Vetting Officer

West Midlands Police; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional police force in Birmingham is seeking a Vetting Officer to conduct background checks and ensure operational integrity. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong communication skills and IT proficiency, managing risks associated with public safety and areas under scrutiny. This role requires attention to detail and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Successful applicants will benefit from an enhanced remuneration package and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Enhanced annual leave

Wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Experience in providing excellent customer service.
• Ability to prioritise and manage workload effectively.
• Proficient in using relevant software packages.

Responsibilities

• Conduct vetting checks on applicants.
• Compile recommendations for decision-makers.
• Liaise with external vetting departments as needed.

Skills

Effective communication

Organisational skills

IT skills

Attention to detail

Tools

PNC/PND systems

Job description

Prospective officers and staff must be held to a higher standard of behaviour and accountability than members of the public, and that therefore their right to privacy can be fettered in certain circumstances. This is to ensure that members of the police are fully aware and accountable for the unique powers entrusted to them and the standards of professional behaviour they swear to uphold. Previous applicants who have not previously been successful for this role in the last 6 months are not eligible to apply on this occasion.

We currently recruiting for 1 permanent vacancy and 3 x 12 month fixed term contract vacancies on the West Midlands Police Vetting Team.

Vetting Officers use police databases and other relevant systems and information, in line with force vetting policy, undertaking research into individuals who work, or who have applied to work, within the police service or for contractors who have access to police assets. This includes reviewing professional and private life, financial affairs, associations and employment history. This role identifies and assesses risks so that effective vetting decisions are made and, when appropriate, risk mitigation measures are put in place.

About the role

Vetting is conducted to help identify, assess & manage risk relating to areas such as public safety and confidence, operational safety, corruption and integrity.

Based in the Professional Standards Department, the Vetting Unit undertakes various background checks using relevant IT systems.

The role of the Vetting Officer is to undertake such checks and identify any issues that may compromise our operational, ethical and professional standards.

As part of your role you will also:

• Maintain confidentiality and have a working understanding of Data Protection legislation, General Data Protection Regulations
• Approve vetting applications where there are no issues based on the National Decision Making Model
• Compile recommendations on cases for the consideration of Vetting Decision Makers
• Identify issues that need to be raised to Vetting Decision Makers
• Manage intelligence regarding vulnerability and liaise with relevant departments regarding risk assessments of such vulnerabilities
• Liaise with external vetting departments when required
• Accurately interpret and record information and intelligence regarding vetting applicants and to manage the security and storage of the information

The ideal candidate for the role of Vetting Officer within PSD will be a self-motivated person who is methodical, has the ability to interrogate computer systems and has a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Essential Criteria

• Be an effective communicator who has experience of providing excellent customer service (internal and / or external customers)
• Be able to demonstrate good organisational skills, including how you prioritise and manage your workload effectively
• Have good IT skills and be proficient in using software packages
• Be able to work as part of a team and also independently with limited supervision
• Have a high level of accuracy and attention to detail

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of working in customer service delivery environment and effectively dealing with customers
• Experience with PNC/PND and WMP intelligence systems

Vetting

Successful applicants will be required to pass Management Vetting and Counter Terrorism Clearance prior to commencing their role, this will include a full background & financial disclosure as part of the vetting process.

Medical

Appointment to this role will be dependent upon successfully medical checks, which may include a drugs test.

Hours and Location

The working hours are 0800 x 1600 (Monday to Friday) and the role will be based in Lloyd House, Birmingham.

Interview

Interviews will take place on week commending Monday 2nd February 2026

Contact

For further information please contact Insp Amy Lloyd (Force Vetting Manager) [e-mail]

Benefit Statement

By choosing to join West Midlands Police you will receive an enhanced benefits package including:

• Fair remuneration with progression opportunities and access to a very competitive pension scheme.
• Enhanced annual leave in addition to public holiday entitlements.
• Discounts across travel, parking, daily costs of living and leisure activities.

A comprehensive wellbeing package including 24/7 support, free eye tests and flu jabs.

Disability Confident Leader

West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. As part of our commitment we operate a 'Disability Confident Interview Scheme' - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview.

It is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria for the job. For example: in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. In these circumstances, the employer could select the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job, as they would do for non-disabled applicants.

"Diversity and Inclusion Vision: Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities"