BCH - Admin & Research Officer - Firearms & Explosives Licensing

CAMBRIDGESHIRE CONSTABULARY; Huntingdonshire; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Cambridgeshire Constabulary invites applications for an Admin & Research Officer in Firearms & Explosives Licensing. The role is based at Chord Park, Godmanchester, with duties spanning licensing processing, information gathering, risk assessment, and maintaining records in a confidential environment.

You will complete intelligence checks, prepare case materials, and provide guidance to applicants and internal teams.

Qualifications

• Strong IT skills, including experience using Microsoft Office and database systems.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to assess information and make sound decisions.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• A professional, customer-focused approach.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Process firearms, shotgun and explosives licensing applications, including grants, renewals, variations, revocations, cancellations and related enquiries.
• Gather and assess information to help determine applicant suitability.
• Identify and elevate concerns or risks where appropriate.
• Complete intelligence checks and maintain accurate records on the National Firearms Licensing Management System.
• Prepare case information and provide clear, objective recommendations to decision-makers.
• Respond to enquiries from applicants, members of the public and internal teams.
• Provide guidance on licensing processes, relevant legislation and departmental procedures.
• Handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
• Support improvements to processes, service delivery and departmental outcomes.

Skills

IT skills

Microsoft Office

Attention to detail

Decision making

Communication skills

Driving licence

Job description

BCH - Admin & Research Officer - Firearms & Explosives Licensing

Department Firearms & Explosives Licensing

Contract Type Full Time, Job Share, Part Time

Contract Duration Permanent

Location Chord Park

CAMBS

Grade Scale 5

Please note, if this is a paid role and the role is part time then the salary quoted will be pro rata based on the hours worked per annum.

You will help ensure applications are processed accurately, risks are identified and decisions are supported by clear, evidence-based information. The role involves handling sensitive information, carrying out research and intelligence checks, maintaining accurate records and providing guidance to applicants, colleagues and other stakeholders.

The successful candidate will primarily work out of Chord Park in Godmanchester.

The contract Force and hours for this position is to be confirmed. Please advise on your application what you would be looking for.

What you will be doing

You will:

• Process firearms, shotgun and explosives licensing applications, including grants, renewals, variations, revocations, cancellations and related enquiries.
• Gather and assess information to help determine applicant suitability.
• Identify and elevate concerns or risks where appropriate.
• Complete intelligence checks and maintain accurate records on the National Firearms Licensing Management System.
• Prepare case information and provide clear, objective recommendations to decision-makers.
• Respond to enquiries from applicants, members of the public and internal teams.
• Provide guidance on licensing processes, relevant legislation and departmental procedures.
• Handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
• Support improvements to processes, service delivery and departmental outcomes.

What we are looking for

You will need:

• Strong IT skills, including experience using Microsoft Office and database systems.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to assess information and make sound decisions.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• A professional, customer-focused approach.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure.
• Confidence handling confidential and sensitive information.
• A full driving licence.

Additional information

The role may require travel across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, as well as occasional national travel for meetings or training. If using a private vehicle for business travel, appropriate business insurance will be required.

The successful applicant will be required to meet the relevant vetting requirements and may be subject to a medical assessment before starting. The role holder will also be expected to complete the required probationary objectives.

This is an opportunity to contribute directly to public safety while working within a specialist and varied area of policing. You will join a collaborative department where accuracy, sound judgement and effective service delivery make a genuine difference.

