Officer-Central Authorities Unit (CAU)
Job summary
The Central Authorities Unit (CAU) comprises two teams based in London and Warrington, responsible for the provision and quality assurance of authorities and warrants relating to covert activity undertaken by NCA operational teams across the UK. The CAU provides specialist support, advice, and guidance to colleagues and partners on the lawful authorisation of covert activity in accordance with relevant legislation.
This role requires in-depth knowledge of Covert Human Intelligence Sources (CHIS), including the Criminal Conduct Act (CCA), as well as Undercover (UC/UCOL) legislation. The post holder will act as a key point of contact for operational teams and the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office (IPCO), ensuring accurate reporting and the timely management of queries.
The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining comprehensive and accurate records of CHIS and UC activity, ensuring all reporting and notifications to IPCO are completed in line with statutory requirements. The role also involves monitoring review and renewal timelines, and proactively engaging with internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance is maintained.
In addition, the post holder will work closely with CHIS and UC teams to promote best practice and continuous improvement. This includes undertaking dip-sampling of authorities as part of second-line assurance activity, incorporating feedback from IPCO inspections and ensuring that recommendations are effectively embedded within CAU processes.
The Central Authorities Unit (CAU) is a dynamic, supportive team at the heart of covert operations. We provide expert guidance, assurance and advice on authorities and warrants, helping colleagues and partners navigate legislation with confidence. Join us to contribute to impactful work that enables NCA teams to deliver vital operational outcomes.
Job description
This role is responsible for delivering robust second line assurance across NCA covert authorities in support of operational activity. You will act as a recognised Subject Matter Expert (SME), interpreting and applying complex legislation to provide authoritative advice, challenge, and guidance on Covert Human Intelligence Sources (CHIS) and Under Cover (UC/UCOL) applications post authorisation.You will ensure consistency, compliance, and quality through effective assurance processes, driving continuous improvement and embedding best practice across operations. Operating in a dynamic, high risk environment, you will demonstrate resilience, sound judgement, and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
The role also requires strong partnership working, maintaining effective relationships with internal teams and external bodies, including Investigatory Powers Commissioners Office (IPCO), to support transparent oversight and uphold the Agency’s legal and regulatory obligations.Duties and Responsibilities Duties & ResponsibilitiesOverviewKnowledge of CHIS and an understanding of the Legislation including The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) the Criminal Conduct Act (CCA) and UC/UCOL.Knowledge of CHIS, with a strong understanding of the legislative framework governing covert activity, including RIPA, the CCA and UC/UCOL.Working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to support covert activity and achieve objectives.Foster working collaboratively with internal and external partners to support covert activity and deliver key operational objectives.Support inspections and audits by ensuring internal assurance process is adhered to.Support inspections and audits by ensuring internal second line assurance processes are consistently adhered to and meet required compliance standards. Maintain a record of all CHIS/UC operations and provide accurate reporting and notification to the Investigatory Powers Commissioners Office (IPCO) in line with statutory requirements. Maintain accurate records of CHIS/UC operations and ensure timely, compliant reporting to IPCO in line with statutory requirements.Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders in order to foster collaborative working.Build and sustain collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders to drive effective partnership working and deliver shared operational outcomes.
Person specification
LegislationIn depth knowledge and use of relevant legislation affecting Agency activity and the ability to interpret and apply this when required.OrganisedExperience of working to tight deadlines with the ability to prioritise workload against competing job demands and resources to meet operational objectives. Decision makingAbility to and experience of making effective decisions taking into consideration operational demands and timeframes.CommunicationAbility to communicate with staff at all levels to overcome issues and challenges to achieve a successful outcome. Service deliveryAbility to work with internal and external stakeholders to ensure delivery of professional excellence.Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £36,057, National Crime Agency contributes £10,445 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).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 and Experience.Desirable Criteria
Desirable criteria are only used for assessment in the event of a tie break.- Can demonstrate experience gained from performing a CHIS Handler role either previously or currently.- Can demonstrate experience of working within a Covert Authorities Bureau.
- Can demonstrate a strong understanding and practical experience in this area, enabling them to provide authoritative Subject Matter Expert (SME) advice on complex issues and the legislative framework governing covert activity.
How we will assess you
Your application will be assessed against the following:Experience - This will be assessed:Experience Criteria - will be assessed by 250 word examples on:- Experience of working to tight timescales within a dynamic environment.
- Awareness of legislation affecting Agency activity.
- Experience of working with colleagues and partners to deliver a quality service.
Longlist
In the event of a high number of applications, we may operate a longlist. Applicants will need to meet the minimum pass mark for the lead criteria.
- Experience of working to tight timescales within a dynamic environment. .
Candidates who do not meet the minimum pass mark for the lead criteria will not progress to having their other criteria assessed. Applications must meet the minimum criteria to be progressed to the assessment stage.
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.
Success Profiles at Assessment
Behaviours- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
- Experience of working to tight timescales within a dynamic environment.
- Awareness of legislation affecting Agency activity.
- Experience of working with colleagues and partners to deliver a quality service.
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:
- Lead criteria (behaviours/technical/experience)
- If still tied, desirable criteria will be assessed (if advertised)
- If still tied, application sift scores will be used
Vetting requirements - SC Enhanced
Prior to commencing the role, you will need to successfully complete SC Enhanced clearance and then achieve both DV Enhanced and DV STRAP clearance within the first 12 months in post. 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.Occupational Health
Successful candidates will be expected to undertake an occupational health assessment. Depending on the role an in-person medical may be required in either London or Warrington. Unfortunately, travel costs will not be reimbursed.Things you need to know
Multi Location
Where multiple locations are advertised, appointments will be made in merit order for each location.
Please indicate up to three location preferences clearly. Only your first three preferences will be considered. You may be allocated to any of the locations you select. If you decline an offer for a location you have selected as a preference, a further offer may not be made.
If you choose to reject an offer and no alternative preferred location can be offered, you will not be able to return to the process or be placed on a reserve list.
Only the advertised locations are available; any additional notes added to the application will not be taken into account.
Near Miss
If you meet the criteria for a lower grade, you may be offered that role if not appointable at the advertised grade.
Conversely, if found appointable at a higher grade but no posts are available, you may be offered a lower-grade role.
All offers are made based on merit.
Hybrid Working
The NCA supports hybrid working. The extent of remote working will depend on the role and can be discussed at the offer stage.Reasonable Adjustments
We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and an inclusive, equal opportunities employer.
We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone can be their authentic self. If you’re neurodiverse, have a disability, or live with a long-term health condition, we encourage you to let us know about any reasonable adjustments you may need during the recruitment process.
If you experience accessibility issues with the advert or require reasonable adjustments, please contact our Recruitment Team at Central.Recruitment@nca.gov.uk before the advert closing date.
Please ensure you complete the ‘Equal opportunities’ and 'Reasonable Adjustments' sections in the application form to inform us on what support you may need in the recruitment process.
For more on our Disability Confident commitment, visit Disability Confident Scheme , Civil Service Careers.
Visit NCA Benefits and Support for more details.
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.
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 Team
- Email : 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.
Salary range
- £36,057 per year