Senior Vetting Advisor

It is vital that appropriate vetting is carried out in order to ensure the integrity of our workforce. The work of the Vetting team provides the first line of defence in protecting the integrity of the Police Service. Its assets and staff.

As the Senior Vetting Advisor you will be responsible for managing a team of vetting researchers, overseeing decisions on vetting applications in accordance with Vetting Code of Practice and Authorised Professional Practice (APP). You will be required to proactively contribute to the development of future working practices and procedures. It will be essential that you maintain a working knowledge of current vetting legislation and policy. The position will also require you to investigate/research cases and accessing risks and making decisions on applications.

Main responsibilities include:

• Management of all national security clearances utilising a third party supplier, making recommendations for the most sensitive vetting levels in accordance with the Vetting Code of Practice, APP and Government Security Policy Framework
• Providing advice to heads of departments and senior managers to ensure they have appropriate information to inform their decision making
• Making judgements on vetting level requirements and priority cases, ensuring resources force wide are recruited/managed in a proportionate and timely manner
• Reviewing and making decisions on vetting appeals and failed applications
• To undertake Interviews in conjunction with the Vetting Researchers to examine applicant’s documentation and prepare reports with recommendations for decisions based on the findings and suitability of the applicant
• To  undertake the daily management and leadership of the team of vetting researchers.

Experience and qualifications required:

• You must be computer literate (i.e. use of databases and Office applications) and should have knowledge of the National Vetting Policies, Home Office vetting guidelines and Data Protection requirements.
• Must have experience of decision making and supervision of staff and their workloads
• You will need to have good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to negotiate and influence individuals
• Experience of undertaking interviews around sensitive material would be advantageous.

If you have the appropriate skills and experience, this permanent post could be perfect for you.

To be eligible to apply for this role you must have a 5 year ‘checkable history’ in the UK – ideally this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last 5 years.

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.