Senior Surveillance Officer

Job summary

The NCA is at the forefront of law enforcement in the UK, protecting the public from the most serious criminal threats by disrupting or bringing to justice those serious and organised criminals who present the highest risk to our communities.

NCA surveillance operatives will operate within teams geographically located across the North, Midlands, South, Northern Ireland and Scotland, and will respond to a broad range of threats including Organised Immigration Crime, Human Trafficking, Illicit Finance, Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Firearms and Drugs amongst others in a varied and dynamic environment and undertake a critical role identifying intelligence and evidential opportunities in support of Investigation leads.

Job description

You will be part of a highly skilled team comprising officers with a range of surveillance qualifications, including specialist technical, rural and motorcycle surveillance capabilities. This is a demanding and rewarding role requiring flexibility to work varied hours, often at short notice, and to deploy across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in support of NCA investigations and other high-risk significant operational activity. The Dedicated Unarmed Surveillance Team (DUST), part of the NCA's Special Operations Unit (SOU), provides 24/7 operational support across the Agency, and wider UK law enforcement partners. Given the dynamic nature of this work, officers should be prepared to work extended hours and spend periods away from home when operationally required. Consideration is being given to the future introduction of an armed surveillance capability for a limited number of DUST officers within the SOU.

We are keen to attract and develop talented candidates from all backgrounds, particularly those from under-represented groups.
Flexible working will be considered on a case by case basis depending on business needs.

Powers: As you will require powers for your role, Investigators who join the agency without PIP 1 accreditation will receive appropriate training and will be required to achieve a minimum of PIP 1 accreditation within 12 months of appointment. Which may include passing any exams deemed necessary to meet accreditation and powers designation.

It is mandatory to successfully complete NCA exams, this is because, in order for the DGO to designate NCA powers to any NCA officer under the Crime and Courts Act, The Designating Officer must assess an NCA Officer seeking designation of operational powers as:

• Capable of effectively exercising those powers
• Having received adequate training in respect of the exercise of those powers
• Otherwise being a suitable person to exercise those powers

It has been decided by the agency that the most effective way the designating officer can be satisfied by all 3 of the above points, is for the officer to take all the NCA Exams (Exams 1 and NCA Exam 2 Part A & Part B). The only exemption is if you have sat and passed the NIE in the last 3 years you are not required to sit NCA exam 2 – Paper A.

These exams provide the officer with knowledge of the legislation the NCA work with, as required by the business area and the wider Agency. Upon successful completion of the NCA exams an officer will be designated under section 10 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013 as a person having the following powers:

• the powers and privileges of a constable;
• the powers of an officer of Revenue and Customs;
• the powers of an immigration officer; and
• the powers of a general customs official.

The NCA is committed to supporting Officers through this process and provided a range of learning resources to help candidates prepare for and successfully complete exams. However, failure to pass mandatory exams will result in termination of NCA employment. Except in exceptional circumstances, an alternative role will not be offered.

Duties and Responsibilities

• You will be expected to lead the team in operational deployments, making effective decisions designed to deliver the operational objectives of the deployment.
• You will utilise the full range of surveillance capabilities in managing the deployments, for example utilising technical and rural surveillance skills held within the team.
• Work as part of a dedicated unarmed surveillance team using static, foot and mobile tactics to deliver against specific NCA operational objectives.
• Gather evidence and intelligence in support of tasked NCA and partner operations whilst deployed on covert surveillance operations. Produce and manage case material in line with NCA policies and procedures in line with the code of ethics.
• First Aid - Officers will be required to complete First Aid training and regular refresher training.
• Maintain CPD and national standards for surveillance, specialist technical, rural, motorcyclist surveillance skills and advanced driving.
• Willingness to be firearms trained if required.
• Officer Safety Training - It is an essential requirement for successful candidates to pass an Officer Training Course (OST). Applicants are urged to give consideration to whether this is achievable prior to applying. The OST combines cognitive input, armed and unarmed defence theory and practical techniques and, as such, requires a level of physical exertion due to the nature and repetition of the drills. The practical techniques include use of body weapons, movement and positioning strikes (armed/unarmed) blocks. restraint and control. We will expect officers attending the course to have a standard of physical fitness. Progressive full body warm-ups are conducted each day to minimise risk of injury to the officer. It is expected that the officer is capable of a ground descent and ascent, unaided and within a reasonable timeframe. This is important both individually and in team tactics. Candidates must pass the OST during the first six months of starting in this role. Failure to do so would mean that you would not be able to continue in the operational role and your employment with the NCA will end. Barring any exceptional circumstances the NCA would not seek to find you an alternative role within the Agency. An officer who passes the OST will still be required to successfully pass their 12 month probation to ensure continued employment with the NCA.

