PC Dog Training Instructor- Transferee

We are seeking a committed and experienced Police Constable to join our Dog Unit as a 'Dog Training Instructor,' through our transferee recruitment.

In this role, you will plan, develop, and deliver initial and ongoing training to both General Patrol and Specialist Search dog handlers, in line with the National Canine Training Accreditation Scheme (NCTAS), College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice (APP), and NPCC Dog Training Standards.

About the role:

Our dog handling team is one of the most progressive dog sections within the UK and are responsible for delivering specialist operational policing services 24/7 to the communities of Avon and Somerset.

On a day-to-day basis you will be working as part of a friendly team of 5 Dog Instructors reporting to the Dog Training Manager, all working towards the same common goal of providing dog training of the highest standards. You will have support from the motivated and enthusiastic handlers of the wider Dog Section, and the Ops Training Department based at the Wilfred Fuller Centre.

The successful candidate will be expected to work a 10-hour shift schedule, Monday through Thursday.

Key Responsibilities:

Plan, develop and deliver initial training to prospective dog handlers, in line with National Canine Training Accreditation Scheme (NCTAS), College of Policing APP and NPCC Dog Training Standards.
Plan, develop and deliver dog specific training for GPD and specialist dogs.
Ensure accurate training and accreditation records are maintained in line with force protocols.
Work with the Training Manager to develop bespoke training intervention and action plans, where appropriate, to ensure standards are maintained with the operational effectiveness of the police dog teams.
Review suitability of prospective working dogs by assessing whether they are appropriate to be trained as police dogs.
To ‘run on’ dog(s) when required to ensure operational resilience.
To provide resilience within the general training team as a specialist and general trainer.
Provide support and development to any officers who assist with occasional training delivery.
To have sufficient role specific knowledge to advise officers, statutory partners and the public, on deployments and legislation surrounding Police Dogs.
To ensure good working relationships are maintained with both internal and external partners.
To handle an operational Police Dog, subject to operational needs.
Top act as a POPS Dog Serial Commander, subject to Operational Demand.
Take responsibility for Continuous Professional Development in line with College of Policing APP and NCTAS requirements.

Am I eligible?

You must be transferring from a Home Office Force:

have no live written improvement notices issued under the Police (Performance) Regulations 2012 or reduction in rank under those procedures in the previous 18 months
have no live written warning, final written warning or extended final written warning issued under the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2012; (note – a finding of misconduct but where no separate penalty is applied (Regulation 35(1)(b)), does not debar an officer from proceeding)
have no improvement notice/action plan in place, in accordance with the Police Officer Performance and Attendance procedures.
Be an experienced Dog handler within your current force.
Hold a current NPCC GP Dog Instructor qualification with evidence of CPD.
Have an NPCC Specialist Search Qualification or meet the eligibility requirements to attend an instructors’ course based on experience.

If you reside outside of the force area and wish to apply, this would be subject to a special dispensation being granted by Avon and Somerset.

What We Offer

Avon and Somerset Constabulary has gained a reputation as a pioneering and innovative force which has led the way on a number of initiatives and gained recognition for our ongoing commitment to support, develop and empower our staff to deliver the best possible service to the public.

We have the potential to offer you a better quality of life coupled with exciting and challenging policing.

Avon and Somerset polices 1,844 square miles of moorland, farmland, coastline, holiday resorts, market towns and cities including Bath and Bristol, one of England’s eight core cities. It is intersected by the M4 and M5, major rail routes to Wales and the Southwest, and home to Bristol International Airport and Bristol Port, Britain’s most centrally located deep seaport. Glastonbury Festival, Europe’s largest music festival, and Badminton Horse Trials are two of the force’s most significant events.

A diverse, multi-cultural population of 1.65 million and approximately 679,000 households, swelled by a large student population and tourists, brings challenges in policing, with pockets of substantial wealth contrasting deprived localities and communities. Ensuring equality of access to policing for all and achieving a diverse and representative workforce are priorities for the force.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary are proud to support a representative workforce. We are neurodiversity and inclusive organisation that welcomes applications from everyone. Our inclusive culture - Avon & Somerset Police

The Recruitment Process

To apply for this vacancy, click apply at the bottom of this screen.
Shortlisting process – review of training records, sickness record and probationary completion from current force and suitability for the role
Interview
Pre-employment checks.

Additional information regarding these checks can be found here: Police transferees and promotions | Avon and Somerset Police

What you need to know

Current Force policy requires officers to live within the Avon and Somerset Constabulary borders and ordinarily within a 30-mile radius of their posting. However, we would strongly recommend that you do not enter into any lease or purchase of property until a posting is confirmed.

Postings are determined based on operational demand and priorities. Individual preferences will be noted, and attempts made to accommodate, depending on available vacancies.

You will ordinarily be expected to remain in your first posting within the Constabulary for a minimum of two years, however, this would not preclude you applying for promotion should you wish in this timeframe.

Salary and leave

Officers in the Avon and Somerset Constabulary are paid in accordance with the national rates. Salaries are paid directly into officer's bank or building society account on the 28th of each month.

Leave already booked by a successful officer will be honoured for this year, but officers must advise us of these dates in writing when invited to attend for interview.

Any Time off in Lieu must be taken prior to joining Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

Under most circumstances pension rights are directly transferable from one force to another.

Additional information:

If you have any questions about the role please contact Insp Ricki Lippiatt, Ricki.Lippiatt@avonandsomerset.police.uk.

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact TalentTransferees@avonandsomerset.police.uk

Please note that no ride along or attachments will be available until the practical assessments of this process have been completed.