Apply before
06/08/2026, 23:55
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Reference number
1119
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SPOT Rate 2
£43,877
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Role grade
G5
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Contract type
Permanent
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Command
Integrated Protective Security (IPS)
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Business Area
Personnel Security
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Type of role
Investigation, Operational Delivery, Operational Research, Policing
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Working pattern
Full time
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Number of roles available
2
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Anti-Corruption unit (ACU) Investigator
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Location(s)
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Crawley
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About the Role
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Information about the Command
The Integrated Protective Security Command (IPS) is responsible for securing the Agency to protect the public.
IPS safeguards the NCA from the full range of security threats that target the Agency, our officers and our assets, to enable the organisation to achieve its operational objectives, both domestically and overseas.
Its officers provide specialist security services to the Agency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, to mitigate security risks. People are at the heart of the NCA and play a key role in ensuring we stay at the forefront of combating serious and organised crime.
IPS are responsible for people, processes, technology and standards, operating across the NCA to support operational and non-operational teams, along with the Command Team, to ensure the Agency remains resilient and retains public confidence in a volatile and complex threat landscape.
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Information about the Business Area
Personnel Security covers the following teams: Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), Professional Standards Unit (PSU), Security Vetting, People Risk Management Team (PRMT).
The Personnel Security functions are focussed on improving the Agency’s ability to protect the public through counter corruption activities and to develop a safe, secure environment for our officers. The sensitivities of intelligence and operations, and the extent to which information must be shared securely, mean that NCA Officers and contractors must maintain the highest levels of integrity, reliability and trustworthiness. The organisation is vulnerable to attack by its key targets who will seek to corrupt its officers. In relation to personnel security, our object is to eliminate as many risks as possible, and mitigate the impact of those that remain.
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Role Summary
The NCA’S dedicated Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) works within the NCA’s Integrated Protective Security command. Our role is to safeguard the Agency, secure its
assets, and defend its standards, whilst promoting a safe, inclusive and professional environment.
Our priorities are to: ensure the integrity of the NCA’s officers and operations; relentlessly disrupt those engaged in corruption within the NCA, impacting upon the NCA, and in support to partners; and develop capabilities and best practice, including sharing best practice with national/international partners and raising awareness of the threat.
The ACU looks into all allegations of corruption against its officers, working to either prove or disprove these allegations to protect both the agency’s officers and activity. We carry out covert investigations into corrupt activity within, and impacting upon, the NCA.
We also investigate organised crime groups and others seeking to penetrate the NCA and conduct activity to identify and investigate corruption within the agency.
We also provide regular support to partners, through intelligence development and providing specialist operational capability, and work closely with other government departments to tackle wider public sector corruption.
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Role Description
This is an exciting opportunity to join the NCA’s Anti-Corruption Unit working in a multi-functional dynamic team, alongside Intelligence officers and Senior Investigators investigating the complex corruption threat to law enforcement.
We are looking for experienced Investigators who hold a current/active PIP2 or an equivalent recognised qualification/accreditation in investigative crime issued by a Government body ,The successful candidate must have experience in utilising covert tactics and a full DVLA Driving Licence (includes full EU licences).
Applicants must hold a Q100 (Surveillance trained) and Advanced Drivers qualification.
Please Note: The ACU work from three NCA Locations two of which are covert locations which cannot be disclosed on the advert however the nearest location to our covert site in the South is Crawley.
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Duties and Responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities
Collaborative Working
Working to support our partners to develop their own response corruption, nationally and internationally
Integrity
Demonstrate the highest levels of integrity.
Investigations
Participate in investigations where covert tactics - confidentiality, sensitive intelligence and surveillance will provide the basis for tactical activity.
Developing Intelligence
Work with a team of self-contained - multifunctional ACU Investigators and Intelligence Officers to develop intelligence and build evidence to support NCA and partner Anti -Corruption operations within a context of serious and organised crime.
Flexible Working
Required to work flexibly - often outside of normal working hours and occasionally for extended periods of duty.
Completing case files
Experienced and competent in completing case files - Working as part of a team progressing the case through the judicial process for prosecution.
Powers:
In order for the NCA Designating Officer to delegate powers to an NCA officer under the Crime and Courts Act, the agency requires that any officer that requires powers for their role is required to pass the NCA Exams within their probationary period. Upon successful completion of all 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.
