The South West Digital Forensics Collaboration, serving Avon & Somerset, Devon & Cornwall, Dorset and Wiltshire Police, is seeking an exceptional Regional Data Forensic Manager (Technical Lead) to provide technical leadership, drive quality standards and help shape the next generation of digital forensic services. This is a unique opportunity to combine technical expertise with quality standards in a challenging and rewarding role where your expertise will directly contribute to the safety and security of our communities.
Why Join Us?
Digital evidence has never been more important to modern investigations. As our Technical Lead, you will sit at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field, helping to ensure that our services remain innovative, accredited and operationally effective.
Working alongside experienced forensic managers and practitioners, you will become the senior technical authority for digital forensic investigations, leading the implementation and management of accreditation, influencing future capabilities and helping deliver operational excellence across the region.
This role offers the opportunity to:
- Shape the future direction of Digital Forensics across South West collaboration.
- Lead accreditation activity and drive the highest standards of quality and evidential integrity.
- Influence the adoption of new technologies, methodologies and forensic approaches.
- Develop and mentor talented digital forensic practitioners.
- Work on some of the most complex and challenging digital investigations.
- Play a key role in delivering justice and supporting victims through the effective recovery and interpretation of digital evidence.
If you're ready to build on your technical expertise and take the next step in your career, this is an outstanding opportunity to make a lasting impact.
What You'll Do
- Lead the day-to-day technical delivery of the Data Forensics team, ensuring services are delivered efficiently, effectively and to the highest quality standards.
- Act as the senior technical lead and subject matter expert for complex digital forensic investigations.
- Provide specialist advice and guidance to investigators on the seizure, recovery, examination and interpretation of digital evidence from computers, mobile devices and emerging technologies.
- Drive accreditation, quality assurance and continuous improvement activity across the service.
- Advise senior leaders, investigators and partner agencies on digital evidence strategy, risk and best practice.
- Ensure policies, procedures and working practices remain compliant with legislation, accreditation requirements and national guidance.
- Support the development, mentoring and technical growth of forensic practitioners.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for an experienced digital forensic professional who combines technical excellence with a passion for developing people and improving services.
The successful candidate will have:
- Significant technical experience within digital forensics or a closely related discipline.
- The ability to provide credible leadership and inspire confidence across specialist teams.
- Strong knowledge of forensic processes, evidential requirements and quality standards.
- A passion for innovation, continuous improvement and professional development.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to a range of audiences.
- Sound judgement, decision-making and risk management skills, with a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of evidential integrity.
Perks & Benefits:
- Access to on-site gym and sports facilities to support your health and wellbeing.
- Generous holiday entitlement and flexible working hours.
- A comprehensive tailored learning and development program.
- Ongoing professional support through a buddy system and specialist wellbeing resources.
- A supportive work environment committed to the Code of Ethics and high professional standards.
Additional Information:
- Competitive salary: £43,668 - £47,046, with an annual market supplement payment of £4,000 (subject to review).
- This is a hybrid role, the location of the office is Kenneth Steele House, Bristol
- To be eligible to apply for this role you must have a five-year ‘checkable history’ in the UK – ideally this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last five years.
- Shortlisting begins week commencing 3rd August 2026, and interviews will take place the week commencing 10th August 2026.
For more information about the role, please email us at talentpolicestaff@avonandsomerset.police.uk
If you are passionate about digital forensics and want to lead a dedicated team that makes a real difference, we encourage you to apply
