4,041 Jobs

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for Investigators within the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) Investigations Directorate, working in the Organised Immigration Crime (OIC) Team based at Gillingham, Kent.

Investigations is the NCA’s core crime-fighting capability, delivering an intelligence-led approach to tackling the most serious and complex criminal threats that are beyond the capability or capacity of other UK law enforcement agencies. As part of a world-class investigations function, our highly skilled and motivated officers work flexibly to pursue Agency priorities and protect the public from the highest-risk criminality.

Organised Immigration Crime remains one of the NCA’s highest priorities. In this role, you will be responsible for investigating and disrupting Organised Immigration Crime Groups (OICGs) involved in facilitating illegal immigration and exploiting vulnerable individuals. Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team, you will conduct proactive and reactive investigations, develop intelligence opportunities, gather and assess evidence, and support operational activity aimed at identifying, dismantling and prosecuting serious organised crime networks.

The successful candidates will play a key role in delivering complex investigations, working closely with partners across UK law enforcement, government departments and international agencies to protect the UK’s borders, safeguard vulnerable people and bring offenders to justice. This role offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated investigator to contribute directly to one of the NCA’s most challenging and high-profile operational priorities.

Candidates are welcome to apply for this campaign even if they have already applied for similar roles with the NCA. Applications will not be transferred, and this campaign will be managed independently of others.

Job description

As an Investigator within the NCA’s OIC Team, you will play a key role in tackling one of the Agency’s highest-priority threats. You will be responsible for investigating OICGs involved in facilitating illegal entry into the UK through dangerous and often life-threatening methods, including small boats, lorries and other forms of concealment. Working within the NCA’s intelligence-led investigations environment, you will contribute to the disruption and prosecution of serious organised criminals who present significant risks to the UK and to vulnerable people they exploit.

The role requires the ability to manage and assess a wide range of sensitive intelligence in a fast-paced and dynamic operational environment. You will conduct complex investigations ethically, lawfully and in accordance with NCA policy, making effective use of Agency systems and investigative powers to identify opportunities, develop intelligence and gather evidence. You will be expected to exercise sound judgement, make informed decisions and adapt quickly to changing operational priorities while maintaining high professional standards.

You will work closely with a wide range of partners across the UK and internationally, building and maintaining effective relationships to support operational activity. This will include extensive engagement with law enforcement agencies across Europe and beyond, where you will contribute to the creation and management of Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) and collaborative taskforces. You will utilise a broad range of legislative tools and international cooperation mechanisms, including International Letters of Request and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, to progress investigations and secure evidence from overseas jurisdictions. As part of these activities, there may be a requirement to travel within Europe and internationally.

The role also involves supporting and, where appropriate, leading investigative activity associated with critical incidents in the English Channel. You will work closely with partners including Small Boats Operational Command (SBOC), Immigration Enforcement, NPCC colleagues, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), French law enforcement agencies, the International Liaison Officer (ILO) network and EUROPOL to ensure intelligence is developed, investigative opportunities are maximised, and appropriate criminal justice outcomes are achieved.

As part of the NCA’s Investigations Directorate, you will contribute to a flexible and shared operational capability designed to maximise the impact of the UK’s collective resources against serious and organised crime. You will be expected to employ innovative investigative techniques and approaches to address evolving criminal methodologies, helping to disrupt, dismantle and bring to justice those responsible for the highest levels of harm.

Alongside delivering operational results, you will actively contribute to a healthy, inclusive and supportive team culture. You will uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in line with the NCA Code, promoting respect, collaboration and wellbeing across the team. The OIC Team in Gillingham prides itself on its strong ethos of mutual support, shared accountability and collective success. This is an opportunity to join a committed and collaborative team where colleagues work together to achieve meaningful operational outcomes, support one another’s development and wellbeing, and make a significant contribution to protecting the UK from serious and organised immigration crime.

Experience of working within an OIC environment is not required. We welcome applications from candidates with a strong investigative background and the transferable skills required to investigate serious and complex crime. We recognise that valuable experience can be gained across a wide range of law enforcement, regulatory, intelligence, compliance or investigative disciplines, and we are keen to attract individuals who can demonstrate strong analytical skills, sound decision-making, effective partnership working and the ability to manage complex information in a dynamic operational environment. Full training and support will be provided to develop the specialist knowledge required for OIC investigations. What is most important is your ability to apply your existing skills and experience to this challenging and rewarding area of work, alongside a commitment to learning, collaboration and delivering operational outcomes.

