Force Vetting Research Officer

Our Vetting Department is a friendly team sat within the Professional Standards Department, supporting each other by providing advice and assistance to ensure the high standards are upheld. The work carried out by this department is crucial and is an integral part of policing.

You will be providing an effective service to process our organisations vetting checks on all applicants that apply to join Avon & Somerset and their associations. Vetting is reviewed throughout an individual’s employment/service period also. Alongside this we also process vetting for individuals who may work alongside the police force, such as contractors and partnership workers. These checks are in-line with the National vetting guidance, and this ensures that only persons of the right standard are allowed to access our systems and premises.

You will work alongside a team of Research Officers, you do not need a background in vetting as full in house training will be provided.

We currently have a vacancy available -1 x fixed term contracts until November 2026.

Your main responsibilities will include:

Inputting application data into a range of computer systems to retrieve and analyse information to decide on the suitability of an applicant or refusal of an applicant for employment within Avon and Somerset Constabulary.
Operating an effective vetting procedure by utilising knowledge of the Vetting Code of Practice/APP to investigate/analyse and identify issues relating to individuals suitability for employment.
Maintaining/administering a central staff vetting filing system and process all related correspondence, as well as dealing with various internal departments and external organisations to facilitate enquiries.
Researching individual backgrounds using a range of systems including Police National Computer, local and national criminal intelligence systems, credit reference applications and voters registers and, where necessary conducting interviews in conjunction with the Senior Vetting Advisor in order to ascertain candidates version of events so that a fair and consistent decision can be reached.
Despatching documentation to individuals and managers, necessary to support any risks identified in the vetting process in order to ensure any risk is mitigated where standards conflict with the Code of Practice.
Providing a ‘help’ facility and advise personnel teams and managers (Force wide) about vetting requirements.
Researching all intelligence disclosures that may impact on suitability for clearance and consider the security implications for such disclosures.

Experience and skills required for the role:

Computer literacy (i.e. Microsoft and bespoke packages)
Excellent eye for detail
Experience of decision making
Ability to apply procedures and policies
Awareness of the Data Protection Act as well as the Vetting Code of Practice / APP
Experience of researching information and compiling documents
Experience in administration (i.e. filing, scanning etc.)

What we can offer you:

A package of financial, lifestyle and health benefits to support whatever stage of life you're in. Including:

Flexible working
Continuous professional development
Local Government Pension Scheme
Employee Assistance scheme offering help through counselling services, legal advice, fitness advice, personal coaching and health assessment
Staff discount scheme for savings on shopping, days out, sporting events, holidays
Blended working approach with the option to work from your home address for a proportion of the week
Free on-site parking

Additional Information:

This a blended role working between Police Headquarters and your home address. The role is full time working office hours across Monday to Friday, hours to be discussed with the successful applicant.

Applicants successful at shortlisting will be invited to attend interview.

To be eligible to apply for this role you must have a 5 year ‘checkable history’ in the UK – ideally this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last 5 years.

For more information please see job description attached below or contact Lauren Skyrme via email Lauren.Skyrme@avonandsomerset.police.uk