Trainee Contact Management Centre Officer: Oxford - Kidlington (999/101 Call Handler)

Contact Management
Kidlington, Oxford
TVP Broad Band 2E
Band 2E circa £29,064 per annum/pro rata INCLUSIVE of 33.5% shift allowance, plus benefits
Full Time
Permanent

“Help me, please help me he is going to kill us. He has forced his way in and hit me and tried to take my baby. He is screaming and his eyes look wild, I think he has taken something. He went to the kitchen to get a knife – I ran upstairs and we are hiding in the bedroom. I can hear him coming up the stairs shouting, I’m scared, my son is crying, he is shouting that he hates us. I need help, please help me.” 

It’s all about the detail and asking the right questions, she is distressed and screaming, a baby is crying. Did she say he had hit her or snatched her baby, is he under the influence of anything? Did he have a knife? Was it a butter knife or a bread knife? As you are listening it is difficult as the baby is still screaming, as you are typing you are beginning to think about the priority of the call. As you listen and type you are analysing the information given to you and thinking of what else you need to ask. You are doing all of this whilst keeping the caller calm, safe and reassuring her help is on the way. You have passed everything to a colleague in the Control Room who is talking to the officers sent to help, they arrive and take over. The situation is still happening but your involvement is over and you have played your part.

You are now ready for your next call. 

“I would like to report my brand new car has been keyed …..” 

Our teams are the first point of contact for over 1000 emergency and over 2200 non-emergency phone calls and over 100 interactions via our digital platforms every day. 

As a Police Call Handler you will perform one of the most demanding roles in the modern police force and one which is key to inspiring satisfaction and confidence in the community, you must be able to work and make decisions under pressure, displaying high levels of emotional resilience to be able to deal with real time emergency situations. We ask our teams to assess priority and severity of incidents, whilst always doing their best to reassure the caller that we'll get them the appropriate support or assistance as quickly as possible. 

Key Responsibilities

An average shift looks like this:

  • Handling emergency and non-emergency calls. You will have to be able to remain calm whilst taking control of a call and getting as much information as possible by asking the right questions and recording that information so it is relayed to the officers responding.
  • Crime Recording – using our systems to take reports of crime and making sure everything is recorded according to guidelines.
  • Working with partner agencies to record other incidents in which the Police play a role.
  • Signposting members of public to more appropriate agencies when it is not a matter dealt with by Police.
  • Dealing with requests/queries via online platforms
  • Making sure we deliver a good service by being available and dealing with sometimes constant calls to a professional standard.

You do not need previous experience; instead we're looking for common sense, attention to detail, good communication skills, high levels of resilience and a calm head under pressure. Above all, you'll have the drive and determination to make a difference to the communities we serve. 

You will receive structured on and off the job training through our comprehensive apprenticeship programme:

https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/emergency-service-contact-handling/

On successful completion of the program you will be confirmed in post and receive a nationally recognised Level 3 Certificate in Emergency Service Contact Handling.  

Shift Patterns

We operate 24/7, 365 days of the year. An example of the shift pattern is attached for you – due to this it may be public transport is not available or suitable at the times needed. 

As part of the Thames Valley Police family you will enjoy a fantastic range of benefits including 22-30 days annual leave per annum (plus Bank Holidays), flexible working conditions, performance related pay increases, a wide range of lifestyle discounts, career development opportunities and have the option to join a local government pension scheme. To view a full list of our benefits, please click the below link.

https://tvpcareers.co.uk/supporting-you/

Should you have any pressing questions specifically surrounding the role only, please email: CMRoleQuestions@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk.

Please note due to current organisational needs, we are unable to accept part time applicants at this time.

The closing date for enquiries and receipt of completed applications is Sunday 13th February 2022 (subject to change). Please be aware that we will be advertising on a rolling recruitment basis and should you be successful you will be placed into a recruitment pool. Once vetting and medical clearances have been received you will be placed into the next available intake.

We believe in investing in all of our people, and run tailored Positive Action Initiatives to support our colleagues from underrepresented backgrounds in their personal and professional development, ensuring everyone has a level playing field to succeed, progress and feel fulfilled in their careers.

https://tvpcareers.co.uk/valuing-difference/

At Thames Valley Police (TVP) we work together to protect our communities.  Whether as an officer, staff member or volunteer, you will make a difference and play an important role in helping achieve our mission.  As you take on a role with pride and confidence, you will be supported, developed and valued, ensuring you can be at your best in the service of our communities. Learn more About Us.

Working Smart.  You will be joining an organisation that strives to improve every day.  In the post-pandemic era this means changing the way we work and deliver our services, which brings a number of benefits including a more flexible and capable workforce. 

Supporting You.  Your wellbeing and safety is at the heart of all we do.  Whilst you are doing the work that matters, we’ll be supporting you via a wide range of Wellbeing services, partnerships and initiatives.  We have a number of active staff support networks and buddy schemes which you will have access to and can be involved with.  We also offer a comprehensive range of benefits and discount schemes, some provided directly by the organisation and others via partnerships including Blue Light card.  Learn more about how we will be Supporting You.

Developing YouWe promote a culture where your continuous professional development and learning is actively encouraged and where people have the opportunity, and responsibility, to achieve their full potential. 

Valuing Difference.  We are committed to building a workforce that better reflects the communities we serve and an inclusive culture that not only values, but finds strength in difference.  Learn more about how we are Valuing Difference.    

Vetting.  All posts require a level of Police Vetting as per the National Vetting Code of Practice. The residency requirement is necessary to enable all applicants to be checked in an equitable manner. Thames Valley Police will allow applicants to apply who do not necessarily reach the criteria as long as they have proven UK residency and supporting evidence where necessary. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.

This opportunity is closed to applications.