Victim and Witness Care Officer - Hybrid Working in Bridgwater

Victim and Witness Care Officer – Hybrid Working

Join to apply for the Victim and Witness Care Officer – Hybrid Working role at Avon and Somerset Police.

Job Description

Do you want a role where you can make a real difference in people’s lives by advocating for their needs? As a Victim Witness Care Officer (VWCO), you will be the first point of contact for victims and witnesses, offering support, guidance, and reassurance during some of their most difficult moments. You will take statements, provide essential information, and act as a crucial link between internal police departments and external support organisations.

This role requires strong communication skills, as you will be speaking with multiple people daily. You must also ensure all paperwork is completed and submitted within a 24‑hour timeframe, in line with legal requirements. Many of the individuals you support may be distressed, emotional, or fearful. Your ability to show empathy, remain calm under pressure, and offer reassurance will be key. The job can be demanding, requiring you to work to tight deadlines and adapt to changing priorities, but it is also incredibly rewarding.

As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to share your knowledge and experience to help improve our processes and ensure we follow best practices in everything we do.

Main Responsibilities

• Review police information to support decision‑making
• Contact victims of crime to offer help and guidance
• Liaise with organisations that protect children and vulnerable adults
• Support witnesses and help them understand their role in the Criminal Justice process
• Keep victims and witnesses informed as their case progresses

At Avon & Somerset Police, we are committed to serving, protecting, and respecting everyone in our community. Our values—caring, courage, inclusion, and continuous learning—guide everything we do.

Does this sound like you?

To get an inside look at the role, check out our ‘Day in the Life of a VWCO’ document attached.

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

Additional Information

Your working hours will include a mix of early shifts (8:00 am – 4:00 pm) and late shifts (10:30 am – 6:30 pm). Exact hours will be confirmed with the successful candidate.

You will have the opportunity to work from home for a proportion of your working week. Shortlisting will take place week commencing 5th January 2026, with interviews scheduled for week commencing 19th January 2026.

No Qualifications Needed – Training And Mentoring Will Be Provided.

You may be required to travel to alternative locations on a regular basis to undertake this role, therefore you will ideally hold a full current driving licence or be able to travel around the force area using alternative transport. Travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with force policy.

Successful candidates will not be eligible to apply for other internal opportunities for a minimum of 24 months from their start date in this role.

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.