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- Tasks: Answer emergency and non-emergency calls, directing police resources across Great Britain.
- Company: Join the British Transport Police, the national police force for the rail network.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, family-friendly policies, and a great pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public safety while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and ability to manage high-pressure situations.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 40679 - 40679 £ per year.
Force Control Room Birmingham – Communications Officer
Salary: Starting salary of £40,679.22 per annum, consisting of a base salary of £32,649.35 plus 20% shift allowance and a £1,500 market supplement.
Contract type: Permanent.
Location: Force Control Room at Baskerville House, Birmingham.
Type of working arrangement: Office working.
Hours: The role operates on a 24/7/365 shift pattern that includes early starts, late finish times and night shifts. Working as a Communications Officer for BTP offers a stimulating, exciting, and fulfilling career.
British Transport Police (BTP) is the national police force for the rail network throughout Great Britain. We are the ‘Guardians of the Railway,’ putting passenger safety at the heart of what we do. Our values are simple: We Care, We Do the Right Thing, We Strive to Be Better Every Day, We Are One BTP, and We Are Proud to Protect. Join us and help create an environment where we can all be our best every day.
The Opportunity
Calls can come at any time, which is why our Communications Officers work within a core shift pattern that covers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This vital role involves answering both emergency and non‑emergency calls and directing police resources across Great Britain to where they’re needed most.
As part of our dedicated team, you’ll receive comprehensive training and ongoing support to prepare you for the wide variety of calls and responsibilities you’ll encounter. Whether it’s a life‑threatening emergency or a routine enquiry, your ability to remain calm, compassionate and professional is essential. You’ll need to think on your feet, provide reassurance, and gather accurate information to ensure the appropriate police response is deployed swiftly and effectively.
In return, we offer an attractive salary and a dynamic operational role where you’ll play a key part in protecting the public and our stakeholders from harm and making a real difference every day.
Responsibilities
- Handling calls, dispatching radio messages, and managing police responses to incidents.
- Accurately recording information and assessing it to determine the appropriate level of responses.
- Effectively managing emergency telephone calls, evaluating the urgency of the incident and prioritising police responses when necessary.
- Obtaining and evaluating information to determine response criteria and deployment levels using THRIVE and NSIR, prioritising public and officer safety at all times.
- Monitoring incidents and providing advice, deployment and direction of appropriate resources via radio to ensure a suitable and effective response.
Essential Skills
- Effective communication skills.
- Excellent customer service skills and the ability to make decisions based on threat, risk and harm.
- Managing situations in a calm and assertive manner.
- Utilising different communication methods (telephone, radio, email).
- Proficiency in IT and the ability to use multiple integrated systems with excellent keyboard skills; capture information in a timely and accurate manner during the contact.
- Working as part of a team in a control room/contact centre environment.
What We Offer
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days after 5 years.
- Family‑friendly policies, including up to 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave.
- Bespoke benefits platform and Blue Light Card access.
- Salary sacrifice options for cycles, home technology, gym membership, and electric vehicles.
- Interest‑free annual rail season ticket loan after 6 months.
- Access to the Transport Benevolent Fund for health, welfare, and financial support.
- Development opportunities, including fully funded apprenticeships.
- Excellent pension scheme – BTP GPP Police Staff Pension Scheme, a defined contribution scheme with contributions ranging from 4.4% to 12% of salary.
Vetting
Successful applicants will require Recruitment/Management Vetting (minimum 3/5 years UK residency), including a full background and financial disclosure.
Medical
Relevant health and medical history details will be requested to support employee wellbeing.
References
References will cover the past 5 years.
Interview Process
This role involves a first stage telephone interview, followed by prioritisation, typing and listening tests. Successful completion leads to a face‑to‑face competency‑based interview.
How To Apply
Applications will be via an up‑to‑date CV and online application form. Include how your skills and experience demonstrate suitability for the role. Completed applications must be submitted by 11.59 am on 9th November. BTP reserves the right to close the application process early if a large number of applications are received.
Inclusion & Diversity
At BTP, we foster an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. Our roles are open to all; we encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian, minority ethnic candidates, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those who are neurodiverse. All candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria will be offered an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.
Join Us
Grow your career with us. We can’t wait to hear from you! For further information, please contact our Resourcing Team at RecruitmentTeam@btp.police.uk.
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Force Control Room Birmingham - Communications Officer employer: British Transport Police
Contact Detail:
British Transport Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Force Control Room Birmingham - Communications Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Communications Officer at BTP. This way, when you get that interview, you can show off your knowledge and passion for the job.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before your interview, try some mock calls or role-playing scenarios. This will help you stay calm and collected when handling emergency situations, just like you would in the real job.
✨Tip Number 3
Show us your communication skills! During the interview, be clear and concise in your answers. Remember, effective communication is key in this role, so let your personality shine through while keeping it professional.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Force Control Room Birmingham - Communications Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Communications Officer role. Highlight your communication skills and any relevant experience in emergency response or customer service. We want to see how you fit into our values and mission!
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, don’t just list your skills—show us how you've used them in real situations. Whether it’s managing a crisis or providing excellent customer service, give us examples that demonstrate your ability to stay calm under pressure.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the online application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforwardness, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. The earlier you apply, the better your chances are, especially since we might close the process early if we get a lot of applications. Head over to our website and get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Transport Police
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Communications Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key skills required, such as effective communication and decision-making under pressure. This will help you demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Practice Calmness Under Pressure
Given the nature of the job, it's crucial to showcase your ability to remain calm and assertive during high-pressure situations. Consider doing mock interviews or role-playing scenarios where you handle emergency calls. This will prepare you to articulate how you'd manage real-life situations effectively.
✨Showcase Your IT Skills
As the role involves using multiple integrated systems, be ready to discuss your proficiency in IT. Bring examples of how you've used technology in previous roles, especially in fast-paced environments. This will highlight your capability to capture information accurately and efficiently.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
The role requires working as part of a team in a control room environment. Be prepared to share experiences that demonstrate your teamwork and communication skills. Highlight instances where you've successfully collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, especially in challenging situations.
