Civil Litigation Investigator

We are currently recruiting for a Civil Litigation Investigator to work for Merseyside Police at their Police Headquarters in Rose Hill.

You will be working Mon - Fri 35.5 hours, flexi time and it will be office based

Previous investigative experience of civil or criminal investigation is essential.

PLEASE NOTE DUE TO POLICE VETTING YOU MUST HAVE RESIDED WITHIN THE UK CONTINUOUSLY FOR A MINIMUM OF 3 YEARS

JOB PURPOSE
- To investigate and objectively vet files relating to claims made against the Chief Constable in order to reduce the threat, risk and harm to the organisations reputation and finances. (i.e. Public Liability, Employer Liability and Police Road Traffic Accident).
- To promote the highest levels of integrity, professionalism and behaviour within the Force and to ensure that points of learning are disseminated.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Preserve and gather evidence and to investigate claims within given timescales in order to prepare comprehensive evidential files.
- Conduct thorough research of Force IT Systems to recover relevant documents / media to ensure the duty of disclosure is fulfilled thus enabling a considered assessment of threat harm and risk. Obtain evidence form external sources interviewing witness asrequired and recording evidential statements.
- Prepare suitably redacted disclosure bundles with consideration being given to sensitive documentation and Data Protection Act issues. Undertake all responsibilities in relation to information management, data quality, and information sharing, intelligenceand information security.
- Objectively vet files having reviewed all available material relating to claims and to make factual determinations based upon the available evidence and relevant law. Make risk based assessments as to liability and provide a written rationale as to thedecision making processes and to provide feedback to relevant staff and Senior Officers in terms of individual and Force learning.
- Check draft defences statements prepared by Force Solicitor for factual accuracy and sign statements of truth on behalf of the Chief Constable.
- Consider compensation/legal cost assessments and make recommendations in accordance with guidelines to reduce the financial costs to the organisation.
- Provide instructions to the Force Solicitor / Consortium Solicitors and to discuss case management strategies and progress further enquiries / actions as directed.
- Attend pre-trial conferences and trials (when necessary) to provide instructions and support witnesses and discuss relevant issues with the Force Solicitor / Barrister.
- Provide suitable advice, support and guidance to the organisation to ensure an understanding of civil claims process, the financial considerations and risks and to promote learning.
- Promote Health and Safety in the workplace by identifying points of learning and providing suitable advice upon request by the organisation via presentations to Health and Safety Courses.
- Carry out other investigations as directed by the Force Solicitor and Civil Claims Manager. These will include bespoke enquiries, Employment Tribunals, Coroners enquiries, Statutory Payments enquiries and any Antisocial behaviour or Domestic Violence investigation.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
- Previous investigative experience of civil or criminal investigation is essential (including intelligence handling and CPIA, which is desirable as training will be provided).
- Awareness of Civil Law, further in-house guidance/training will be provided.
- Detailed knowledge of criminal law and specifically evidential requirements, the Police and Criminal Evidence Act and ECHR / Discrimination legislation.
- Detailed knowledge of damages and legal costs in order to reduce costs to the organisation.
- Knowledge of relevant Force Policies / processes / ACPO guidance.
- Knowledge of Complaints and Conduct Legislation and procedures, further in-house guidance/training will be provided.
- Proficiency of use of IT systems and conversant with all Force systems and technology to be able to recover data.
- Must be able to identify lines of enquiry and secure evidence, have good research and analytical skills, be able to identify legal and evidential weaknesses in files, be fluent at file compilation / management / report writing / preparation including complexand protracted investigations.
- Must be highly motivated, focused and committed to achieve objectives and deadlines.To be extremely organised and work flexibly responding to demand.
- There will be a need to adhere with strict deadlines with the post holder being able to work flexibly and under pressure and prioritising accordingly.
- Excellent inter personal and communication skills with the ability to effectively verbally communicate with colleagues and legal /insurance professionals.
- Post holder must be confident and assertive, whilst conducting themselves in a professional manner.
- Post holder must be able to work as part of a team

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