Digital Forensic Specialist

Job summary

The Insolvency Service is a leading government agency which plays a crucial role in providing essential services to the public and to business. The work we do is important to the proper functioning of markets, the economy in general and support for thousands of people each year who are in financial difficulty.

Investigation and Enforcement Services (IES) directorate aims to deliver and promote a range of investigation and enforcement activities, both civil and criminal in nature, to support fair and open markets. We do this by effectively enforcing the statutory company and insolvency regimes, maintaining public confidence in those regimes, and reducing the harm caused to victims of fraudulent activity and to the business community.

Inclusive and diverse teams are important to us. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including groups underrepresented in our workforce. The Insolvency Service strives to ensure that the agency is a safe, inclusive, and welcoming place for everybody to bring their true self to work and to help the agency to achieve its diversity objectives. We have 9 active employee network groups available to join or become an ally, these include, Carers Network, Disability network group, Employee Assistance, Representatives, FACES Network Group, LGBT+, Mind Matters, Part Time Workers, The Shed - Men’s Network Group and Women’s Network Group.

We value capability, technical skills and experience and we place great emphasis on lifetime development to support our people. We encourage our employees to become more involved in areas they feel strongly about, whether it be for the benefit of the agency, through our Engagement network or in their own local communities via volunteering opportunities.

The Insolvency Service is a great place to work, learn and grow your career!

Job description

This post is in the Forensic Computing Unit (FCU) which is part of the IES directorate.

Digital Forensic Specialists at HEO grade provide specialist expertise in the acquisition, processing, analysis and interpretation of digital evidence in support of criminal, civil, regulatory or intelligence led investigations. They act as subject matter experts for digital forensics, working closely with investigation teams, legal advisors, senior officers and external partners to ensure digital material is obtained, examined and presented to evidential standards.

The role includes independently conducting examinations across multiple device types, developing forensic strategies, ensuring quality‑controlled processes aligned to ISO 17025/FSR requirements, and supporting both operational activity and organisational capability development.

Responsibilities

As a Digital Forensic Specialist, you will:

• conduct digital forensic examinations within the confines of ISO 17025 and the forensic science regulators codes of practice (or equivalent), ensuring continuing compliance and competence
• provide appropriate technical advice and guidance on digital forensic matters to internal and external stakeholders
• lead, support and guide digital forensic technicians with technological/digital forensic issues by sharing knowledge to help build capability and work in collaboration to resolve issues
• provide regular reports and updates to the head of FCU and internal stakeholders, including presenting findings, developments and recommendations regarding digital material
• ensue systems are in place and work practices follow approved standards (ISO 17025 and the FSR code of conduct) through regular quality assurance checks and adhering to (and developing) the Insolvency Service FCU quality management system
• liaise with investigation teams on digital forensic related matters to provide creative, compliant solutions to technical issues and ensure these are in line with investigations deadlines and processing timescales
• line manages digital forensic technicians to monitor performance and development needs against agreed objectives and address performance issues where necessary
• act as lead on search operations to assist in the seizure and acquisition of digital devices, ensuring the evidential integrity of the data is maintained. Providing advice and guidance to INSS search teams
• contribute to specialised projects to advance FCU processes by improving solutions and identifying the need to develop FCU standard operating procedures
• provide witness statements and attend Court to give evidence in relation to digital forensic work undertaken
• contribute to office-wide initiatives such as policy development, training and other work that supports the unit and wider agency

Person specification

Essential Criteria

The successful candidates will be able to evidence:

• demonstrable experience in digital forensics, including the capture, preservation, processing, and analysis of digital devices and data sources such as computers, mobile devices, networks, business systems, and cloud environments, with the ability to deliver forensic outputs to customers
• a qualification in computer or digital forensics, or a closely related subject, and/or significant practical experience working within a digital forensics laboratory environment
• experience and/or certification in the use of one or more recognised forensic tools, such as EnCase (EnCE), Magnet Axiom, Cellebrite (CCO/CCPA), MSAB, FTK, or equivalent forensic analysis software
• strong technical knowledge of digital media, operating systems, storage technologies and digital devices, including an understanding of how data is created, stored and recovered
• good knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 standards, the forensic science regulator codes of practice, and ACPO/NPCC digital forensics guidelines, with a clear understanding of their importance in ensuring quality, integrity and evidential continuity
• experience of liaising with stakeholders and producing clear, accurate written reports or summaries, suitable for presentation to senior managers or other key stakeholders

Further Information

The recruitment and retention allowance of £5,500 is payable on passing probation and/or FCU competency framework.

