Head of Innovation, Science and Technology

Job summary

Threat and Risk Assessment, Capability Exploration and Research (TRACER) is a business unit within Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT). It holds the lead for Innovation, Science and Technology (IS&T) across Serious and Organised Crime (SOC), and for the Home Office’s Digital Communications Capabilities Partnership, acting on behalf of the wider community. TRACER provides a central hub for innovation across the Agency and the SOC system.

Working alongside the DDaT TRACER Chief Science and Innovation Officer (CSIO), this role leads the NCA’s Innovation, Science and Technology function.

IS&T delivers innovative solutions to support the NCA, Investigatory Powers Act, and Behavioural and Social Science (BaSS) communities in their mission to protect the UK public. Innovation is prioritised and driven by user need, ensuring that each initiative delivers measurable and effective change. Outputs range from policy, guidance, and process innovation to behavioural and technical capability development, addressing emerging threats and ensuring sustained access to critical capabilities into the future.

This role sits within the Government science and engineering: career framework - GOV.UK

To find out more about the role and the application process we will be holding a virtual opening evening via MS Teams on Thursday 19th March 2026 at 6.00pm. The event is scheduled to last for one hour.

This event is by invitation only. To register, please click on the following link [Virtual Event - Head of Innovation, Science & Technology, Thursday 19th March @ 6.00pm – Fill out formhttps://forms.office.com/e/TrUCfqru65].

You will be asked for your name and email address. Please ensure you spell your email address correctly so that you receive your invite.

Registration will close on Wednesday 18th March 2026 at 12.00pm.
You will not be able to register after this date and time. Email invites will be sent after registration closes, this will likely happen on the morning on the event.

Job description

As Head of Innovation, Science and Technology, you will provide strategic leadership across the agency to identify, develop and scope innovative initiatives that align with NCA strategic objectives. You will work with officers at all levels to secure senior support, business buy‑in and successful delivery of innovation activity.

You will act as a principal source of scientific and technological expertise, advising the innovation team and the wider NCA on emerging developments, trends and opportunities. A key aspect of the role is increasing organisational awareness of scientific, technological, behavioural and social science advances and their practical application to operational and strategic challenges.

You will collaborate extensively with partners across central government, industry and academia, and will regularly represent the NCA at cross‑government and multi‑agency forums, shaping national discussions on innovation, science and technology.

The role plays a critical part in the development and leadership of the TRACER function, with responsibility for line management and capability development. You will provide strategic leadership for the NCA’s innovation function and contribute to innovation delivery on behalf of the Digital Communications Capability partnership, working closely with the Home Office, National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), the NCA and the UK Intelligence Community (UKIC).

In addition, you will lead BaSS coordination on behalf of the NCA, including oversight of the BaSS Co‑Creation Space for the national security community, ensuring effective collaboration, governance and impact.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Lead for Innovation, Science and Technology - Act as the primary point of contact for Innovation, Science and Technology across the Agency. Work with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders to leverage scientific expertise and provide authoritative advice and leadership on technical and scientific matters across the Innovation Team and the wider organisation.

Lead and Deliver Agency‑Wide Innovation Activity - Lead the identification, development and delivery of priority innovation initiatives across the Agency. Drive implementation of the Agency and wider stakeholder Science, Technology and Innovation strategy, encompassing digital communications, current and emerging technologies (including AI), and behavioural and social science. Hold accountability for the delivery, impact and benefits realisation of innovation initiatives across the SOC space. Provide expert scientific advice to the Innovation Team and, where required, deputise for the CSIO at senior forums.

National Leadership of Specialist Capabilities - Provide leadership on behalf of Law Enforcement for the Targeted Equipment Interference Hub. Manage the NCA‑hosted BaSS Co‑Creation Space on behalf of the national security community, ensuring effective governance, collaboration and delivery of shared objectives.

Champion Evidence‑Led Innovation and Scientific Rigour - Promote the application of scientific rigour, research methodologies and evidence‑based decision‑making in the development of innovation proposals. Work across teams to secure senior support, business buy‑in and alignment with long‑term strategic objectives. Contribute to expert panels, boards and committees, advising on policy, strategy and capability development. Lead or contribute to cross‑government and international horizon scanning, futures and research initiatives. Maintain a strong understanding of current and emerging technologies, behavioural and social science, and the application of FRASCATI principles.

Develop Capability, Talent and Culture - Champion learning, professional development and accreditation to build sustainable scientific and innovation capability. Cultivate talent and foster an inclusive, diverse and high‑performing workforce. Influence and shape decisions with senior internal and external stakeholders to drive cultural change and maximise organisational impact.

Person specification

Expert Knowledge - The candidate will have either a PhD in a STEM-related discipline, or a Master's in a STEM-related discipline anddeep subject-matter expertise with substantial experience in a relevant science, innovation or technology domain.

Leadership - Significant experience operating at a senior level in innovation, science or technology leadership roles, providing clear strategic direction and driving high performance.

Developing Self and Others - Demonstrable recent experience of directly line-managing and developing diverse science, technology or innovation teams, fostering inclusive, high-performing cultures.

Managing a Quality Service - Proven track record of delivering innovation at scale, translating strategy into operational delivery and achieving measurable mission impact.

Working Together - Strong ability to build productive relationships and negotiate effectively with a complex range of internal and external stakeholders to agree and deliver shared outcomes.

Communicating and Influencing - Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence, engage and inspire stakeholders at all levels, including senior leaders and external partners.

Seeing the Bigger Picture - Sound understanding of financial and commercial processes within government, including experience of budget management, contract management and value-for-money decision-making.

Qualifications

Operational experience in a law enforcement or national security background.
AND either
PhD in a STEM related discipline.
OR
Master's in a STEM related discipline AND deep subject-matter expertise with substantial experience in a relevant science, innovation or technology domain.

Behaviours

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

• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service
• Seeing the Big Picture

Technical skills

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

• Technical Delivery / Project Management
• Interfacing with Policy

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £82,317, National Crime Agency contributes £23,847 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

New entrants to the NCA receive 26 days annual leave, rising to 31 on completion of 5 years continuous service, plus 8 bank holidays.

If qualifying criteria is met new joiners from UK Police Forces or the UK Intelligence Community (UKIC) will have service with those employers taken into account for continuous service purposes for annual leave entitlement only, this will be up to a maximum of 31 days leave (including 1 privilege day).

Other benefits include:

• Flexible working, including flexi-time, compressed hours and job sharing (in line with business requirements)
• Family friendly policies, notably above the statutory minimum
• Learning and Development opportunities
• Interest free loans and advances, including season tickets, childcare and rental deposits
• Housing schemes - Key Worker status
• Discounts and Savings with a wide variety of services including Cycle to Work, Smart Tech schemes, dental insurance, gym discounts and savings on everyday spending, available through the Reward Gateway , Edenred and Blue Light Card schemes.
• Staff support groups/networks
• Sports and social activities, including membership to the Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC)

Further information is available on the NCA Website.

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.Your application will be assessed against the following:Experience - This will be assessed:

CV

Please include your full career history, training, qualifications, key responsibilities, and achievements. Explain any employment gaps in the last two years. Ensure all accreditation dates are accurate.

Details of what is expected within you CV are as follows: Your CV must clearly demonstrate your experience in law enforcement or national security and IS&T landscape, highlighting your operational experience. Please include details of your qualifications in STEM related disciplines, and relevant deep subject matter expertise in this area.

Statement of Suitability

Please provide a 1250 word personal statement demonstrating how you meet the criteria below:

Your personal statement must clearly evidence how your skills, experience and achievements meet the essential criteria set out in the person specification, using specific and relevant examples. Applications that do not demonstrate evidence against the essential criteria will not be progressed.

A panel will assess how well your application demonstrates the requirements outlined above.

You will receive an acknowledgement once your application is submitted.

We aim to have sift completed and scores released within 10 working days of the closing date of the advert. For high volume campaigns this timeframe may be extended.

Scores will be provided but further feedback will not be available at this stage.

For guidance on the application process, visit:
NCA Applying and Onboarding

Assessment 1

The format of this assessment will be Interview which will be tested on the criteria listed in the Success Profiles at Assessment section.

Additional assessment methods used alongside InterviewAs part of the assessment process Presentation will be required to assess the criteria outlined below:You will be asked to deliver a 10 minute presentation at interview. This will be on the behaviour 'Seeing the Bigger Picture'. The presentation scenario will be provided ahead of the interview.

Success Profiles at Assessment

Behaviours

• Leadership

• Managing a Quality Service

• Seeing the Big Picture

Technical

• Technical Delivery / Project Management

• Interfacing with Policy

Assessment OutcomeOutcomes will be communicated via the NCA recruitment portal.
If successful but no role is immediately available, you may be placed on a reserve list for 12 months.
Reserve lists can be used to fill similar role types across the Agency where the assessment criteria is considered a match by the recruitment team and the business area.

In the event of a tie at the assessment stage, available roles will be offered in merit order using the following order:

1. Lead criteria (behaviours/technical/experience)
2. If still tied, desirable criteria will be assessed (if advertised)
3. If still tied, application sift scores will be used

Feedback is provided only to those who attend an assessment.You will be subject to vetting and pre-employment checks before appointment.Once the vacancy closes, the advert will no longer be accessible. Please save a copy for your records. We encourage all candidates to visit the NCA Careers Page for more information.

Vetting requirements - SC Enhanced STRAP

The requirement for SC clearance is to have been present in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years.The requirement for DV Enhanced clearance is to have been present in the UK for at least 7 of the last 10 years.To obtain DV STRAP you must be willing to undergo STRAP induction and must hold full UK nationality or dual nationality, where one component is British. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.Failure to meet the residency requirements will result in your security clearance application being rejected.If the increased clearance cannot be obtained you will be moved to a role appropriate to your clearance level achieved on entry. For further information on National Security Vetting checks please visit the following page Demystifying VettingIndividuals will be required to undertake and pass a substance misuse test as part of pre-employment checks.Full advert details for this vacancy can found on the advert on the NCA Recruitment Portal. Please follow the link to apply at advertisers' site.

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

Security

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (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.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

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.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 : central.recruitment@nca.gov.uk
• Email : central.recruitment@nca.gov.uk
• Telephone : central.recruitment@nca.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : central.recruitment@nca.gov.uk

Further information

If you believe your application has not been treated fairly, email: Central.Recruitment@nca.gov.uk (quoting the vacancy reference). If unresolved, you may escalate your complaint to the Civil Service Commission.

Share this page

• Print
• Email
• Gmail
• Facebook
• LinkedIn