Higher Scientific Officer
| Posting date: | 08 December 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £38,419 to £41,109 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 04 January 2026 |
| Location: | Solihull |
| Company: | Government Recruitment Service |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 439240/1 |
Summary
The Chief Operating Officer Group works closely with the Home Office’s policy and operational commands to enable us together to deliver the department’s priorities. The group is comprised of different teams and professional functions, including Commercial, Finance, People, Portfolio and Project Delivery, Security, Science, Technology, Analysis and Research (STAR), Estates and Information and Digital, Data and Technology.
The Forensic Information Databases Service (FINDS) operates and administers national forensic database systems that identify links between forensic evidence recovered from scenes of crime and arrestees (and on occasion other individuals including vulnerable persons and missing persons). FINDS deliver scientific services ensuring the integrity of records held on the National DNA Database (NDNAD), the National Fingerprint Unified Collection (IDENT1), the National Footwear System (NFS), and the Police National Computer (PNC), on behalf of policing and the wider Criminal Justice System. FINDS is a vital service delivering across Home Office priority outcomes and is critical for maintaining public confidence in the multiple databases supporting policing and underpinning justice outcomes.
The FINDS Performance and Impact Analyst promotes and maintains the integrity of the data held on the National DNA Database (NDNAD) through the FINDS Data Assurance Strategy. They will enable the delivery of a performance management framework within the whole NDNAD supply chain and support the development of error reduction strategies. They will also interrogate system biometric and nominal data to deliver consistent, accurate and reliable management information (MI) to support business decisions and to answer Parliamentary Questions (PQs), Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, and ministerial correspondence required from the unit.
Key Responsibilities
- Analyses National DNA Database (NDNAD) data to identify performance trends in the DNA laboratory processes or the process within Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs).
- Collates performance and integrity data from LEAs, trends data to highlight areas for further focus; identifying risk and opportunities to support continuous improvement linking best practice between LEAs.
- Ensures that the FINDS can respond to ministerial submissions, Parliamentary Questions and Freedoms of Information Act requests and ensures that the management information feeding into these responses are accurate.
- Generates performance reports for Boards and Groups, including the NPCC DNA Operations Group, the Forensic Capability Network (FCN) and the FINDS Quarterly Supplier Performance Meeting (QSPM).
- Maintains effective relationships with HO colleagues, LEAs in England and Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, and Forensic Service Providers to ensure there is an understanding of the risk profile associated with the NDNAD supply chain.
Note: An employee may be required to carry out other duties within the scope of the grade and within the limits of their skill, competence and training.
Working Pattern
This role is available on a full-time basis with the option of compressed hours working. This role is also suitable for part-time working hours, with a minimum requirement to work <4 days / 30 hours> per week due to business requirements.
Travel
Occasional travel within the UK may be required. Travel costs incurred for business need will be reimbursed in line with Home Office travel policy.
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