Apply before
22/06/2026, 23:55
/*generated inline style */
Reference number
863
/*generated inline style */
Salary
£45,326
/*generated inline style */
London weighting allowance (Per Annum)
£4218
/*generated inline style */
South East weighting allowance (Per Annum)
£3375
/*generated inline style */
RRA - Recruitment and Retention Allowance (Per Annum)
£ 1000
/*generated inline style */
Role grade
G4
/*generated inline style */
Contract type
Permanent
/*generated inline style */
Command
Human Resources (HR)
/*generated inline style */
Business Area
Learning Development and Talent
/*generated inline style */
Type of role
Education and Training, Human Resources, Investigation, Policing
/*generated inline style */
Working pattern
Full time, Flexible Working
/*generated inline style */
Number of roles available
1
/*generated inline style */
/*generated inline style */
/*generated inline style */
/*generated inline style */
Investigative Skills Trainer
/*generated inline style */
Location(s)
/*generated inline style */
London, East Midlands, East of England, North East, North West, South East, South West, Wales, West Midlands, Yorkshire & the Humber
/*generated inline style */
About the Role
/*generated inline style */
Information about the Command
NCA Human Resources aims to create a proud workforce that feels empowered and enabled to lead today, at the same time as building capability for tomorrow. To be effective in our work we are investing in our people and recognising operational success is achieved through the hard work, expertise and commitment of our people.
To adapt to the serious and organised crime threat, NCA HR is undertaking an ambitious programme to transform the function and changing how we work. Our vision is to deliver a new HR operating model and transform the way we recruit and develop people. This includes a new model for learning, a stronger approach to workforce planning and compelling people deal.
/*generated inline style */
Information about the Business Area
The Learning Development and Talent (LD&T) purpose is directly linked to the NCA Strategy of growing a highly skilled workforce by ensuring all training needs are met and officers are provided with opportunities to develop. LD&T delivers a vast portfolio of learning from niche training delivered by in-house trainers with operational experience to talent programmes that support the workforce in their personal or professional development. To achieve this, the team comprises of Learning and Development professionals with a varied skill set to analyse and identify skill gaps; evaluate the impact of training; design and review training material; harness technology to expand access to digital learning; and source external talent programmes to empower and support under represented individuals.
/*generated inline style */
Role Summary
The Investigative Skills Trainer operates within the National Crime Agency's (NCA) modern, officer-centred blended learning model, which is designed to meet a wide range of learning styles and represents a shift away from traditional classroom-based delivery towards more flexible and sustainable approaches. This model promotes self-directed, experiential and social learning, requiring the postholder to design and deliver engaging, high-quality training that supports long-term capability development. The role contributes to a broad and dynamic learning offer, encompassing specialist operational and systems training linked to tackling serious and organised crime (SOC), alongside wider programmes covering core business skills, leadership, management and induction.
Working as part of the Investigative Skills training team, the postholder will play a key role in designing, developing and delivering a range of learning events, training programmes and courses for both new and experienced officers. These learning interventions are critical in ensuring that officers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to lead the UK’s fight against SOC. The role requires flexibility and adaptability, with the ability to deliver across a variety of subject areas and learning formats, responding to evolving operational priorities and organisational needs.
Given the NCA’s broad operational remit, the role also involves contributing to training delivery across key threat areas, including economic crime, cyber crime and organised immigration crime. In addition to delivering training aligned to Professionalising Investigation Programme (PIP2) standards, the postholder will be expected to design and deliver learning for specialist areas, drawing on operational experience and subject matter knowledge to ensure training remains relevant, practical and impactful. Strong collaboration with colleagues, subject matter experts and operational teams is essential to ensure that training meets professional standards and supports current and emerging threats.
This is a varied and rewarding role requiring strong communication skills, a commitment to continuous improvement and the ability to translate operational knowledge into effective learning solutions.
Alternative working arrangements may be considered depending on course requirements and business needs.
/*generated inline style */
Role Description
The Investigative Skills Trainers work collaboratively as part of a specialist team responsible for the design, delivery and assurance of high-quality investigative training, including programmes aligned to the PIP. The role is central to developing the capability of both new trainees and experienced officers transitioning from police forces, enabling them to conduct lawful, ethical and effective investigations in line with NCA standards and legal requirements.
The postholder designs and delivers training across a range of core investigative disciplines, including suspect and witness interviewing, investigative decision-making, case progression and disclosure. All learning content is developed and delivered in line with current legislation, codes of practice and organisational policy, ensuring that officers are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to operate effectively in complex operational environments. Training provision is expected to reflect current and emerging threats, incorporating operational learning and best practice to ensure continued relevance and impact, while supporting officers in achieving and maintaining PIP accreditation.
