Firearms Research and Development Officer (Headquarters, Chelmsford/Home Based)

Essex & Kent Police; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Essex Police and Kent Police are seeking a dedicated Firearms Licensing Research and Development Officer (RDO) based in Chelmsford / home-based agile role. You will manage firearms licensing checks, prepare assessments and maintain audit trails while ensuring compliance with Firearms Act 1968 and related guidance.

The role requires handling sensitive information, strong written and verbal communication, and the ability to work to deadlines within a compliance framework.

Qualifications

• A basic understanding of Data Protection legislation and Firearms Licensing Law.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to handle sensitive information.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for engaging with internal teams and the public.
• Experience in managing deadlines and working within compliance frameworks.
• Comfortable working with volume data quickly and accurately.
• Be self-motivated, working independently with good problem-solving skills.
• Good IT skills, proficient with Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel and Office 365.
• Good standard of general education.

Responsibilities

• Support firearms licensing checks and assessments for firearms, shotgun and explosives licensing.
• Prepare concise summaries and assessments for decision makers.
• Record risk indicators and maintain audit trails.
• Coordinate change of addresses and notices of sale/purchases as required.
• Monitor certificate holders for information affecting suitability and escalate risks promptly.

Skills

Data Protection legislation

Firearms Licensing Law

Attention to detail

Verbal and written communication

Compliance frameworks

Handling volume data

Independent working

Microsoft Office 365

General education

Problem solving

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Office 365

Job description

Location of Role: Chelmsford / Home Based Agile Worker

Advert Closing Date: 11/09/2026

Starting Salary: £27,204.00 (pro-rata for part-time vacancies)

Part/Full Time: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Mon-Fri

Weekend/Evening Working: No

The role of Firearms Licensing Research and Development Officer (RDO) it to support public safety, ensuring all enquires, checks and assessments linked to firearms, shotgun and explosives licensing are completed thoroughly and accurately in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance and authorised professional practice.

The RDO gathers, reviews and records relevant information from intelligence systems, partner agencies, medical professionals and open-source checks. Identifies and document risk indicators such as criminality, domestic abuse, mental health concerns or signs or vulnerability, so appropriate investigative activities can take place. They apply professional curiosity with attention to detail, and awareness of information gathered to clarify and elevate where necessary, to enable a robust assessment to suitability.

The RDO prepares concise and accurate summaries of each application and assessed against a risk matrix or escalated with all relevant information to the decision maker to make lawful decisions. They also action notifications of change of addresses and notice of sale or purchases of firearms and any other requests from the public, ensuring relevant checks are completed and a complete audit trail is maintained.

The RDO contributes to ongoing monitoring of certificate holders, checking information from incidents, intelligence or partner agencies that may affect their suitability. Identifying any threats or concerns and ensuing relevant information is brought promptly to the attention of those with delegated authority so risks to public safety are addressed without delay.

The RDO has an understanding of the legal framework that governs firearms licensing, including Firearms Act 1968, Home Office; Statutory Guidance, Guidance on Firearms Licensing, and security requirements. The role requires the ability to interpret and apply this framework to day to day case files, and to ensure recommendations and assessments are fully aligned with national and force expectations.

The successful candidate will have:

• A basic understanding of Data Protection legislation and Firearms Licensing Law
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to handle sensitive information
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for engaging with internal teams and the public
• Experience in managing deadlines and working within compliance frameworks
• Comfortable working with volume data quickly and accurately
• Be self-motivated, working independently with good problem-solving skills
• Good IT skills, proficient with Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel and Office 365
• Good standard of general education

This opportunity would suit a highly motivated and dynamic individual who can bring their wide experience to this department.

One year's experience of working in and administrative role in a busy office environment would be and advantage, ideally providing a high volume of service to the public.

Depending on your current vetting level and security clearances, you may be required to complete additional vetting information during the recruitment process.

Kent Police and Essex Police welcomes applications regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, sex, or employment status.

If you're not from the UK, you must be a resident in the UK and have lived here continuously for the last three years. You must also be free from restrictions with indefinite leave to remain. If you're from the UK you must have lived here continuously for the last three years. This doesn't apply to those serving abroad in the British Armed Forces.

As a Disability Confident Leader we:

• Have subjected our Disability Confident self-assessment to external challenge and validation
• Are taking an active leadership role in encouraging and helping other employers on their journey to becoming Disability Confident

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion are central to the values of our organisation. At Essex Police we value and embrace the unique experiences, identities and abilities that each of us bring to our roles. We strive to empower everyone to bring their authentic self openly and safely to work.

Through the dedicated commitment of our support networks, DE&I team and wider HR departments, we are on a journey to embed our DE&I commitments, ensuring Essex Police is an employer of choice; where everyone feels included.

Essex Police and Kent Police are an equal opportunities employer. Communications may be recorded for monitoring purposes.