Are you an organised and resilient individual with the ability to work under pressure?
We are looking for a Research Officer to join our organisation to process Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) enhanced vetting checks for individuals working with children and/or vulnerable adults.
In this role, you will undertake research and interrogate intelligence, conduct risk assessments and compile effective reports to enable potential employers to make safe recruitment decisions for individuals wishing to work with children and vulnerable adults.
You will be part of a supportive team dealing with confidential and emotive information, but you will leave each day knowing the work you do has helped safeguard and protect the most vulnerable in society.
Please note this role offers blended working however all training will be conducted within the office.
In This Role, Your Main Responsibilities Will Be
* Creating and maintaining records on computerized systems to ensure relevant information is accurately processed and updated in a timely manner
* Liaising with and assisting internal and external customers both verbally and in writing to assist with DBS enquiries
* Conducting risk assessments on information and deciding on the level of action required in accordance to statutory requirements
* Handling and processing sensitive and personal information in line with relevant legislation including General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Data Protection Act 1988 and 2018 and Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
Skills, Experience and Qualifications Required
* Experience in researching information and writing reports
* Skilled communicator with the ability to build relationships with colleagues both verbally and in writing
* Skilled computer user with knowledge of Microsoft Office programmes including Word
* Ability to problem solve and make decisions
* Knowledge of data protection with experience of dealing with matters of a confidential nature. An understanding of the DBS process would be advantageous
The starting salary for this role is £27,204 rising to £29,859 in increments.
We are currently recruiting for one full time position but are using this recruitment process to create a reserve pool of applicants for additional roles that may become available within the next 12 months.
What We Can Offer You
How we reward you is linked to our culture, it’s about more than just salary.
Benefits
* Comprehensive training programme to carry out the role with continuing professional development
* Competitive salary
* Local Government Pension Scheme
* Health Assured Employee Assistance scheme offering 24 hr help through counselling services, legal advice, fitness advice, personal coaching and health assessment
* Staff benefits including discounts on shopping, days out, sporting events, holidays
* When at Police HQ, you will be provided with on‑site parking, access to a 24‑hour gym (additional subsidised membership of £5 per month) as well as catering options in the canteen with Costa and Starbucks coffee
Additional Information
Shortlisting will take place w/c 30th March 2026 with in person interview scheduled for 9th, 14th and 16th April 2026.
If you think that you have these qualities and are interested in joining our team, we would love to hear from you.
To be eligible to apply for this role you must have a 3 year ‘checkable history’ in the UK – ideally this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years.
To find out more about this role please email Damian.bright@avonandsomerset.police.uk
Does this sound like the role for you? Click the link below to apply.
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