Are you an organised and resilient individual with the ability to work under pressure?
We are looking for Research Officers to join our organisation to process Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) enhanced vetting checks for individuals working with children and/or vulnerable adults.
In this role, you will undertake research and interrogate intelligence, conduct risk assessments and compile effective reports to enable potential employers to make safe recruitment decisions for individuals wishing to work with children and vulnerable adults.
You will be part of a supportive team dealing with confidential and emotive information, but you will leave each day knowing the work you do has helped safeguard and protect the most vulnerable in society.
Please note this role offers blended working however all training will be conducted within the office.
In this role, your main responsibilities will include:
- Creating and maintaining records on computerised systems to ensure relevant information is accurately processed and updated in a timely manner
- Liaising with and assisting internal and external customers both verbally and in writing to assist with DBS enquiries
- Conducting risk assessments on information and deciding on the level of action required with accordance to statutory requirements
- Handling and processing sensitive and personal information in line with relevant legislation including General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Data Protection Act 1988 and 2018 and Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
Skills, experience and qualifications required:
- Experience in researching information and writing reports
- Skilled communicator with the ability to build relationships with colleagues both verbally and in writing
- Skilled computer user with knowledge of Microsoft Office programmes including Word
- Ability to problem solve and make decisions
- Knowledge of data protection with experience of dealing with matters of a confidential nature.
- An understanding of the DBS process would be advantageous
The starting salary for this role is £27,204 rising to £29,859 in increments.
We are currently recruiting for multiple full time positions. A reserve list will also be maintained for 12 months to fill any additional vacancies that may arise during this period.
Additional Information:
You will work Monday to Friday, with hours agreed with your manager in line with our flexible working arrangements. The role is primarily home based, with quarterly office attendance and occasional additional visits as required by the business. To support your onboarding, training will include an initial four week office based induction, followed by two further fortnightly office based sessions during your first six months.
Applicants successful at shortlisting will be invited to attend an in person interview week commencing 16th November 2026.
If you think that you have these qualities and are interested in joining our team, we would love to hear from you.
To be eligible to apply for this role you must have a 3 year ‘checkable history’ in the UK – ideally this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years.
What we can offer you:
How we reward you is linked to our culture, it’s about more than just salary.
You will have access to a package of financial, lifestyle and health benefits to support whatever stage of life you're in, including:
- Comprehensive training programme to carry out the role with continuing professional development
- Competitive salary
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Health Assured Employee Assistance scheme offering 24 hour help through counselling services, legal advice, fitness advice, personal coaching and health assessment
- Staff benefits including discounts on shopping, days out, sporting events, holidays
- On-site parking at Kenneth Steele House, access to a 24 hour gym on site (additional subsidised membership of £4 per month)
To find out more about this role please see attached job description or email Unit Manager Damian Bright via Damian.bright@avonandsomerset.police.uk
Does this sound like the role for you? Click the link below to apply.