For further information please contact Inspector Darren Gore - [e-mail]

Additional Advert Information

• Internal Applicants
  To apply for this role, internal applicants must have successfully completed their probationary period.
  If you qualify as an internal candidate within the advertising force, you may upload either your CV or the internal role summary form attached to this advert.
• Vetting Process
  Please note that, as part of the vetting process, the BCH Vetting Unit may need to contact your current line manager for a Supervisor Appraisal. This requirement aligns with the 2025 National Guidelines for Vetting (APP 6.5.18).
  Examples of when this may apply include:
• Transferring to another force
• Moving into a role requiring MV clearance (even if you currently hold MV clearance)
• Moving into or working in a role involving close contact with vulnerable individuals
• Redeployment and Redundancy
  This vacancy is open to employees at risk of redundancy and will remain available to redeployees until a final offer has been agreed and accepted.
  Redeployees at risk of redundancy will take priority over all other applicants at any stage of the recruitment process. If successful, redeployees will remain on their home force’s terms and conditions.
• Role Profile
  We recommend downloading and saving a copy of the role profile, as it will no longer be accessible once the advert closes.
• Commitment to Inclusion
  As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to be themselves. We provide workplace adjustments wherever needed so that all colleagues can thrive.
  If you have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the role, you will be guaranteed an interview under the Offer an Interview Scheme.

Help us deliver outstanding policing for everyone.

We believe that to serve our communities effectively, we need people from all backgrounds, bringing a wide range of life and professional experiences. This helps us reflect the communities we serve and ensures we deliver the best possible service.

Why Choose a Career in Policing?

Bedfordshire Policeis recognised as a pioneering and forward-thinking service, responsible for policing a large, diverse, and multicultural population.

If you're looking for a meaningful and rewarding career—where you can make a real difference, take on new challenges, and gain a wide variety of experiences—then we want to hear from you.

What We Offer

• Pension Schemes: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, with employer contributions and death-in-service benefits.
• Generous Annual Leave: 24 to 33 days (depending on rank and length of service).
• Sick Pay: Up to six months full pay and six months half pay (depending on service).
• Family Leave: Occupational maternity, adoption, and paternity pay (depending on service).
• Carers and Discretionary Leave
• Flexible Working: Including compressed hours, flexible shifts, job sharing, annualised hours, and agile working (role dependent).
• Wellbeing Support: Local wellbeing teams, on-site gym facilities and exercise classes (location dependent).
• Sports & Social Clubs: Enjoy discounts, trips, and events through our dedicated clubs.
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Blue Light Card App: Option to sign up for discounts in-store and online for emergency service workers.
• Financial Support: Access to Police Mutual for savings plans, insurance, loans, and independent financial advice.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Confidential support for personal and professional wellbeing.
• Staff Support Networks: Including groups for Black and Minority Ethnic colleagues, LGBTQ+ colleagues, disability awareness, menopause support, faith-based groups, and more.
• Trade Union Membership: Access to UNISON.
• Career Development: Opportunities for progression, promotion, and leadership training.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to building a workforce that is inclusive and truly representative of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, especially those currently under-represented in policing, including:

• Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities
• People of all ages and abilities
• All faiths and religions
• LGBTQ+ communities
• Individuals from disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds

All applications are assessed fairly and based on the evidence you provide and your suitability for the role.

Disability Confident Logo

Recruitment and Selection Policy

Internal applicants who are at risk of redundancy or in need of redeployment and pass the selection process, will be offered the role over the remaining internal and external applicants.

Police Barred and Advisory Lists

Individuals placed on the Police Barred and Advisory lists will not be considered for employment by the police for a minimum of 5 years from the date of listing in the case of gross misconduct, or 3 years from the date of listing in the case of poor performance.

Vetting and Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and operate safer recruitment processes, to ensure a police service that employees are proud to work for because they feel safe, valued and part of a happy and supportive work environment. All employees and volunteers therefore will be subject to background checks including vetting and references.

Bedfordshire Police recognises the growing use of AI tools in preparing job applications. While these tools can support you in expressing your skills and experience more effectively, their use must align with the principles of honesty, integrity, originality, and personal accountability. We want to learn about you and your own personal experiences and how these make you suitable for the role, this will be assessed throughout the recruitment process including at interview, which AI cannot replace. Please click HERE to find out more about the acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in our recruitment process.