Researcher TOEX - NEROCU in Sunderland

Salary: Band 5, £28,689 – £29,859 (Please note it is Northumbria Police policy to appoint at the beginning of the band)

Location: Sunderland

Hours/Contract: 37 Hours, 12 Months FTC

The Tackling Organised Exploitation (TOEX) Programme is a national intelligence capability at the forefront of protecting vulnerable people and dismantling the criminal networks that target them. By providing specialist analytical expertise, TOEX supports complex investigations into organised exploitation, including modern slavery, human trafficking, organised immigration crime and sexual exploitation, helping forces across the country identify threats and bring offenders to justice. As part of a dynamic, whole‑system approach, the programme strengthens decision‑making, drives meaningful disruption activity, and ensures those who seek to profit from exploitation are held to account.

We are seeking two proactive and detail-oriented Researchers to join the TOEX team. In this role, you will undertake high-quality research as a key part of a dynamic intelligence environment, supporting the development of intelligence and analytical products that inform both tactical and strategic decision-making. Your work will directly contribute to the tasking and coordination process, as well as supporting operational activity focused on tackling Serious and Organised Crime.

You will be responsible for indexing all incoming intelligence onto appropriate systems, conducting initial research, and identifying and prioritising time-critical information. Working closely with colleagues you will play a vital role in ensuring intelligence is accurately assessed, developed, and made available to support regional investigation teams in disrupting and preventing serious criminal activity.

What you’ll do

• Conduct intelligence research and analysis: Identify and evaluate information from a range of intelligence sources, producing clear, actionable insights to support operational planning and regional tasking processes.
• Support understanding of serious and organised crime (SOC): Research priority threats, organised crime groups, and subjects of investigation to assess risk, threat, and harm, enabling informed decision-making and effective allocation of resources.
• Assist with analytical projects and live operations: Work in collaboration with Intelligence Analysts to deliver research projects, provide real-time intelligence support to operational activity, and contribute to the development of evidential products for prosecutions.
• Collaborate with partners and stakeholders: Engage with partner agencies and local authorities, attend and contribute to briefings, and share intelligence to build strong working relationships and coordinate research efforts effectively.
• Ensure ethical and secure handling of intelligence: Manage sensitive information in compliance with legislation, policies, and protocols, identify emerging patterns and links in criminal activity, and support the lawful, secure handling and dissemination of intelligence.

What you’ll bring

• Ability to gather information from a range of sources and data types, analyse it effectively, and identify key findings.
• Ability to work independently using own initiative, as well as collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to build effective working relationships and work in partnership with other teams and external agencies.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and effectively in both written and verbal formats.
• Good working knowledge of the National Intelligence Model (NIM).
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications, including PowerPoint and Excel.
• Previous experience in a research or intelligence capacity.

We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Harnessing these differences creates a productive environment in which everyone feels valued, and their talents are fully utilised. Appointments are based on merit alone.

Our application form will help us understand how your work, education and life experience has prepared you for the role of a Researcher with #TeamNP. To help support your application research what makes us tick here at Northumbria, the role you’re applying for and the values and behaviours that contribute.

Use of AI in Applications: At Northumbria Police, we embrace innovative technologies to enhance our recruitment process. We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While AI can be a valuable resource, we encourage applicants to ensure their submissions accurately reflect their personal qualifications, experiences, and skills. Our selection process includes thorough evaluations to verify the authenticity and suitability of all applications. We value genuine and thoughtful responses that showcase your unique strengths and perspectives.

The recruitment process will consist of the initial application form followed by a face to face interview and an assessment task. Interviews are expected to take place w/c 8th June at Aykley Heads, Durham Police HQ.

If you are successful in your application, you will have a six-month probation period with us where you will be unable to apply for any other post advertised internally or externally.

Please note if you are a current NEROCU/Northumbria Police employee interested in applying for this role as a secondment opportunity, please discuss this with your Line Manager and gain agreement prior to applying.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.