Operations Specialist Support Team (OSST) HOLMES Indexer in Sale

Job Reference: iopc/TP/60/698

Number of Positions: 1

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £28,665 per annum

Working Hours: 37

Location: Sale

Closing Date: 26/07/2026

Department / Directorate: Directorate for Major Investigations

Strategic Function: Operations

Team: National Functions

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

Emotional Consideration:

In performing this role, you may have regular exposure to distressing material which will likely be impactful, traumatic and challenging. 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:

As a HOLMES Indexer within the IOPC, you can expect to work in a progressive and dynamic organisation with declared and strong core values. This role has opportunities to be involved in the implementation of new processes and contribute to the investigation process. The work will be fulfilling and offer opportunity for personal growth and satisfaction.

Responsible for accurately inputting, analysing and researching data on the Home Office Large Major Enquiry System (HOLMES). Ensuring compliance with the Investigation policy decisions, national guidelines and provide support and guidance to investigations staff working on HOLMES supported investigations.

Alongside other Operations Specialist Support Team members, ensure the database is fit for purpose to enable disclosure to take place, build files for court and create jury bundles. Participate in de-briefs and/or other forums to provide details of any lessons learnt during an investigation to enable discussion, in relation to IOPC HOLMES processes. To inform future policies and practices by ensuring HOLMES forms part of the IOPC’s learning and development environment.

The HOLMES Suite located at the Sale office, is purpose built to support a major investigation or an Investigation of National Significance. There is appropriate security and suitable storage for investigation material, including exhibits.

This role will particularly focus on providing support in relation to disclosure for misconduct and criminal proceedings. As a HOLMES Indexer you may view some distressing or sensitive material gathered as part of our independent investigations.

Main Responsibilities:

• To effectively support HOLMES supported Major Investigations, in relation to Police Reform Act (PRA) and Criminal Investigations.
• Assist with the maintenance and management of key information received during an IOPC investigation through maintaining a HOLMES database to support any level of IOPC investigation.
• Maintain the HOLMES database through indexing and administrative tasks in accordance with local policies.
• Undertake detailed research prior to creating any records to avoid duplication.
• Accurately register all documentation entering the investigation to appropriate indexes on the HOLMES 2 database.
• Raise actions, as requested by a receiver or other designated requestor to the correct index and with enough information to assist the investigator in knowing where to obtain initial information about the subject of the action.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Recent experience (on or after July 2024) undertaking the role of HOLMES Indexer on large and/or complex investigations.
• Proven experience of researching the HOLMES database to provide information, as requested to the Director or Operations Manager.
• Proven experience of working effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Experience of dealing with internal parties to complete tasks successfully.
• Experience of knowledge sharing across internal departments to enhance in-house learning.
• Experience of working on own initiative and taking decisions within a framework of delegation.
• Analytical skills with the capacity to absorb/organise new information to ensure well briefed on new topics.
• Comfortable taking decisions within a clear framework of delegation.
• Experience of analysing and extracting information from various sources and translating and summarising into a clear format for others.
• Experience of working in an environment where a high level of attention to detail and an ability to work accurately is essential.
• Sound administrative skills, ability to work under pressure and prioritise tasks.
• Strong inter-personal (written and oral) communication skills.
• Practical knowledge of Data Protection Act, Freedom of Information and Government Protected Marking Scheme.

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.

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.

Positive Action:

Positive action as detailed in the Equality Act 2010, allows us to use measures designed to help improve equality in the workplace, and create a level playing field for all, whilst still employing everyone based on merit.