Apply before
13/07/2026, 23:55
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Reference number
1063
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London weighting allowance (Per Annum)
£4218
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SPOT Rate 1
£49,392
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SPOT Rate 2
£53,493
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Shift allowance
20%
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Special Duty Bonus Payment (SDBP) up to per annum
£ 1400
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Role grade
G4
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Contract type
Permanent
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Command
Intelligence
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Business Area
Collection
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Type of role
Intelligence
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Working pattern
Full time
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Number of roles available
3
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Senior Officer, Targeted Intercept Operations
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Location(s)
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London, Warrington
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About the Role
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Information about the Command
The role of Intelligence is to develop the right operations, which target and disrupt - by the most effective means - the offenders who seek to cause the highest harm to the UK.
A diverse directorate with a wide variety of unique functions and specialist skillsets in our ranks, some of which we deliver as the national provider for the wider Serious Organised Crime (SOC) system. From our niche technical capabilities, to our overseas network of International Liaison Officers (ILO) and our Tasking teams, there are many component parts which contribute to the efforts of the directorate and the National Crime Agency (NCA).
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Information about the Business Area
Intelligence Collection coordinates NCA collection capabilities against the NCA’s highest priorities. Intelligence Collection includes forensics, open source, covert human intelligence sources, undercover officers and technical collection capabilities. This includes responding to threats and exploiting opportunities relating to the use of electronic communications by Subjects of Interest using the various powers conferred within the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA). This is a dynamic and diverse arena with constant and rapid change, suiting those officers who thrive on near constant challenge.
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Role Summary
The Senior Officer, Targeted Intercept Operations leads the delivery of lawful targeted intercept operations under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, managing a team to collect, analyse and develop intelligence from criminal communications. It plays a critical role in generating actionable insight that informs operational activity against serious and organised crime (SOC).
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Role Description
Operating within the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, the Senior Officer, Targeted Intercept Operations leads and manages a team of Targeted Intercept Officers (TIOs) responsible for the lawful targeting, collection and analysis of criminal communications. The role is central to delivering timely, high-quality intercept intelligence, transforming complex communication data into actionable tactical and strategic insight that directly supports operational priorities and the disruption of serious and organised crime.
The post holder oversees the end-to-end management of intercept activity within a fast-paced operational environment, ensuring resources are effectively prioritised and aligned to threat, risk and national strategic objectives, including the NCA Annual Plan and National Control Strategy. This includes directing workload, authorising tasking requests and maintaining oversight of intelligence development to ensure maximum operational impact, including supporting arrests, seizures of drugs, money and firearms, and the prevention of harm.
Accountable for compliance, the role ensures all activity is conducted in accordance with legislative, policy and governance frameworks, including oversight of Warrantry and Communications Data applications. The post holder maintains the highest standards of integrity in the handling, assessment and dissemination of sensitive intelligence, ensuring confidentiality, proportionality and a clear duty of care.
The role requires strong analytical and decision-making capability to interpret complex information from multiple sources, assess risk and drive informed operational decisions. It also involves identifying opportunities to enhance processes and improve efficiency within the function.
In addition, the post holder is responsible for developing and supporting staff, fostering capability and resilience within the team, and leading by example to embed organisational culture, values and professional standards within Targeted Intercept Operations.
Please note that security vetting requirements vary by location. Candidates applying for Warrington must be able to achieve SC (Enhanced) clearance prior to commencing in role, and must be able to achieve DV STRAP within 12 months of starting in role.
Those applying for London must be able to achieve DV (Enhanced) clearance PRIOR to commencing in the role, and must be able to achieve DV STRAP whilst in post. Further details are provided in the Vetting Guidance later in this advert.
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Duties and Responsibilities
Operational Leadership - Lead and manage a team of TIOs, setting direction and overseeing delivery in a fast-paced operational environment. Coordinate and prioritise workloads across TIOs and intelligence staff, authorising tasking to ensure effective alignment with operational priorities.
Intelligence Delivery - Direct the lawful gathering, analysis and dissemination of intercept intelligence in line with legislation and policy. Contribute to the development of tactical and strategic intelligence to support the NCA Annual Plan, National Control Strategy and wider operational priorities.
