Casework Manager

Location: Cardiff, Sale (Greater Manchester), Birmingham or Wakefield. Please note priority will be given to those who apply for Cardiff or Sale.

We are currently unable to confirm the precise number of roles available, but are expecting there to be several. Although there may potentially be roles available in Birmingham and Wakefield, priority will initially be given to those applying for Cardiff and Sale.

Our Casework Managers assess, understand, evaluate and reach decisions on reviews regarding police investigations to serious complaints. In short, they evaluate the circumstances following complaints made by members of the public after interacting with the police; weighing the available evidence, considering the relevant legislation, reports and analysis to reach a conclusion, which can range from no fault, to learning recommendations for the force/officer training, or a recommendation that disciplinary proceedings should take place.

As a Casework Manager, you will be accountable for your decisions as they affect the lives of both members of the public and police officers; the decisions you reach have the potential to make a difference to the public’s confidence in the police and policing in the UK. The role of Casework Manager is equally challenging as it is rewarding. It is important to remain impartial and unbiased when performing the role, and ensure that our decisions are fair, balanced and supported by the legislation and available evidence. The decisions made by IOPC Casework Managers are final and can only be challenged in the courts. Therefore, the cases you complete must be of a high quality and supported by a sound rationale.

You will be provided with in-depth bespoke and tailored training about a variety of subjects which will be relevant to your role. We invest significantly in our Casework Managers; closely supporting them to improve their knowledge and experience to effectively perform their role. The organisation has a variety of other departments, including Legal, Subject Matter Networks and an Oversight Team, who offer specialist support and guidance to Casework Managers when they are reaching their decisions.

Throughout the recruitment process we may also assess your Experience, Strengths, Technical Skills and Values. The assessment process will comprise a written analysis exercise. If you pass that stage of the process, you will then be invited to an interview.

Main Responsibilities

This is a challenging, interesting position with a variety of work, which requires good judgement and an analytical, methodical mindset as well as the resilience to analyse the finer details of the circumstances of the complaint; which itself is often of a sensitive nature. You will be expected to handle a wide variety of cases and subject matters, ranging from reviews following police complaint investigations, to reviewing Death and Serious Injury reports completed by the police, before communicating your assessment to a variety of interested parties and stakeholders, tailoring your communication to the audience appropriately. You may also be required to communicate your decision to other stakeholders, both internal and external.

Please refer to the Job Description for full role responsibilities.

The Ideal Candidate

• Relevant experience, of complaints handling or of dealing with a direct service to the public where contentious and difficult issues have to be dealt with sensitively.
• Evidence of well-developed critical thinking skills; able to gather and use information to carry out enquiries and form sound judgements.
• Evidence of strong oral and written communication skills, backed up with good computer literacy.
• Proven ability to show initiative and contribute in a changing environment.

We believe that diverse perspectives contribute to a more innovative and dynamic workplace. We actively encourage applications from individuals who are typically under‑represented or disadvantaged in society. This includes women, people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, parents and carers, and disabled candidates, including neurodiverse candidates. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all applicants and creating an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and supported.

The role requires clearance (BPSS). National security vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Assessment Criteria

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace