The Disclosure Officer is responsible for assessing, summarising, and scheduling all material gathered on the enquiry. They ensure that comprehensive disclosure schedules are applied to the examination of revelation of all relevant unused materials, including the application of descriptions and relating to decisions of sensitivity of materials. They ensure that all materials are disclosed in line with applicable legislation and guidance. The Disclosure Officer works with the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) in relation to any issues that might undermine the prosecution’s case.
Key Accountabilities
* Maintain accurate and comprehensive disclosure schedules relating to all relevant unused materials gathered during a criminal investigation to ensure that they comply with applicable disclosure legislation and national guidance
* Ensure compliance with the disclosure manual to ensure that all unused materials are effectively labelled and correct decisions relating to sensitivity are made
* Undertake disclosure tests, including re-assessment where appropriate, to ensure that all materials are prepared for disclosure, ensuring correct reporting processes are followed, and that they are edited, where needed, for disclosure to the defence to support the full and effective disclosure of evidence from an investigation.
* Advise the SIO in relation to third party issues, materials that might undermine the prosecution case and materials that assist the defence in order to ensure compliance with legislation and national guidance relating to disclosure and progress and support the ongoing investigation.
* Ensure good working relationships with all relevant parties, including Exhibits Officer, SIO, and defence representatives to ensure that all issues relating to disclosure are addressed.
* Locate, review and record materials for disclosure, linking to other areas, to ensure that all materials are appropriately reviewed and actioned as part of the disclosure process.
Education, Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
* Prior education and experience: Experience of the investigative process or conducting investigations.
* PIP2 desirable but not mandatory
* Completion of the HOLMES2 Disclosure Officer course.
* Working knowledge of relevant disclosure legislation and guidance
* Previous experience and/or knowledge of major crime investigations
* Good communication skills with the ability to listen, empathise, provide support, and adapt language, form, and message to meet the needs of different people / audiences.
* Skilled in the use of specialist IT packages, systems and/or databases to fulfil role requirements.
* Able to break down a complex problem into component parts and determine appropriate action in investigations.
* Ability to work effectively in a team to achieve shared objectives, demonstrating awareness of individual differences and providing support and advice as required.
* Able to review own performance objectively and to develop and follow an appropriate improvement plan.
* Able to appropriately prioritise and plan own work.
* Able to proactively develop effective working relationships with colleagues, partners, and other stakeholders.
* Able to produce clear and concise reports and other documents within best practice procedures.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
* Maintain up-to-date knowledge of disclosure and the role it plays in the investigative process
* Maintain knowledge of local and national guidance and legislation relating to disclosure.
* Maintain knowledge of the investigative process and any changes to local and national guidance and legislation relating to investigation.
* Identify and share best practice relating disclosure on a local and national level.
* Keep up to date with changes and updates to the HOLMES2 system and how it applies to and impacts on disclosure.
Locations
* London, South East, South West, East England, West Midlands, East Midlands, North East, North West
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