Professional Standards Investigator

Avon Fire & Rescue Service; Portishead; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual holiday

electric vehicle salary sacrifice

cycle to work

Welfare and wellbeing services

Staff networks

Westfield Health Supplementary Health

Access to multi-gym and sports hall

Job summary

Avon Fire & Rescue Service seeks a Professional Standards Investigator to conduct thorough investigations into misconduct, grievances, complaints and whistleblowing concerns. You’ll gather evidence, interview witnesses, and prepare balanced reports to support disciplinary decisions.

You’ll help with training for managers and uphold the NFCC Core Code of Ethics within a framework of confidentiality and accountability.

Job description

As our Professional Standards Investigator, you will conduct thorough, and timely investigations into allegations of misconduct, grievances, complaints and whistleblowing concerns within Avon Fire & Rescue Service. The postholder will support high standards of integrity, accountability, and professionalism in line with the NFCC Core Code of Ethics and national frameworks.

Some of the things you’ll be doing

• Plan and conduct investigations into matters including misconduct, bullying and harassment, grievances, external complaints, whistleblowing disclosures, and breaches of policies or codes of conduct.
• Gather, analyse, and evaluate evidence, including witness interviews, statements, documentary and digital material in accordance with relevant legislation, Service procedures, and best practice.
• Produce clear, balanced, and well-reasoned investigation reports within agreed timescales with findings and conclusions as to whether there is enough evidence to support a disciplinary process.
• Design and deliver relevant training (e.g. 'conducting investigations') to middle and senior managers, in collaboration with the Employee Relations Business Partners/Advisor, in-house legal advisor and external bodies (where appropriate).
• Maintain confidentiality, impartiality, and independence throughout the investigative process whilst applying and promoting the NFCC and Avon Fire & Rescue Service Core Code of Ethics.
• Identify themes, trends, and organisational learning arising from investigations and contribute to service improvement including preparing management information, reports and briefings for senior leaders and governance bodies.
• Facilitate debrief exercises when a process concludes, capturing learning opportunities and ensuring there is a clear pathway for service improvement e.g. policy development, process changes, enhanced support/training.
• Carry out any additional responsibilities as reasonable and appropriate, as agreed with line manager.
• 26 days annual holiday (plus public holidays) rising to 30 days after 5 years, and 31 days after 10 years of service
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Welfare and Wellbeing services
• Staff Networks
• Access to Westfield Health Supplementary Healthcare package.
• Use of the multi-gym, sports hall, restaurant, free parking and beautiful open surroundings at our Headquarters in Portishead.

With effect from July 2023 legislation was amended to enable all Fire & Rescue Services to undertake standard DBS checks for all employees. All job roles require a standard DBS check, with certain defined roles requiring an enhanced check. These will be renewed throughout employment.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service is committed to securing equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from all members of our community who are currently under-represented at Avon Fire & Rescue Service, particularly women, Disabled people and members of ethnic minority communities.

Additional reading

It is important for you to familiarise yourself with our work at Avon FRS and the framework we follow. Please see some resources below for you to read and explore: