Join Our Team as a Firearms & Explosives Licensing Enquiry Officer
About the Role
The Firearms and Explosives Licensing Unit is responsible for granting firearms, shotgun, and explosives certificates to applicants who have a legitimate reason for possession and who present no risk to public safety. This is carried out under the provisions of the Firearms Act 1968, using a risk-assessed approach and applying the National Decision-Making Model.
What We’re Looking For
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to manage sensitive situations professionally and diplomatically.
- Strong analytical, investigative and decision-making skills.
- The ability to identify and assess concerns relating to suitability and public safety.
- Good observation and intelligence-gathering skills.
- The ability to work independently and manage your workload effectively.
- The physical ability to access firearms storage areas, including lofts and confined spaces.
- A full UK driving licence and the ability to travel across all three counties.
- A willingness to undertake training, maintain the required accreditation and complete the Explosives Liaison course
Key Responsibilities
Assess case files for applications and renewals, conducting interviews, enquiries, interviews and home visits where required.
Identify concerns with the circumstances or suitability to determine suitability for certification and identify any public safety concerns.
Determine the need for home or premises inspections.
Undertake visits to applicants, referees, and relevant agencies; gather intelligence and maintain accurate records. where required.
Attend court to provide evidence, apply for search warrants and support legal proceedings.
Prepare reports and recommendations for Firearms Licensing Managers (Incl Deputy) on granting, renewing or revoking certificates by co-ordinating the retrieval and return of firearms, ammunition and certificates ·
Maintain accurate records and intelligence, ensuring compliance with legislation and Home Office guidance by accurate use of the National Firearms Licensing management System (NFLMS) and other police databases ·
Provide specialist advice on firearms and explosives legislation to colleagues and external stakeholders by maintaining up- to-date knowledge of relevant law and Home Office guidance.
Support cultural and systems change, embracing technology and process improvements for efficient service delivery
For further information please contact Inspector Darren Gore - Darren.Gore@Cambs.police.uk
Additional Advert Information
- Internal Applicants
To apply for this role, internal applicants must have successfully completed their probationary period.
If you qualify as an internal candidate within the advertising force, you may upload either your CV or the internal role summary form attached to this advert. - Vetting Process
Please note that, as part of the vetting process, the BCH Vetting Unit may need to contact your current line manager for a Supervisor Appraisal. This requirement aligns with the 2025 National Guidelines for Vetting (APP 6.5.18).
Examples of when this may apply include:- Transferring to another force
- Renewing vetting clearance
- Moving into a role requiring MV clearance (even if you currently hold MV clearance)
- Moving into or working in a role involving close contact with vulnerable individuals
If any of the above apply to you, please expect your line manager to be contacted when you submit your vetting application.
- Redeployment and Redundancy
This vacancy is open to employees at risk of redundancy and will remain available to redeployees until a final offer has been agreed and accepted.
Redeployees at risk of redundancy will take priority over all other applicants at any stage of the recruitment process. If successful, redeployees will remain on their home force’s terms and conditions. - Role Profile
We recommend downloading and saving a copy of the role profile, as it will no longer be accessible once the advert closes. - Commitment to Inclusion
As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to be themselves. We provide workplace adjustments wherever needed so that all colleagues can thrive.
If you have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the role, you will be guaranteed an interview under the Offer an Interview Scheme.
