Red Snapper Recruitment are recruiting for a Disclosure Officer for a Trading Standards department based in West Yorkshire. You will support Trading Standards criminal investigations by undertaking the role of exhibits and/or disclosure officer during investigations and prosecution cases.

The Disclosure Officer post is an integral part of Trading Standards criminal investigations and is responsible for examining material, its listing in appropriate schedules, and safekeeping of material generated during criminal and financial investigations, which is subject of disclosure to the defence.

You will deal with all aspects of disclosure through to and beyond the legal process ensuring compliance with the Criminal Procedures and Investigations Act 1996 and other relevant legislation and guidance

Location: Hybrid (must be able to attend the office in Leeds at least once a week.)

Contract: 3 months initially (potential extension)

Salary: £16.39 PAYE / £21.77 UMB per hour

Vetting: must be eligible for an Enhanced DBS

Main Responsibilities

• Lead on disclosure for the Service maintaining a thorough working knowledge of the legislation relevant to the role, acting as an advisor and mentor for disclosure functions within the Service
• Use a methodical approach to record all items of property seized or items that come into Trading Standards’ possession in the course of an investigation, ensuring the continuity of each item
• Ensure that the property is stored in a suitable, secure location in accordance with health and safety requirements, ensuring property is disposed of appropriately when authorised by the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO)
• Review, examine and assess all material within an investigation including making decisions on the relevancy of such material with regard to its evidential value and investigative opportunity, scheduling it accordingly.
• Submit items for forensic examination as directed by the SIO, arranging the transport, security and production of exhibits as requested
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive disclosure schedules relating to all relevant unused materials gathered during a criminal investigation to ensure they comply with applicable disclosure legislation and national guidelines
• Undertake disclosure tests including re-assessment where appropriate to ensure that all materials are prepared for disclosure, ensuring correct reporting processes are followed, and that they are edited, where needed, for disclosure to the defence to support the full and effective disclosure of evidence from an investigation
• Prepare disclosure strategies and policy documents highlighting the lines of enquiry, disclosure challenges and recommendations for the SIO approval to ensure a professional, proportionate and ethical investigation
• Prepare accurate, comprehensive and ethical disclosure schedules for prosecutors and courts, as per the rules of disclosure
• Advise the SIO and team manager in relation to third party issues, evidence, continuity material that undermines the prosecution case and material that assists the defence case, including identifying where there is a need for issuing a witness summons in order to secure third party material
• Responsible for sending and collating all letters issued to persons holding unused material
• Liaise with the SIO and prosecutors on all aspects of the unused material in the enquiry, including justification for sensitivity classifications attributed to material and PII issues
• Where required, attend court to give evidence as a witness or to support the investigation as directed by the SIO
• Attend briefings, case reviews and case conferences as required by the SIO and impart relevant information in order to assist the investigation or particular prosecution case
• Complete reports, disclosure schedules and other relevant paperwork in a concise, accurate and timely manner
• Keep up to date with any changes in legislation and/or working practices and respond accordingly
• Ensure compliance with WYJS policy on Equality and Diversity matters and ensure that all best practices in criminal investigations are utilised
• The post holder’s duties must at all times be carried out in compliance with the servicing Authority’s Equal Opportunities Policy.
• The post holder’s duties must at all times be carried out in compliance with all employment, Data Protection and Freedom of Information legislation requirements, as detailed in the Employee Handbook.
• Ensure the health and safety of all staff and resources within the post-holder’s area of responsibility, i.e. delegated responsibility in relation to the nature of the post holder’s duties and personal responsibilities as per Sections 7 and 8 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. These include the provision of protective clothing, Health and Safety Instruction etc.
• Such other duties at a comparable level of responsibility relating to the work of the Service as may be required.

Person Specification

Essential

• Educated to A level standard or equivalent or able to demonstrate experience of working at that level, with evidence of continuing professional development in recent criminal investigations and disclosure
• Good understanding of criminal investigation techniques
• Good understanding of current legislation, procedures and guidelines including the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1986, Criminal Procedures and Investigation Act 1996, Human Rights Act 1998, Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000
• Up to date knowledge of government legislation eg Fraud Act 2006, Data Protection Act 2018, Bribery Act 2010, Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
• Knowledge of powers, court rules and procedures to ensure evidence is admissible and an ability to use this knowledge in a wide variety of situations
• Proven investigative skills
• Wide ranging experience in criminal investigation, including collection and analysis of information
• Experience in the production of clear, concise and accurate records and reports
• Manage highly sensitive and confidential information with regard to individuals, companies, organisations and employees in line with legislation and policy
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Flexible and positive attitude to working in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to multi task and work effectively under pressure
• Full driving licence
• Confident use of ICT including Microsoft Products (particularly Word and Excel)
• Willingness to work outside usual office hours, including occasional evenings and weekends

Desirable

• Willingness to undertake training courses in financial investigation
• Good understanding of basic principles of equality/diversity issues
• Knowledge of the legislation and regulatory frameworks governing trading standards, health and social care
• Knowledge of the Victims Code

If this role is not for you but you do know somebody who would be interested, please refer them. We have a referral bonus scheme and will pay £75, in retail vouchers of your choice, for referrals who are not already known to us.

Due to the high volume of applications received, if you do not hear from us within 7 working days, I am afraid your application has been unsuccessful.

RSR is a public safety & enterprise security recruitment specialist.

We assist public safety employers find the right talent.

We assist all employers when they want to source public safety and enterprise security skills and experience.

Red Snapper Recruitment is a member of the Red Snapper Group.

The Red Snapper Group acts as an employment agency (permanent) and as an employment business (temporary) - a free and confidential service to candidates.

The Red Snapper Recruitment Group is an equal opportunities employer.