Student Placement - Junior User Researcher - Technology - 2025/2026 - Counter Terrorism Policing HQ

Title: Student Placement - Junior User Researcher - Technology - 2025/2026 - Counter Terrorism Policing HQ

Department: Counter Terrorism Policing

Salary: £23,936

Location: West Brompton

Duration: 12 months

Number of students we are looking to recruit: 1

MORE CHALLENGES, MORE EXCITEMENT, MORE OPPORTUNITIES - BE AT THE HEART OF A CHANGING SERVICE

The MET

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) employs approximately 44,000 officers and Staff, plus thousands of volunteers and provides policing to one of the most diverse capital cities in the world. The service provides policing to the 32 London Boroughs as well as a number of other local, national and international functions such as counter terrorism and organised crime prevention. As the country’s largest police service, the service is recognised internationally as a leader in fighting crime and many other policing organisations look to the MPS for best practice and guidance.

We are looking to recruit students for a 52 week student placement with the Metropolitan Police Service. All roles will give students valuable insight and experience of working for one of the largest public organisations in the UK and the largest single employer in London. The role is a substantive post and we seek to provide valuable practical experience wherever our students work.

All roles will give students valuable insight and experience of working for one of the largest public organisations in the UK and the largest single employer in London. The role is a substantive post and we seek to provide valuable practical experience wherever our students work.

Counter Terrorism Policing

Counter Terrorism Policing is a collaboration of UK police forces working with the UK intelligence community to help protect the public and our national security by preventing, deterring and investigating terrorist activity. As the threat of terrorism continues to change and evolve, we need to be ready which means we need to be constantly adapting. Delivering change is hugely important therefore, and this is your chance to play your part in a challenge that is as important as it gets: protecting the UK and its communities.

Job Summary

As part of the Business Development, Strategy and Demand (BDSD) team, you will be working as a Junior User Researcher. You will assist the National CT Policing Community by carrying out research activities to glean a deep understanding of our operational colleagues requirements. This ultimately informing suitable technologies to deliver to our operational colleagues.

You will work closely with our Business Analysts supporting them in their role as well as taking on independent projects where suitable. You will work closely with our operational colleagues to understand their business problem/opportunity, so that you can document your findings within user requirement documents and scoping studies. For this role you will need strong communication, written and organisational skills, with an eye for detail, and enjoy problem solving as well as analysis.

Key Tasks

The placement will entail the following tasks:

To assist national CT Policing Community customers in the creation of appropriate user requirements, scoping studies and business cases.
Assist the Business Analysts in producing artefacts to further translate the business needs and technological options into digestible formats for various stakeholders to understand.
Where and when appropriate, to facilitate workshops and governance boards and produce appropriate business process models, identifying and implementing improvements.
To work with CTP HQ colleagues; Finance Services, Commercial Services and external agencies to ensure that projects are suitably commissioned and ensure they continue to deliver against the needs of the national CT Policing Community.

Key Skills

General

Excellent written and verbal communication skills: The post holder will be responsible for assisting in the capture and documentation of user information.
The post holder must have strong analytical skills.
The post holder must be adept at handling differences of opinion and to develop an environment where conflict or problems can be resolved amicably.
The post holder must have a high level of interpersonal, and communications skills in order to liaise with colleagues, third party suppliers, external consultants and contractors.

Analysis and Synthesis

You can:

understand how to apply basic techniques for the analysis of research data and synthesis of findings.
effectively involve your team in analysis and synthesis
present clear findings that colleagues can understand and use.

Inclusive Research

You can:

demonstrate some awareness of the diversity of users of government services and the need to make CTP HQ services usable and accessible for everyone.

Research

You can:

understand and demonstrate experience in basic user research methods.
understand when to use these methods and how to apply them correctly.
effectively involve your team in research activities

Society and Technology

You can:

show an awareness of the social and technological context of CTP HQ services.
understand the importance of understanding the life and work of users to design and deliver effective services.

Strategic Insight

You can:

show an awareness of the need to align user research with team goals to support decision making and action.

User-Centred and Agile Practices

You can:

show some understanding of user-centred service design and delivery practices.

Experience

Excellent communication skills.
Ability to work independently and also as part of a team.
Must exhibit the ability to prioritise both their own and the team’s workload.
Must exhibit ability to work under pressure and deal with competing demands.
Enthusiastic, committed and determined to achieve results.
Prepared to challenge attitudes and behaviours which are incompatible with CTPHQ Policies and Values.

Vetting

This post requires access to the most sensitive intelligence material on a daily basis. Applicants must hold or be prepared to undergo National Security Vetting (NSV) Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) level before taking up the post; with a willingness to undergo Developed Vetting (DV) once in post, if required.

Additionally, this material is of particular sensitivity to the UK and its distribution must be restricted to UK nationals. In approved circumstances dual nationals (of which one element is British) may also be granted access. However, in the event that potential conflicts of interest cannot be managed the post holder will not be able to see the intelligence material and will not be able to perform their duties. For the purpose of safeguarding national security and in line with Cabinet Office Policy, supported by Section 82(2) to (4) of the Police Reform Act (2002), applicants who do not hold or acquire Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) or Developed Vetting (DV) clearance and meet the nationality requirements cannot be offered the post.

Confidentiality Agreement

Applicants should also be aware of the need to sign a confidentiality agreement on taking up the post.

Our Employee Commitments

Counter Terrorism Policing aims to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere and culture and an environment where all our people feel a strong sense of belonging and are able to reach their full potential. Where any group or individual can be and feel respected, supported and valued to fully participate and contribute to our mission of “Working to keep people safe from Terrorism”.

Inclusion, diversity and equality is at the front and centre of our approach to make the composition of Counter Terrorism Policing more representative of the communities we serve. As Counter Terrorism is rooted in Local Policing, to tackle today’s complex policing challenges, applications from across all communities are therefore essential and encouraged. Counter Terrorism Policing as a network is committed to ensuring that disabled people and those with long-term health conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations’.

Counter Terrorism Policing is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working arrangements, including part time working or job share. In addition, this role has been reviewed following learning from work during the Covid pandemic and may be done in an agile manner. In the first instance, please contact the vacancy holder to discuss how such arrangements could be accommodated (where applicable).

How to apply

To apply, please visit our website. Applications will be via a detailed CV, Personal Statement and online application form. Your personal statement should outline why you are interested in the role and how your skills and experience demonstrate your suitability for the role (NB. Please do not attach 2 copies of your CV).

Completed applications must be submitted by 28th November 2024