annual leave (increasing with service to 32.5 days) • OThe option to buy, sell, or carry over annual leave is reviewed each year and offered when possible.

    Posted 4 days ago

  • Investigations Manager – Major Investigations - Welsh Desirable

    Independent Office for Police Conduct · Birmingham

    Full-time

    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.

    Posted 4 days ago

  • Lead Investigator - Birmingham

    Independent Office for Police Conduct · Birmingham

    Full-time

    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…

    Posted 9 days ago

  • Investigations Manager - Core - Welsh Desirable

    Independent Office for Police Conduct · London

    Full-time

    Package Description What we Offer: • 27.5 days paid annual leave (increasing with service to 32.5 days) • OThe option to buy, sell, or carry over annual leave is reviewed each year and offered when possible.

    Posted 4 days ago