Firearms Enquiry Officer; Part Time

Location
:
Skipton Police Station covering the Craven area (immediate vacancy), plus future opportunities in Selby and Ryedale

Salary
: £27,204 - £32,613 - full time equivalent, with actual salary dependent on agreed part‑time hours (NYP Scale 4/5)

Progression through the pay scale is linked to a career progression plan

Contract
:
Permanent

Hours
:
Part‑time role working 4 days per week (maximum 30 hours), Monday–Friday

Closing Date
: 9am on Tuesday 10 March

We’re looking for a Firearms Enquiry Officer (FEO) to join our Firearms Licensing team - a role ideal for someone with experience in structured decision‑making, risk assessment, and working within frameworks designed to protect public safety.

You’ll play a key part in ensuring firearms, shotgun and explosives certificates are granted safely and responsibly. This involves carrying out detailed enquiries, meeting applicants, assessing security arrangements, and making well‑reasoned recommendations that directly support community safety.

Our immediate vacancy is in Skipton
, covering the Craven area. We are also creating a holding list for future part‑time opportunities in Selby and Ryedale
.

As an FEO, you’ll spend time visiting applicants in their homes, evaluating the suitability of individuals and premises, and engaging professionally with members of the public, partner agencies and police colleagues. The role is varied, dynamic and often requires a calm and confident approach in situations that may be sensitive, complex, or emotionally charged.

If you’re someone who thrives in roles where clear judgement, thorough assessment and strong professional standards are essential, this is an opportunity to use those strengths in a way that has real impact.

To understand more about the national role of Firearms Enquiry Officers, you can read the College of Policing authorised professional practice guidance:

• Interview applicants and assess their suitability to hold firearms and explosives certificates
• Conduct home and premises visits, assessing security arrangements for the safe storage of firearms, ammunition and explosives
• Prepare concise, accurate written reports and recommendations to support decision‑making by the Head of Firearms Licensing
• Carry out inspections of registered firearms dealers and shooting clubs
• Provide advice to the public, police officers and staff on relevant legislation
• Identify and manage risk, including dealing with situations where firearms may need to be seized
• Handle sensitive or challenging conversations calmly and professionally
• Work both independently and as part of a small, supportive team

You will need to demonstrate:

• Strong decision‑making skills and professional judgement
• Excellent report‑writing ability
• Confidence in risk assessment and identifying potential safeguarding concerns
• Ability to remain calm and composed in challenging or emotionally charged situations
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to deal sensitively but firmly with conflict
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work independently while remaining a valued team member
• Good IT skills
• Must hold a full UK manual driving licence

• Experience in firearms licensing, policing, or another regulatory or risk‑assessment‑based environment
• Familiarity with the National Firearms Licensing Management System (NFLMS)
• Knowledge of sporting firearms use and safe handling practices

Firearms licensing is a critical public safety function. The role involves:

• Managing potentially contentious or distressing situations
• Handling conversations that may relate to health, vulnerability, or risk
• Occasions where firearms or certificates need to be seized

If you are uncomfortable with conflict, challenging conversations or decision‑making where public safety is involved, this may not be the right role for you.

Working for the emergency services is both meaningful and impactful. At North Yorkshire Police, we’re committed to helping colleagues reach their full potential in a fair, inclusive, and supportive environment. We value diverse perspectives and actively promote…