Compliance & Warrantry - Oversee the drafting and submission of Warrantry and Communications Data applications to support intelligence collection. Ensure all intelligence activity, handling and dissemination is compliant with legislation, policy, and confidentiality requirements.
Risk Management - Identify, assess and manage operational risk, ensuring appropriate mitigation in accordance with legislative and policy frameworks.
Quality & Assurance - Maintain high standards in the quality, security and integrity of intelligence products, ensuring appropriate handling and duty of care.
People & Development - Manage, coach and develop staff to enhance capability and performance.
Culture & Values - Lead by example to embed NCA culture, identity and values within Targeted Intercept Operations.
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Person Specification
Communication - Communicate clearly and effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, adapting style and approach as required.
Analysis - Analyse information from multiple sources to develop accurate and meaningful intelligence insights.
Problem Solving - Apply knowledge and understanding to identify issues and develop effective, practical solutions.
Decision Making - Make informed, risk-based decisions within a dynamic operational environment.
Change & Improvement - Identify and implement opportunities to improve processes and operational efficiency.
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On-call working
The role operates an alternating weekly (Mon–Fri) pattern of early and late shifts, with weekend working 1 in 4 covering early, late and mid shifts and an on-call rota of up to 1 week in 6, subject to review in line with requirements.
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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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Entry Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate that they have already successfully completed the NCA Intercept Training Programme (ITP) or an equivalent intercept training programme delivered by another intercepting agency. Where an equivalent programme has been completed, candidates will be required to undertake and successfully pass the NCA ITP within 12 months of appointment. Failure to achieve the NCA ITP may result in redeployment to an alternative role.
Candidates who have not passed the NCA ITP but are successful at sift will be invited to attend an in-person pre-training assessment. This will take place in either London or Warrington, with full details provided to candidates who progress past the sift stage. Candidates who do not pass the assessment will not progress to the interview stage.
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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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Allowances are reviewed annually and may be increased, decreased or removed.
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All salary offers will be made in line with Remuneration Policy.
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Roles based in London will receive an additional London Weighting (Per Annum) of £4218
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This role attracts a Special Duties Bonus Payment (SDBP) up to £1400 (Per Annum)
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The role attracts a shift payment premium of 20% of your base salary
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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 £14,308. 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, Experience
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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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Experience - This will be assessed:
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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 submit a concise CV that clearly demonstrates how you meet the essential skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the person specification.
AND
Evidence how you meet the essential criteria:
Candidates must demonstrate that they have already successfully completed the NCA Intercept Training Programme (ITP) or an equivalent intercept training programme delivered by another intercepting agency.
Your CV should include a full employment history with key responsibilities and achievements, as well as details of all relevant qualifications and professional development.
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Experience Criteria - will be assessed by 250 word examples on:
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Communicates clearly and effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, adapting style and approach to suit different audiences.
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Ability to analyse information from different sources.
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Makes clear, informed decisions and takes accountability for the outcomes.
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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.
- Communicates clearly and effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, adapting style and approach to suit different audiences. .
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 Pre training assessment (PTA ) which will be tested on via the details listed below.
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Candidates who have not passed the NCA ITP who are successful at sift will be invited to attend an in person pre training assessment. The assessment will be held in either London or Warrington, details of which will be shared with candidates who successful pass the sift stage. Candidates who do not pass the assessment will not progress to the interview stage.
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If you are successful you will be invited to the second assessment.
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Assessment 2
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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Changing and Improving
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Leadership
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Experience
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Communicates clearly and effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, adapting style and approach to suit different audiences.
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Ability to analyse information from different sources.
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Makes clear, informed decisions and takes accountability for the outcomes.
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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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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 both DV Enhanced and DV STRAP 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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To obtain DV STRAP you must be willing to undergo STRAP induction and must hold full UK nationality or dual nationality, where one component is British. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.
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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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Multi Location
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Where multiple locations are advertised, appointments will be made in merit order for each location.
Please indicate up to three location preferences clearly. Only your first three preferences will be considered. You may be allocated to any of the locations you select. If you decline an offer for a location you have selected as a preference, a further offer may not be made.
If you choose to reject an offer and no alternative preferred location can be offered, you will not be able to return to the process or be placed on a reserve list.
Only the advertised locations are available; any additional notes added to the application will not be taken into account.
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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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