Customer Contact Centre Advisor

The Independent Office for Police Conduct exists to investigate complaints fairly and thoroughly. The IOPC has the power to initiate, carry out and oversee investigations. It is also responsible for monitoring the way complaints are handled by local police forces. As Customer Contact Centre Advisor within the IOPC you can expect to work in a progressive and dynamic organisation with declared and strong core values. The work will be fulfilling and offer considerable opportunities for personal growth and satisfaction. As a Customer Contact Centre Advisor, you will be welcomed into a dynamic and inclusive customer focused team working representing the IOPC as the first point of contact to the organisation, presenting a professional image providing accurate advice and information to a range of external customers and stakeholders. The IOPC is on a journey to develop its culture, perspectives and ethos to support the organisation's core outcomes and this is your opportunity to enter into the varied world of IOPC customer service, allowing you to develop your mindset and approaches to contribute to improving the police complaints system in England and Wales. Working as part of the Customer Contact Centre you will have a spectrum of responsibilities that encompass all elements of the contact centre. This will include providing a responsive telephone information service, responding to correspondence and complaints received from a range of external parties, including members of the public, police forces, MPs, solicitors and other agencies. You will be expected to support the delivery of excellent customer service, providing the best possible experience with the approach of 'getting it right first time' to manage customer expectation and to reduce avoidable contact. The complexity of enquiry or complaint will vary as will the demand of work at any one time. You will work within a defined framework and fulfil individual targets to maximise contribution to team and directorate performance. We'll assess you against these Executive Officer (EO) Level behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, to find out more, please click here. Throughout the recruitment process we will also assess your Experience, Strengths, Technical Skills and Values. As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete 4 Sift Questions based on the essential criteria. If successful following sift, you will be invited to attend a 2 stage process, including a written assessment and a Success Profiles interview. Written Assessment dates are anticipated to take place during the W/C 14th September. Interview dates are anticipated to take place W/C 28th September.Main Responsibility
• Provide a responsive service to a range of customer queries and complaints ensuring prompt resolution of issues received by phone/email/letter/online form.
• Process direct complaints received from members of the public to the appropriate police force or authority with minimal handling and representation.
• Be alert to and identify high profile matters and matters of public interest, and direct complaints that it may be appropriate not to forward to the force because of exceptional circumstances, and draw these to the attention of the Customer Contact Centre Manager.
• Establish customer needs and provide appropriate information - which may range from advising on the role of the IOPC, the process for making a complaint or appeal to more general requests for information or signposting to other agencies
• Respond to comebacks, complaints, MPs' letters and other correspondence.
• Take ownership of calls, queries and complaints, seeking to resolve issues to reduce subsequent contact providing the best possible experience for the customer
  
  Evidence of strong oral and written communication skills
• Confidence and ability to communicate with people at all levels
• Ability to be patient, resilient, sensitive and diplomatic when dealing with the public and stakeholders
• A capacity to conduct enquiries, obtain information and to use sound judgement to reach conclusions, Proven relevant experience of working in a customer focused advice or information handling environment
• Experience of dealing with challenging people over the phone
• Experience of responding to customer queries and complaints in writing
Skills and Abilities
• Good organisational skills and ability to manage own workload
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and database systems
We believe that diverse perspectives contribute to a more innovative and dynamic workplace. We actively encourage applications from individuals who are typically under-represented or disadvantaged in society. This includes women, people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, parents and carers, and disabled candidates, including neurodiverse candidates. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all applicants and creating an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and supported.

Any move to the Independent Office for Police Conduct from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may, however, be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk, Be yourself: The IOPC is committed to promoting equality and valuing diversity in everything we do. Our vision is to be, and to be seen as, a leader in inclusive employment and services, demonstrating this ethos in everything that we do.
• Being a Disability Confident employer, the IOPC is dedicating to removing the barriers for disabled people to thrive in the workplace. Please refer to our Reasonable Adjustment guidance document linked to this job advert on how to access Reasonable Adjustments with us.
• Our Staff Networks are constantly working to make the IOPC the leaders of inclusive employment, from our Allyship Programme to Welsh Language Standards and our Know the Line Policy, we are constantly seeking new ways to create an environment for all to develop and thrive.
  
  27.5 days paid annual leave (increasing with service to 32.5 days)
• The option to buy, sell, or carry over annual leave is reviewed each year and offered when possible
• Voluntary Health Cash Plan provided by BHSF
• Civil Service pension
• Civil Service maternity leave package
• PAM employee assistance programme
• Access to Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) membership
• Cycle to work scheme
• Opportunity to enjoy the latest home and electronics in a more affordable way provided by Vivup
• Car Leasing Scheme
• Staff Networks focussed on each of the protected characteristics - run for staff, by staff: Enable Network, Age Network, Welsh Network, Pride and LGBTQ+ Network, Sex and Family Network, Race, Religion and Belief Network
• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity, The IOPC operates a hybrid working policy which requires all staff to work an average of 40% of their contractual hours at their office base (or another office for business reasons). Office attendance time includes in-person training, meetings with stakeholders and families, and attending events.