Officers joining the agency will be provided with online access revision material and offered classroom based tutorials to support them taking exams.
Those working in Northern Ireland and Scotland are currently required to successfully complete the NCA Exams as above, Northern or Scottish powers course and the National Investigators Exam (NIE), if not previously passed
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Person Specification
Skills, Knowledge and Experience Description
Interviewing Competent and experienced at interviewing witnesses and suspects (custody time limits/procedures, extensions and authorisations), use of bad character evidence and bail.
Communication Good communication skills with the ability to listen, empathise, provide support and adapt language, form and message to meet the needs of different people and audiences.
Investigations techniques Experience and knowledge in the use of investigations techniques to meet operational outcomes.
Experience of conducting arrests Experience of conducting arrests; competent and experienced at interviewing witnesses and suspects (custody time limits/procedures, extensions and authorisations), use of bad character evidence and bail.
Seizure of exhibits Experience and knowledge around seizure of exhibits, continuity of evidence, and seize/sift legislation, including experience in disclosure, and scheduling of material, and knowledge of CPIA legislation.
Completing case files Experienced and competent in completing case files and liaising with prosecuting agencies or authorities.
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Essential Criteria
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You must meet the essential criteria and evidence this within your application to be considered for the role.
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Qualifications, Membership and Licences
PIP2 accreditation (see attached NCA Guidance for Applicants) - Your PIP accreditation must be current/active within the last 3 years.
College of Policing Q100 (Surveillance trained)
College of Policing Advanced Drivers Qualification
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Any applications from candidates not meeting this eligibility criteria will not progress.
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Salary
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All salary offers will be made in line with Remuneration Policy.
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Operational Role Salary Information
This role attracts a SPOT Rate salary. SPOT Rate offers a progressive increase in pay to reflect the skills and experience of the officer.
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Benefits
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All NCA employees are members of the UK Civil Service and eligible for the Civil Service pension scheme, alongside your salary the NCA contributes £12,711. Further information on the benefits of the scheme is available on the Civil Service Pension Website.
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.
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Selection Process Details
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This vacancy is using the Success Profiles framework and will assess using the following criteria: Behaviours, Technical Skills
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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 for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
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How we will assess you
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Your application will be assessed against the following:
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Technical - this will be assessed by 250 word examples on:
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Demonstrable experience of applying covert or proactive investigative techniques to achieve operational outcomes within serious and organised crime and/or counter‑corruption investigations outcomes.
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Strong working knowledge of covert tactical options and associated legal frameworks, including the lawful authorisation, deployment and management of covert activity.
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Proven experience of building robust evidential case files for criminal prosecution, progressing investigations through the judicial process and supporting cases to charging and prosecution.
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A panel will assess how well your application demonstrates the requirements outlined above.
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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.
- Demonstrable experience of applying covert or proactive investigative techniques to achieve operational outcomes within serious and organised crime and/or counter‑corruption investigations outcomes. .
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.
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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.
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For guidance on the application process, visit:
NCA Applying and Onboarding
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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.
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Success Profiles at Assessment
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Behaviours
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Working Together
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Delivering at Pace
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Technical
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Demonstrable experience of applying covert or proactive investigative techniques to achieve operational outcomes within serious and organised crime and/or counter‑corruption investigations outcomes.
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Strong working knowledge of covert tactical options and associated legal frameworks, including the lawful authorisation, deployment and management of covert activity.
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Proven experience of building robust evidential case files for criminal prosecution, progressing investigations through the judicial process and supporting cases to charging and prosecution.
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Assessment Outcome
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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.
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In the event of a tie at the assessment stage, available roles will be offered in merit order using the following order:
Lead criteria (behaviours/technical/experience)
If still tied, desirable criteria will be assessed (if advertised)
If still tied, application sift scores will be used
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Feedback is provided only to those who attend an assessment.
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You will be subject to vetting and pre-employment checks before appointment.
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Once the vacancy closes, the advert will no longer be accessible. Please save a copy for your records.
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We encourage all candidates to visit the NCA Careers Page for more information.
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Eligibility, Pre-Employment Check and Vetting
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Please see the NCA T&Cs and Privacy Policy (pdf) for details on how your data is handled.
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If you are an internal candidate who has passed interview but is undergoing an internal investigation or have a written warning in place preventing a post move you may not be able to be posted until this investigation is concluded or restriction lifted.
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Nationality Requirements
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This role is broadly open to the following groups:
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- UK nationals or dual nationals, where one component is British
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- Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
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- Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
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- 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)
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- 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)
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- Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
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- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
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Further information on nationality requirements
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You will be required to participate in digital right to work and address checks as part of the recruitment process.
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Security and Vetting
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People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.
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Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is SC Enhanced. All security clearances will be managed by the NCA.
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For more information on security vetting please visit: UK Security Vetting guidance for applicants and Demystifying Vetting and see our vetting charter at: The Vetting Charter.
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Vetting requirements - SC Enhanced
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Prior to commencing the role, you will need to successfully complete SC Enhanced clearance and then achieve DV Enhanced clearance within the first 12 months in post.
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The requirement for SC clearance is to have been present in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years.
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The requirement for DV Enhanced clearance is to have been present in the UK for at least 7 of the last 10 years.
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Failure to meet the residency requirements will result in your security clearance application being rejected.
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If you fail to obtain the increased clearance within 12 months of starting, your contract of employment is at risk of termination.
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For further information on National Security Vetting checks please visit the following page Demystifying Vetting
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Individuals will be required to undertake and pass a substance misuse test as part of pre-employment checks.
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Occupational Health
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Successful candidates will be expected to undertake an occupational health assessment. Depending on the role an in-person medical may be required in either London or Warrington. Unfortunately, travel costs will not be reimbursed.
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Things you need to know
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Operational Roles
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The National Crime Agency is a law enforcement agency and as such we are part of the Criminal Justice System. Therefore if you are going into an operational role we need to be aware if any of our officers have, either before they join us or afterwards, any of the following:
Any criminal conviction (including Court Martial), or caution or fixed penalty notice for disorder or theft;
Any adverse judicial findings;
Any charges or summonses where the proceedings are not complete;
Any misconduct or gross misconduct findings or where proceedings are not complete.
You will be asked to complete a declaration covering the above if offered a role with the NCA.
Each case will be considered on its merits and a positive declaration does not automatically mean that your application will not be progressed. However, should you fail to disclose a relevant matter then your application or employment will be adversely affected. If in doubt, please declare it at this stage.
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Near Miss
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If you meet the criteria for a lower grade, you may be offered that role if not appointable at the advertised grade.
Conversely, if found appointable at a higher grade but no posts are available, you may be offered a lower-grade role.
All offers are made based on merit.
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Hybrid Working
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The NCA supports hybrid working. The extent of remote working will depend on the role and can be discussed at the offer stage.
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Reasonable Adjustments
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We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and an inclusive, equal opportunities employer.
We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone can be their authentic self. If you’re neurodiverse, have a disability, or live with a long-term health condition, we encourage you to let us know about any reasonable adjustments you may need during the recruitment process.
If you experience accessibility issues with the advert or require reasonable adjustments, please contact our Recruitment Team at
[email protected] before the advert closing date.
Please ensure you complete the ‘Equal opportunities’ and 'Reasonable Adjustments' sections in the application form to inform us on what support you may need in the recruitment process.
For more on our Disability Confident commitment, visit Disability Confident Scheme | Civil Service Careers.
Visit NCA Benefits and Support for more details.
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Inclusion
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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 and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy
In order to monitor the effectiveness of the National Crime Agency's Diversity & Inclusion strategy, we require certain personal details about you on submission of your application for statistical and monitoring purposes only. Please note that this will be treated in confidence and will not impact your application.
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This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.
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Working for the Civil Service
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The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit on merit through fair and open competition, in line with the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.
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.
If you believe your application has not been treated fairly, email:
[email protected] (quoting the vacancy reference).
If unresolved, you may escalate your complaint to the Civil Service Commission.
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Working for the NCA
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The National Crime Agency is a 24/7 organisation, and working patterns must support business requirements. Some roles may require you to respond at short notice or outside of core hours.
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If preferable, alternative contract types may be available. Please review the green bar of this advert to view all available contract types for this role. Where Loan or Secondment options are available, these would be for existing Civil Servants (Loan) and applicants from accredited Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) or any other employer (Secondment). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.
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If you have any specific queries about the role that are not covered by the advert, please contact:
Name : Central Recruitment Team
Email : [email protected]
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