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Job description

TO APPLY FOR THIS ROLE YOU MUST GO TO WWW.NIPSO.ORG.UK AND DOWNLOAD THE APPLICANT PACK, APPLICATION FORM AND MONITORING FORM AND RETURN COMPLETED FORMS TO THE EMAIL SPECIFIED WITHIN THE APPLICANT PACK.

Post: Investigating Officer

The role could be based within the Maladministration, Local Government Ethical Standards or Own Initiative teams

Reporting to: Team Manager

Grade: Staff Officer

Salary: £32,880 p.a. to £34,011 p.a.

Location: Belfast

Main purpose of job

To undertake impartial desk-based investigation of complaints made to the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman from people who claim to have experienced injustice through maladministration by public bodies in the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction.

To assess and investigate allegations that a Councillor or a former Councillor may have breached the NI Local Government Code of Conduct for Councillors.

To support the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman (NIPSO) within the ‘Own Initiative’ investigation function by impartially assessing and investigating concerns of possible systemic maladministration and/or systemic injustice by public bodies in the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction.

Summary of principal duties and responsibilities

Investigating Officers, acting in accordance with the scheme of delegation that is in place, will:

· Assess and/or investigate complaints in accordance with the 2016 Act, Councillor Code of Conduct, Local Government Act 2014 and operational procedures and standards of the Office;

· Manage a caseload and other competing priorities while taking personal responsibility for completion of tasks and casework to meet organisational targets and service quality standards;

· Become familiar with and remain updated in relation to all relevant legislation, policy and procedures;

· Identify the relevant and proportionate lines of enquiry to be followed in assessing and/or investigating any issue/complaint;

· Collate and analyse large volumes of data and information from a range of sources and weigh and assess the evidence;

· Interview parties to the investigation and witnesses as appropriate;

· Reach conclusions and propose findings and recommendations to the Ombudsman/Commissioner;

· Develop and issue relevant enquiry letters, decision/resolution letters and survey/questionnaires/focus groups in accordance with NIPSO’s operational procedures and quality standards;

· Prepare clear and concise evidence-based briefings as required;

· Draft and issue high quality written decision letters and reports in accordance with NIPSO’s operational procedures and quality standards;

· Ensure, that compliance with recommendations made to listed authorities is monitored and evaluated particularly in relation to its implementation;

· Develop and maintain accurate records on the case management system in accordance with office policy;

· Maintain positive working relationships with colleagues and key stakeholders;

· Where requested promote the role of the Ombudsman’s office at external events;

· Undertake other such relevant duties as may be required from time to time.

General Responsibilities & Duties

· Adhere to the NIPSO values of independence, fairness, people focused, excellence;

· Adhere to and promote the Office policies on Equality of Opportunity and Dignity at Work, demonstrating a commitment to the principles of equality, fairness and diversity in all aspects of work;

· Have due regard for your own safety and that of others, behaving appropriately at all times and reporting all accidents no matter how minor;

· Take responsibility for the development of own skills and knowledge through proactive engagement in the internal performance review processes;

· Undertake ad-hoc, cross-functional project work supporting the development of the Office and service provision as reasonably requested by your line manager.

Driven by business need, resilience in the workforce and for development purposes, the post holder may be subject to job rotation across other Investigating Officer roles in the Office.

This job description may be subject to review to reflect future office requirements.

Person Specification

Post: Investigating Officer

____________________________________________________________________________

Method of Selection: Application form (AF); Interview (I)

Essential Criteria – Qualifications, experience, knowledge and job-related attributes

· Educated to degree level (or equivalent) plus 2 years’ relevant work experience to include a strong record of investigative activity such as conducting investigations, research projects and / or detailed data analysis; Candidates who do not possess this qualification should have a minimum of 4 years’ relevant work experience as detailed ; (AF) (I)

· Strong analytical skills and the ability to use sound and balanced judgment to arrive at well-reasoned and appropriate decisions; (AF, I)

· Identify and interpret relevant legislation, codes and guidance, regulations or procedural requirements; (AF, I)

· Experience of writing detailed investigation reports in which you draw evidence-based conclusions and make recommendations; (AF, I)

· Excellent organisational and planning skills including the ability to manage a significant and complex workload to meet tight timescales ; (AF, I)

· Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to deal with robust challenge whilst showing appropriate empathy; (I)

· Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to write clearly and effectively and capture all important facts and opinions in drafting detailed letters, reports, submissions and policy documents; (AF,I);

· Experience of carrying out challenging interviews to obtain/gather information (AF, I)

Desirable Criteria – Experience, knowledge and job-related skills and attributes

· Knowledge of good investigative practices and approaches; (AF, I)

· Ability to utilise research techniques (I)

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £32,880.00-£34,011.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Flexitime
• Work from home

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Flexitime
• Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
hybrid working policy is being used

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Belfast City Centre

Application deadline: 22/09/2023
Reference ID: NIPSO/IO/03/24