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- Tasks: Conduct research and manage sensitive information for the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
- Company: Join a vital team supporting justice and legacy inquests in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, full-time hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your research skills in a meaningful role.
- Qualifications: 2 A Levels or equivalent; experience in research and analysis is essential.
- Other info: Opportunities for future roles available; check your spam for application updates.
The predicted salary is between 25400 - 25800 £ per year.
Researcher
Hours of Work: Full-Time
Location: Seapark, Carrickfergus
Closing Date/Time: 22/09/2025 3:00pm
Reference Number: HRLSR2325
Job Background:
The Researcher role will contribute to servicing the needs of the Police Service of Northern Ireland/Crown Solicitor’s Office in relation to Legacy inquests/Legacy civil action.
Hours of Work: Monday – Friday 37 hours per week
Salary: £30,458 – £31,097 plus £1365 environmental allowance.
Main Activities:
The main duties and responsibilities associated with the role include the following:
Retrieval
- Retrieve relevant documentation from PSNI records.
- Manage investigative materials from archives and police estate locations, ensuring access is recorded and material integrity is maintained.
- Arrange physical transfer of materials, including those of sensitive or classified nature.
- Travel to external locations (e.g., PRONI, libraries, and government departments) to access on-site information.
- Maintain a complete audit trail for all collected information.
Research and Redaction
- Gather information, data, and statistics from PSNI and external sources (e.g., PRONI, PPS).
- Trace individuals such as victims’ next of kin, former RUC staff, military personnel, witnesses, and others.
- Liaise with internal teams and external agencies to collect relevant information within deadlines.
- Ensure compliance with Human Rights legislation (notably Articles 2 and 8).
- Redact sensitive or confidential information for disclosure to inquiries, tribunals, or civil cases.
- Process and secure information per PSNI policy, including watermarking and electronic redaction (e.g., via Adobe).
- Compile reports and present data in standard formats for supervisors.
- Prepare documentation schedules for civil actions.
- Format materials for legal advisers and transfer final redaction files to the Crown Solicitor’s Office.
Liaison
- Communicate regularly with investigators, analysts, and other PSNI staff to locate and exchange case-related information.
- Engage with external bodies such as the Ombudsman, Coroner’s Office, MOD, Prison Service, and Crown Solicitor’s Office for information gathering.
- Visit external archives and libraries to access non-digitised materials.
- Researchers will have personal contact with external organisations such as libraries or archives for the purpose of accessing information which is held on site and cannot be remotely accessed.
This Job Description reflects the main duties and responsibilities with this position. It is not intended to be exclusive or exhaustive.
Person Specification:
Essential Qualifications
- 2 A Levels or equivalent
Essential Skills and Experience
- Experience in research, analysis, and investigation, with the ability to collate and present complex information clearly.
- Skilled in interpreting and applying human rights legislation in professional contexts.
Essential Other
- IT literate specifically in the use of the Microsoft Office suite (including MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel and MS Outlook).
- The successful candidate must have access to a form of transport which will enable them to fulfil the responsibilities of the job in full.
Desirable Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent level qualification.
Desirable Skills and Experience
- Experience in disclosure of documents to court.
- Experience of court proceedings/coronial inquests.
Shortlisting will be carried out based on essential criteria. Please note in some instances, for example, where there is a high volume of applicants, desirable criteria may be assessed.
Successful applicants will be retained on a merit list for future opportunities arising.
We would encourage you to check the spam within your email system for any relevant correspondence.
Selection Methodology
PSNI uses the Competency and Values Framework (CVF) which sets out nationally recognised behaviours and values to support all policing professionals. You will be assessed against the values and at the competencies level as indicated below. This will include both past and future focused questions. Further guidance and information about the Competency and Values Framework (CVF) is available on our website. Please use the 2024 CVF for this role.
Applicants meeting the eligibility criteria and essential qualifications, skills and experience will be required to demonstrate their qualifications, skills and experience for the following criteria:
Competency and Value Based Assessment
Values
- Courage and Integrity
Competencies – Level 2
- We Analyse Critically
- We Take Ownership
- We Collaborate
- We are Innovative and Open-minded
For further information and to submit your application, click the apply icon.
Researcher employer: The Police Service of Northern Ireland
Contact Detail:
The Police Service of Northern Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Researcher
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Competency and Values Framework (CVF) used by PSNI. Understanding the specific behaviours and values they assess will help you tailor your responses during interviews, showcasing how you embody these qualities.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of research and law enforcement. Engaging with current or former researchers can provide insights into the role and may even lead to valuable referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your knowledge of human rights legislation, particularly Articles 2 and 8. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will demonstrate your preparedness for the role and your commitment to compliance.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential questions about your experience in research and analysis. Think of specific examples where you've successfully collated and presented complex information, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your suitability for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Researcher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills for the Researcher position, especially the importance of compliance with Human Rights legislation.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in research, analysis, and investigation. Emphasise your ability to collate and present complex information clearly, as well as any experience with human rights legislation.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that addresses the specific competencies and values outlined in the job description. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you embody the values of courage and integrity.
Prepare for Competency-Based Questions: Familiarise yourself with the Competency and Values Framework (CVF) used by the PSNI. Prepare examples that showcase how you analyse critically, take ownership, collaborate, and demonstrate innovation and open-mindedness.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Police Service of Northern Ireland
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Researcher, especially in relation to handling sensitive information and liaising with various agencies. Familiarise yourself with the specific tasks mentioned in the job description, such as retrieving documentation and ensuring compliance with human rights legislation.
✨Prepare for Competency Questions
Since the interview will assess you against the Competency and Values Framework, prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to analyse critically, take ownership, collaborate, and be innovative. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in research and analysis. Highlight any relevant projects where you gathered and presented complex information clearly. If you have experience with document disclosure or court proceedings, make sure to mention it as it’s desirable for this role.
✨Demonstrate IT Proficiency
As the role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office, be prepared to discuss your experience with these tools. You might even want to mention specific tasks you've accomplished using MS Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, especially if they relate to data presentation or report compilation.