Operational Communications Specialist

Join to apply for the Operational Communications Specialist role at British Transport Police.

About Us

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.

Opportunity

Operational Communications Specialist

Salary: Up to £65,544.04 per annum, consisting of up to £51,767.48 basic salary with yearly increments based on performance, plus non‑contractual/non‑pensionable Skills for the Information Age Supplement up to £3,986.95, 10% on‑call allowance, and London allowance of £4,613.61.

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Buckingham Palace Road, London

Working Arrangement: Blended home and office working, with regular attendance at London locations.

Hours: Full‑time, 37 hours per week.

Main Responsibilities

• Key point of contact between BTP and emergency services, Home Office, and other government agencies.
• Represent the Force nationally and ensure BTP is fully engaged across the emergency service environment.
• Work closely with external partners and suppliers; manage the radio fleet ensuring BTP is fully compliant with security requirements.
• Provide technical support for the Airwave radio service delivered to Force Control Rooms in London and Birmingham and the Silver Suite. This includes 5,000 Airwave hand‑portable radios, 500 vehicle and fixed Airwave radios, and 110 DSx000 ICCS workstations.

Essential Skills, Qualifications, Knowledge & Experience

• Extensive experience in the use of voice recording, radio frequency, Tetra systems, and radio configuration and testing.
• Accredited to ITIL Foundation Level or higher.
• Educated to degree level in an IT or engineering discipline, or equivalent experience.
• ICCS Administration certified.
• Extensive experience delivering and supporting call handling and dispatch solutions in a safety‑critical environment.
• Good experience of working closely with suppliers to provide specialist technical support to users and stakeholders over multiple sites.
• Experience in systems integration & build.
• Good experience of incident management—ensuring resolution, requests, changes, and problem solving are delivered to agreed SLAs.
• Good experience of developing and delivering end‑user training and guidance related to the portfolio.
• Experience in asset management.

Additional Information

Post is subject to an on‑call rota providing out‑of‑hours triage.

How To Apply

Applications must include an up‑to‑date CV and an online application form. Please outline how your skills and experience demonstrate your suitability for the role. Completed applications must be submitted by 11.59 pm on 17 November 2025.

Interviews will be held at 200 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TJ on 27 and 28 November.

Vetting

Successful applicants will be required to pass Management Vetting and National Security Clearance (minimum 5 years UK residency), including a full background and financial disclosure.

Medical

Relevant health and medical history details will be asked to support employee wellbeing.

References

References covering the past 5 years will be requested.

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 memberships, 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: the BTP GPP Police Staff Pension Scheme (defined contribution). Contributions range from 4.4% to 12% of salary.

Inclusion & Diversity

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. Our roles are open to everyone, encouraging applications from under‑represented groups and those with disabilities. We operate a ‘Disability Confident Scheme’ and will offer an interview to candidates who meet the essential criteria.

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.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

Industries

Law Enforcement