Lead Investigator in Cardiff

We have multiple Lead Investigator vacancies available within our Core Investigations department. Our Investigation teams cover all of England and Wales, and carry out hundreds of independent investigations every year, often under extreme pressure. Our investigators are supported by a range of teams who do a huge amount of work to support them. You can read more about the investigations on our website.

As a Lead Investigator, you will be a part of a dynamic investigations team working locally and nationally on a wide range of investigations that are often in the public eye in the Investigation, Oversight and Casework directorate. The IOPC is on a journey to develop its culture, perspectives and ethos to support the organisations core outcomes, and this is your opportunity to enter the varied world of investigations, allowing you to develop your mindset and approaches to contribute to improving the police complaints system in England and Wales. The investigations team are tasked with upholding our values whilst establishing the facts behind a complaint and reaching conclusions to draw recommendations.

As a Lead Investigator, you will lead all aspects of an investigation, from setting out the initial terms of reference, to collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, drawing conclusions, and writing a final report, many of which are published. Reports also include recommendations for the police force or Police and Crime Commissioner about actions to be taken to improve practice and prevent mistakes in the future. Therefore, it is imperative that you take a ‘cultural knowledge accountability’ approach to your work, so that you produce rounded and robust outcomes. After the investigation, investigations staff are responsible for supporting criminal, disciplinary and coronial proceedings which may follow.

The nature of the work requires investigations staff to participate in an out of hours on call function for which an appropriate allowance is paid under IOPC policy.

You will need relevant experience of undertaking investigations in any sector, such as social work, the probation services, local authority enforcement or regulatory services, as well as fraud or criminal justice. This role requires highly developed analytical and report writing skills, and an ability and commitment to acting independently. The IOPC is a public service and aims to ensure that everyone receives an equal service. To make this a reality we need innovative and socially aware people to join us. The IOPC are committed to developing the mindset of a team of diverse and passionate individuals reach their career goals whilst contributing to improving policing confidence.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; therefore, a standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be carried out for the successful candidate during the pre-employment process.

Main Responsibility

• Leading independent investigations into criminal and misconduct allegations in accordance with agreed IOPC guidelines.
• Undertaking investigative actions, including interviewing and taking statements, preparing case files and making recommendations for criminal and/or disciplinary action.
• Visiting incident scenes and supervising scene management where required to ensure that all necessary action is taken to preserve and recover evidence.
• Writing investigation reports upon completion of the investigation for submission to the IOPC decision maker.
• Identifying potential learning for police forces to consider improving the service they provide and prevent harm to the public.

Please refer to the Job Description for full role responsibilities.

The Ideal Candidate

Essential Experience

• Conducting investigative interviews, evidence gathering, analysis and presentation.
• Evidence of effective oral and written communication skills.
• Evidence of excellent analytical and report writing skills; ability to reach and document clear, rational, evidence-based, and independent decisions based on analysis of existing and emerging information.
• Experience of engaging effectively with a diverse range of people and stakeholders, and evidence of a commitment to equality and diversity within the workplace.
• Delivering a high standard of work within demanding timescales.
• Identification of operational and organisational risk.
• Working effectively in a changing environment.
• Full driving licence valid for driving in the UK.

Essential Skills and Abilities

• Ability to show initiative and adapt in a changing environment.
• Writing investigation reports upon completion of the investigation for submission to the IOPC decision maker.
• Communicate effectively with complainants, bereaved families, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to recognise your development needs and be proactive in addressing them.
• Ability to prioritise and manage tasks effectively to deliver quality outcomes within demanding timescales.
• Ability to work effectively in a team with diverse ideas and people.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and adapt communication styles as appropriate.

Desirable Technical

• PiP2 qualification or equivalent investigative experience.