Trainee Investigator

Trainee Investigator – Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)

Salary: £30,870 per annum, increasing to £34,067 upon promotion to Investigator. Additional London Weighting Allowance of £5,130 for roles in Canary Wharf or Croydon.

Location: Multiple locations (see location-specific vacancies)

Job Type: Fixed-term training contract (up to 24 months)

Working Pattern: Full-time

Job Grade: Executive Officer (EO)

Number of Vacancies: 20

Reference: 489810

Closing Date: Sunday, 15 November 2026 at 9:15 am

Visa Sponsorship: Not stated in the job advert. Applicants must meet the Civil Service nationality and right-to-work requirements.

Job Overview

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is recruiting Trainee Investigators to join its Investigations team, working on a range of independent investigations involving police conduct across England and Wales.

This is an opportunity to develop a career in investigations while receiving structured professional training and working towards the Professionalising Investigations Programme Level 1 (PIP1) qualification.

Successful candidates will complete a training programme combining formal learning, practical experience and workplace development. Following successful completion of the programme, trainees can progress to a permanent Investigator role.

The training contract lasts up to 24 months, with permanent employment dependent on successfully completing the programme and securing appointment as an Investigator.

Key Responsibilities

As a Trainee Investigator, your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting independent investigations into criminal and misconduct allegations.
• Conducting witness and subject interviews.
• Collecting, analysing and presenting evidence.
• Visiting incident scenes and assisting with the preservation and recovery of evidence.
• Attending post-mortems where required.
• Participating in criminal, misconduct and inquest proceedings.
• Preparing disclosure schedules for court and inquest proceedings.
• Assisting with the preparation of final investigation reports.
• Communicating with complainants, bereaved families and other stakeholders.
• Working collaboratively with Commissioners, lawyers, press officers and other professionals.
• Maintaining a portfolio of evidence for professional accreditation.
• Supporting the Directorate in achieving its key objectives.

You may also shadow investigators responding to critical incidents through the 24-hour on-call facility.

Once promoted to Investigator, participation in the on-call rota will be required. This may involve unsociable and extended working hours.

Training and Career Development

The role includes a mandatory Professionalising Investigations Programme Level 1 (PIP1) development programme.

Training will include:

• Formal professional training.
• Practical, on-the-job investigative experience.
• Support from experienced investigators.
• Development of an accreditation portfolio.
• Preparation for promotion to Investigator.

Successful completion of the PIP1 programme is required for promotion. Investigators must also participate in ongoing professional revalidation.

Essential Experience and Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Experience analysing complex information and reaching evidence-based conclusions.
• Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds through community, voluntary or public-facing activities.
• Ability to work effectively within a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and report-writing abilities.
• Ability to make independent, rational and evidence-based decisions.
• Experience engaging with different stakeholders.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to deliver high-quality work within demanding deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to changing working environments.

Essential Skills and Abilities

Candidates must demonstrate:

• Initiative and adaptability.
• Ability to identify personal development needs and take steps to address them.
• Strong organisation, prioritisation and time-management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with people holding different perspectives.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to analyse information and identify key issues.
• Confidence in handling challenging situations.
• Ability to respond appropriately to the needs of different individuals and stakeholder groups.

Desirable Requirement

Driving Licence: A driving licence valid in England and Wales is desirable.

Applicants who do not already hold one may be offered employment conditionally upon passing their driving test within 12 months of starting.

Qualified Investigators are expected to drive independently in different conditions, including at night and on motorways and country roads. Reasonable adjustment requests will be considered.

Civil Service Behaviours

Candidates will be assessed against the following Executive Officer-level behaviours:

• Delivering at Pace.
• Developing Self and Others.

The recruitment process will also assess experience, strengths and values.

Salary and Benefits

In addition to the starting salary of £30,870, successful candidates will receive:

• Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
• 27.5 days of annual leave, increasing to 32.5 days with service.
• Option to buy, sell or carry over annual leave when available.
• Voluntary Health Cash Plan through BHSF.
• Civil Service maternity leave package.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Access to Civil Service Sports Council membership.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Car Leasing Scheme.
• Access to staff networks.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Flexible working options.
• An inclusive working environment.

Application and Selection Process

The recruitment process will involve:

1. Application: Candidates will complete three sift questions based on the essential criteria.
2. First-stage interview: Successful applicants at the application stage will be invited to an interview.
3. Assessment Centre: Candidates who pass the interview will be invited to a two-part assessment centre consisting of a written exercise followed by a roleplay exercise the following day.

Assessments are expected to take place throughout January and February 2027.

Applicants should ensure that all examples and statements in their applications are truthful and based on their own experience.

Important Information

• Successful candidates must undergo a standard criminal record check.
• Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks are required.
• A medical assessment will be required.
• Applicants must meet the Civil Service nationality requirements.
• This vacancy is broadly open to eligible UK nationals, Irish nationals, qualifying Commonwealth nationals and other eligible groups with the required right to work.
• Applicants should apply for their first-choice location only. Other location preferences can be specified within that application. Do not submit multiple applications for different locations.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through the official IOPC recruitment portal before the closing deadline.

Closing Date: Sunday, 15 November 2026 at 9:15 am.

Job Reference: 489810

Employer: Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)