Employment Vetting Officer
Temporary, Full Time
Rate of Pay: £16.28 per hour
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style:
Closing Date: Sunday 22nd February 2026
Work Style: Anywhere worker – 2 days per week in the Chelmsford office, with remote working available in line with business needs.
The Opportunity
We’re looking for a dedicated Employment Vetting Officer (EVO) to lead on pre-employment checks for new starters at Essex County Council (ECC) and our external clients. In this vital role, you’ll ensure that all clearances are completed promptly and meet full safeguarding and compliance standards, enabling candidates to begin their roles with confidence.
You’ll be a key point of contact for both hiring managers and candidates—providing clear, proactive communication throughout the vetting process. This role plays a crucial part in protecting vulnerable groups by upholding the highest safeguarding standards in line with legal and policy requirements.
As the subject matter expert on employment vetting legislation and ECC policy, you’ll bring confidence, accuracy, and integrity to every aspect of your work.
Why work with us?
1. Flexible working to suit your lifestyle—we’re happy to discuss options at interview.
2. A supportive and high-performing team with excellent morale and a positive culture.
3. 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
4. Public and private sector experience welcomed.
5. A chance to make a difference—supporting critical services across Essex, from climate action to adult social care.
6. Join us in building a more sustainable, inclusive, and thriving county.
The Experience You Will Bring
7. A sound understanding of employment and vetting legislation in both regulated and non-regulated environments.
8. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
9. A motivated, detail-oriented approach with a strong focus on results and continuous improvement.
10. Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage your workload effectively and meet deadlines.
11. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience handling customer enquiries and delivering outstanding service.
12. A proven ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
13. Experience working in a safeguarding-conscious environment, with an understanding of how vetting processes support the protection of children and vulnerable adults.
14. Confidence in handling sensitive and confidential information in line with data protection and organisational policies.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR) on our careers site.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.
We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.