Witness Care Officer - Police Staff


Posted on 4th Jun 2025

Witness Care Officer - Police Staff

 We currently have a vacancy for a Witness Care Officer to join our team in the Witness Care Unit - part of the Criminal Justice Department of Nottinghamshire Police. 

 

As a Witness Care Officer, you will work in a close-knit team made up of 13 Witness Care Officers, 3 Administration Assistants, and 1 Team Leader.

 

The Witness Care Officer role is office-based Monday – Friday.  Contact with victims/witnesses is via phone, email, letter, SMS TXT, etc…there is no face-to-face/in person interaction with victims and/or witnesses.

 

WCOs deal with the full spectrum of cases from shop thefts right through to the most serious offences such as serious sexual assaults, domestic abuse matters and fatalities.

 

WCOs work to standards and timescales set out in the Victim’s Code of Practice and Witness Charter with a focus on updating victims and vulnerable witnesses within 24 hours of receiving a court outcome.

 

WCOs provide court outcomes, updates, information and practical support to victims and witnesses who have provided statements in criminal matters moving through the Courts.

 

WCOs arrange, where appropriate, travel, accommodation, interpreters, and childcare for witnesses/victims who are required to attend court. They gain and provide witness availabilities to CPS to aid in setting trial dates.  They inform victims and witnesses of late changes to trial schedules and make onward referrals to third sector organizations which provide emotional and other types of support to victims and witnesses.

 

Given current backlogs in the courts, a growing part of the WCO role is to keep victims and witnesses engaged in the process throughout what can be long delays. 

 

As a WCO you will liaise with police officers, the Crown Prosecution (CPS) and His Majesty’s Court and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) and Witness Service working to support effective trials in both Magistrates and Crown Court. 

 

The successful candidate will have experience providing services or support to clients in a sensitive and supportive manner and in a pressurized environment.  They must have excellent communication skills, be detail focused and have the capacity to maintain professionalism and empathy while managing large caseloads and working to strict deadlines.  Occasional late shift working as part of a pre-planned team Rota is required. 

 

The ability to maintain a certain level of emotional detachment from clients and cases while providing a victim centered service is also key with a view to maintaining a healthy work/life balance.

 

For further information about the role please contact Ben Sutton Witness Care Team Leader

 

ben.sutton@nottinghamshire.pnn.police.uk

When applying, please complete the information on the next few screens referring to the person specification and job description to indicate your suitability for the role. You can also attach a supporting statement of no more than 2000 words and your CV. Please ensure any documents you attach during your application do not have your name or any identifiable personal details included within the text or the document name, so that your application can remain anonymous.

For current Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner staff applicants, please note that Nottinghamshire Police would be a new employer. However, an agreement has been made whereby all tenure and length of service will be honoured.

Vetting Level – Recruitment– you must have resided in the UK for at least the last 3 years

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Candidates currently at risk will be required to complete and attach the at-risk pro-forma document. 

All applicants will be subject to the Nottinghamshire Police Vetting Policy. 

Nottinghamshire Police is committed to the principles of Equality, Fairness and Diversity, and we welcome applications from all sections of the community in our efforts to recruit a diverse and flexible workforce that reflects the people we serve.

  

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