We are currently recruiting for Investigation Officers (Staff Officer grade) to join our high public sector client based in Holywood BT18
Start date: ASAP
Rate of pay: £17.94
Duration: 31/12/2025
Location: Holywood BT18
Hours of work: Monday to Friday 9-5 Hybrid working is available after training
Job role required :
Investigating Officer
Prisoner Ombudsman investigations into deaths in custody assist the State to fulfil its duty, as required by Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, by informing the Coroner’s Inquest which is required by law. The PSNI further inform the Coroner’s Inquest. The Prisoner Ombudsman is notified when a death occurs after which an investigator will attend the scene within 4 hours. The specific aims of a death in custody investigations are to:
• establish the circumstances surrounding the death;
• examine the care provided to the deceased by the Prison Service and Trust;
• assess whether improvements could help prevent a similar death in the future;
• ensure the bereaved family can raise concerns; and
• assist the Coroner’s inquest.
Detailed reports on each investigation are completed and most of these are published. The reports highlight issues of concern that need to be addressed by the Prison Service and the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (the Trust), identify learning and commend good practice, where appropriate.
The post holder may be required to visit any Prison Establishment in Northern Ireland (Maghaberry Prison – near Moira, Magilligan Prison – near Limavady and Hydebank Wood College (Young Men and Female Prison – near Belfast.) to attend interviews and meetings, including with individuals in custody and their prison groups. Therefore must have access to a form of transport which will permit them to meet the requirements of the post in full. Sometimes travel will be beyond public transport routes or when public transport is not available, and you therefore must have access to a form of transport which will enable you to fulfil your responsibilities
Job Outline -
The post holder will work within an Arm’s Length Body (ALB) and will support Prisoner Ombudsman values in the delivery of services to stakeholders by carrying out investigations into deaths in custody.The main duties and responsibilities of the post are to: • investigate circumstances surrounding deaths in custody, post release deaths normally within 14 days of release and serious adverse incidents. This involves thoroughly exploring and analysing all relevant evidence in each case, such as an individual’s prison files, documentation, CCTV footage and phone calls; • attend prisons and interviews with Prison Officers, those in custody and others relevant to the investigation; • provide interim and final reports to the Ombudsman to include all details of each investigation, the outcome and appropriate recommendations to be made to the Director General of the Prison Service and the Trust as appropriate; • manage the Factual Accuracy process with the Prison Service, the Trust, individuals in custody and their relatives, take account of feedback and incorporate amendments, where appropriate, into a final report; • work with the Senior Investigating Officer re corresponding with families and their legal representatives when appropriate; • attend, and where required, give evidence at Preliminary Hearings and Inquests; and • analyse healthcare documents, interview Trust staff, contribute to clinical reviews and assist in the Coroner’s process including the provision of Disclosure. The above list is not exhaustive but gives a good indication of the main duties of the post.
Essential experience -Currently has CTC clearance Experience of carrying out investigations and writing reportsExperience of working in Prison/Police/Probationenvironment
*Proof of degree is required*
*Basic Access NI check AND high clearance (CTC) is required *
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Job Ref: NicoleDOJ