Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW) is a five-force collaboration delivering Counter Terrorism (CT) services to our regional forces as well as forming part of the national CT Network. CTPNW’s mission is to work together to keep people safe from terrorism.
We are looking for a committed and outstanding individual who can support CTPNW in achieving its mission.
Research is the foundation of everything we do in CTPNW. Accuracy and attention to detail is vital to ensure assessments made are accurate to aid the decision-making process. As an Intelligence Researcher in CTPNW, you would be responsible for transforming raw information into meaningful data to support local and regional assessments and specialist investigations teams. Your research and scanning of available systems will aid the identification of emerging trends, patterns in behaviour and inform on key threats posed within the North West region.
You will be part of a large team of Intelligence Researchers and Analysts who are situated in three North West hubs – GMP, Lancashire and Merseyside. You will undertake a variety of written and visual products, both tactical and strategic in nature. The team in which the successful candidate will be situated will not be known until the vetting process is complete. Due to the sensitive systems and secure environments involved, this role is entirely office‑based and does not offer working from home. The role works to the flexi policy and although based in Manchester, you will be expected to travel around the NW region to attend meetings at multiple sites. Some Researcher training is provided by a national CT training team, therefore courses may be held in locations across the CT network and attendance would be expected.
Main Responsibilities:
- To scan and evaluate intelligence/information from open and closed sources and research various databases (both internal and external) to enable the Intelligence Analysts to produce accurate intelligence assessments.
- To produce accurate research summaries (written and verbal) utilising all available intelligence in order to provide direction and focus for the region.
- Working to strict time deadlines to identify and research all available data in relation to problems, patterns, trends or threats, risk and harm both regionally, nationally and internationally.
- To actively embrace problem solving policing with the aim of supporting intelligence/analytical products that will assist in the development of interventions that will fundamentally change the regional risk level.
- To liaise with internal units, other regional forces and the national co-ordination centre to ensure the appropriate sharing of information and intelligence, in line with all relevant legislation and policy.
All candidates who pass the paper sift will be required to attend a paper-based assessment (2 hours) to test propensity for the role, sessions will be held over 25 and 26th June 2026 at Manchester Force HQ. All candidates who pass the assessment will be invited to an interview w/c Monday 13th July 2026.
The role requires access to the most sensitive intelligence material daily and applicants must hold, or be prepared to undergo, National Security Vetting at Developed Vetting level before taking up the post. This comprehensive national security vetting process can take up to eight months to complete. Applicants should therefore expect a significant waiting period between application, clearance, and appointment, but you will be kept informed throughout.