The FCU is currently located in Stratford, London, with plans to relocate to Thurrock. Should this move proceed, successful candidates will be required to work from the new FCU site in Thurrock. Further information will be provided at interview.

This role is office-based and requires 100% attendance at the workplace due to business requirements. The role is not suitable for hybrid working. Any flexible working requests would be considered in line with business needs and statutory requirements.

From 1st October 2026, applicants will be required to meet nationality and residency requirements so that National Security Vetting (NSV) checks can be conducted. If you want to learn more, visit NSV national requirements (opens in a new window).

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Changing and Improving

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Digital Forensic Knowledge

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £39,214, Insolvency Service contributes £11,360 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

We want you to have a good work-life balance and want to support you in all that you do, so we offer a great benefits package including:

• flexible working arrangements and flexi-time
• full time new entrants to the Civil Service and those Civil Servants on modernised terms and conditions will be entitled to 25 days leave increasing on a sliding scale to 30 days after 5 years’ service
• in addition to this you are entitled to 8 public/bank holidays plus an additional day of privilege leave
• competitive maternity, paternity and parental leave
• 5 days paid leave for learning and development
• 5 days paid for volunteering
• a Cycle to work scheme
• staff have access to an employee assistance programme, Workplace Wellness, for confidential, independent support and advice during difficult times in either their professional or personal life

Your pension is a valuable part of your total reward package where the employer makes a significant contribution to the cost of your pension. Your contributions come out of your salary before any tax is taken. This means, if you pay tax, your take-home pay will not be reduced by the full amount of your contribution; and your pension will continue to provide valuable benefits for you and your family if you are too ill to continue to work or die before you retire. For more information, visit www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

As part of the sift process, you will be asked to complete:

• CV
• Personal Statement
• Behaviours
  • Behaviour 1– Communicating and Influencing

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the Personal Statement, assessing candidates against the essential criteria. Only those who meet the essential criteria at this stage will proceed to a full assessment of their application. If a candidate does not meet the minimum requirements during the initial sift, the remainder of their application will not be reviewed. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to interview.

Your CV should provide a clear overview of your employment history, key responsibilities, relevant qualifications, and the skills and experience you’ve gained throughout your career including any notable achievements.

Note: Your CV will not be scored as part of the assessment process and will only be used for reference purposes.

Your personal statement should be no more than 500 and must demonstrate how your personal skills, qualities, and experience align with the requirements of the role. Please ensure your statement references the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.

If successful at the sift stage, at interview, you will be assessed on the following:

• Behaviours- assessed through:
  
  • Behaviour 1– Communicating and Influencing
  • Behaviour 2– Working Together
  • Behaviour 3– Changing and Improving
• Technical Skills

Expected timeline (subject to change)

Sift – week commencing 29th June 2026

Interview – week commencing 13th July 2026

Location – Stratford (in person - see full address below)

London Regional Centre: 16th Floor, 1 Westfield Avenue, Stratford, London, E20 1HZ.

Your interview will either be conducted face to face or by video. You will be notified of this if you are selected for interview. Candidates are asked to note the above timetable, exercising flexibility through the recruitment and selection process.

Visa Applicants

To sponsor a candidate under the Skilled Worker visa, a sponsorship licence is required. The Insolvency Service does not currently hold this licence and therefore, cannot legally sponsor Skilled Worker visa applicants.

Further Information

A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.

Any move to Insolvency Service from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website.

Reasonable Adjustment

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

Contact Government Recruitment Service via InsolvencyRecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section in the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf.

However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the Demystifying Vetting website.

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.

Feedback

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : IES Workforce Planning
• Email : IES_WorkForcePlanning@insolvency.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : InsolvencyRecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Further information

If you feel there have been procedural irregularities at any stage of the recruitment process or that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles, and wish to make a complaint, then in the first instance you should contact hr.recruitment@insolvency.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response that you receive you can then contact the Civil Service Commission.

Attachments

Insolvency Candidate Information Pack Opens in new window (pdf, 6509kB)Applying for a Job - A Candidate Guide Opens in new window (pdf, 3061kB)