Investigating Officers - Human Resources - SIC09039

Shetland Islands Council; Lerwick; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Shetland Islands Council is seeking to recruit Investigating Officers to support thorough workplace investigations across the organisation. You will gather evidence, interview witnesses and prepare reports, presenting findings at formal hearings where required.

The role requires handling sensitive information confidentially, strong communication, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. A degree or equivalent qualification is essential, with mandatory training sessions in

Qualifications

• Experience in carrying out investigations and producing high-quality written reports.
• Experience conducting interviews and handling sensitive information confidentially.
• Strong communication, listening and interpersonal skills.
• Good ICT skills including Word, Excel and Teams.
• A degree or equivalent level qualification is essential.

Responsibilities

• Undertake investigations in accordance with council procedures.
• Gather and analyse evidence and interview witnesses.
• Prepare comprehensive investigation reports and present findings at hearings.
• Support trauma-informed approach to wellbeing and signpost to support services.
• Contribute to development of guidance, training and policies relating to investigations.

Skills

Investigations

Interviewing

Report writing

Confidentiality

Communication

Education

Degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Teams

Job description

Shetland Islands Council is seeking to recruit a number of Investigating Officers to support the delivery of fair, thorough and professional workplace investigations across the organisation. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals with strong communication, interviewing and report-writing skills who can work objectively, sensitively, and confidentially in often complex situations.

The Role

As an Investigating Officer, you will undertake investigations in accordance with the Council's Disciplinary, Harassment and Bullying, Sexual Harassment and Complaints Procedures. You will gather and analyse evidence, interview witnesses, prepare comprehensive investigation reports and present your findings at formal hearings where required.

The role also involves supporting a trauma-informed approach to employee wellbeing, signposting individuals to appropriate support services, and contributing to the development of guidance, training and policies relating to investigations.

About You

We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate:

• Experience of carrying out investigations and producing high-quality written reports.
• Experience of conducting interviews and handling sensitive information confidentially.
• Excellent communication, listening and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work effectively on your own initiative and as part of a team.
• A fair, open-minded, resilient and professional approach.
• Good ICT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Teams.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

A degree or equivalent level qualification is essential.

Successful applicants

must be available to attend mandatory Investigating Officer training on the following dates:

12 to 14 January 2027 (online training)

20 to 22 January 2027 (in-person training in Lerwick)

Attendance at all training sessions is a requirement of appointment.

More detail is provided in the Job Profile, Person Specification and Conditions of Service Summary attached to the bottom of this advert.

Additional Information

• The grade of this post is I
• Rate of pay shown in the advert is inclusive of Distant Islands Allowance of £1.5523 per hour
• A relocation package does not apply to this post
• We will pay interview expenses from within Shetland
• You must have the ability to travel throughout Shetland at short notice and where public transport is limited
• We are happy to talk flexible working

This post is based at 8 North Ness Business Park, Lerwick

Information about Shetland

Shetland is an archipelago in the north of the British Isles where you'll find freedom, wildlife and wild beauty, but also a rich culture and dynamic, forward-looking society. The Islands have a thriving and diverse economy full of opportunities and offer residents the ideal work/life balance. Shetland combines stunning coastal landscapes and wide open spaces with friendly, bustling island communities. Factor in Shetland's impressive modern amenities, highly regarded schools and the Islands offer a work life balance rarely found elsewhere.