Investigations Support Officer
| Posting date: | 29 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £30,485 per year |
| Additional salary information: | Additional £1,500 allowance for out of hours on call duty |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 12 May 2026 |
| Location: | Southampton |
| Company: | Government Recruitment Service |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 458574/1 |
Summary
Can you complete tasks to a high standard, accurately and efficiently, including when working to tight deadlines?
Have you used Microsoft 365, specifically SharePoint, Word and Excel, as part of your role?
Do you have a basic level of knowledge and understanding of maritime terminology and the maritime industry?
If so, we’d love to hear from you!
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), part of the Department for Transport (DfT), investigates accidents involving UK vessels globally and any vessels in UK waters to enhance maritime safety and prevent future incidents. The Investigation Support Officer (ISO) plays a crucial role in supporting these objectives and upholding the Branch’s reputation as a global leader in marine accident investigation. ISO’s triage marine accident notifications, populate the UK’s Marine Accident Database, and ensure data quality. They facilitate investigation deployments by coordinating travel and accommodations for Inspectors, provide operational and investigative support, and oversee evidence handling as Exhibits Officers. They manage report consultations, engage with stakeholders, handle correspondence, deliver training, and provide out-of-hours support.
This role, part of the operational delivery profession, also intersects with the digital, data, and technology profession.
Read more in the Benefits section below!
Find out more about what it's like working at Department for Transport Central - Department for Transport Careers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkR_okX2T1U
The MAIB’s four teams of inspectors operate on a rota system, on-call one week in four. The postholder will be required to provide support to that team, including out of office hours during the duty week (including weekends and bank holidays) for which a monthly allowance is paid equating to £1,500/year in addition to the main salary, plus overtime. A mobile phone and laptop are issued so that the postholder can perform these duties remotely.
Your responsibilities will include, but aren’t limited to:
Processing and triaging accident reports efficiently and accurately, in line with the Merchant Shipping (Accident Reporting and Investigation) Regulations 2012.Accurately recording and categorising the severity of accidents in the Branch’s database in a timely manner making use of the internal data quality tools and taking timely action to meet objectives.Providing logistical support to inspectors and colleagues including booking travel and accommodation and providing operational and investigative support in the field and the office.Acting as an Exhibits Officer ensuring that evidence exhibits are gathered, labelled, packaged and documented in accordance with correct procedures and managing access to the on-premises evidence storage, return and disposal.Conducting follow-up enquiries with stakeholders as directed by inspectors to gather crucial information for decision making on accident response including engaging with witnesses, port authorities, police, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), vessel operators and crew.Fulfilling general administrative tasks including monitoring the shared e-mail boxes, emergency and general enquiry phone lines, receiving and sending post and other business support tasks.Supporting the report consultation process by sharing consultation copies and supporting information with consultees and recording consultee responses ready for the inspector to review.Willingness to improve data handling and interpretation skills by completing a Data Technician Level 3 apprenticeship or equivalent.For further information on the role, please read the role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.
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