Address
Form of work
SalaryVacancy Information
Grade - Grade 9
Status - Full Time
Contract Type - Permanent
Salary Grade Range - £28,302 - £30,783
Working Hours - 37.0 Hours per Week
Possible to be eligible for unsociable hours allowance
Chief Constables' Message
We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe.
We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference. If you feel you are that person then we want to hear from you.
We wish you all the very best with your application.
Chief Constable Tim De Meyer & Chief Constable Jo Shiner
The Role & Key Responsibilities
Do a job that matters
We're hiring more Control and Contact Handlers and we want you to join us. For many people, our Control and Contact Handlers are the first point of contact with the police, whether it's over the phone, or by email. Our Force Contact, Command and Control Department isn't just call centre, it's the start of our front line.
You'll get a good starting salary, opportunities for progression and the satisfaction that comes from helping others.
The role
A Control and Contact Handler plays a vital role in keeping Sussex Safe.
You'll handle a huge variety of emergency 999 calls, non-emergency 101 calls, online and social media communications. The situations you'll be faced with are as diverse as the communities we serve and you'll be engaging with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Our Control and Contact Handlers need to be able to strike the right balance between showing empathy with every caller, while not becoming emotionally involved when dealing with sometimes difficult circumstances.
Our Control and Contact Handlers provide excellent customer service to members of the public and Sussex Police colleagues.
Could this be you?
If you are looking to work in a fast-paced 24/7 environment, where no two days are the same, are calm under pressure, are an excellent communicator and have the confidence to make critical decisions, this is the role for you.
You'll need to be able to think on your feet, ask the right questions, listen for vital details, and log information quickly and accurately.
The role is based at our Headquarters on the outskirts of Lewes. You'll need to be able to work shifts, including nights, weekends and bank holidays.
Skills & Experience
Are you eligible?
• You must be aged 18 or over on the day you submit your application - no upper age limit
• You must have lived in the UK for three continuous years immediately prior to application
• Not be a current or previous member of a proscribed terrorist organisation or group.
• Not have served a prison sentence.
Please read the frequently asked questions (FAQ's) attached.
Why Work With Us?
What we offer you
• We value all our staff and provide many benefits.
• Starting salary of £28,302 plus unsocial hours shift allowance in the region of £9,063 per year, for a full time shift worker.
• 25 days per year annual leave, rising to 30 days depending on your length of service (annual leave based on a 37 hour working week and 7.4 hour day)
• The department does operate flexible part time patterns although for this campaign we are seeking full-time candidates who are able to work the core shift pattern. Should you be looking for a part time pattern you are welcome to apply but we may defer your start date.
• Ongoing training and development
• Career progression opportunities
Further Information
We will be holding Webinars and tours please see our website for dates and booking details
If you have any questions please email recruitment@sussex.police.uk
Diversity Statement
Sussex Police and the Force Contact Command and Control Department are committed to providing quality in the service we deliver, the career opportunities we offer our people and to increase the diversity of our workforce to reflect the community we serve.
We value diversity and inclusion and want to attract the best people for the roles available, regardless of age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, disability, social status and religious beliefs.
We want to do all we can to encourage fair and inclusive opportunities, helping us to ensure that all individuals are properly supported and represented.
We are committed to the elimination of unfair discrimination and we are determined to ensure that all our employees receive fair and equitable treatment.
We are particularly keen to hear from applicants who are from different ethnic backgrounds and experiences.
Additional Information
We are looking for successful applicants to join us on intakes in September and November 2023, January and February 2025.
Successful candidates will join a 12-week training course; consisting of six weeks' training and six weeks' tutoring where we will support and coach you to become competent in the role. The training course is full-time, Monday to Friday, working 8:00 to 16:00 and 12:00 to 20:00 on a rotating pattern. Upon completing the training you will work across both 101 and 999 within our contact centre based at Sussex Police Headquarters in Lewes. Starting your career in our contact centre will provide you with a wide range of skills and experiences which will enable you to either apply to progress within the contact centre - as a controller or supervisor - or apply for a number of different roles across the organisation. You could become a Police Officer or a PCSO, start an investigative career or work in one of our support departments such as corporate communications or professional development. The possibilities are endless. The role of Control and Contact Handler is tenured for 24 months, meaning that you will not be able to start a new position within Force during this time. You may however be able to apply for roles with longer recruitment timeframes e.g. Police Constable.
Find out more about Control and Contact Handler on our website Careers - join us as an officer, staff member or volunteer | Sussex Police
