Research and Development Officer

To work as part of a team in an office environment to support the management of safeguarding referrals into the Central MASH. The role involves creating new crimes/non-crimes using the decision tree in Connect, conducting intelligence research on connected persons via a number of IT systems, and the review and recording of this intelligence and information on Connect investigation logs.

This information will then need to be shared with relevant agencies and/or the MASH.
The offences will include child abuse (sexual, physical, and neglect), honour-based abuse, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, human trafficking, child sexual exploitation, domestic abuse, unexpected child death and homicide.

Key Responsibilities

Understand WMP statutory responsibilities under Section 11 Children Act 2004, and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023.
To understand local MASH processes for sharing safeguarding information in Birmingham.
Receive, read, and review referrals from internal WMP departments and external partner agencies updating relevant police IT systems (including PNC, PND, Connect, and Insight)
Be able to identify child and adult safeguarding issues (including domestic abuse) and flag to the appropriate department or agency or escalate to a supervisor
Ensure MASH supervision are informed of priority referrals requiring a supervisory review in order for a timely and appropriate response to the case presented
Using Connect decision tree to create the correct crime or non-crime record for the safeguarding referrals and ensure decision making on crime recording is compliant with Home Office Counting Rules.
Conduct comprehensive intelligence checks using WMP and national intelligence systems – specifically Connect, Insight, PNC, PND, and other systems as required
Decide which intelligence material is relevant to the referral and ensure this is accurately documented on the crime record on Crimes Portal
To effectively communicate with internal and external partners to ensure adequate information is obtained for on-going progression of referrals and to fill any information gaps.
To respond to queries by phone and email from other agencies who need to discuss a new or existing referral and update on progress or signpost to colleagues as required.
Undertake continuous professional development relevant to role by attending identified training opportunities.
Have an understanding of the Child Abuse referral process and provide support to the referral process and MASH intelligence where necessary.
Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role such as basic business support and administration as required.
Demonstrate flexibility in the coverage of the core hours identified (0800x1800).

Knowledge and Skills

Essential Criteria

Excellent keyboard skills, speed, and accuracy
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work as part of a team
Ability to learn new processes and systems quickly and efficiently
Knowledge of Data Protection, GDPR and information sharing agreements
Ability to manage own workload, prioritising when required and taking initiative to resolve problems
Ability to research intelligence on police systems and extract relevant material and information
Exceptional organisational skills
Must be able to work under pressure at times and to tight deadlines
Effective and accurate communication skills, both written and verbal
Evidence of competent IT Skills
Demonstrable flexibility
Able to manage and prioritise their own workload

Desirable Criteria

Demonstrate sound investigative and analytical skills, together with the knowledge and understanding of crime investigation procedures and reporting requirements.
Understanding of child safeguarding pathways
Experience in the use of PNC
Experience in the use of PND
Experience in the use of Connect and Insight

Prospective officers and staff must be held to a higher standard of behaviour and accountability than members of the public, and that therefore their right to privacy can be fettered in certain circumstances. This is to ensure that members of the police are fully aware and accountable for the unique powers entrusted to them and the standards of professional behaviour they swear to uphold.

Vetting: Successful applicants will be required to pass Recruitment Vetting and Counter Terrorism Clearance scrutiny prior to commencing their role, this will include a full background & financial disclosure as part of the vetting process

Hours: Monday-Friday between 0800x1800hrs (flexibility is required and successful applicant will be expected to work at least one 10x6 per week and 9x5 on a Friday)

Interviews: w/c 19.05.2025 or w/c 02.06.2025

Contact: For further information regarding this role, please contact Jen Pullinger on jen.pullinger@westmidlands.police.uk

West Midlands Police is 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.

“Diversity and Inclusion Vision: Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities”.

By choosing to join West Midlands Police you will receive an enhanced benefits package including:

- Fair remuneration with progression opportunities, and access to a very competitive pension scheme

- Enhanced annual leave in additional to public holiday entitlements

- Discounts across travel, parking, daily costs of living and leisure activities

- A comprehensive wellbeing package including 24/7 support, free eye tests and flu jabs