Criminal Records Officer

West-Midlands-Police; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

West Midlands Police is seeking a Criminal Records Officer to process Enhanced DBS checks for individuals wishing to work with children and/or vulnerable adults. The role requires interrogating complex police systems and conducting detailed risk assessments under the Quality Assurance Framework.

You will liaise with internal colleagues, DBS, other forces and external agencies; manage applications on the DBS IT system; provide DBS guidance; and support pre-employment checks including vetting,

Qualifications

• Ability to interrogate complex Police computer systems and databases to check DBS applicants against information.
• Ability to perform risk assessments and document rationale clearly within QA framework.
• Strong decision-making skills to determine disclosure necessity and escalation.
• Effective communication with internal teams, DBS, and external agencies.
• Proven ability to work in a target-driven environment and provide DBS guidance.

Responsibilities

• Search, interrogate and extract information from Police systems to identify records related to DBS applicants; compile audit trails.
• Analyze information from multiple sources and summarise factors in Hit Relevance Table.
• Make risk-based decisions on information discardability and document rationale under QAF.
• Escalate to a Decision Maker with briefing reports when disclosure is required.
• Liaise with internal colleagues, DBS, other forces and external agencies to obtain information and ensure timely responses.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Decision making

Communication

Attention to detail

Liaison skills

Tools

DBS IT system

Job description

Previous applicants who have not previously been successful for this role in the last 6 months are not eligible to apply on this occasion.

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions by processing and issuing DBS checks for England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. DBS also prevents unsuitable people from working with children and/or vulnerable adults through its barring function. The role of Criminal Records Officer is to process applications for Enhanced DBS checks in relation to persons wishing to work with children and/or vulnerable adults. The role requires an individual who is able to interrogate complex Police computer systems and databases to check for relevant information held against a DBS applicant in line with the Quality Assurance Framework (QAF). Once the information has been gathered, a detailed risk assessment needs to be conducted to establish an applicant’s suitability to work with vulnerable groups in accordance with relevant legislation. The role requires a highly motivated individual who is confident working in a target driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• To search, interrogate and extract information from various Police systems and databases to identify records held in relation to the DBS applicant. To analyse and evaluate all information found from varied sources using the National Quality Assurance Framework (QAF) and prepare the Audit Trail (AT) document, presenting all relevant information clearly and concisely in the Hit Relevance Table, summarising all relevant factors and considerations within the report.
• Use decision making skills to analyse, risk assess and determine whether the relevant information recorded on the AT document can be discarded and if so, clearly document the rationale for discarding relevant information in accordance with QAF.
• To elevate the DBS application to a Decision Maker in a timely manner, with the appropriate briefing report to support the disclosure decision, when the information cannot be discarded (disclosure is required).
• To liaise with internal colleagues, DBS, other forces and external agencies in respect of the work of the Unit, either in person, by phone or via e-mail to obtain further information in relation to decision making and maintaining contact to ensure these requests are returned in a timely manner.
• To provide advice and guidance on DBS to internal departments, external agencies and members of the public either in person, via phone or via e-mail.
• To receive all DBS applications via the DBS IT system, ensuring that the information on the application is accurate, that the applicant is eligible to apply and the applications have resulted correctly when returned to DBS.

Contact: For further information regarding this role, please email: [e-mail]

Hours of Work and Flexibility:-This is a full-time position working between core hours of 08:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday. The role is hybrid working with 60% of working days on-site.

Selection Process

Online Application and Sift

You will complete an online application form, which will be reviewed against the skills, experience and behaviours required for the role.

Closing Date:- Thursday 29th October at 23:55 hours

Interview

Candidates who successfully pass the application stage will be invited to attend an interview. This will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your suitability for the role. Interviews dates TBC

Pre-Employment Checks

If you are selected as the preferred candidate, you will be required to successfully complete relevant pre-employment checks before receiving a formal offer. For internal candidates, some checks may not be required.Checks may include:

• Vetting Checks - You must successfully complete the required level of Recruitment vetting and Counter Terrorism clearance before starting the role. This may include providing information relating to your background and financial history as part of the vetting process.for more information.
• Medical Checks - Appointment to this role is subject to successfully completing medical checks. This may include a drugs test and, where required, a fitness assessment.
• Reference Checks - You will need to provide details covering at least five years of employment, education or other relevant activity history.

We are committed to supporting candidates throughout the recruitment process and reasonable adjustments are available for those who need them.