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Join Avon Fire & Rescue Service as a Professional Standards Investigator, conducting fair and thorough investigations into misconduct, complaints and grievances.
As our Professional Standards Investigator, you will conduct thorough, and timely investigations into allegations of misconduct, grievances, complaints and whistleblowing concerns within Avon Fire & Rescue Service. The postholder will support high standards of integrity, accountability, and professionalism in line with the NFCC Core Code of Ethics and national frameworks.
Some of the things you’ll be doing
Plan and conduct investigations into matters including misconduct, bullying and harassment, grievances, external complaints, whistleblowing disclosures, and breaches of policies or codes of conduct.
Gather, analyse, and evaluate evidence, including witness interviews, statements, documentary and digital material in accordance with relevant legislation, Service procedures, and best practice.
Produce clear, balanced, and well-reasoned investigation reports within agreed timescales with findings and conclusions as to whether there is enough evidence to support a disciplinary process.
Design and deliver relevant training (e.g. ‘conducting investigations’) to middle and senior managers, in collaboration with the Employee Relations Business Partners/Advisor, in-house legal advisor and external bodies (where appropriate).
Maintain confidentiality, impartiality, and independence throughout the investigative process whilst applying and promoting the NFCC and Avon Fire & Rescue Service Core Code of Ethics.
Identify themes, trends, and organisational learning arising from investigations and contribute to service improvement including preparing management information, reports and briefings for senior leaders and governance bodies.
Facilitate debrief exercises when a process concludes, capturing learning opportunities and ensuring there is a clear pathway for service improvement e.g. policy development, process changes, enhanced support/training.
Carry out any additional responsibilities as reasonable and appropriate, as agreed with line manager.
Formal training or qualification in investigations, HR, law, or professional standards (e.g. CIPD, investigative interviewing) at Level 3 or equivalent.
Strong knowledge of employment law, disciplinary and grievance procedures, and equality legislation.
Experience of conducting workplace or professional standards investigations, ideally within the public sector, emergency services, or a regulated environment.
Ability to gather and assess evidence objectively and make sound, defensible judgements.
Excellent written skills with the ability to produce clear, structured investigation reports.
Strong interview and interpersonal skills, including dealing with sensitive and complex issues.
Ability to manage a varied caseload and meet deadlines.
Shows resilience and professionalism when handling challenging or contentious cases.
Able to drive with a full current valid driving licence, or ability to arrange suitable alternative transport to travel to various work locations.
Adaptable with a flexible approach to work, to meet business needs.
Knowledge of the NFCC Core Code of Ethics and national fire service frameworks.
Experience within a Fire & Rescue Service, emergency services, local government, or similar organisation.
Experience of presenting findings at formal hearings or panels.
What you can expect in return
26 days annual holiday (plus public holidays) rising to 30 days after 5 years, and 31 days after 10 years of service
Once you have read the job description, please complete the application form telling us how your skills, qualifications and experience match those required for this role, please provide examples wherever you can. The information you give will assist us in our shortlisting process.
If you experience any issues with the application or require a paper version please contact [email protected]. Late applications and any applications with no supporting statement will not be accepted. Please quote job reference number 3411 on any communications. Thank you.
With effect from July 2023 legislation was amended to enable all Fire & Rescue Services to undertake standard DBS checks for all employees. All job roles require a standard DBS check, with certain defined roles requiring an enhanced check. These will be renewed throughout employment.
Avon Fire & Rescue Service is committed to securing equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from all members of our community who are currently under-represented at Avon Fire & Rescue Service, particularly women, Disabled people and members of ethnic minority communities.
Additional reading
It is important for you to familiarise yourself with our work at Avon FRS and the framework we follow. Please see some resources below for you to read and explore:
