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Job summary

Discover what it’s like to work in a compliance role that makes an impact. Could you help us shape a stronger, fairer future? Your next career move starts here.

HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) is responsible for the department’s civil and criminal investigations.

Covert Operations, Digital Exploitation (CODE) sits within FIS. Working across Law Enforcement and government, CODE provides investigative tools and covert techniques to front-line investigations and works with key partners to develop and provide access to new technology and systems to enable investigators to respond to serious and complex tax evasion and crime.

This is an exciting opportunity to join HMRC’s Communications Data Unit (CDU) within FIS Digital Operations.

Digital Operations is one of the key areas within HMRC’s wider Fraud Investigation Service (FIS). Working across Law Enforcement and government, Digital Operations provides investigative tools and covert techniques to front-line investigations and works with key partners to develop and provide access to new technology and systems to enable investigators to respond to serious and complex tax evasion and crime.

For more information about our Directorates, Lines of Business and some of our roles, please visit the FIS Careers pages HMRC – Fraud Investigation Service , Civil Service Careers.

Job description

Data (CD) forms a pivotal part of HMRC criminal and civil investigations, where you will act as a Single Point of Contact (SPoC). The CDU team of SPoCs assess whether applications for CD comply with the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 legislation and IPA Codes of Practice.

The job consists of multiple process-driven roles across a collaborative environment

The CDU provides dedicated support to HMRC investigation teams in Organised Crime, Civil investigation teams, Individuals and Businesses, Internal Investigations, Financial investigations, and Offshore Corporate and Wealthy, as well as to HMRC Risk Intelligence Service (RIS) teams.

The CDU has two teams based in London and Manchester, there are two posts in Manchester Regional Centre, Three New Bailey, New Bailey Street, Salford, Manchester, M3 5FS and two posts in Stratford Regional Centre, 14 Westfield Avenue, London E20 1HZ)

There will be occasions when overnight stays and travel to either of these locations is required.

Travel and overnight stays will also be required at other HMRC locations / external training events nationally.

The post holder will be a key member of the team utilising an array of bespoke systems to lawfully acquire communications data in support of serious tax evasion and fraud investigations.

The CDU SPoC is responsible for the lawful acquisition of communications data, in accordance with the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA), and for providing specialist advice to HMRC operational teams dealing with proactive and reactive investigations, crimes in action and intelligence operations.

Additional Security Information

There may be a requirement to obtain Developed Vetting (DV) following completion of training to assist in more sensitive areas of FIS Digital Operations work areas.

Person specification

As part of the role, you will:

• Be part of a team providing expert advice and support to operational teams in the acquisition and use of Communications Data.
  
  
• Manage CDU related queries that come into the team mailbox.
  
  
• Review and quality assure applications for Communications Data to ensure compliance with the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA) and associated Codes of Practice / legislation, in particular with regard to necessity, proportionality and minimisation of collateral intrusion.
  
  
• Where standards are not met, to return applications and provide advice and guidance to the applicant / investigation team determining the most appropriate means of developing the required intelligence/evidence relevant to the investigation.
  
  
• Identify, acquire and interpret communications data from Telecommunications / Postal Operators (TO/PO), to support investigations and crime prevention activity.
  
  
• Evaluate acquired data to ensure compliance with Notices or Authorisations issued to Telecommunications and Postal operators and compliance with legal
  frameworks and operational policies.
  
  
• Participate in operational planning where Communications Data is key to the success of an investigation.
  
  
• Use a variety of HMRC and external service providers’ online systems to lawfully acquire Communications Data.
  
  
• Provide a professional service and maintain integrity when dealing with sensitive issues. Protect methods and tactics as outlined within the relevant Codes of Practice and other Policies.
  
  
• Represent HMRC at meetings / events with external partners and maintain professional relationships with service providers.
  
  
• Have the ability to communicate complex technical issues effectively to others, less technically competent.
  
  
• Keep up to date with changing / emerging technologies.
  
  
• Maintain the College of Policing Accreditation through Continuous Professional Development mandatory training, tradecraft events and distance learning events.
  
  
• Maintain a current working knowledge of relevant legislations, including Human Rights Act, Investigatory Powers Act 2016, Regulation of Investigatory Powers
  Act 2000, Data Protection Act and the Criminal Procedures Investigations Act.
  
  
• Mentor and coach colleagues within the CDU, providing opportunities for development and work shadowing.
  
  
• Live within reasonable daily travel of your preferred working location in Stratford (London) or Manchester Regional Centres.

The candidate is expected to achieve a satisfactory level on CDU competence within 6 months of completing the College of Policing course.

Essential Criteria:

• Attention to detail and analytical thinking.
  
  
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
  
  
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
  
  
• Teamwork and collaboration.
  
  
• Problem-solving and critical thinking.
  
  
• Adaptability and willingness to learn.
  
  
• Organisational skills.
  
  
• Mentoring and coaching ability.
  
  
• Stakeholder awareness and engagement skills

Please note - applications not meeting the SC residency requirements will not be assessed or scored and therefore discounted from this recruitment process.

Further Location Information

Please ensure that you only apply for a location that you are willing and able to work from, as we will only make one offer of employment. Any additional notes included in a ‘Further Location Preferences (optional)’ field within the application form, will not be considered. Please be aware that you cannot change your location preference after submitting your application.

Behaviours

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

• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £31,096, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £9,008 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).

HMRC operates both Flexible and Hybrid Working policies, allowing you to balance your work and personal commitments. We welcome applications from those who need to work a more flexible arrangement and will agree to requests where possible, considering our operational and customer service needs.

We offer a generous leave allowance, starting at 25 days and increasing by a day for every year of qualifying service up to a maximum of 30 days.

