Caerdydd, Birmingham, Canary Wharf, Croydon, Sale, Wakefield Job Summary As a Lead Investigator, you will be a part of a dynamic investigations team working locally and nationally on a wide range of investigations that are often in the public eye in the Investigation, Oversight and Casework directorate. Job Description As a Lead Investigator, you will lead all aspects of an investigation, from setting out the initial terms of reference, to collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, drawing conclusions, and writing a final report, many of which are published. Reports also include recommendations for the police force or Police and Crime Commissioner about actions to be taken to improve practice and prevent mistakes in the future. Therefore, it is imperative that you take a ‘cultural knowledge accountability’ approach to your work, so that you produce rounded and robust outcomes. After the investigation, investigations staff are responsible for supporting criminal, disciplinary and coronial proceedings which may follow. The nature of the work requires investigations staff to participate in an out of hours on call function for which an appropriate allowance is paid under IOPC policy. You will need relevant experience of undertaking investigations in any sector, such as social work, the probation services, local authority enforcement or regulatory services, as well as fraud or criminal justice. This role requires highly developed analytical and report writing skills, and an ability and commitment to acting independently. The IOPC is a public service and aims to ensure that everyone receives an equal service. To make this a reality we need innovative and socially aware people to join us. The IOPC are committed to developing the mindset of a team of diverse and passionate individuals reach their career goals whilst contributing to improving policing confidence. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; therefore, a standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be carried out for the successful candidate during the pre-employment process. As a Lead Investigator, you will lead all aspects of an investigation, from setting out the initial terms of reference, to collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, drawing conclusions, and writing a final report, many of which are published. Reports also include recommendations for the police force or Police and Crime Commissioner about actions to be taken to improve practice and prevent mistakes in the future. Therefore, it is imperative that you take a ‘cultural knowledge accountability’ approach to your work, so that you produce rounded and robust outcomes. After the investigation, investigations staff are responsible for supporting criminal, disciplinary and coronial proceedings which may follow. The nature of the work requires investigations staff to participate in an out of hours on call function for which an appropriate allowance is paid under IOPC policy. You will need relevant experience of undertaking investigations in any sector, such as social work, the probation services, local authority enforcement or regulatory services, as well as fraud or criminal justice. This role requires highly developed analytical and report writing skills, and an ability and commitment to acting independently. The IOPC is a public service and aims to ensure that everyone receives an equal service. To make this a reality we need innovative and socially aware people to join us. The IOPC are committed to developing the mindset of a team of diverse and passionate individuals reach their career goals whilst contributing to improving policing confidence. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; therefore, a standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be carried out for the successful candidate during the pre-employment process. Person specification Desirable Technical PiP2 qualification or equivalent investigative experience Essential Experience Conducting investigative interviews, evidence gathering, analysis and presentation. Evidence of effective oral and written communication skills. Evidence of excellent analytical and report writing skills; ability to reach and document clear, rational, evidence-based, and independent decisions based on analysis of existing and emerging information. Experience of engaging effectively with a diverse range of people and stakeholders, and evidence of a commitment to equality and diversity within the workplace. Delivering a high standard of work within demanding timescales. Identification of operational and organisational risk. Working effectively in a changing environment. Full driving licence valid for driving in the UK Essential Skills And Abilities Ability to show initiative and adapt in a changing environment. Writing investigation reports upon completion of the investigation for submission to the IOPC decision maker. Communicate effectively with complainants, bereaved families, and other internal and external stakeholders. Ability to recognise your development needs and be proactive in addressing them. Ability to prioritise and manage tasks effectively to deliver quality outcomes within demanding timescales. Ability to work effectively in a team with diverse ideas and people. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and adapt communication styles as appropriate. Alongside your salary of £37,596, Independent Office for Police Conduct contributes £10,891 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. 27.5 days paid annual leave (increasing with service to 32.5 days) Options to carry over, buy or sell annual leave Voluntary Health Cash Plan provided by BHSF Civil Service pension Civil Service maternity leave package PAM employee assistance programme Access to Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) membership Cycle to work scheme Opportunity to enjoy the latest home and electronics in a more affordable way provided by Vivup Car Leasing Scheme Staff Networks focussed on each of the protected characteristics - run for staff, by staff: Enable Network, Age Network, Welsh Network, Pride and LGBTQ Network, Sex and Family Network, Race, Religion and Belief Network Learning and development tailored to your role. An environment with flexible working options A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% Selection process details Application This Vacancy Is Using Success Profiles, To Find Out More, Please Click here. You Will Be Asked Four Sift Questions At The Application Stage Including An Experience And IOPC Values Question. We'll Also Assess You Against These HEO Civil Service Behaviours During The Application Process Making Effective Decisions Communicating & Influencing Stage 1: Interview – 20 to 29 October For those successfully shortlisted, you will be invited to a technical interview conducted over MS Teams which will last approximately 30 minutes. Stage 2: Assessment Centre – 10 November to 5 December For those successful at stage 1, you will be invited to a two stage assessment centre which will include a formal interview, role play exercise and written exercises. During stage 1 and 2 of the recruitment process we may assess your Experience, Behaviours, Strengths, Technical skills and Values. Training All successful applicants will be required to start on 11th May 2026 and will undertake a period of induction and training. As part of the training programme, you will engage in a Professionalising Investigations Programme Level 1 (PIP1) that is designed to develop your skills and knowledge as an investigator whilst working to achieve a qualification. The PIP1 programme includes formal and, on the job, learning as well as the support to build a portfolio of evidence which will provide you with the skills and knowledge to become a PIP1 investigator. You will also complete the Pearson Unit 4 accreditation relating to leading IOPC investigations. As we work to launch PIP2, you will be given the opportunity to undertake PIP2 at a later stage. Training is mandatory and will be delivered remotely and in person. Further details of training will be provided to applicants at a later stage. After completion of the PIP1 programme, you will be expected to engage in the revalidation programme. Revalidation ensures that your skills and knowledge are enhanced and maintained in line with the PIP requirements. Full engagement with the revalidation process is mandatory. Mandatory training for this role will be delivered hybrid, via in-person sessions and e-learning. The in-person training may take place in locations that are not your usual office base and may require overnight stays of up to 4 consecutive nights (expenses payable). Further information regarding dates / locations will be provided later in the process. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Nationality requirements This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. Diversity and Inclusion The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window). Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Contact point for applicants Job Contact Name : Recruitment Email : Recruitment@policeconduct.gov.uk Recruitment team Email : Recruitment@policeconduct.gov.uk