Candidates who pass the application sift will be invited to an in-person Assessment Centre. The Assessment Centre will include an Experienced Officer Knowledge Check (written exam), a scenario-based interview, essential criteria check (ID/qualifications) and a substance misuse test. This will likely be in September 2026, specific location and date(s) to be confirmed.

Duties and Responsibilities

Conduct Complex Investigations - Support investigations into Organised Immigration Crime Groups (OICGs), identifying, developing and exploiting intelligence and evidential opportunities to disrupt criminal activity and support the prosecution of offenders involved in serious and organised crime.

Manage Intelligence and Evidence - Gather, assess, develop and record intelligence and evidence (physical and digital) from a variety of sources, ensuring all material is handled, stored and disseminated in accordance with legislative requirements, NCA policy and operational priorities.

Deliver Operational Activity - Plan and undertake proactive and reactive operational activity in the UK and internationally, including surveillance support, warrants, arrests, searches, evidence recovery and other investigative tactics designed to identify, disrupt and dismantle organised crime groups.

Build Prosecution Cases - Prepare high-quality case files and evidential packages for criminal justice proceedings, including disclosure, scheduling, redaction and file preparation in accordance with CPIA, Attorney General's Guidelines, GDPR and other relevant legislation.

Support International Investigations - Develop and maintain effective working relationships with overseas law enforcement agencies, contributing to JITs, international taskforces and cross-border investigations to identify and pursue offenders operating across multiple jurisdictions.

Investigate Critical Incidents - Provide investigative support during critical incidents linked to organised immigration crime, including incidents in the English Channel, working closely with UK and international partners to maximise investigative and safeguarding opportunities.

Conduct Interviews - Undertake suspect, witness and victim interviews using appropriate investigative interview techniques, including Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) methodologies where required, ensuring all interviews are conducted lawfully, ethically and professionally.

Execute Arrests and Searches - Carry out arrests, execute warrants and conduct premises searches while adhering to legislative requirements, evidential procedures, custody time limits and associated policies to ensure investigative integrity.

Develop Investigative Strategies - Identify investigative opportunities, develop lines of enquiry and make informed operational decisions using innovative approaches, intelligence-led methodologies and professional judgement to achieve operational objectives.

Maintain Partner Relationships - Work collaboratively with NCA colleagues and a wide range of domestic and international partners, including law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, government departments and international organisations, to progress investigations and achieve shared outcomes.

Ensure Legislative Compliance - Conduct all investigative activity in accordance with relevant legislation, including BSAI, Data Protection, Human Rights, RIPA/IPA, the Trade and Cooperation Agreement and international cooperation frameworks, ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.

Manage Sensitive Information and Records - Handle highly sensitive intelligence, operational information and personal data securely and appropriately within a fast-paced and evolving operational environment.

Safeguard Vulnerable Individuals - Recognise and respond appropriately to vulnerability, welfare and safeguarding considerations, ensuring interactions with witnesses, suspects and victims are managed professionally and with appropriate care.

Promote Team Culture - Actively contribute to a positive, inclusive and supportive team environment, demonstrating the NCA's values and behaviours, supporting colleague wellbeing and fostering a culture of collaboration, professionalism and continuous improvement.

Demonstrate Flexibility - Respond effectively to changing operational demands, working flexible and, at times, irregular hours at short notice to support priority investigations, operational deployments and critical incidents.

CSAE Exposure - Please be aware that, as part of this role, operational duties may involve exposure to Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSAE) material, intelligence, victims and offenders. By applying for this position, you acknowledge and understand the nature of this potential exposure. The NCA is committed to supporting the wellbeing of its Officers and provides access to Occupational Health and wellbeing services where required.

Public and Personal Safety Training (PPST) - Successful candidates will be required to pass a mandatory five-day PPST course. Applicants should carefully consider their ability to meet this requirement before applying.

The PPST programme combines theoretical and practical elements, including personal safety awareness, unarmed and armed defensive techniques, and operational tactics. Training involves a degree of physical activity and repetition, covering areas such as movement and positioning, use of force techniques (including strikes and blocks), restraint and control, and team-based scenarios.

Candidates must be able to meet a reasonable standard of physical fitness. This includes the ability to safely participate in dynamic training activities, including controlled ground descent and recovery without assistance. Structured warm-ups are conducted throughout the course to minimise the risk of injury.

The PPST must be successfully completed within the first six months of appointment. Failure to do so will result in the individual being unable to continue in an operational Investigator role, and employment with the NCA will be terminated. Except in exceptional circumstances, alternative roles within the Agency will not be offered.

Successful completion of the PPST does not replace the requirement to pass the full 12-month probationary period, which remains a condition of continued employment.

