National Firearms Instructor

The Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) is an armed police service dedicated to the nuclear industry. Our vision is to be recognised nationally and internationally as the United Kingdom’s leading organisation for the provision of protective policing for the civil nuclear industry and other critical national infrastructure. Given the critical nature of our work, it’s vital that we recruit skilled and committed professionals to our team. We play a key role in the Strategic Armed Policing Reserve and have been deployed across the country as part of Operation Temperer in response to terrorist attacks.

Our role in protecting the UKs national security is unique. This crucial role as a National Firearms Instructor (NFI) will include supporting all aspects of firearms training delivery; the coaching of both tactical and range training; classroom-based training; designing training content; lesson preparation and Authorised Firearms Officer (AFO) assessments. You will support, develop, and facilitate the coaching of firearms tactics and weapon handling to a broad range of officers. From those on Initial Firearms Courses, to experienced Firearms Officers completing refresher training and specialist courses. You will work full-time on a 10 hour daytime shift pattern, which may include some weekends.

If you would like more information on Civil Nuclear Constabulary and our exciting future, please feel free to read our Three Year Strategic Plan.

We have multiple National Firearms Instructor vacancies available and we offer full training, but you would need to have a previous relevant background (i.e. Military, or AFO/ARV). The following pathways are available:

Current and competent National Firearms Instructors from other Police Forces
Previous National Firearms Instructors (ideally within the last 24 months)
Current or recent Military Personnel (ideally within 18 Months)
Current or previously serving Authorised Firearms Officers (ideally within 18 Months) looking to move into a Police Staff role.

Please ensure you attach a CV and Police/Military training record to your application, outlining your previous skills and experience. We will contact you directly to discuss in more detail.

Desirable Qualifications:

Previous experience instructing in the classroom/ conducting exercises and ranges such as skill at arms Instructor/Platoon Weapons/RMQ/ SA (B) (18)/ SA (A) (18)/SA (B) (90)/ SA (A) (90) or other relevant qualifications would be beneficial.
Recognised teaching qualification.

Location:

Griffin Park Tactical Training Centre is the biggest and most technologically advanced firearms training facility in Europe. Opened in 2020, this new facility provides a multi-faceted training experience that uniquely mirrors the operational environments our AFOs work in on a daily basis. This excellence is matched by our diverse team of NFIs who are trusted to utilise the wide breadth of training options the facility offers to make CNC AFOs the best in class.

Griffin Park is on the doorstep of the beautiful and sprawling Lake District National Park. Granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2019, the Lake District now rightfully sits alongside other wonders such as the Grand Canyon, Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal so when you aren’t on duty you are able to take the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of outdoor pursuits such as Mountain Biking, Climbing, Hiking, Kayaking, Canoeing, Sailing, Stand-Up Paddle Boarding, Open Water Swimming or simply enjoy a wonderful stroll across the fells or down the lesser known but ruggedly beautiful west Cumbrian coastline. Many of these activities are organised by our community of NFIs and support staff who regularly venture into the wilds and enjoy what the Lake District and Cumbria as a county has to offer.

Training:

All initial training will be paid for and includes hotel accommodation, food, transport and fuel costs and you will be paid from day one of your training.

Police staff NFIs are required to maintain their instructor occupational competence by conducting refresher training as required but are not operationally deployable police officers.

Current and competent National Firearms Instructors from other Police Forces and previous National Firearms Instructors are required to:

Attend 1-week corporate induction.
Complete required training in CNC AFO/CT role profile.
Successfully complete and submit COP mandated NFI assessment booklet.

Current or recent Military Personnel are required to:

Attend 1-week corporate induction.
Complete an 18-week initial foundation programme where you will learn law and police tactics, and all firearms related content such as qualifying on police issue firearms.
Complete an 8-week National Firearms Instructor Course (NFIC) where you will be taught and assessed in three main areas. Instructing in a classroom, conducting scenario-based exercises in the role of Exercise Conducting officer and conducting the role of Range Conducting Officer on static ranges, to become qualified as an NFI.

Additional qualifications will be gained as part of this course, namely: level 3 award in education and training, and a certificate in assessing vocational achievement.

Current or previously serving Authorised Firearms Officers are required to:

Attend 1-week corporate induction.
Complete required training in CNC AFO/CT role profile.
Complete an 8-week National Firearms Instructor Course (NFIC) where you will be taught and assessed in three main areas. Instructing in a classroom, conducting scenario-based exercises in the role of Exercise Conducting officer and conducting the role of Range Conducting Officer on static ranges, to become qualified as an NFI.

Additional qualifications will be gained as part of this course, namely: level 3 award in education and training, and a certificate in assessing vocational achievement.

Benefits:

27.5 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
Generous pension scheme (20.7% employer contribution)
Recognition of previous police service where applicable
Bonus scheme, between 5% and 7% of annual salary
Enhanced family friendly and wellbeing policies
Free parking and Gym at Griffin Park
Cycle to Work scheme
Officers and staff also have the opportunity to join the national Blue Light Card scheme which offers discounts on a variety of products and services to those working in the emergency services, NHS, and Armed Forces

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are central to the values of our organisation. At CNC we value and embrace the unique experiences, identities, and abilities that each of us bring to our roles. We strive to empower everyone to bring their authentic self openly and safely to work.

Through the dedicated commitment of our affinity networks, ED&I team, and wider HR departments, we are on a journey to embed our ED&I commitments, ensuring the CNC is an employer of choice, where everyone feels included.

Please review the video links below which will give you an overview of the vetting process that you will be required to go through if you are successful in your application to join the CNC:

Vetting: An Overview - https://youtu.be/lRit8RA7Zpo
Vetting and Finances - https://youtu.be/JmZP7r-9MEE
Vetting and Life Experiences - https://youtu.be/jVPHvgpB8nc
Vetting and Internet Use - https://youtu.be/hvXPicGQmYg

If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with us at jobs@cnc.police.uk.