Trainee Investigator - Croydon - Hybrid Working

As a Trainee Investigator, you will be welcomed into a dynamic and inclusive Investigations team working locally and nationally on a wide range of IOPC investigations. The IOPC is on a journey to develop its culture, perspectives and ethos to support the organisation's core outcomes, and this is your opportunity to enter into the varied world of IOPC Investigations, allowing you to develop your mindset and approaches to contribute to improving the police complaints system in England and Wales.

You will engage in a Professionalising Investigations Programme Level 1 (PIP1) programme that is designed to develop your skills and knowledge as an investigator whilst working to achieve a qualification. The PIP1 development 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. The PIP1 programme is a mandatory part of your role and promotion to investigator requires the PIP1 programme to be completed in full.

You will be responsible for contributing to the delivery of high quality, robust and independent investigations, demonstrating our core values in all aspects of your role. As an IOPC investigator, your role will consist of assisting with and conducting, a broad range of investigative tasks including but not limited to:

- Collecting and analysing evidence including writing reports

- Working to stringent IOPC guidelines

- Witness and subject investigative interviews

- Visiting incident scenes where required and assisting in action taken to preserve and recover evidence

- Attending postmortems

- Taking part in criminal, misconduct, and inquest proceedings

- Communicating effectively with complainants, bereaved families, and other internal and external stakeholders

- Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team with lawyers, press officers and others

- Taking responsibility for your personal development and producing an accreditation portfolio

- Shadowing an investigator in the 24 hour on call facility and being prepared to work unsociable and extended hours

After completion of the PIP1 programme, you will be expected to engage in the revalidation programme. Revalidation ensures that your skills and knowledge are enhanced and maintained in line with the PIP requirements. Full engagement with the revalidation process is mandatory.

Security Level: Baseline Standard

National security vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Selection Process

This vacancy is using Success Profiles. As part of the application process you will be asked to complete four sift stage questions at the shortlisting stage. The level 1 Behaviours being assessed are:

• Working together


• Communicating and Influencing


The other sift questions relate to your experience and IOPC values.

We ask that you ensure you provide sufficient details to demonstrate your suitability for the role within your sift answers as this will be the only information visible to shortlisting panels.

For successful candidate who reach the assessment stage, we will provide further details about what areas will be assessed. Please note, it is likely the assessment centre will consist of a formal interview, written exercise and a role play.

Anticipated dates

Shortlisting: to be complete by 9 September 2024

Assessments: 17 September - 18 October 2024, During their employment within this role the post holder will complete the Trainee Investigator training programme which includes formal and on the job training. This will provide them with the skills and knowledge to achieve PIP1. On the job training will be carried out within an operational investigations team and will consist of assisting with and, in due course, conducting, a broad range of investigative tasks including but not limited to:

• Investigative actions on independent investigations into criminal and misconduct allegations in accordance with agreed IOPC guidelines.


• Witness and subject investigative interviews.


• Evidence collection, analysis and presentation.


• Visit incident scenes where required and assist in action taken to preserve and recover evidence.


• Attend post-mortems.


• Take part in criminal, misconduct and inquest proceedings.


• Prepare disclosure schedules for court and inquest proceedings.


• Assist in writing final investigation reports, summarising and analysing evidence.


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


• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team with Commissioners, lawyers, press officers and others.


• Take responsibility for personal development and producing an accreditation portfolio.


• Shadow an investigator in the 24 hour on call facility and be prepared to work unsociable and extended hours.


• Assist the Directorate in achieving its key deliverables.
  
  Technical: Driving licence valid in England & Wales. If not already held, employment will be conditional on passing the driving test within 12 months of starting employment. Once you are a qualified investigator, you will be expected to have the confidence to drive alone, in a fleet car, in all conditions including at night and on all road types such as motorways and country lanes.


Essesntial Experience:

• Analysing complex information and developing evidence-based conclusions, decisions or recommendations.


• Working with or assisting people from diverse backgrounds through active participation in community, voluntary or public-facing work.


• Working effectively in a team environment.


• Effective oral and written communication skills, including highly developed report writing 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.


• Working effectively in a changing environment.


Essential Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to show initiative and adapt in a changing environment.


• 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.


• Ability to analyse information and identify the key issues.


• Demonstrates the confidence and ability to cope with challenging situations.


• Ability to respond appropriately to the diverse needs of individuals and stakeholder groups.
  
  The IOPC is not eligible to participate in the Civil Service transfer process, therefore successful candidates will not be able to transfer to the IOPC on their existing terms and conditions.


The IOPC does not participate in the UK Visa Sponsorship Scheme therefore, candidates will have to provide evidence of their Right to Work in the UK if offered a role with us.

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.

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

Although we are currently unable to guarantee a longer or more permanent contract, if the role can be extended or made permanent, the successful post holder may be offered the role firstly without further interview., We do offer a Hybrid way of working. The IOPC is currently consulting with its consultative bodies about proposed changes to our hybrid working policy which will require all staff to work 20% of their contractual hours at their office base (or another office for business reasons) from 1 September 2024 and increased to 40% from April 2025. Office attendance time includes in-person training, meetings with stakeholders and families, and attending events. We are currently awaiting clarification once the consultation period has come to a close., As a completely independent organisation, the IOPC seeks to uphold the rights of the public and investigate the most serious matters, including deaths following police contact, to promote learning and influence change in policing. The IOPC is an organisation steeped in history, influenced by significant figures such as Stephen Lawrence and Sir William Macpherson. We are looking for people to uphold our core values, and in return we will give you a supportive and inclusive work environment to flourish in.

Be yourself

The IOPC is committed to promoting equality and valuing diversity in everything we do. Our vision is to be, and to be seen as, a leader in inclusive employment and services, demonstrating this ethos in everything that we do.

• As a silver standard Stonewall employer, we continue to commit to being a LGBTQ+ employer through the work of our Pride LGBTQ+ Staff Network, creating welcoming environments for lesbian, gay, bi and queer people.


• We are pleased to share that we are a signatory of the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter. The Charter is composed of five calls to action for leaders and organisations across all sectors.


• Being a Disability Confident employer, the IOPC is dedicated to removing the barriers for disabled people to thrive in the workplace.


• Our Staff Networks are constantly working to make the IOPC the leaders of inclusive employment, from our Allyship Programme to Welsh Language Standards and our Know the Line Policy, we are constantly seeking new ways to create an environment for all to develop and thrive.
  
  27.5 days paid annual leave (increasing with service to 32.5 days)


• Options to carry over, buy or sell annual leave


• 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 focused on each of the protected characteristics - run for staff, by staff: Enable Network, Welsh Network, Pride and LGBTQI+ 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 behaviours