Disclosure Officer (Essex)

We are currently looking for a Disclosure Officer to work with our client based in Rayleigh, Essex on a full-time, permanent contract.

Purpose of the Role:

Support SCD Investigations in assessing and reviewing evidential material to ensure that it complies with the CPIA Legislation, acting as a liaison point between the Department and other agencies and provide guidance on disclosure requirements to relevant Officers and Staff to ensure that standards are adhered to.

Main Responsibilities:

• Review, examine and assess all material within an investigation including making decisions on the relevancy of such material and scheduling it accordingly, dealing with all aspects of disclosure through to and beyond the trial process ensuring compliance with the Criminal Proceedings and Investigations Act 1996 and other relevant legislation and guidance.
• Prepare Disclosure strategy and policy documents highlighting the lines of enquiry, disclosure challenges and recommendations for SIO approval to ensure a professional, proportionate and ethical investigation.
• Prepare court papers prioritising responses in order to meet evidential prosecution timescales and operational priorities.
• Assess all aspects of the unused material in the investigation including justification for sensitivity classifications attributed to the material ensuring suitable handling and classification of all sensitive material is made and complied with.
• Liaise with the CPS in cases where the Defence require access to review disclosure material making suitable arrangements to facilitate this as required in order to progress the case through the judicial system.
• Lead on disclosure for the department maintaining a thorough working knowledge of the legislation relevant to the role acting as an advisor and mentor for disclosure and reader functions within Major and Serious Crime so as to ensure all staff are appropriately trained and aware of their responsibilities under CPIA.
• Attend court as the Disclosure Officer as requested and to give evidence at trial as required to assist with bringing offenders to justice.

Experience Required for the Role:

The Disclosure Officer will be educated to a good standard of general educations, ideally to A level standard with grades A-C or equivalent.

The post holder will have at least 5 years investigatory experience or practical experience of Major Crime

Investigations with a working knowledge of Major Incident Room Standardised Administration Procedures (MIRSAP) with experience of working within a Major Incident Room. They must have a working knowledge of Police IT systems, particularly HOLMES 2 and Microsoft products, ideally with experience of undertaking the disclosure role in investigations.

The post holder will be required to have in-depth knowledge of the Criminal Procedure and Investigations ACT 1996 as well as a working knowledge of other legislation and guidelines relating to Major Crime Investigations this will include:

Administration Procedures (MIRSAP),

The post holder must have effective communication skills being able to communicate at all levels clearly and accurately. They will need to communicate with a diverse range of audiences and situations ranging from members of the public, victims families, senior police officers the CPS and Trial Counsel.

The post holder must be able to produce detailed concise reports when required and have a proven ability to work on own initiative and to exercise sound judgement.

The post holder will be required to prioritise their work load and have the ability to work to short deadlines whilst also carrying a heavy workload and being able to demonstrate flexibility with constantly changing priorities and tight court timescales.

Particularly important are the communication and interpersonal skills of the post holder who will need to communicate with a diverse range of audiences and situations ranging from members of the public, victims families, Senior Police Officers the CPS and Trial Counsel.

Details of the Role:

Location: Rayleigh, Essex

Contract: 6 months

Working Hours: 37 hours per week – Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm 

Pay Rate: £13.33 PAYE per hour

If you wish to apply, please do so online or contact Rachael at Peel Solutions.