• Pension - We make contributions to our colleagues’ Alpha pension equal to at least 28.97% of their salary.
• Family friendly policies.
• Personal support.
• Coaching and development.

To find out more about HMRC benefits and find out what it’s really like to work for HMRChear from our insiders or visitThinking of joining the Civil Service

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, Strengths and Experience.

How to Apply

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide the following:

• A name-blind CV including your job history and previous skills/experiences relevant to the role.
  
  
• A 500-word Personal Statement. Your personal statement should concisely explain your motivation for applying for this role and be used to demonstrate how you meet the skills and experience set out in the key responsibilities and the essential criteria. Please include examples of what you have done and how you achieved it.
  
  
• A separate 250-word statements for the specified Behaviours: Working Together and Making Effective Decisions

Sift

In the event of a large number of applications being received, an initial sift may be held on the lead Behaviour Statement: Working Together.

At full sift all behaviour statements, your CV and your Personal Statement, will be assessed, with the successful candidates being invited to interview.

We may also raise the score required at any stage of the process if we receive a high number of applications.

Interview

During the panel interview, you will be asked Experience and Behaviour-based questions to explore in detail what you are capable of. You will also be asked some strength-based questions to explore what you enjoy and your motivations relevant to the job role.

[This is an example of a strengths-based question]:

“It is often said that the customer's needs should come first. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?”

There is no expectation or requirement for you to prepare for the strengths-based questions in advance of the interview, though you may find it helpful to spend some time reflecting on what you enjoy doing and what you do well.

Interviews will take place via video link. Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.

Eligibility

Please take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form. Mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days (Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we may not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake with your eligibility form, or have withdrawn yourself in error and need your application reinstated whilst the campaign is still live, please contact us via: unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk – Use the subject line to insert appropriate wording for example – ‘Please re-open my application – [insert vacancy ref] & vacancy closing date [insert date]’.

To check that you are eligible to apply for this role, please review the eligibility information before submitting your application.

Sponsorship

We have assessed this role against both Home Office and HMRC criteria and we are unable to offer sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa. This means the vacancy is not open to applicants who require visa sponsorship.

The HMRC app can help you with your application

The HMRC app can provide you with your past 5 years' employment history, making the process of filling in your application quicker and easier.

If successful in your application, you will need your National Insurance number for the onboarding process.

Download the HMRC app now and save your National Insurance number to your digital phone wallet.

How to download the HMRC app and sign up for an account

Download the free HMRC app from the App Store or Google Play store.

If you have an HMRC online account already, sign straight in using your ID and password. If not, you can prove your identity by answering some questions or providing your photo ID.

You’ll then be able to access the app quickly and easily by signing in using a 6-digit PIN, your fingerprint, or facial recognition.

You can find guidance for technical issues on GOV.UK: Technical support with HMRC online services.

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles – if this applies to you, we’ll let you know via your Civil Service Jobs account.

Merit List

After interview, a single merit list will be created, and you will only be considered for posts in locations you have expressed a preference for. Appointments will be made in strict merit order in line with the set number of roles in each location.

Criminal Record Check

Applications received from candidates with a criminal record are considered fairly in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice and the Recruitment of ex-offenders Policy.

Hybrid working at HMRC

HMRC is an office-based organisation, and colleagues are expected to spend 60% of their working time in the office. Our offices provide opportunity for interaction, collaboration which aids learning and development and a sense of community. Where the role allows it, and where the home environment is suitable, colleagues can work from home for up to 2 days a week, averaged over a calendar month (or a proportionate amount of time for colleagues who work less than full time).

Reasonable Adjustments

We want to make sure no one is put at a disadvantage during our recruitment process. To assist you with this, we will reduce or remove any barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate.

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

• Contact the UBS Recruitment team via unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.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.

Additional Security Information

Please note: in addition to the standard pre-employment checks for appointment into the Civil Service, all candidates must also obtain National Security Vetting at Security Check (SC) clearance level for this vacancy. You will normally need to meet the minimum UK residency period as determined by the level of vetting being undertaken, which for SC is 5 years UK residency prior to your vetting application. If you have any questions about this residency requirement, please speak to the vacancy holder for this post.

From 1 April 2026, applicants will be required to meet updated nationality and residency requirements so that National Security Vetting (NSV) checks can be conducted. If this affects you, we will give you more information at the appropriate time.

Important information for existing HMRC contractual homeworkers:

Please note that this role is unsuitable for contractual homeworkers due to the nature and/or requirements of the role.

Terms and Conditions

Customer facing roles in HMRC require the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English and/or Welsh where required. Where this is an essential requirement, this will be tested as part of the selection process.

HMRC has a presence in every region of the UK. For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations.

The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles. The evidence you provide in your application must relate to your own experiences.

Any instances of plagiarism or other forms of cheating will be investigated and, if proven, the relevant application(s) will be withdrawn from the process.

Recording of interviews is prohibited unless explicit agreement is sought in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulations.

Questions relating to an individual application must be emailed as detailed later in this advert.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

New entrants will join on the minimum of the pay band.

Please note that, if you are applying for roles on a part-time basis, the salary agreed will be pro-rata, reflective of the working hours agreed within your contract.

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

For more Information for people applying for, or thinking of applying for, roles at HM Revenue and Customs, please see link: Working for HMRC: information for applicants - GOV.UK.

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.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 : CODE Resourcing
• Email : coderesourcing@hmrc.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk

Further information

Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. You have the right to complain if you feel there has been a breach of the Recruitment Principles. In the first instance, you should raise the matter directly via ubsrecruitmentcomplaints@hmrc.gov.uk. Please note that we do not accept complaints or appeals regarding scoring of outcomes of campaigns, unless candidates can provide clear evidence that the campaign did not follow the Recruitment Principles. If you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their website.