SNCO Investigator – Public Protection Unit (ZigZag)
JPAN: 2196484
Grade: OR6 / Petty Officer
Location: RAF Northolt
Contract: This position is advertised at 40 hours per week. The Armed Forces do not pay overtime but Time Off In Lieu is available as compensation. 3 year fixed term on full commitment.
Security clearance: UK Security Clearance and Non-Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV) Level 2.
Closing date: 02/03/2026 23:55
All offers of employment are subject to UK security clearance. To gain this clearance applicants normally need at least five years’ UK residency.
Overview
The ZigZag Career Pathway is an innovative Defence initiative that offers novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces. It’s a pilot programme that opens the door for people from a range of backgrounds to apply their professional skills in meaningful Defence roles.
This opportunity is open to civilians, veterans and reservists. Whether you’ve never served before or are looking to return, the ZigZag Career Pathway offers you the chance to work in fixed term military roles that are matched to your qualifications and experience.
ZigZag roles may be offered with a range of mobility commitments. Successful candidates will be supported with tailored onboarding, the right level of training, and a structured and supported induction into the Armed Forces environment.
The Defence Serious Crime Command (DSCC) is an independent, professional, and global Service Police force, with jurisdiction to investigate serious crime alleged to have been committed by persons subject to Service law in the UK and overseas. You can find more information about DSCC here.
The role
We are seeking a dynamic PIP 2 accredited investigator to lead and support complex investigations into offences involving RASSO and child abuse. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong working knowledge of safeguarding principles and investigative best practice, underpinned by specialist training through the Specialist Child Abuse Investigator Development Programme (SCAIDP). This role demands a meticulous, trauma-informed approach to evidence gathering, victim care, and multi-agency collaboration, ensuring that investigations are conducted with integrity, professionalism, and the highest standards of care.
This is a unique opportunity for you to experience being inside the Armed Forces and to support and inspire military colleagues, sharing best practices from your unique experiences. You will play a pivotal role in developing colleagues’ personal and professional growth whilst actively promoting and cultivating an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. By sharing your expertise and mentoring others through the Professional Investigations Programme, you will make a lasting impact not only on their personal development but also on the future of investigative excellence within Defence Policing. There is also the opportunity to develop partnerships and liaise with internal and external judicial partners, building relationships that bring our public services together.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain close liaison between the DSCU and with military and civilian agencies working within the sphere of child protection
- Oversee and provide technical direction on all Domestic Abuse involving children conducted by DSCC/U
- Oversee and provide technical direction on all child abuse enquiries conducted by DSCC/U overseas
- Assess and identify the needs and specialist support to interviews of child witnesses/victims and vulnerable and significant witnesses
- Assist in the development and delivery of specialist training for Social Workers multi agencies and DSCU
About You
- Be a UK citizen or British Dual National, having lived in the UK for a minimum of five years continuously prior to application; be capable of meeting the physical requirements to conduct Public and Personal Safety Training
- Hold a full UK Driving License covering manual vehicles.
- Relevant experience: A qualified PIP2 investigator with a background in investigating RASSO and/or child abuse investigations.
- Exceptional problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities, particularly in high-pressure scenarios.
- Excellent communication skills, capable of engaging stakeholders at all levels.
- High emotional intelligence, resilience, and adaptability in dynamic environments.
- Qualifications: GCSE English and Math's Grade C or above.
- Accreditations: PIP 2 and SCAIDP
- Willing and able to be on duty when required.
- Due to the nature of policing, you may be expected to work longer hours.
- Full commitment due to the requirement of overseas travel in support of investigations.
Training
- Royal Navy Initial Training.
- Armed Forces Act Powers and Legislation – Defence School of Police and Security.
- Public and Personal Protection Training - Defence School of Police and Security
- Workplace Induction and specific accredited training as required.
Salary & benefits
- Salary: £45,876 - £50,849 per year.
- Pension: automatic enrolment in the non-contributory Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015 (optout available).
- Leave: 30 days’ annual leave plus eight UK bank holidays.
- Other benefits: Enhanced parental leave packages, and potential flexible service arrangements.
Application process
- Application: submit a CV via the SERVE portal. Eligibility checks are completed, and applications are sifted for suitability.
- Interview: shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview covering technical skills, qualifications and suitability for military service (command, leadership and management experience).
- Offer: successful candidates receive terms and conditions, and a job offer letter.
Don’t meet all the requirements? Get in touch anyway – we are keen to hear from talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. For questions or more information, contact: People-Tx-ZigZagCareers@mod.gov.uk
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