Being the victim of a crime can be a traumatic and frightening experience. Not only can victims suffer a tremendous sense of loss or injury, but the pathway through the Criminal Justice system can be confusing, emotive, scary and lonely place to be. This can be equally as difficult for witnesses to crimes.
As a Witness Care Officer, you can make a real difference to victims and witnesses across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. Your role is to keep victims and witnesses updated as their case progresses through the Criminal Justice system. You will advise upon upcoming Court dates, outcomes of hearings and trials, and be the conduit between policing, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS).
Throughout your engagement with victims and witnesses, you will continually asses their personal needs, ensuring they have every aspect of support to accommodate their changing vulnerabilities and needs in line with legislative provision. Where required, you will refer them to partner agencies for additional support assisting them in recovering from their crime experience and maximising their ability to provide the best evidence to the Criminal Justice system.
If you are a caring and empathetic person looking to make a real difference to victims and witnesses, this is an excellent opportunity to join a caring and close knit team of like minded people. Based in Hatfield and working 1 Saturday in 12, the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Witness Care Unit is the rewarding role you have been looking for.
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.
