Senior Investigating Officer

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.

We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

If you are unable to complete your application via our recruitment system or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to support you in the application process, please get in touch with us on

Job Description - Senior Investigating Officer ()

Job Description

Job Number: Senior Investigating Officer ( Job Number: )

Open-Ended/Permanent - Full Time

Contract Duration : N/A

Working Arrangements : Hybrid Working

Closing Date Closing Date : 06-Jul-2025, 10:59:00 PM

Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement : Not Applicable.

The University

At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally.

Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally.

We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here .

Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Information Page .

The Role and Department

The Department:

The Student Conduct Office is part of the Student Support and Wellbeing Directorate within the Student Experience Division. This office administers University-level complaints, and institutional disciplinary processes resulting from non-academic and behavioural misconduct.

Role Purpose:

This role enables the University to sensitively and appropriately conduct investigations into student misconduct, including sexual misconduct and violence as and other forms of misconduct defined in the Sexual Misconduct and Violence Policy and other serious student misconduct. The role-holder will investigate and make findings of fact based on a balance of probabilities in relation to a range of allegations relating to student misconduct, including sexual misconduct and violence. The role-holder will ensure that the investigation processes is fit for purpose and routinely monitor and report on outcomes and provide advice to internal stakeholders on relevant University procedures, decisions and risk assessment. The specialist knowledge and skills of the role-holder will enable the University to assure itself that the risk posed by these cases is assessed and mitigated, and that investigations are conducted in a professional and proportionate manner. This role sits within the Student Conduct Office and works closely with the Sexual Misconduct Prevention & Response Manager.

Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

• 30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 42 days per year.
• The University closes between Christmas and New Year
• We offer a generous pension scheme, As a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
• There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.
• Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
• Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community
• Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
• A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.
• If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here .

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University's Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It's important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification

When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role. Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description. Where a criteria has an asterisk next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered.

Your application should cover the following criteria:

Qualifications/Experience
1. Proven experience of conducting sensitive and complex investigations, including investigations of alleged conduct that could constitute an alleged criminal offence or serious sexual misconduct.
2. Experience of presenting reports to senior decision-makers.
3. Qualification in undertaking investigations.
4. Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline.
5. Professional practitioner with knowledge and expertise in the delivery and development of serviceswithin the organisation.
6. Experience of implementing policies and procedures and supporting change and service improvements.
7. Experience of providing specialist advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues, including more senior colleagues.
8. Experience of participating in internal or external networks to share and discuss good practice, develop strong and productive working relationships and to positively influence the University's reputation.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
9. Excellent attention to detail.
10. Demonstrate specialist knowledge of the complexities of sexual violence, including the impact on those who have experienced sexual misconduct and the impact of being accused of sexual misconduct.
11. Ability to write detailed, accurate and succinct investigation reports.
12. Demonstrate understanding of relevant legislation including matters related to the criminal justice process, confidentiality, data sharing and discrimination.
13. Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.
14. Strong digital competence across a range digital devices and apps including digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, business systems.
15. Committed to continuing professional development to maintain professional recognition.
16. Knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational policy and guidelines.
17 . click apply for full job details