At a Glance
- Tasks: Use data to tackle community safety issues and support effective partnerships.
- Company: Join Central Bedfordshire Council's dynamic Community Safety Service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and a collaborative team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Analytical skills and experience with complex data sets are essential.
The predicted salary is between 38476 - 40069 £ per year.
Team: CMS - Safer Neighbourhood Team
Job Family: CBG10 - Advising
Salary: £38,476 - £40,069 per annum pro rata
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: You will be expected to attend a CBC office location as often as needed to carry out your role, which will be no less than once per month
Contract Type: Hybrid – Permanent
Closing Date: 9th August 2026
Interview Date: 13th August 2026 - in person at Priory House, Monks Walk, Shefford, SG17 5TQ
About the role
Are you passionate about using data and intelligence to make a real difference to the lives of Central Bedfordshire residents? Do you have the skills to identify emerging issues, support effective partnership working, and help keep communities safe? If so, find your greatness by joining us as a Community Safety Research Officer. The Community Safety Service tackles a wide range of complex community safety issues, helping to reduce crime and disorder, address vulnerability, and make people feel safer.
Working closely with our partners and communities, you will play a key role in ensuring that community safety activity is informed by accurate, timely, and actionable intelligence. As a Community Safety Research Officer, you will provide intelligence-led products that support the Community Safety Team and its partners in tackling issues such as anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping, crime and disorder, serious violence, cuckooing, and exploitation.
Using partnership data, you will identify trends, emerging risks, and hotspot locations to support early intervention, safeguarding, and coordinated problem-solving activity. The role will involve producing a range of intelligence products and reports, including weekly briefings, tasking documents, and analytical reports to support operational and strategic decision-making.
You will build strong relationships with internal services, neighbouring authorities, Bedfordshire Police, and other partner agencies to maximise opportunities for intelligence and information sharing. You may have a background in community safety, intelligence analysis, research, enforcement, policing, safeguarding, or a related field. Whatever your background, you must have excellent analytical and communication skills, be confident working with complex data sets, and be able to present information clearly to a variety of audiences.
You will be proactive, organised, and able to work independently while developing effective relationships with colleagues and partners. Calm and methodical, with strong attention to detail and a problem-solving mindset, you will have a relevant Level 3 qualification or equivalent experience. You will be highly IT-literate, experienced in handling sensitive information, and committed to supporting safer communities through evidence-based decision-making.
Our Offer
We have a number of rewards and benefits available to our staff, to view these please visit our Rewards and Benefits page.
Our aspiration is to be a truly flexible employer. We welcome discussion on location, hours and working pattern as part of the application process.
You will be expected to demonstrate how you meet the key accountabilities and competencies in this Recruitment Pack. Our Competency Framework and Qualification Guidance are to be read in conjunction with our Recruitment Pack.
For an informal discussion about this position, please contact: Chloe Guffogg at chloe.guffogg@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or call 0300 300 5688.
To maintain a fair and consistent approach for applicants, it is Central Bedfordshire Council's policy to only consider applications made via our online application system and we therefore thank you for not submitting your application offline.
Your application to us is a reflection of who you are professionally and should give us an accurate and authentic picture of your skills, experiences and if applicable qualifications. Before you submit your application, we will ask you to confirm if you have used AI.
All new starters will join us on a four‑month probationary period. During this time, if you are offered a Hybrid role you will be required to attend a Central Bedfordshire Council office location more frequently to support thorough and well‑supported onboarding into your role. Please keep this in mind if you anticipate extensive travel to Central Bedfordshire.
Please note we are unable to offer sponsorship for our roles. Successful applicants that may require a visa will need to consider the options for obtaining and/or maintaining the legal right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the contract offered.
Career opportunities Community Safety Research Officer employer: Central Bedfordshire Council
Central Bedfordshire Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values professional development and innovation. Employees benefit from a collaborative environment focused on digital transformation, with opportunities for growth in SAP technologies and a commitment to work-life balance in a vibrant community setting.
Contact Details:
Central Bedfordshire Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Career opportunities Community Safety Research Officer
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We think you need these skills to ace Career opportunities Community Safety Research Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Central Bedfordshire Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Central Bedfordshire Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Central Bedfordshire Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Central Bedfordshire Council.
