Intelligence Assistant

Full Vacancy Description

Job Description                  Intelligence Assistant         

Mission Statement of the Directorate

The Directorate of Social Care and Health (SCH) exists to promote the independence, inclusion and well- being of all adults with social care needs. It aims to do this by enabling people to:

•           Have control over their lives

•           Live safe, healthy and fulfilled lives

•           Have an active role in a stronger and prosperous community

•           Access the support they need in order to be as independent as they choose

Mission Statement of the Business Unit

To implement the latest intelligence led law enforcement strategies within the Council, Central England Trading Standards Authorities (CEnTSA), and the Claims Management Unit (CMU).

General Description of the Activities and Functions of the Business Unit

The Intelligence Unit sits within Community Services, part of the Social Care and Health Directorate of the Council.

The Intelligence Unit is responsible for gathering, managing and analysing intelligence, from a wide range of sources, such as law enforcement & consumer protection bodies, right through to individual members of the public, to produce bespoke reports to guide law enforcement activity, consumer advice, media consultation, business planning and policy guidance for a range of clients including the Council Community Services and Community Safety, the Central England Trading Standards Authorities (a partnership of 14 trading standards services across the West Midlands region), Scambusters (a regional enforcement team tackling rogue trading, counterfeiting and scams operating across the West Midlands), the Illegal Money Lending Team (a specialist unit tackling loans sharks operating across the West Midlands, North West and the North East) and the Claims Management Unit (hosted by the Council on behalf of the Ministry of Justice and providing front line regulation of the claims management industry across England & Wales).

A key part of these activities involve other departments of the County Council and wider partnerships at a local, regional and national level, including local authorities, emergency services, regional and national bodies and central government departments.

Statement of Purpose:

The Intelligence Assistant forms a tactical and administrative intelligence capability within the Intelligence Unit enabling the effective identification of issues/ threats within all areas of local trading standards business.

The Intelligence Assistant will be based within the Intelligence Unit, working closely with enforcement staff within trading standards departments, as well as partner agencies at local, regional and national levels.

1.         To use specific analytical techniques to understand, interpret and evaluate a wide range of information sources to produce analytical intelligence products inline with the methodology of the National Intelligence Model (NIM) and ANACAPA principles to support clients of the Intelligence Unit.

2.         To provide support to the Intelligence Analysts in providing services to CEnTSA, the Claims Management Unit and the Council.

3.         To provide direct administrative assistance and support to Officers, including research, information gathering, actioning decisions and disseminating information.

4.         To maintain secure information and intelligence database systems using iBase software (or similar) for the Council Community Services and Community Safety, CEnTSA and the Claims Management Unit.

5.         To be aware of information security within the Intelligence Unit, including both electronic and paper based information for all clients of the Intelligence Unit, in line with the Government Protective Marking Scheme, Data Protection Act and other legislative requirements, ensuring the Intelligence Unit is compliant with national minimum standards.

6.         To research and evaluate often conflicting information from a wide range of open and closed sources, including witness statements  internet sources, intelligence reports, official publications and databases of consumer complaints.

7..        To liaise with regulatory, law enforcement, statutory, voluntary, community and business sectors, including teams within Trading Standards, CEnTSA, and partners, including The Police, The UK Intellectual Property Office, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, Department of Work and Pensions, The Immigration Service, Trade Federations, and central government bodies, for the sharing of intelligence, intelligence Products, and coordination of resource allocation to undertake efficient prevention and enforcement activities.

8.         To develop a knowledge base of regulatory services.

9.         To comply with Health and Safety responsibilities within this role.

10.       Any other duties as may be required that are commensurate with the post.

Travel Requirements        Car Allowance Regular travel within the West Midlands region and occasional travel nationally          

Person Specification

Qualifications and Skills

•           3 A levels or equivalent

•           Awareness of i2 ibase or similar system

•           Developed research skills (examples should be given in supporting statement)

•           Demonstrate the ability to analyse and interpret complex data from extensive sources, including conflicting sources

•           Sound knowledge of research methodology, evaluation of results and statistical methods and experience of presenting research in a user friendly format

•           Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills

Special Knowledge, Abilities and or Experience

•           Minimum of 1 year experience within an analytical or research role

•           Working knowledge of the National Intelligence Model and its application

•           Understanding of the criminal and civil legal processes

•           Knowledge of Computer Misuse Act, Data Protection Act, Freedom of Information Act and relevant legislation

•           Experience of using IT analysis software, particularly GIS mapping, to undertake research projects

•           Use of Windows based IT packages, including Word, Excel, Access and Outlook

•           Demonstrate the ability to analyse and interpret data from a range of sources

•           Ability to manage research projects and disseminate relevant information

Personal Qualities

•           Methodical with an eye for detail

•           Ability to work under pressure, manage conflicting priorities and meet deadlines

•           Able to work on own initiative and as part of a team

•           Full UK driving license and own transport         

Interest and Motivation in the Job

•           Interest in consumer protection and law enforcement

•           Enthusiasm, energy, drive and commitment to excellence and quality

•           Commitment to equality and diversity