Vacancy Information
Division / Department - Criminal Justice
Grade - Grade 8
Status - Full Time
Contract Type - Permanent
Salary Grade Range - £28,914 - £30,897
Working Hours - 37.0 Hours per Week
Shift Allowance - No
Politically Restricted - No
Location - Brighton, John Street
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.
Chief Constable Tim De Meyer & Chief Constable Jo Shiner
The Role & Key Responsibilities
The role of a Witness Care Officer is an integral part of the Criminal Justice Process. It involves:-
1. Being the single point of contact for victims and witnesses, giving regular updates in line with the Victim Code and Witness Charter.
2. Negotiating and persuading victims and witnesses to remain engaged in the Criminal Justice process in order to achieve successful outcomes at court (measured by National targets of effective trials).
3. Collating non availability dates for Police and Civilian witnesses in readiness for Magistrates and Crown Court trials to be fixed.
4. Warning Civilian and Police witnesses for Magistrates and Crown Court trials, whether attending Court Venues or giving evidence via video-link.
5. Being proactive in resolving any issues that arise to secure attendance at Court.
6. Dealing with correspondence from the Crown Prosecution Service as well as His Majesty’s Courts & Tribunals Service, prioritising in line with Sussex Police standards.
7. Carrying out Needs Assessments for each victim and witness in Not Guilty cases.
8. Using several IT systems such as Outlook, Niche, WMS, PNC, Common Platform, Libra and Exhibit.
Key Responsibilities:
9. Witness Care Officers are responsible for promoting and supporting Victim and Witness Care in full compliance with the minimum requirements of the Victims Code of Practice and The Witness Charter.
10. You will offer support and assistance to those victims and witnesses called to give evidence at Court.
11. You will provide victims and witnesses with a single point of contact by their preferred means.
12. You will be required to carry out Needs Assessments on the telephone to determine vulnerability to then assist in Court attendance.
13. You will be expected to identify Special Measures which need to be put in place.
14. You will be required to signpost victims and witnesses to our partner agencies such as the Witness Service, Probation Service, IDVAs and ISVAs (Independent Domestic Violence Advocates & Independent Sexual Violence Advocates).
15. You will be able to explain the Victim Personal Statement process and make arrangements to take statements where required.
16. You will be expected to deliver excellent Customer Service and maintain clear and concise contact logs and referrals.
Skills & Experience
17. Joining our busy team, you'll require first class organisational, problem solving, administrative and negotiating skills.
18. You will need to offer an enhanced service to those witnesses who are vulnerable and in the greatest need; therefore it is essential that you have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to identify those who have concerns or worries.
19. You must have the ability to deal with distressed individuals who may have been the victims of serious sexual and violent crime along with numerous other upsetting offences.
20. Previous experience of dealing with people in a customer focussed environment or supportive network is essential.
21. You will be dealing with a large number of cases at any one time so the ability to work under pressure is vital, as is the ability to continually prioritise your own work and that of any absent colleagues, whilst working to strict timescales.
22. You must have the ability to integrate into an established team and work under your own initiative, often with limited supervision.
23. Criminal Justice experience is desirable.
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 and home working.
We take pride in looking after our people and offer a variety of benefits;
24. career progression
25. contributory pension scheme (LGPS)
26. generous annual leave allowance
27. discounts for everyday spend
28. on-site gyms and a range of sports clubs
29. generous and supportive parental leave
30. financial and mental wellbeing guidance and support
31. discounted contributory healthcare scheme
Please use the following links for more information on the benefits of working with
Further Information
This role has the option for agile working. During the initial learning period of the role, all mentoring will be done at John Street Police Station. Agile working will be considered after a minimum of 6 months from the start date, subject to a sufficient understanding of the role being demonstrated.