Manager – Firearms and Explosives Licensing 

Malvern, Worcestershire 

Permanent Contract 

Full Time 

The closing date for this post is 12 noon on Monday 25^th February 2019

Those currently eligible on the redeployment register will be given prior consideration.

Interviews will be held on 11^th March 2019 

A strategic alliance has been formed between Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police in order to enable both forces to meet the challenge of reducing policing budgets. By working more closely together the forces will benefit from greater operational and organisational resilience, making us the fourth largest geographic police area in England and Wales. 

The main purpose of the role is overall management and performance of the Firearms and Explosives Licensing Unit. 

Represent the Chief Constables of Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police in matters relating to Firearms and Explosives Licensing and preparing policy as appropriate. 

Main Responsibilities:  

To ensure that the Firearms Licensing Unit (FLU) is compliant with the Management of Police Information requirements. Review service level agreements and provide management and performance measurement information on the operation of the unit.   

To authorise the grant, renewal and variation of prescribed certificates, permits and authorities on behalf of the Chief Officers by virtue of delegated authority under Section 55(2) Firearms Act and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. 

To act on behalf of the Chief Officers of Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police by virtue of delegated authority under Section 55(2) Firearms Act and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, in revoking the certificates, permits or authorities issued to individuals or bodies corporate who become unsuitable or no longer have good reason topossess firearms, shotguns orexplosives thus protecting the public and maintaining the Queen’s peace. 

To act on behalf of the Chief Officers of Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police by virtue of delegated authority under Section 55(2) Firearms Act and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, in refusing applications for certificates, permits or authorities submitted by individuals or bodies corporate who are not suitable or do not have good reason to possess firearms, shotguns or explosives thus safeguarding public safety and the peace. 

To ensure that enquiries on behalf of the Home Office in respect of firearms clubs, firearms dealers, and individuals authorised by the Secretary of State to have possession of, or trade in, prohibited weapons are undertaken as appropriate.  

To ensure the seizure of firearms and ammunition as appropriate toprotect the public from harm and maintain the Queen’s peace, to facilitate their safe storage in accordance with policy, practice and procedures of both Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police. 

To maintain a strict regime relating to regular physical inspections of firearms dealerships and firearms clubs to ensure compliance with legislation and Home Office criteria. They will facilitate the inspection and approval of areas of land within Warwickshire and West Mercia for the use of specific firearms and ensure that a register of such land is maintained.  

To represent Chief Officers of Warwickshire Police and West Mercia by giving evidence at appeals, hearings, Magistrates and Crown Courts as required in respect of firearms and explosives licensing issues. 

To provide specialist advice and knowledge to colleagues, partners and other individuals and agencies in respect of firearm and explosives legislation. 

To complete regular audits / reviews on the development and delivery of services offered by the Firearms Licensing Unit ensuring we adopt current national best practice. 

To influence and participate in the development of all aspects of Firearms and Explosive Licensing and Strategic Firearms Risk including legislation, process, policy and ICT at national and regional level on behalf of the Chief Constables of Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police. 

Experience/Skills:   

Level 4, or equivalent, management qualification. 

Extensive knowledge of operations within a law enforcement environment

Understanding of the management of, and response to, threat, harm and risk to public safety 

Management experience within a high pressure customer service environment  

Proven ability to manage a high workload to strict deadlines. 

Experience of developing and reviewing policy, practice systems and structures. 

Project management experience 

Demonstrable commitment to personal and professional development of teams and team members 

Experience of setting and achieving goals and standards. 

Competent in the use of IT, including Microsoft packages or similar. 

Demonstrable commitment to personal and professional development  

Ability to apply legislation into practice 

Proven skills in critical decision making whilst under pressure 

Effective oral and written communication skills 

Ability to build effective working relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally to the organisation 

Special Conditions: 

Casual Car User 

Regular travel throughout the Warwickshire and West Mercia Policing Areas 

We want our organisation to be as diverse as the community it serves. We welcome applicants from all sections of the community.

You will be required as part of Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police recruitment process to successfully complete vetting and credit checks.