Independent Office for Police Conduct
Operations Specialist Support Team (OSST) HOLMES Indexer
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Job Title: Operations Specialist Support Team (OSST) HOLMES Indexer
Location: Sale, Manchester
Salary: £28,665 per annum
Job Introduction:
As a HOLMES Indexer within the IOPC, you can expect to work in a progressive and dynamic organisation with declared and strong core values. This role has opportunities to be involved in the implementation of new processes and contribute to the investigation process. The work will be fulfilling and offer opportunity for personal growth and satisfaction.
Responsible for accurately inputting, analysing and researching data on the Home Office Large Major Enquiry System (HOLMES). Ensuring compliance with the Investigation policy decisions, national guidelines and provide support and guidance to investigations staff working on HOLMES supported investigations.
Alongside other Operations Specialist Support Team members, ensure the database is fit for purpose to enable disclosure to take place, build files for court and create jury bundles. Participate in de-briefs and/or other forums to provide details of any lessons learnt during an investigation to enable discussion, in relation to IOPC HOLMES processes. To inform future policies and practises by ensuring HOLMES forms part of the IOPC’s learning and development environment.
The HOLMES Suite located at the Sale office, is purpose built to support a major investigation or an Investigation of National Significance. There is appropriate security and suitable storage for investigation material, including exhibits. This role will particularly focus on providing support in relation to disclosure for misconduct and criminal proceedings.
As a HOLMES Indexer you may view some distressing or sensitive material gathered as part of our independent investigations.
We'll assess you against these Executive Officer (EO) Level behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
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Throughout the recruitment process we will also assess your Experience, Strengths, Technical Skills and Values.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete 3 Sift Questions based on the essential criteria.
Anticipated assessment and interview dates are estimated to take place W/C 10th August 2026.
Main Responsibilities:
- To effectively support HOLMES supported Major Investigations, in relation to Police Reform Act (PRA) and Criminal Investigations. The support of the team relates to investigations managed on the Home Office Large Major Enquiry System (HOLMES).
- Assist with the maintenance and management of key information received during an IOPC investigation through maintaining a HOLMES database to support any level of IOPC investigation.
- Maintain the HOLMES database through indexing and administrative tasks in accordance with local policies.
- Undertake detailed research prior to creating any records to avoid duplication.
- Accurately register all documentation entering the investigation to appropriate indexes on the HOLMES 2 database.
- Raise actions, as requested by a receiver or other designated requestor to the correct index and with enough information to assist the investigator in knowing where to obtain initial information about the subject of the action. Ensuring you record the source document for the action and being mindful of disclosure requirements for any personal information within action text.
Please refer to the Job Description for full role responsibilities.
The Ideal Candidate
Essential Experience/Skills:
- Recent experience (on or after July 2024) undertaking the role of HOLMES Indexer on large and/or complex investigations.
- Proven experience of researching the HOLMES database to provide information, as requested to the Director or Operations Manager.
- Proven experience of working effectively in a team environment.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure.
- Experience of dealing with internal parties to complete tasks successfully.
- Experience of knowledge sharing across internal departments to enhance in-house learning.
- Experience of working on own initiative and taking decisions within a framework of delegation.
- Analytical skills with the capacity to absorb/organise new information to ensure well briefed on new topics.
- Comfortable taking decisions within a clear framework of delegation.
- Experience of analysing and extracting information from various sources and translating and summarising into a clear format for others.
- Experience of working in an environment where a high level of attention to detail and an ability to work accurately is essential.
- Sound administrative skills, ability to work under pressure and prioritise tasks.
- Experience of dealing with internal parties to complete tasks successfully.
- Strong inter-personal (written and oral) communication skills.
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Desirable Experience/Skills:
- Practical knowledge of Data Protection Act, Freedom of Information and Government Protected Marking Scheme.
We believe that diverse perspectives contribute to a more innovative and dynamic workplace. We actively encourage applications from individuals who are typically under-represented or disadvantaged in society. This includes women, people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, parents and carers, and disabled candidates, including neurodiverse candidates.
We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all applicants and creating an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and supported.
The role requires Basic DBS clearance.
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