FMT Quality & Technical Manager - Counter Terrorism Policing

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Job Description

Closing date: 09 March 2025 23:59

Salary: £42,897 - £48,894

Grade: 7

Counter Terrorism Policing is at the forefront of helping to protect the UK from terrorist attacks. The Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) network stretches across the UK. We work alongside our partners to find information and evidence to thwart terrorist planning and help bring perpetrators to justice.

Based at our modern offices near to Birmingham International Airport, Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands (CTPWM) coordinates the regional counter terrorist response and provides specialist support to police forces in Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Mercia and the West Midlands.

We are looking for an FMT (Forensic Management Team) Quality/Technical Manager to join the CTPWM ISO Management Team based at our modern offices near to Birmingham International Airport.

This is a full-time role, Monday to Friday between the hours of 0800 - 1600, but must be flexible to work beyond these hours should there be a specific requirement to complete time critical aspects of work.

The role

You will be part of the CTPWM ISO Management Team where you will support accreditation and compliance across multiple disciplines within the unit specifically the Forensic Management Team.

You will be supporting those who are working towards achieving ISO accreditation and compliance to the Forensic Science Regulators Code of Practice.

You will be responsible for effectively managing and maintaining the Quality Management System and ensure ongoing compliance within the FMT. You will oversee the quality control, quality assurance and quality improvement by developing and implementing continuous improvements across multiple disciplines involved in accreditation and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Primarily focus on attaining ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation and compliance to the Forensic Science Regulators Code of Practice through UKAS assessments within the FMT department, ensuring that the department meets the requirements of the national standards and relevant policies.
• Work closely with the ISO Lead, FMT Supervisor and FMT staff to ensure a consistent and compliant approach.
• Act as CTPWM ISO representative for UKAS assessments.
• Manage forensic disciplines UKAS projects - assessments and extension to scope projects.
• Prepare and chair all meetings related to ISO accreditation and FSR Compliance.
• Remain up to date with relevant ISO/IEC standards - 17020, 17025, the Forensic Science Regulators Code of Practice and ILAC-G19.
• Own and manage all aspects of the FMT QMS as well as document control.
• Ensure all documents within the QMS remain compliant.
• Manage and maintain the internal audit schedule.
• Manage the non-conformance and corrective action process.
• Drive continual improvement through QMS processes and procedures whilst maintaining compliance.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the QMS to ensure compliance and operational excellence.
• Assess and escalate department risks associated with ISO accreditation and FSR compliance.
• Conduct and review internal audits, as well as managing and maintaining quality data and records.
• Manage ISO and FSR tasks across the department.
• Act as ISO, FSR and QMS mentor for FMT staff, providing quality training and support.
• Manage and maintain the technical competency of FMT staff in line with the relevant accreditation and compliance standards, focusing on developing their specialist skills.
• Promote high standards and a quality culture, representing CTPWM at the wider national forensic network working groups.
• Ensure a collaborative and close working relationship with the forensic disciplines.
• Encourage collaboration across the forensic network.
• Support ISO Lead with quality culture and quality objectives.
• Implement innovative solutions to improve laboratory efficiency, productivity and overall quality.
• Identify and address risks to the quality management system and accreditation compliance.
• Prepare and provide QMS reports detailing outcomes and performance trends.
• Escalate quality issues, risks and non-compliance matters.
• Work with ISO Lead to set quality objectives aligning with broader strategic objectives.

Skills and competencies

Essential

• At least 5 years of experience in quality management, ideally within a forensic discipline.
• Strong understanding of the ISO 17020 and Forensic Science Regulators Statutory Code of Practice Quality Framework.
• Excellent understanding of Quality Management Systems.
• Experience in implementing or maintaining a quality standard within an ISO accredited setting.
• Commitment to upholding high quality standards.
• Proven ability to support and promote quality within an internal team/department.
• Completed an ISO/IEC 17020 Lead Assessors Course and Auditors Training Course.
• Strong experience in conducting and managing internal audits and corrective actions.
• Up-to-date knowledge of the ISO 17020 Quality Framework with a relevant qualification recognized externally in Quality Management procedures.
• Excellent organisational skills and effective problem-solving skills.
• Analytical mind with great attention to detail.
• Proven ability to work unsupervised and make time-critical decisions.
• Excellent communication and people skills with a collaborative approach to team dynamics.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Report-writing skills.
• A full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• A working knowledge of forensic processes.
• Familiarity with Freedom of Information Act, Data Protection Act and other relevant legislation.
• Cross-functional working experience.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to successful completion of Developed Vetting. You must be a citizen of one of the following countries to work for Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands (CTPWM): the UK (including Northern Ireland), USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. If you hold dual nationality, with one being British, you may also be considered. For the purposes of safeguarding national security, applicants will be required to hold or acquire the appropriate national security vetting clearance as above, in line with Cabinet Office Policy, supported by Section 82(2) to (4) of the Police Reform Act (2002). CTPWM will support preferred candidates through the appropriate vetting process.

Diversity and Inclusion

We maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities, whilst protecting them from harm.

Counter Terrorism Policing is always working to build upon our diverse workforce to reflect the country we serve. An inclusive culture enables us to do things differently, working in ways that meet individuals' needs, flexing working patterns to ensure a healthy work-life balance.

We are a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. As part of our commitment, we operate a Disability Confident Interview Scheme - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview.

Please do not attach a CV/covering letter as these will not be used during the application process.

About Us

Counter Terrorism Policing is a collaboration of UK police forces working with the UK intelligence community to help protect the public and our national security by preventing, deterring, and investigating terrorist activity.

Join Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands CTU for a unique opportunity to play your part in keeping the West Midlands region safe.