Appropriate Adult

Join us

We’re looking for compassionate, reliable people to step into the vital role of Appropriate Adult. In this role, you’ll support vulnerable children, young people, and adults during their time in police custody, making sure they are treated fairly and with dignity. No previous legal experience is needed; we provide full, specialist training so you can feel confident and supported from day one.

Roles and Responsibilities

To act as an Appropriate Adult in support of either a child (between 10-17 years) or vulnerable adult within Code C of the Police & Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (2019)
To ensure that the detained person, for whom you are acting as an Appropriate Adult, understands what is happening to them and why in order to be able to fully participate in their own custody experience.
TAAS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to always have this at the centre of their role in line with all current legislation.

Key Duties

To fulfil the Appropriate Adult role at designated custody suites/nominated venues in line with Code C, all other relevant Codes (A-H) and within the scheme guidelines and training.
To facilitate communication ensuring rights and entitlements, processes and procedures are fully understood whilst in custody/nominated venue.
To ensure the individual is treated fairly during any interview under caution and any other procedure/process.
To discuss with the custody officer any concerns and requests arising from the call-out and bring the custody officer’s attention to any issue that needs to be dealt with.
To advise and inform the individual of the benefits of legal advice.
To accurately complete information as requested on an app on your smart device.
To attend initial, follow up and mandatory training as requested.
To attend staff meetings, supervisions and appraisals as required.
To actively ensure that Safeguarding concerns are identified, recorded and reported in line with training.
To clearly demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, engaging with a diverse range of individuals, situations, and circumstances.
Show a clear commitment to respect, value and celebrate diversity.

The above is not an exhaustive list of duties and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by the individual support needs of each individual.

About you

Overview

To effectively support young people and vulnerable adults in custody, you must be patient, non-judgmental, unbiased and empathetic.
You will need to have excellent active-listening skills and the confidence and ability to clearly communicate rights and entitlements to the detained person and other relevant parties.
Your own smart phone or tablet is also essential as all forms can only be completed via an electronic app.
All Appropriate Adults must have a current Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Essential criteria

OVER 21 years of age
Own/have access to a smartphone or tablet that you are prepared to use for work.
Attend virtual Interviews/ training / meetings when required using a microphone and webcam.
Possess basic IT skills, i.e send and receive emails, use the internet/browser, complete online rota/forms (Rota and App Training provided)
Live within an hour's travelling distance of advertised police stations
Be reliable, punctual, professional, polite, flexible and helpful at all times.
Have the ability to work proactively as an individual whilst remaining part of a geographically widespread team.
Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including over the telephone, in person and written.
Be able to complete reports clearly, concisely and accurately in a timely manner.
Have the ability to meet deadlines under pressure.
Possess active listening skills
Have the ability to recognise and respond to non-verbal communication.
Be able to demonstrate an objective, independent, impartial, non-judgemental attitude at all times.
Maintain confidentiality within context of the role.
Share a commitment to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children/vulnerable adults.

Desirable criteria

OVER 25 years of age
Lived, paid or volunteer experience with children or vulnerable adults.
Have a basic understanding role of the Appropriate Adult prior to interview/training.
Be available for on-call/work outside of normal office hours including evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays (including Easter, Christmas and New Year).
To have read/be familiar with Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, Code C.
To have an understanding and awareness of safeguarding policies and procedures.
Be aware of the definition of equality, diversity and implicit bias whilst actively striving to recognise, confront and challenge discriminatory situations/practices if they arise.
Hold a full driving licence and own/have access to a vehicle.

Why join us?

Experience the personal fulfilment that comes from helping others, while developing professionally through diverse and enriching experiences.
Our supportive and collaborative work culture fosters innovation and creativity, allowing you to grow and expand your network.
Enjoy a balanced work-life environment with flexible conditions and competitive benefits.
Align your career with your values and be part of a passionate team dedicated to ethical and impactful work.

We are very happy to provide reasonable adjustments during our application and interview process to enable you to present your best self. Please let us know if you would like to discuss your needs with a member of the HR team.

We embrace diversity at TAAS. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, neurodiversity, gender reassignment or identity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.