Victim and Witness Care Officer - Hybrid

Avon and Somerset Police; Bridgwater; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional police force in the UK is looking for a Victim Witness Care Officer (VWCO) to act as a crucial support link for victims and witnesses of crime. This role involves strong communication and empathy to help individuals navigate their challenging situations. Candidates will benefit from training and flexible working arrangements, and must have a checkable history in the UK for the past three years. This role offers an opportunity to make a real difference in the community and requires the ability to manage sensitive situations professionally.

Benefits

Flexible working

Continuous professional development

Local Government Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance scheme

Staff discount scheme

Qualifications

• No qualifications needed - training and mentoring will be provided.
• You must have a 3-year 'checkable history' in the UK.
• A full current driving license or the ability to travel regularly is required.

Responsibilities

• Review police information to support decision-making.
• Contact victims of crime to offer help and guidance.
• Liaise with organizations that protect children and vulnerable adults.
• Support witnesses in understanding their roles in the Criminal Justice process.
• Keep victims and witnesses informed as their cases progress.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Empathy

Ability to remain calm under pressure

Job description

Do you want a role where you can make a real difference in people’s lives by advocating for their needs?

As a Victim Witness Care Officer (VWCO), you will be the first point of contact for victims and witnesses, offering support, guidance, and reassurance during some of their most difficult moments. You will take statements, provide essential information, and act as a crucial link between internal police departments and external support organisations.

This role requires strong communication skills, as you will be speaking with multiple people daily. You must also ensure all paperwork is completed and submitted within a 24-hour timeframe, in line with legal requirements.

Many of the individuals you support may be distressed, emotional, or fearful. Your ability to show empathy, remain calm under pressure, and offer reassurance will be key. The job can be demanding, requiring you to work to tight deadlines and adapt to changing priorities, but it is also incredibly rewarding.

As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to share your knowledge and experience to help improve our processes and ensure we follow best practices in everything we do.

Main Responsibilities

• Reviewing police information to support decision-making
• Contacting victims of crime to offer help and guidance
• Liaising with organisations that protect children and vulnerable adults
• Supporting witnesses and helping them understand their role in the Criminal Justice process
• Keeping victims and witnesses informed as their case progresses

At Avon & Somerset Police, we are committed to serving, protecting, and respecting everyone in our community. Our values—caring, courage, inclusion, and continuous learning—guide everything we do.

This is a challenging yet deeply fulfilling role. Are you ready to make a difference?

What we can offer you

A package of financial, lifestyle and health benefits to support whatever stage of life you're in. Including:

• Flexible working
• Continuous professional development
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance scheme offering help through counselling services, legal advice, fitness advice, personal coaching and health assessment
• Staff discount scheme for savings on shopping, days out, sporting events, holidays

Additional Information

Your working hours will include a mix of early shifts (8:00am – 4:00pm) and late shifts (10:30am – 6:30pm). Exact hours will be confirmed with the successful candidate.

You will have the opportunity to work from home for a proportion of your working week.

Shortlisting will take place week commencing 5th January 2026, with interviews scheduled for week commencing 19th January 2026.

No qualifications needed – training and mentoring will be provided.

You may be required to travel to alternative locations on a regular basis to undertake this role, therefore you will ideally hold a full current driving licence or be able to travel around the force area using alternative transport. Travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with force policy.

Successful candidates will not be eligible to apply for other internal opportunities for a minimum of 24 months from their start date in this role.

To be eligible to apply for this role you must have a 3 year 'checkable history' in the UK - ideally this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years.

About us

We recognise the benefit different life experience and perspectives can bring.

We are on a journey to become the most inclusive police force in the country.

Find out more about our benefits and culture.

Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

Blended Working / Hybrid Working

Avon and Somerset Police encourage flexible working where operationally possible.

This role has been identified as a blended role. The successful candidate for this role will have the opportunity to work from home whilst also at a secondary work location, which will be a police premises. The successful applicant will have the option to discuss working arrangements with their line manager. All applicants must reside within the UK.

All applicants must reside within the UK.