Forensic Technical Development Expert- NABIS in Birmingham

Prospective staff must be held to a higher standard of behaviour and accountability than members of the public, and that therefore their right to privacy can be fettered in certain circumstances. This is to ensure that members of the police are fully aware and accountable for the unique powers entrusted to them and the standards of professional behaviour they swear to uphold.

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.

Role & Key Responsibilities

As the Technical Development Expert your role will design, maintain, and deliver a comprehensive internal training programme for Ballistic Forensic competencies, ensuring that NABIS staff have fundamental ballistic and firearms knowledge. This will form National Best Practice capable of being delivered to Ballistic Forensic practitioners and leaders nationally and internationally and ensure continuous professional development of the NABIS forensic ballistic function, in line with the requirements of ISO17025.

Responsible for supporting internal technical and non‑technical audits, and provision of support to external audits for MPS, Police Service Northern Ireland and Police Scotland you must be prepared for some limited travel.

The Key Responsibilities Involve

• Act as a Subject Matter Expert for forensic ballistic examination
• Develop, review and deliver a competency‑based training programme for Year 1 & 2 Ballistic Expert Apprentices, Experts, and Forensic leadership across UK policing, Police Service Northern Ireland and Police Scotland
• Develop modules and inputs for internal and external training provision and identify service improvement areas in response to new training techniques, adopting a continuous improvement model to keep training provision relevant
• Identify and coordinate relevant Continuous Professional Development opportunities for experts including relevant conferences and research opportunities
• Research, assess and introduce new training delivery methods, including virtual advancements
• Maintain a range of relevant and current competency tests for Experts to be used nationally to test the competency of forensic ballistic experts
• Produce a costed annual training programme to include abstractions for course delivery
• Complete technical audits across the forensic hubs as directed by the relevant governance meeting
• Ensure the maintenance of quality technical processes are in line with defined independent verified standards and that the development of firearms intelligence products is undertaken in conjunction with NABIS intelligence professionals
• Provide expert ballistics knowledge in the delivery of products and services using tool‑mark comparison systems, microscopy and IBIS technologies, together with firearms legislation
• Support and comply with quality processes in line with ISO17025 and the FSR Codes of Conduct and Practice, including leading and completing technical audits
• Make safe firearms submitted to the Unit to prevent accidental discharges. Undertake responsibility for safety, certification and storage of all firearms and associated exhibits/documentation submitted to NABIS and for the production of expert witness statements for the certification of firearms and ammunition in line with current legislation
• Use IBIS technologies efficiently and effectively, maintaining a high‑quality database including the examination and photography of firearms and ammunition for identifying marks and modifications
• Keep up to date and monitor the firearms industry to anticipate crime trends and monitor criminal firearms use for national policy recommendations
• Continually develop forensic best practice in the NABIS services and liaise with firearm experts from forces, other agencies and defence experts, keeping up‑to‑date on technical developments
• Participate in stakeholder liaison meetings with customers, suppliers and national sponsors and deliver firearms lectures and training sessions for relevant roles

Skills & Experience

• Extensive experience as a Forensic Ballistics Expert working within a law enforcement setting
• Evidence of delivering training programmes and inputs
• Experience in firearms range control and range procedures
• Experience of working in a quality management environment, in particular ISO17025
• Extensive work experience with a leading forensic organisation or as an independent expert consultant
• Experience and training in use of IBIS technologies
• Experience of disassembly and reloading of ammunition and experience in recharging pre‑charge air weapons
• Ability to meet demanding deadlines and performance targets whilst remaining flexible and responsive to changing operational circumstances
• Experience giving evidence at court
• Knowledge of police investigative procedures and intelligence‑led activity
• Sound general forensic science knowledge including DNA, fingerprints, fibres, hair and tool marks

Qualifications Required

• Degree or equivalent in a research‑based subject
• Qualified and competent Forensic Ballistic Expert
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• A qualification in teaching/training or working towards this with an expected completion within two years of recruitment

This is an agile role, however post holder will be expected to spend at least two days at the forensic hub in Birmingham.

Vetting

Successful applicants will be required to pass Management Vetting and Security Clearance scrutiny prior to commencing their role, this will include a full background & financial disclosure as part of the vetting process.

Hours and Location

Remote (3 days) Office (2 days), Ridgepoint House B8 2RU

Interviews

TBC

Disability Confident Leadership

West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader – the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. As part of our commitment we operate a ‘Disability Confident Interview Scheme’ – all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. It is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria for the job (e.g., in high‑volume, seasonal or high‑peak recruitment situations). In these circumstances, the employer may select the candidates who best meet the essential criteria, as they would for non‑disabled applicants.

Diversity and Inclusion Vision

Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities.