Communications Data Investigator (SPoC)

About HMRC

HMRC is the UK's tax, payments and customs authority and we have a vital purpose: we collect the money that pays for the UK's public services and help families and individuals with targeted financial support

HMRC's Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) is responsible for the department's civil and criminal investigations. FIS ensures that HMRC has an effective approach to tackling the most serious tax evasion and fraud. FIS is home to a wide range of people with a variety of skills and professional backgrounds - including accountants, cybercrime specialists, criminal justice professionals, tax professionals and operational delivery support teams to name but a few. We use a range of powers and approaches to protect funding for UK public services, investigating the most harmful tax cheats and ensuring nobody is beyond our reach.

Digital Support and Innovation (DSI) is the specialist support business area responsible for the provision of enhanced digital and covert specialist technological support to FIS investigations. DSI works across Law Enforcement and government. DSI 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.

About the role

The Communications Data Unit (CDU) within FIS DSI provides dedicated support to HMRC investigation teams in Organised Crime, Individuals and Businesses, and Offshore Corporate & Wealthy, as well as to RIS (Risk and Intelligence Service) intelligence teams.

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 HMRC's Customer Compliance Group.

Job description:

Be one of a group providing expert advice and support to operational teams in the acquisition and use of communications data.

Be one of a group ensuring that applications for communications data under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) to be superseded by the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA), comply with the legislation and the Codes of Practice.

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.

Represent HMRC at meetings with external partners and maintain professional relationships with service providers.

Have the ability to communicate complex technical issues effectively to others, less technically competent.

Training

The post holder will be expected to:

Successfully pass the College of Policing SPOC accreditation programme.

Successfully complete a mentoring process working with existing Communications Data Investigators to learn practical application of the role.

Complete ongoing mandatory training provided by the College of Policing to maintain the accreditation as required.

Behaviours

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

• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace

Benefits

Pensions

Civil Service pension schemes may be available for successful candidates.

Allowances

If you are applying for a role in an office within a regional centre location or a transitional or specialist site, then the following may apply: Daily Travel Assistance will be available for this role, provided the successful applicant is a current HMRC employee and meets the eligibility requirements outlined in the department's Daily Travel Assistance guidance.

Things you need to know

Security

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check .

Nationality statement

Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules .

If you're applying for a role requiring security clearance please be aware that foreign or dual nationality is not an automatic bar. However certain posts may have restrictions which could affect those who do not have sole British nationality or who have personal connections with certain countries outside the UK.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

Candidates are expected to submit a personal statement of no more than 500 words and a CV. Selection will be by paper sift based on the personal statement and CV, potentially followed by face to face interview.

Interviews will be based on personal statement and strengths.

In addition to Strengths related to the Behaviours required in the personal statement the following Strengths will also be assessed at interview:

- Explainer
- Inclusive
- Learner
- Precise
- Team Player

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code 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 .

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a guaranteed interview scheme (GIS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.