At a Glance
- Tasks: Assess firearm and explosive licence applicants' suitability through interviews and inspections.
- Company: Join Surrey Police, a dedicated force committed to public safety and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, on-site gyms, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while working in a supportive and diverse environment.
- Qualifications: A-levels or equivalent experience, strong communication skills, and a full UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
Division / Department - Operations Command
Grade - See Advert
Status - Full Time
Contract Type - Permanent
Salary Grade Range - See Advert
Working Hours - 36.0 Hours per Week
Shift Allowance - No
Politically Restricted - No
Location - Surrey Police Headquarters, Guildford
The starting salary for this role will usually be at the bottom of the salary range and will be pro-rata if the working hours are less than full time.
Chief Constables\' Message
We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe.
We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference. If you feel you are that person then we want to hear from you.
We wish you all the very best with your application.
The Role & Key Responsibilities
This role is based from Surrey Police Headquarters or another Firearms Licensing hub with prior agreement from your line manager. Firearms Licensing is a collaborated unit and there is an expectation to travel and work in both Surrey and Sussex.
This role will initially be at Grade F - Surrey Police £30,495 - £35,020 as a Firearms Enquiry Officer with progression to Grade G - £33,128 - £39,149 on successful completion of the Explosive Licensing Inspectors course and accreditation.
Please note that failure to accredit as a Explosive Licensing Inspector may result in the termination of the contract.
From your first day with us you will be part of a policing family making a real difference.
It is our mission to identify and protect vulnerable people, prevent and respond to harm and keep people safe.
As a Firearms Enquiry Officer you will be:
- Visiting applicant or licence holders to assess suitability to possess a firearms and explosives.
- Discuss with applicants or licence holders aspects of their physical and mental health
- Interview individuals who may assist in informing suitability, for example, partners, family members, referees.
- Generate recommendations about suitability and identified risks
- Prepare written reports and case files to ensure an audit trail
- Attend court appeals
- Handle and Assess Security arrangements of firearms and explosives
- As an Explosive Licensing Inspector additionally to the above, you will:
- Visit persons, companies and registered dealers applying to possess, store or trade in explosives
- Act as a HSE Inspector as delegated under The Explosive Regulation 2014
- Assess the suitability of applicants and there methods of storage in line with the Explosive Regulations.
Skills & Experience
- Educated to A level standard or equivalent vocational qualification or relevant work experience.
- Ability to organise and prioritise work.
- Ability to work independently, travel and adopt a flexible approach to achieve optimum efficiency.
- High Standards of written and verbal communication
- Working knowledge of assessing threat and risks.
- Physically capable of undertaking security inspection in confined and difficult to reach places.
- Must be able to drive a motor vehicle / hold a Full UK driving license
Why Work With Us?
Policing is an exciting 24/7 business and we all have commitments outside work. We’re invested in supporting people to balance their life with work and we encourage flexible working. We are open to conversations about job shares and part time working. We encourage agile working, giving you the opportunity to manage your own diary and work wherever you give the best service to the public. This may include flexi-time .
We take pride in looking after our people and offer a variety of benefits;
- career progression
- contributory pension scheme (LGPS)
- generous annual leave allowance
- discounts for everyday spend
- on-site gyms and a range of sports clubs
- generous and supportive parental leave
- financial and mental wellbeing guidance and support
- discounted contributory healthcare scheme
Application process will include a 500 words submission of \"why me, and what can I bring to the role\" followed by a competency based interview.
Diversity Statement
We are only as good as our people. It\'s important that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace and we know that as an organisation we\'ll grow from the variety of thinking, approach, and the skills that diversity brings; all of which help us to deliver a better policing service. We strive to ensure how we deliver our services, provide information and how we recruit is open and accessible to all.
We have multiple staff support groups who help to improve our understanding of minority issues and ensure they are reflected in our work. We are proud members of Disability Confident, hold Race Equality Matters Trailblazer status, are a signatory of the Race at Work Charter and are aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement.
We are committed to being an anti-racist police service. We promise to challenge injustice, ensure fairness and to uphold anti-racist principles in both our organisation and our communities. For more information, you can read our full anti-racism statement here .
We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status, or religious belief, we would love to hear from you.
Following submission of your application you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your application attached. Occasionally emails from this address can fall into spam/junk folders so please ensure this is checked regularly. You may wish to consider addingnoreply@surreysussexpolice.as.recruitmail.comto your address/contact list to ensure you receive all communications.
This post is being advertised in parallel with Force redeployment processes. Any redeployees who are identified will be given preference. This may result in the post being withdrawn at any point during the recruitment process.
Please note that not all jobs are available for internal candidates across both Forces, the current agreed recruitment principles are;
- vacancies in collaborated units are available to all officers and staff across both Forces
- vacancies in non-collaborated units are only available to officers and staff within the Force with the vacancy unless it is advertised externally
- if the vacancy is advertised externally and an officer or member of staff from the other Force is successful it will result in a transfer of employment
Surrey Police and Sussex Police Special Constables, Volunteers and Agency Staff (excluding self employed workers) covered under the Agency Worker Regulations (AWR) are eligible to apply for internal advertised posts.
Reference number SYSX STAFF04483
Date posted 18/07/2025
#J-18808-LjbffrFirearms Enquiry Officer and Explosive Licensing Inspector in Guildford employer: Sussex Police
Surrey Police is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive. With a strong emphasis on work-life balance, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive benefits including career progression opportunities, generous leave, and wellness support, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact in the community. Join us at Surrey Police Headquarters in Guildford, where you will be part of a committed team striving to keep our counties safe while enjoying a fulfilling career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Firearms Enquiry Officer and Explosive Licensing Inspector in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Firearms and Explosives Regulations. Understanding the legal framework and compliance requirements will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Firearms Enquiry Officers or Explosive Licensing Inspectors. They can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges of the role, which can be beneficial during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for competency-based questions by reflecting on your past experiences. Think about situations where you've demonstrated skills like risk assessment, communication, and independent working, as these are crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of community safety and public service. Highlight any relevant volunteer work or community engagement that aligns with Surrey Police's mission to keep people safe, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Firearms Enquiry Officer and Explosive Licensing Inspector in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Firearms Enquiry Officer and Explosive Licensing Inspector role. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these specific duties.
Craft Your 'Why Me' Statement:The application requires a 500-word submission on 'why me, and what can I bring to the role'. Use this opportunity to showcase your relevant experience, skills, and passion for public service. Be specific about how you can contribute to the mission of keeping people safe.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous roles or experiences that relate to firearms licensing, risk assessment, or public safety. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your ability to assess suitability and manage security arrangements.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-written application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a role that involves public safety.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sussex Police
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the responsibilities of a Firearms Enquiry Officer and Explosive Licensing Inspector. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks, such as assessing suitability for firearms possession and preparing reports. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Competency-Based Questions
Since the interview will include competency-based questions, think of specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills in risk assessment, communication, and independent working. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role requires high standards of written and verbal communication, be prepared to demonstrate these skills during the interview. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, and consider how you can convey complex information in an understandable way.
✨Express Your Commitment to Public Safety
The role is centred around public safety and community service. Be ready to discuss why you are passionate about making a difference in people's lives and how your values align with those of Surrey Police. This will show your potential employer that you are not just looking for a job, but a meaningful career.
