Job at a glance
Job summary The National Firearms Instructor is a key role within the National Crime Agency's Special Operations Unit, which delivers specialist surveillance, firearms, dogs and specialist evidence recovery to support investigative capabilities, delivering on the Agency’s operational and strategic priorities. The post holder is responsible for supporting and enhancing the NCA's armed capability through the design, development and delivery of firearms training that meets national and organisational standards.
Working in accordance with the standards set by the NCA Chief Firearms Instructor, the College of Policing and the National Police Firearms Training Curriculum (NPFTC), the National Firearms Instructor ensures that all training is delivered in line with the Authorised Professional Practice for Armed Policing and contributes directly to the achievement of the Agency's strategic objectives. Job description The role involves delivering high quality firearms training to both operationally competent and trainee Officers from across a range of specialist disciplines, including Armed Surveillance, Basic MASTS (Mobile Armed Support to Surveillance), Armed Rural and Armed Motorcyclist.
Acting as both Course Director and in support roles across firearms training programmes, the National Firearms Instructor plans, designs and delivers training in accordance with the Annual Firearms Training Plan, NPFTC requirements and relevant Armed Firearms Officer role profiles. The post holder applies appropriate assessment strategies to evaluate learning outcomes, operational competence and officer development, ensuring consistent adherence to national standards and Agency expectations.
The National Firearms Instructor is responsible for the effective administration and governance of firearms training activity, including the completion and submission of pre-training documentation in line with the Agency's firearms training assurance and health check processes. Following training delivery, the post holder manages and submits all required evaluation and assessment documentation to the Chief Firearms Instructor, ensuring complete and accurate records are maintained for Officers undertaking firearms related training.
The role also supports the continuous professional development of both Officers, and yourself, identifying opportunities to enhance operational capability, knowledge and performance. A significant aspect of the role involves coaching, mentoring and developing individuals and teams, creating an environment that promotes learning, professionalism and operational excellence. The post holder provides constructive feedback, manages training performance issues where appropriate and addresses performance and conduct matters in accordance with Agency policies, values and professional standards.
Through effective facilitation and engagement, the National Firearms Instructor helps Officers develop the competence, confidence and decision-making skills required to perform safely and effectively in armed operational environments. The role contributes to the ongoing development and evaluation of firearms tactics, equipment and training methodologies to ensure they remain effective and aligned with operational requirements and emerging threats.
Working collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders, the post holder supports the development of tactics and capabilities that meet the needs of armed Officers operating within the framework of the Agency's Armed Policing Strategic Threat and Risk Assessment. In addition to instructional responsibilities, the National Firearms Instructor maintains operational competence and may deploy as a Firearms Officer, Operational Firearms Commander or Tactical Advisor, in accordance with their qualifications and training, in support of NCA firearms operations.
This operational credibility enables the post holder to bring current experience and practical expertise into the training environment, ensuring that learning