Powers - To enable the NCA Designating Officer to delegate operational powers under the Crime and Courts Act 2013, Officers whose role requires designated powers must successfully pass the NCA Examinations within their probationary period. Upon successful completion, Officers will be designated under Section 10 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013 and will be granted:

• 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 provides a range of learning resources, including online revision materials and classroom-based tutorials, to help candidates prepare for and successfully complete the examinations. However, failure to pass the examination will result in the individual being unable to continue in an operational Investigator role, and employment with the NCA will be terminated. Except in exceptional circumstances, alternative roles within the Agency will not be offered.

Person specification

Investigative Experience - Demonstrable experience of conducting criminal, intelligence-led, regulatory or complex investigations, including the identification and development of investigative opportunities, management of investigative lines of enquiry, and progression of cases in accordance with legal and organisational requirements. Proven ability to apply a range of investigative techniques to support operational objectives, exercising sound judgement to develop, progress and conclude investigations while managing risk and evidential opportunities effectively.

Evidence and Case Building - Experience of gathering, assessing and managing intelligence and evidence, including the lawful seizure, handling and retention of exhibits. A sound understanding of evidential continuity, disclosure obligations, material scheduling and the requirements of the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act (CPIA). Experience of preparing high-quality case files for prosecution, ensuring compliance with evidential and procedural requirements and working effectively with prosecuting authorities and partner agencies to progress cases through the criminal justice system.

Decision Making - Demonstrable ability 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 vulnerable individuals, colleagues, senior stakeholders and partner agencies.

Partnership Working - Experience of developing and maintaining productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, working collaboratively to achieve shared objectives and deliver effective operational outcomes.

Interviewing Skills - Experience of interviewing witnesses and suspects in accordance with relevant legislation, policy and procedural requirements. This includes knowledge of custody processes, detention time limits, extensions, authorisations, bail and associated evidential considerations.

Intelligence Handling - Experience of managing sensitive information and intelligence, demonstrating good judgement, discretion and an understanding of the importance of security, confidentiality and information management.

Arrest Procedures - Knowledge and practical understanding of arrest powers, arrest procedures and post-arrest processes, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, codes of practice and procedural standards.

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.

Technology and Digital Awareness - Ability to use investigative systems, case management tools and digital technology effectively to support investigations. Experience of reviewing digital material and identifying evidential opportunities is desirable.

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.

Virtual Event

To find out more about the role and the application process we will be holding virtual opening evenings via MS Teams on Tuesday 4th August 2026 @ 6.00pm.

This event is by invitation only. It will not be recorded.

To register, please click on the following link - Virtual Event - OIC Investigator, Tuesday 4th August 2026 @ 6.00pm – Fill out form

You will be asked for your name and email address. Please check your email address is correct, as without it we cannot send you an invite.

Registration will close on Monday 3rd August 2026 @ 12.00pm. You will not be able to register after this date and time.

Invites will be sent out on the day of the virtual event. Please check your spam filter if you haven't received it.

Licences

Do you hold a valid driving licence permitting you to drive a car in the UK? This may include a full UK driving licence or an appropriate international driving licence recognised for use in the UK.

Please note - if you answer 'No' to this question then your application will automatically be rejected.

Qualifications

Do you hold a current/active PIP1 accreditation, or a comparable investigative qualification/accreditation formally recognised by a Government body?

Please note - if you answer 'No' to this question then your application will automatically be rejected.

Behaviours

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

• Managing a Quality Service
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £43,877, National Crime Agency contributes £12,711 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, Strengths and Experience.

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 of no more than two pages, using a font size of at least 11pt.

Your CV should clearly set out your relevant career history, qualifications, skills and experience, demonstrating how you meet the Person Specification and Essential Criteria outlined in the advert. Please also provide an explanation for any gaps in employment or career history within the last five years.

Only the first two pages of your CV will be considered as part of the assessment process. Any information included beyond the two-page limit will not be reviewed or assessed.

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 Interview

As part of the assessment process Written assessment will be required to assess the criteria outlined below:

Candidates will complete a written assessment - this will be the EOKC test - this will result in a pass or fail. The interview will include scenario-based questions that will assess Behaviours and Experience.

Success Profiles at Assessment

Behaviours

• Making Effective Decisions

• Seeing the Big Picture

• Communicating and Influencing

Experience

• Experienced Officer Knowledge Check - to be assessed via written examination at the Assessment Centre.

• Experience and knowledge of criminal investigations.

Strengths

Strengths are tested at interview stage - the strengths tested are not shared before the interview.

Assessment Outcome

Outcomes 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 escal