Investigation Officer

Description:   To plan, co-ordinate and conduct investigations into suspected cartel activity in collaboration with Assistant Director Investigators, Principal Investigation Officers and Senior Investigation Officers. To assist, where appropriate, with applications to the High Court for search warrants. To assist with on-site investigations using formal powers. To comply with statutory duties and procedural requirements in all investigatory activity. To analyse, assess and present to the team leaders, the evidence gathered in the course of an investigation identifying whether it is sufficient to proceed and to assist the team leader, as appropriate, in drafting appropriate documentation. Other tasks may be required to be undertaken from time to time commensurate with a investigator post.

The Ombudsman provides independent and impartial oversight of the Service complaints system for members of the UK Armed Forces. The Senior Investigator will be responsible for managing complex, sensitive casework; assessing risk, looking at allegations of maladministration, the substance of an investigation and making recommendations on appropriate remedies. The post holder will:

•             Undertake complex, sometimes high risk of high profile, investigations of substance and/or into alleged maladministration and potential injustice, identifying and analysing the relevant evidence in each case, making a decision and identifying the appropriate remedy

•             Ensure high quality and timely investigations are conducted following guidance in the Operations Manual and consistent with Ombudsman best practice and other casework conducted by the office

•             Engage routinely with complainants and the Services, including effective handling of distressed or challenging individuals

•             Undertake risk assessments of individual complaintants’ applications to the Ombudsman and flag urgent concerns to senior managers

•             Ensure all key documentation and reporting metrics are filed correctly on the casework management system

•             Line mange staff or additional commensurate responsibilities as required

•             Provide information relating to investigations to the Head of Investigations, Chief of Operations and the Ombudsman as required

•             Provide support and information to the policy team on trends and issues of particular concern

•             Provide input to the Statistics Manager and other briefing material in support of the Ombudsman’s outreach work

•             Maintain effective relations with the central and Service complaints secretariats

•             Support the Ombudsman with her outreach programme as required

•             Understand and apply the Ombudsman’s visions and values and act as a role model for achieving change and continuous improvement by delivering excellence in complaints handling and sharing best practise