Digital Investigator - National Digital Investigation Unit - Birmingham

Digital Investigator - National Digital Investigation Unit - Birmingham About the job

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.

HMRC is faced with increasingly complex frauds committed by well-resourced and, often, digitally informed and aware criminal groups.

This post sits within the CODE Digital Operations command that includes the Communications Data Unit (CDU) and the National Digital Investigation Unit (NDIU). This command recognises the importance and synergy between these two technical areas.

This is an opportunity to join CODE Digital Operations during a crucial period of expansion, development of capability and impact.

The National Digital Investigation Unit (NDIU) specialise in digital problem solving, drawing upon operational experience and pragmatic application of datasets, such as but not limited to Communications Data, Open Source Intelligence, vehicle telematics, ANPR data and digital forensics (handset downloads).

For more information about our Directorates, Lines of Business and some of our roles, please visit the FIS Careers pages

Job description

The NDIU is a team of Digital Investigators, which provide ongoing and dynamic operational advice and support to Risk Intelligence Service (RIS) and FIS case teams and wider internal 'customers' such as, the Priority Criminals Unit, Internal Investigations, Protected Persons Unit and the Operational Security network to name a few.

Developing effective digital strategies is fundamental to NDIU assisting investigation teams to achieve meaningful operational outcomes.

The NDIU is a national team, the role involves regular travel with overnight stays to attend training courses or work alongside colleagues, particularly within the first two years on the team.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a command that enhances HMRC's response to sophisticated organised crime and serious fraud.

Our work is varied, rewarding and impactful, investigating the most harmful tax frauds and criminal groups.

Using innovative digital approaches and techniques, you will be making decisions that will help tackle fraudsters who present the highest threat to the UK Exchequer.
You will be working with like-minded people, who constantly look for opportunities to add value and share knowledge to drive investigations forward.

Person specification

As a Digital Investigator you will:

Become proficient in the application of Digital Investigation techniques, exploiting social media, closed sources and emerging communication systems, using several bespoke third-party solutions.

Consider and create bespoke digital strategies to assist and support high priority, complex and sensitive HMRC investigations.

Provide advice to support proactive and reactive operations, including live deployments, to identify data acquisition and exploitation opportunities. Advice ranges from sustained dedicated support over many months to short term assistance.

Provide guidance to Senior Investigation Officers/Investigators on the use of technology in investigations, using experience and knowledge to develop and progress digital strategies, in difficult or complex investigations.

Gather intelligence and evidence on individuals, corporates, and organised crime groups to progress and enhance criminal investigations into attacks on our tax systems.

Utilise digital investigation skills and bespoke tools to interrogate, evaluate and interpret relevant digital data sets.

Identify, collate and exploit data from external and internal data sources to develop the most holistic picture of an individual.

Conduct research, including internet and social networking analysis, to an evidential standard.

Flexibility to travel within the role. There will be a bespoke training package depending on the previous experience of the successful candidate, which will require travel.

Be part of 1 week in 4 on-call cadre. This is in line with Flexibility Payment 2.

Flexibility Payment
This post attracts a Level 2 Flexibility Payment (FP) that is paid monthly with salary. This FP allows HMRC flexibility to change your work pattern, at short notice, to meet business needs.

You will be expected to undertake periods of On Call. You will also be expected to work additional hours, at weekends and outside your normal working hours/days (including bank holidays).

In applying for a position and accepting the FP you agree that you can and will meet those attendance requirements.

Note: Payment of FP is dependent on successful completion of role specific training and you will move to Level 2 FP eligibility in stages (see the attached document for details).

FP levels are reviewed annually - on a business need and personal basis - and may be subject to change.

Details of the Flexibility Payment can be found in the attached document.

Essential Criteria:

• A sound knowledge of Communications Data.
• An understanding of Digital Investigation opportunities and capabilities.
• An interest in current and emerging communications technologies.
• This role requires experience of conducting criminal investigations and a thorough working knowledge of Criminal Justice procedures. Including the following legislation and corresponding Codes of Practice:
  Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA)
  Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA)
  Police Act 1997 (PA)
  Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA)
  Criminal Procedures and Investigations Act 1996 (CPIA)
  Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE).
• Qualification - Please see qualification section.

Transitional Sites

For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations.

If your location preference is for one of the following sites, it's important to note that these are not long-term sites for HMRC and we will require you to move to a new building in the future, subject to our location strategy and the applicable employee policies at that time.

These sites are:

• Benton Park View, Newcastle - moving to Pilgrims Quarter, Newcastle

You will be given more information about what this means at the job offer stage.

Qualifications

Please advise on your application that you are an accredited criminal justice professional or intelligence analyst, that you can commit to any required training, and that you hold at least one of the following:


- HMRC BTEC Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Enforcement (Criminal Investigation)
- HMRC Accredited Counter Fraud Qualification Level 4 Diploma
- University of Portsmouth Counter Fraud Professional Accreditation Board (CFPAB) Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist.
- University of Northumbria CFPAB Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist.
- University of Portsmouth CFPAB Accredited Counter Fraud (Intelligence) Specialist.
- University of Northumbria CFPAB Accredited Counter Fraud (Intelligence) Specialist.
- Accredited Counter Fraud Intelligence Specialist (ACFIS) from the Counter Fraud Professional Accreditation Board (CFPAB) in conjunction with the University of Portsmouth.
- Current PIP2 Status - You must hold a current and active PIP2 (Investigator) accreditation issued by a recognised UK law enforcement body (e.g. the College of Policing or NCA).


If your PIP2 accreditation is inactive, it must not have lapsed more than 24 months prior to your application, and you must be able to demonstrate relevant operational experience in managing or conducting serious and complex investigations within the last two years.


Successful candidates with PIP2 status, will still be required to attend and pass HMRC's core learning programme and achieve Authorised Officer status through further classroom and practical training which will involve regular travel.

Behaviours

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

• Making Effective Decisions
• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Leadership

Benefits

Alongside your salary of 37,682, HM Revenue and Customs contributes 10,916 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

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 HMRC hear from our insiders or visit Thinking 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 500-word name-blind CV, to include your job history, with a short description of your jobs/roles, duties and any key achievements covering your last three jobs/roles. Any excess word count will not be assessed.
• A 500-word Personal Statement, describing and giving examples of how your skills, attributes and experience meet the Essential Criteria and Person Specification making you suitable for the role. Ensure you include which qualification you hold in line with the Essential Criteria and Qualifications.
• A separate 250-word statement for each of the specified Behaviours: Making Effective Decisions, Leadership.

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Sift

In the event of a large number of applications being received, an initial sift may be held on your Personal Statement and the lead Behaviour Making Effective Decisions.

At full sift your CV, Personal Statement and both Behaviour statements 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 Behaviour-based questions on all those listed above to explore your skills and experience, you will be asked strength-based questions to also explore what you enjoy and your motivations relevant to the job role.

You will be asked to prepare and deliver a 10-15 minute presentation on a recent example/case study of a digitally focussed investigation you carried out. This should highlight some of the challenges and techniques you used to reach the objectives.

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, please contact us via: [email protected] - 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.

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 [email protected] 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.

Technical Support
If you are experiencing problems that cannot be resolved by our 'help' section, then technical support is available. You will receive a reply in 2 working days.

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 the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).