Forensic Quality Officer

A varied and interesting role has arisen for a Forensic Quality Officer to work within our busy team. You will primarily be based from home, however there will be a degree of flexibility to travel to a local force should you be successful. You will assist in the process of gaining ISO accreditation within scientific investigations, supervising and undertaking audits for the whole of the South West Region.

You will be required to demonstrate the ability to work effectively under pressure with demanding workloads, with each day bringing new challenges and decision making. Strong interpersonal skills, to effectively liaise at all levels, are key to being a successful team member. You must have good attention to detail and a methodical approach.

If you have the experience of having undertaken quality audits or quality assurance work and have the ability to analyse large volumes of information, we would like to hear from you.

In this role, your main responsibilities will be:

• To supervise the department auditors in conducting structured audits of the South West Region forensic business processes, assuring compliance with accredited standards.
• To ensure all audit findings are reviewed and any opportunities for improvement or non-compliances are corrected and implemented.
• To conduct audits and audit reviews of the South West Region forensic business processes, assuring compliance with accredited standards.
• To support units in obtaining and maintaining formal ISO accreditation and ensuring that that quality standards are maintained.
• To maintain and develop the South West Region Document Control System, including identifying, diagnosing faults and liaison with the Force Technology Services department and suppliers
• To control, maintain and issue all existing and new accredited documents within Scientific Investigation.
• To ensure that all duties undertaken are completed in compliance with ISO 17020 and 17025 as applicable.

Skills, experience and qualifications required:

• Demonstrating excellent verbal and written communication skills, they will be methodical with ability to maintain good attention to detail and to work under pressure with demanding workloads and deadlines.
• The post holder will be computer literate including Microsoft Word and Excel and experience of analysing large volumes of information / data.
• Being self-motivated with the ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team and experience of having undertaken quality audits or experience of quality assurance work is essential.
• Experience of managing the audit process within an quality accredited environment, of planning and project management and / or business improvement work and of auditing in a forensic science environment are desirable, whilst knowledge of forensic investigations business processes and of building and maintaining internal and external partnerships would be advantageous.
• The post holder must have an extensive knowledge of ISO accreditation and have successfully completed or be willing to complete the ISO Internal Auditors Training as well as experience of assisting/leading in the process of gaining ISO accreditation.
• You will need to travel around the Region by car or other transport as required.

Does this sound like the role for you? Click the link below to apply. 

Why work for Avon and Somerset Police?

Avon and Somerset Police has gained a reputation as a pioneering and innovative force, responsible for policing a large diverse, multi-cultural population.

If you are looking for a fresh challenge which offers a genuine opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives, variety and the chance to broaden your experience, then Avon and Somerset is the force for you. 

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Avon and Somerset Police are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. 

We are working hard to increase diversity and inclusion within the Constabulary, where communities are under-represented, including those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, people of all ages, abilities, faiths, religions and gender, LGBT communities and those from other disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds, who share our values and wish to make a difference to the communities we serve.

All applications will be treated on merit, based on the evidence provided in your application and suitability for the role you have applied for.

Flexible working

All requests for flexible working patterns will be considered and will be dependent on the role.

Recruitment and Selection Policy

Internal applicants who are at risk of redundancy or in need of redeployment and pass the selection process, will be offered the role over the remaining internal and external applicants.

Police Barred and Advisory lists

Individuals placed on the Police Barred and Advisory lists will not be considered for employment by the police for a minimum of 5 years from the date of listing in the case of gross misconduct, or 3 years from the date of listing in the case of poor performance.

Vetting and safeguarding

Avon and Somerset Police are committed to safeguarding and operate safer recruitment processes, to ensure a police service that employees are proud to work for because they feel safe, valued and part of a happy and supportive work environment. All employees and volunteers therefore will be subject to background checks including vetting and references.

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.