Job Introduction
As an Investigations Disclosure Practitioner, you will be welcomed into a dynamic and inclusive IOPC Core Business Investigations, providing high quality disclosure skills to support investigations.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) exists to investigate complaints fairly and thoroughly. The IOPC has the power to initiate, carry out and oversee investigations. It is also responsible for monitoring the way complaints are handled by local police forces. 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.
The role of an Investigations Disclosure Practitioner 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 IOPC Operations Directorate is overseen by the Deputy Director General (Operations), who is responsible for delivery of all operational work.
The IOPC operate on a digital Case Management System (CMS) which allows for the electronic management of case building. Disclosure is also a key component part of the CMS, and the Investigations Disclosure Practitioner will be able to fulfil their role within the system.
The Investigations Disclosure Practitioner role may provide advice and guidance to other staff that are fulfilling this role throughout the organisation.
Working conditions
The IOPC are currently consulting with our 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 and increased to 40% from April next year. Office attendance time includes in-person training, meetings with stakeholders and families, and attending events. Requirement to stay away from home to achieve operational requirements when deemed necessary.
Our office locations that you can choose to work from are:
- Wakefield
- Sale
- Birmingham
- Cardiff
- Canary Wharf
- Croydon
For this role you will support one of the following regions and may be expected to travel to the region occasionally. We may cover travel expenses for this if you are travelling to an office that is not your ‘home’ office.
- Wakefield
- Sale
- Cardiff
- Canary Wharf
Selection Process
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, to find out more, please click here.
As part of the application process, you will be asked three sift questions which are based on your experience and behaviours. We'll assess you against the following Success Profiles level 2 behaviours during the application process:
- Making effective decisions
- Working together
You will also be asked a sift question at this stage based on your Experience.
Throughout the recruitment process we may also assess your Experience, Behaviours, Strengths, Technical skills and Values.
Important Dates
Anticipated interview dates are mid-end of August.
Main Responsibility
- 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.
- Identify deficiencies and problems with continuity or other evidence related matters, inform the Operations Team Leader / Lead Investigator and ensure best evidence is obtained.
- Identify any material that is subject to Public Interest Immunity (PII), completing the relevant documentation.
- Liaise with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Appropriate Authority, Coroner, other agencies, and counsel at case conferences and discuss disclosure, PII issues and possible defence arguments, as necessary.
- Monitor preparation of the disclosure schedules ensuring they are presented in the required format and submitted within statutory time limits.
- Liaise with Lead Investigator regarding existence, handling, and scheduling of sensitive material.
- Maintain security of all sensitive material, including source or surveillance material.
- Prepare reports and presentations to investigators, legal representatives and the judiciary as required.
- Produce MG disclosure schedules using the CMS database or manual schedules where necessary.
- This work may be completed whilst part of a disclosure team and each individual Investigations Disclosure Practitioner is responsible for their assessment of the material and is accountable in proceedings.
- Contact identified third parties that hold material which may be relevant to the investigation and request them to hold the material for inspection or for its production to the court.
- Ongoing assessment of material as the case develops and / or on receipt of a defence statement.
- Ensure that necessary care for victims and witnesses is provided in an ethical and empathic manner and in accordance with legislation, policies, and procedures.
- Keep up to date with and understand and apply all changes to recent legislation and case law.
- Respond appropriately to any relevant authority and take appropriate action to address any issues that arise as a result of hearings.
- Attend Court or hearings as required.
- Identify actions taken, lessons learned and good practice, sharing details with appropriate personnel.
- In conjunction with the Lead Investigator manage the closure of the investigation to ensure that the judicial processes and continuity needs are met in accordance with relevant legislation and policies.
- The post holder may be requested to support operational requirements across the IOPC regional locations and as such a degree of flexibility is required.
The Ideal Candidate
Essential Experience
- Proven experience of undertaking the role of Investigations Disclosure Practitioner or equivalent in a criminal investigation, experience of using the electronic Case Management Systems.
- Experience of having been a case builder who has completed files of evidence for criminal trials at the Magistrates, Coroners and Crown Courts.
- 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.
Essential Technical
- A sound knowledge and understanding of the Criminal Procedure & Investigations Act 1996 and relevant amendments to disclosure requirements.
Desirable Technical
- Practical knowledge of CPIA, DPA, FOI, PRA and GPMS.
- Current UK DVLA Driving Licence.
The role requires clearance to BPSS
National security vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Reasonable Adjustments
- Extra time for presentations or interview questions
- Formatting changes such as colours for text or background on written assignments
- Questions presented in writing during interviews
If you require any reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process, please email campaigns@policeconduct.gov.uk
#IND
Package Description
- 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
Additional Information:
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.
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
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.
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 campaigns@policeconduct.gov.uk and this can be arranged.
Rydym yn croesawu ymgeiswyr i ymgeisio am rolau trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg fel eu dewis iaith.
About the Company
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.
