4103 OPCC Independent Review Officer

Independent Review Officer

Salary Range: PO2 - £38,376 – £40,662 (Part time – 3 days per week)

Location: Based at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), Police HQ, Waterwells, Gloucestershire

Vacancy Description

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Gloucestershire is seeking to appoint an Independent Review Officer. This role will be responsible for the co-ordination and processing of reviews for public complaints, making recommendations to the PCC on each case for his decision ensuring that lessons learnt and best practice are fed back to the Constabulary for amendments to policy and operational delivery.

The role of Independent Review Officer was established following the enactment of part two of the Policing and Crime Act 2017.  This Act placed a statutory duty on PCCs to manage reviews (formally known as appeals) of complaints that have been initially handled by the Professional Standards Department (PSD) in the Constabulary.

The role means that how a complaint was managed is no longer heard by the Chief Constable but reviewed independently outside of the Constabulary.  The PCC delegates this responsibility to the Independent Review Officer who will determine whether the outcome was reasonable and proportionate.

The post holder will be in a politically restricted post under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

The Key Requirements of the Role

• To be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills (written and oral) including the ability to constructively challenge existing practices.

• To demonstrate experience of writing complex reports to senior managers including the interpretation of new legislation and guidance to update existing policy.

• To demonstrate an ability to undertake complex reviews of public complaint investigations including in depth knowledge and practical application of the IOPC Statutory Guidance.

• To have some knowledge of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act and Police Conduct Regulations.

• To have experience of dealing with/handling complaints and demonstrate a basic knowledge of a complaints system.

• To demonstrate knowledge of the process to be followed for complaints against the Chief Constable

The person appointed will already hold a degree or equivalent related qualification in a relevant subject.

A post graduate degree or qualification as a barrister, solicitor or legal executive in England and Wales would be desirable.

The successful candidate will be subject to personal and financial vetting checks prior to appointment.

This role benefits from flexible working arrangements and work pattern is negotiable.

Applications close: 1 November 2021

Shortlisting: 3 November 2021

Interviews: 17 November 2021 at Police HQ, Waterwells, Quedgeley, Gloucester GL2 2AN

If you wish to discuss this role further please contact Richard Bradley, Chief Executive, via email, at: richard.bradley@gloucestershire-pcc.gov.uk