Job Introduction

Job Introduction:

As a HOLMES Indexer 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.

Responsible for accurately inputting, analysing and researching data on the Home Office Large Major Enquiry System (HOLMES). Ensuring compliance with the Investigation policy decisions, national guidelines and provide support and guidance to investigations staff working on HOLMES supported investigations.

Alongside other Operations Specialist Support Team members, ensure the database is fit for purpose to enable disclosure to take place, build files for court and create jury bundles. Participate in de-briefs and/or other forums to provide details of any lessons learnt during an investigation to enable discussion, in relation to IOPC HOLMES processes. To inform future policies and practises by ensuring HOLMES forms part of the IOPC’s learning and development environment.

The HOLMES Suite located at the Sale office, is purpose built to support a major investigation or an Investigation of National Significance. There is appropriate security and suitable storage for investigation material, including exhibits.

This role will particularly focus on providing support in relation to disclosure for misconduct and criminal proceedings.

As a HOLMES Indexer you may view some distressing or sensitive material gathered as part of our independent investigations.

We'll assess you against these Executive Officer (EO) Level behaviours during the selection process:

Working Together

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

Throughout the recruitment process we will also assess your Experience, Strengths, Technical Skills and Values.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete 3 Sift Questions based on the essential criteria.

Anticipated assessment and interview dates are estimated to take place W/C 10th August 2026.

#IND

Main Responsibility

To effectively support HOLMES supported Major Investigations, in relation to Police Reform Act (PRA) and Criminal Investigations. The support of the team relates to investigations managed on the Home Office Large Major Enquiry System (HOLMES).

Assist with the maintenance and management of key information received during an IOPC investigation through maintaining a HOLMES database to support any level of IOPC investigation.
Maintain the HOLMES database through indexing and administrative tasks in accordance with local policies.
Undertake detailed research prior to creating any records to avoid duplication
Accurately register all documentation entering the investigation to appropriate indexes on the HOLMES 2 database
Raise actions, as requested by a receiver or other designated requestor to the correct index and with enough information to assist the investigator in knowing where to obtain initial information about the subject of the action. Ensuring you record the source document for the action and being mindful of disclosure requirements for any personal information within action text.

Please refer to the Job Description for full role responsibilities.

The Ideal Candidate

The Ideal Candidate:

Essential Experience/Skills

Recent experience (on or after July 2024) undertaking the role of HOLMES Indexer on large and/or complex investigations

Proven experience of researching the HOLMES database to provide information, as requested to the Director or Operations Manager
Proven experience of working effectively in a team environment.
Ability to work effectively under pressure,
Experience of dealing with internal parties to complete tasks successfully.
Experience of knowledge sharing across internal departments to enhance in-house learning
Experience of working on own initiative and taking decisions within a framework of delegation
Analytical skills with the capacity to absorb/organise new information to ensure well briefed on new topics.
Comfortable taking decisions within a clear framework of delegation.

Experience of analysing and extracting information from various sources and translating and summarising into a clear format for others
Experience of working in an environment where a high level of attention to detail and an ability to work accurately is essential
Sound administrative skills, ability to work under pressure and prioritise tasks.
Experience of dealing with internal parties to complete tasks successfully.
Strong inter-personal (written and oral) communication skills.

Desirable Experience/Skills

Practical knowledge of Data Protection Act, Freedom of Information and Government Protected Marking Scheme.

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 ethnically diverse backgrounds, parents and carers, and disabled candidates, including neurodiverse candidates.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all applicants and creating an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and supported.

The role requires Basic DBS clearance

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

Reasonable Adjustments:

The IOPC is a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we want to help you demonstrate your full potential whatever type of assessment is used.

Please refer to our Reasonable Adjustment guidance document linked to this job advert on how to access Reasonable Adjustments with us.

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 may 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 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.

About the Company

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.

Being a Disability Confident employer, the IOPC is dedicating to removing the barriers for disabled people to thrive in the workplace. Please refer to our Reasonable Adjustment guidance document linked to this job advert on how to access Reasonable Adjustments with us.
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.

Working Conditions

The IOPC operates a hybrid working policy which requires all staff to work an average of 40% of their contractual hours at their office base (or another office for business reasons). Office attendance time includes in-person training, meetings with stakeholders and families, and attending events.

Positive Action

Positive action as detailed in the Equality Act 2010, allows us to use measures designed to help improve equality in the workplace, and create a level playing field for all, whilst still employing everyone based on merit. Our workforce profile data shows that people who identify as black, Asian and minority ethnic are under-represented at the IOPC. 

For this role – should we have a situation where multiple candidates have achieved the highest score and one identifies as black, Asian or minority ethnic, by using positive action, we can select that candidate for the role, therefore improving this area of under-representation at the IOPC. We will only use positive action in this way where the highest scoring candidates have all scored equally, at the final assessment stage, and above our required threshold.

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