Firearms Enquiry Officer

Cambridgeshire Constabulary; Hitchin; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Cycle to Work Scheme

Blue Light Card

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Bedfordshire Police seeks an experienced Firearms & Explosives Licensing Enquiry Officer to assess applications and renewals, conduct interviews and home visits, and maintain accurate records. The role requires completing training and accreditation, with travel across counties.

The post involves advising on firearms legislation, providing specialist guidance, and supporting efficient service delivery through process improvements.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to manage sensitive situations professionally and diplomatically.
• Strong analytical, investigative and decision-making skills.
• The ability to identify and assess concerns relating to suitability and public safety.
• Good observation and intelligence-gathering skills.
• The ability to work independently and manage your workload effectively.
• The physical ability to access firearms storage areas, including lofts and confined spaces.
• A full UK driving licence and the ability to travel across all three counties.
• A willingness to undertake training, maintain the required accreditation and complete the Explosives Liaison course

Responsibilities

• Assess case files for applications and renewals, conducting interviews, enquiries, interviews and home visits where required.
• Identify concerns with the circumstances or suitability to determine suitability for certification and identify any public safety concerns.
• Determine the need for home or premises inspections.
• Undertake visits to applicants, referees, and relevant agencies; gather intelligence and maintain accurate records.
• Attend court to provide evidence, apply for search warrants and support legal proceedings.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for Firearms Licensing Managers on granting, renewing or revoking certificates by coordinating the retrieval and return of firearms, ammunition and certificates.
• Maintain accurate records and intelligence, ensuring compliance with legislation and Home Office guidance.
• Provide specialist advice on firearms and explosives legislation to colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Support cultural and systems change, embracing technology and process improvements for efficient service delivery

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Investigative skills

Decision-making

Public safety awareness

Independent working

Reading & recording evidence

Tools

NFLMS

Job description

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.

Join Our Team as a Firearms & Explosives Licensing Enquiry Officer

About the Role

The Firearms and Explosives Licensing Unit is responsible for granting firearms, shotgun, and explosives certificates to applicants who have a legitimate reason for possession and who present no risk to public safety. This is carried out under the provisions of the Firearms Act 1968, using a risk-assessed approach and applying the National Decision-Making Model.

What We’re Looking For

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to manage sensitive situations professionally and diplomatically.
• Strong analytical, investigative and decision-making skills.
• The ability to identify and assess concerns relating to suitability and public safety.
• Good observation and intelligence-gathering skills.
• The ability to work independently and manage your workload effectively.
• The physical ability to access firearms storage areas, including lofts and confined spaces.
• A full UK driving licence and the ability to travel across all three counties.
• A willingness to undertake training, maintain the required accreditation and complete the Explosives Liaison course

Key Responsibilities

Assess case files for applications and renewals, conducting interviews, enquiries, interviews and home visits where required.

Identify concerns with the circumstances or suitability to determine suitability for certification and identify any public safety concerns.

Determine the need for home or premises inspections.

Undertake visits to applicants, referees, and relevant agencies; gather intelligence and maintain accurate records. where required.

Attend court to provide evidence, apply for search warrants and support legal proceedings.

Prepare reports and recommendations for Firearms Licensing Managers (Incl Deputy) on granting, renewing or revoking certificates by co-ordinating the retrieval and return of firearms, ammunition and certificates ·

Maintain accurate records and intelligence, ensuring compliance with legislation and Home Office guidance by accurate use of the National Firearms Licensing management System (NFLMS) and other police databases ·

Provide specialist advice on firearms and explosives legislation to colleagues and external stakeholders by maintaining up- to-date knowledge of relevant law and Home Office guidance.

Support cultural and systems change, embracing technology and process improvements for efficient service delivery

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

Additional Advert Information

• Internal Applicants
• 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
  • Renewing vetting clearance
  • 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 redeemployees 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 We’re proud to support our people with a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 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.