Lead Investigator - Canary Wharf, Cardiff, Sale or Wakefield

Job Reference: iopc/TP/20/711

Number of Positions: 1

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £37,596 plus London Weighting Allowance of £5,130 for roles based in Canary Wharf

Working Hours: 37

Location: Canary Wharf, Cardiff, Sale or Wakefield

Closing Date: 02/08/2026

Department / Directorate: Regional Investigations

Strategic Function: Operations

Team: Operations London

Package Description:

• 27.5 days paid annual leave (increasing with service to 32.5 days)
• The option to buy, sell, or carry over annual leave is reviewed each year and offered when possible
• Voluntary Health Cash Plan provided by BHSF
• Civil Service maternity leave package
• PAM employee assistance programme
• Access to Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) membership
• Cycle to work scheme
• Opportunity to enjoy the latest home and electronics in a more affordable way provided by Vivup
• Car Leasing Scheme
• Staff Networks focused on each of the protected characteristics - run for staff, by staff: Enable Network, Age Network, Welsh Network, Pride and LGBTQ+ Network, Sex and Family Network, Race, Religion and Belief Network
• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity

Consideration:

In performing this role, you will have regular exposure to distressing material which will likely be impactful, traumatic and challenging. Given the nature of the work, you will have contact with individuals who are experiencing extreme distress. The IOPC recognises this and offers all staff a range of wellbeing provisions, including TRiM (Trauma Risk Management), peer-to-peer support, a dedicated Wellbeing Advisor, and access to free confidential counselling. All staff are strongly encouraged to proactively access and engage with the support available.

Job Introduction:

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.

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 organisation's 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.

Recruitment Process:

We are advertising separately for various locations. Please only apply for your first choice location and indicate your additional location preferences within your application.

Information sessions - optional:

At the application stage, you are encouraged to join an optional information session, to learn more about the role and assessment process.

Briefing Session - mandatory:

Later in the process, if you are shortlisted for the assessment centre, you will be required to attend a mandatory briefing session. This session will provide further information about the role, the training programme, and what to expect when in post. Attendance at the briefing session is an essential requirement. Applications from candidates who do not attend will not be progressed, as it is important that all applicants have a clear understanding of the role and its requirements.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles, to find out more, please click here. We'll assess you against Experience and these Behaviours at Higher Executive Officer (HEO) equivalent level during the selection process: Seeing the Big Picture, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together.

Stage 1: Technical Interview:

Technical interviews will take place between 9 and 23 September. Candidates who are successfully shortlisted will be invited to attend a technical interview via Microsoft Teams. The interview is expected to last approximately 30 minutes. We are aiming to send invitations to shortlisted candidates on 1 September.

Stage 2: Assessment Centre:

The assessment centre will take place between 5 October and 13 November. Candidates who are successful at Stage 1 will be invited to attend a three-part assessment centre, which will include a formal interview, role-play exercise, and written exercise. The assessment centre will be conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams. Throughout Stages 1 and 2 of the recruitment process, we may assess your experience, behaviours, strengths, technical skills, and values.

Training:

Successful applicants will be expected to start on 22 February 2027. During training, you will undertake a period of induction and training. As part of the training programme, you will engage in a Professionalising Investigations Programme Level 1 (PIP1) that is designed to develop your skills and knowledge as an investigator whilst working to achieve a qualification. The PIP1 programme includes formal and on-the-job learning as well as the support to build a portfolio of evidence which will provide you with the skills and knowledge to become a PIP1 investigator. You will also complete the Pearson Unit 4 accreditation relating to leading IOPC investigations. As we work to launch PIP2, you will be given the opportunity to undertake PIP2 at a later stage. Training is mandatory and will be delivered remotely and in person. Further details of training will be provided to applicants at a later stage. After completion of the PIP1 programme, you will be expected to engage in the revalidation programme. Revalidation ensures that your skills and knowledge are enhanced and maintained in line with the PIP requirements. Full engagement with the revalidation process is mandatory. Mandatory training for this role will be delivered hybrid, via in-person sessions and e-learning. The in-person training may take place in locations that are not your usual office base and may require overnight stays of up to 4 consecutive nights (expenses payable). Further information regarding dates/locations will be provided later in the process.

Main Responsibilities:

• 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:

• 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.
• PiP2 qualification or equivalent investigative experience.

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 IOPC is a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we want to help you demonstrate your full potential whatever type of assessment is used.

Please refer to our Reasonable Adjustment guidance document linked to this job advert on how to access Reasonable Adjustments with us.

About The Company:

The IOPC is committed to promoting equality and valuing diversity in everything we do. Our vision is to be, and to be seen as, a leader in inclusive employment and services, demonstrating this ethos in everything that we do. Being a Disability Confident employer, the IOPC is dedicated to removing the barriers for disabled people to thrive in the workplace.

Our Staff Networks are constantly working to make the IOPC the leaders of inclusive employment, from our Allyship Programme to Welsh Language Standards and our Know the Line Policy, we are constantly seeking new ways to create an environment for all to develop and thrive.

Working Conditions:

The IOPC operates a hybrid working policy which requires all staff to work an average of 40% of their contractual hours at their office base (or another office for business reasons). Office attendance time includes in-person training, meetings with stakeholders and families, and attending events.