Vetting Officer - Counter Terrorism Policing

Closing date: 16 March 2025, 11:59pm

Salary: £27,747 - £31,296 ▪ Grade: 4

Today terrorism is a constant threat within the United Kingdom. By joining Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) West Midlands, you can directly contribute to keeping the UK safe and help us tackle the threat. The West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit (WMCTU) forms part of a national network of specialist services and UK police forces, helping protect the public against terrorist activity.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic individual to join the National Security Vetting team at the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit (WMCTU). This role is based in our modern offices near to the Birmingham International Airport. You’ll work Monday to Friday, between the core hours of 0700 – 1600.

The role

National Security Vetting is an integral part of a police force’s framework of ethics and professional standards. It assists with identifying individuals who are unsuitable to work within the police service, or to have access to police assets. As a Vetting Officer within WMCTU, you’ll play a key part in ensuring our staff are appropriately National Security vetted, preventing individuals who carry threat and risk from joining the West Midlands Police (WMP).

You’ll be responsible for completing security vetting research on applicants looking to join WMP and WMCTU, who require a National Security Vetting clearance due to the sensitivities of the roles applied for. This will involve researching information on intelligence systems in order to assess potential threat and risk. You’ll have proven research skills and be able to compile clear recommendations on sensitive vetting cases.

Working together within a dedicated team of National Security vetting experts, you’ll also provide advice and support as a Subject Matter Expert regarding vetting requirements with regard to Counter Terrorism Checks (CTC), Security Checks (SC) and Developed Vetting (DV) clearances.

Having the scope to work on your own initiative you’ll be part of a flexible and friendly team. This is a unique, varied, and rewarding challenge within a busy and dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

Utilising a range of Police Information Systems to undertake Counter Terrorism research, criminal records and intelligence checks.
Maintaining confidentiality and security of information with a thorough working understanding of Data Protection GDPR legislation and the Government Security Classification.
Accurately interpreting and recording information and intelligence regarding vetting applicants and to manage the security and storage or this information.
Making an initial assessment on the relevance/appropriateness of information researched to establish potential threat and risk.
Compiling and documenting clear recommendations on vetting cases for the consideration of the Vetting Decision Maker.
Maintaining and updating computerised Management Information Systems.
Supporting the production of statistical performance data.
Liaising with stakeholders and external partners.
Actively participating in meetings making valued contributions.
Dedication to continuous professional development, especially in relation to research techniques and skills.

Skills and competencies
Essential

Using computers to conduct systems research and trace work, including previous usage of Windows based software, databases and any other formalised records system.
Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
Experience of working both within a team, and on own initiative including managing and prioritising own workload.
Possess a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail with the ability to assimilate complex data and information.
Experience of maintaining standard operating procedures, processes and audit controls.
Proficient IT skills in Microsoft Office, Word, Outlook and Excel.

Desirable

Experience of working in a research capacity.
Experience of producing usable performance and management information.
Experience of presenting data in graphical and numerical format.

Security Clearance

⚠ This role is subject to successful completion of Developed Vetting.

You must be a citizen of one of the following countries to work for Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands (CTPWM). The UK (including Northern Ireland), USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. If you hold dual nationality, with one of those being British, you may also be considered. For the purposes of safeguarding national security, applicants will be required to hold or acquire the appropriate national security vetting clearance as above, in line with Cabinet Office Policy, supported by Section 82(2) to (4) of the Police Reform Act (2002). CTPWM will support preferred candidates through the appropriate vetting process.

Diversity & Inclusion
We maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities, whilst protecting them from harm.

Counter Terrorism Policing is always working to build upon our diverse workforce to reflect the country we serve. An inclusive culture enables us to do things differently, working in ways that meet individuals’ needs, flexing working patterns to ensure work-life balance is healthy so that we deliver the best for the organisation.
We are a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. As part of our commitment we operate a Disability Confident Interview Scheme - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview.

It is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria for the job. For example, in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. In these circumstances, the employer could select the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job, as they would do for non-disabled applicants.

Please do not attach a CV/covering letter as these will not be used during the application process.