Person specification

Leadership and Management - Proven experience of managing and leading surveillance teams in a high-pressure, operational environment is essential. You must be able to manage, motivate, and develop specialist officers, often working irregular hours in demanding conditions. Experience of coordinating resources, prioritising competing demands, and maintaining officer welfare and performance is required. You will demonstrate strong leadership presence and the ability to influence both peers and senior stakeholders.

Surveillance Experience - Demonstratable experience of conducting surveillance operations. Proven ability to apply a range of surveillance techniques to support operational objectives, exercising sound judgement to develop, progress and conclude investigations while managing risk and evidential opportunities effectively.

Legislation – Demonstratableknowledge, practical understanding of use of relevant investigative legislation.

Decision Making – Provenability to assess information from multiple sources, identify risks and opportunities, and make timely, informed and defensible decisions in fast-paced and often complex operational environments.

Communication Skills - Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build rapport, actively listen, adapt communication style to different audiences and present information clearly and professionally. This includes engaging effectively with colleagues, senior stakeholders and partner agencies.

Operational Resilience - Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage competing priorities and adapt to changing operational demands while maintaining high standards of professionalism and performance.

Values and Team Contribution - A commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and ethical conduct, while actively contributing to a positive, inclusive and supportive team culture in line with NCA values and behaviours.

Qualifications

Entry Requirements

Police advanced driving certificate.

Q1 (Q100) Surveillance trained College of Policing Surveillance Operative or UK law enforcement, military or Intelligence agency certified equivalent. (If the applicant has not successfully completed the CoP Q1 course they must complete a programme of upskilling to reach that level and/or attend a Q1 course at CoP (Ryton) within the first 12 months of employment. Failure to achieve this level will result in termination of employment as this is an essential requirement for the role.

Applicants who are Q1 trained must have deployed operationally or in a training environment on at least two occasions in a rolling six month period. This six month period must be within the past two years. Applicants who are not Q1 trained must have deployed operationally or in a training environment on at least two occasions in the past six months.)

Current/active PIP1 Investigator or an equivalent recognised qualification/accreditation in investigative crime issued by a Government body. (Candidates must have maintained CPD and held a PIP role within the last 3 years.)

Please note

Successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their last deployment commanding/team leading on mobile surveillance operations, either a deployment record sheet or written confirmation from a supervising officer. This will be required to be evidenced prior to offers of posting or reserve being made.

Any applications from candidates not meeting this eligibility criteria will not progress.

Behaviours

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

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

• Commitment to the improvement of culture in a team.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £51,269, National Crime Agency contributes £14,852 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, 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 your CV are as follows: Please upload a CV no more than two pages, Font size 11. Your CV should also demonstrate how you meet the outlined essential criteria and person specification listed on the advert. All accreditation, qualification and certification dates may be subject to verification.

Please Note: Only the first two pages of the CV will be reviewed; any additional pages will be disregarded.

Experience Criteria - will be assessed by 250 word examples on:

• Excellent experience of successfully leading a surveillance team to deliver against operational objectives and performance.

• Knowledge and understanding of UK legislation affecting NCA covert surveillance investigations.

• Proven awareness, knowledge or experience of managing risk in a surveillance deployment, and your ability to co-ordinate the response to challenging operational scenarios.

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

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.

- Excellent experience of successfully leading a surveillance team to deliver against operational objectives and performance. .

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

• Communicating and Influencing

• Delivering at Pace

Technical

• Commitment to the improvement of culture in a team.

Experience

• Excellent experience of successfully leading a surveillance team to deliver against operational objectives and performance.

• Knowledge and understanding of UK legislation affecting NCA covert surveillance investigations.

• Proven awareness, knowledge or experience of managing risk in a surveillance deployment, and your ability to co-ordinate the response to challenging operational scenarios.

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.

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 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.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.