Working closely with an Instructional Design Team, the Investigative Skills Trainer contributes to the continuous development and refinement of learning materials, ensuring they are tailored to adult learning principles and meet the needs of a diverse learner audience. Drawing on substantial operational and/or policing experience, the postholder ensures that training exercises, tools and scenario-based activities are realistic, engaging and aligned to operational requirements.
The role also includes supporting accreditation processes through structured assessment, feedback and in-course coaching, working collaboratively with operational leads, subject matter experts and wider Learning and Development colleagues to ensure a coherent and impactful training offer. Where required, the postholder may take on additional responsibility for mentoring or developing other trainers or associate staff, role modelling NCA values and contributing to a culture of continuous learning and professional excellence.
This position offers an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to begin or further develop a career in training. Successful candidates who do not already hold a Training Essentials Programme or Level 3 qualification will be supported to achieve this as part of their development.
/*generated inline style */
Duties and Responsibilities
Learning Delivery: Deliver high-quality training aligned to individual skills, knowledge and experience, supporting a wide range of learning needs across the organisation and contributing to the development of a highly capable workforce.
Learning Development: Work with Learning Managers to engage with operational commands, maintaining strong relationships to understand evolving requirements and design learning solutions that effectively support operational capability.
Product Review and Maintenance: Lead the ongoing review and maintenance of learning products, ensuring they remain relevant, efficient and aligned with current operational needs, while delivering value for time and cost.
National Delivery: Deliver training across multiple UK locations, including NCA training sites in West Sussex and Warrington, with regular travel and overnight stays required to support national training provision.
Professional Development: Maintain professional competence by keeping up to date with legislative, procedural and investigative developments, alongside advances in learning methodologies, demonstrating a proactive approach to continuous professional development.
Specialist Training: Design, deliver and assure specialist investigative skills training, including programmes aligned to the PIP, ensuring investigators meet required standards and accreditation.
Core Skills Delivery: Deliver training in key investigative areas such as suspect and witness interviewing, investigative decision-making, case progression and disclosure, ensuring learners develop strong, end-to-end investigative capability.
Legal and Policy Compliance: Ensure all training content is accurate and aligned with relevant legislation, Codes of Practice and organisational policy, maintaining high standards of legal and procedural integrity.
Continuous Improvement: Use operational insight, evaluation data and learner feedback to continuously improve training quality and demonstrate measurable impact on performance and operational outcomes.
Professional Standards: Promote lawful, ethical and professional investigative practice throughout all training activity, modelling high standards of behaviour and influencing both technical competence and professional conduct.
Collaborative Working: Work closely with operational leads, subject matter experts and Learning and Development colleagues to deliver coherent, joined-up training that aligns with organisational priorities and supports operational effectiveness.
/*generated inline style */
Person Specification
Communication Skills: Able to clearly explain complex or technical information to a range of audiences, using both verbal and written communication, and build effective working relationships with learners and colleagues.
Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrates the ability to engage positively with others, building rapport and credibility as a confident and approachable trainer.
Investigative Process Knowledge: Strong understanding of investigative processes, including case strategy, evidence gathering, case building and review.
Legislative Knowledge: Good working knowledge of relevant legislation and its practical application, including disclosure requirements and their impact on risk, victims and case outcomes.
Threat Awareness: Awareness of current and emerging crime threats, investigative techniques and digital opportunities, and the ability to reflect these within training delivery.
Training Delivery: Ability to design and deliver engaging learning across a range of formats, including classroom, virtual and scenario-based environments.
Assessment Skills: Experience of assessing competence against defined standards and providing constructive feedback to support learner development.
Continuous Improvement: Ability to use evaluation data, learner feedback and operational insight to refine and improve training products.
Operational Experience: Experience of working in a law enforcement or related environment, applying policy, procedures and legislation in complex investigations.
Interviewing Skills: Experience of conducting or supervising suspect and witness interviews as part of investigative activity.
Advisory Skills: Ability to provide professional advice and guidance to practitioners, supervisors and senior leaders
/*generated inline style */
Essential Criteria
/*generated inline style */
You must meet the essential criteria and evidence this within your application to be considered for the role.
/*generated inline style */
Qualifications, Membership and Licences
- Currently or previously held PIP2 accreditation.
/*generated inline style */
Any applications from candidates not meeting this eligibility criteria will not progress.
/*generated inline style */
Desirable Criteria
/*generated inline style */
Desirable criteria are only used for assessment in the event of a tie break.
/*generated inline style */
- Level 3 qualification in Learning and Development.
- Demonstrable understanding of the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act (CPIA) and Disclosure requirements.
/*generated inline style */
Salary
/*generated inline style */
Allowances are reviewed annually and may be increased, decreased or removed.
/*generated inline style */
All salary offers will be made in line with Remuneration Policy.
/*generated inline style */
Roles based in London will receive an additional London Weighting (Per Annum) of £4218
/*generated inline style */
Roles based in the South-East will receive an additional South-East Allowance (Per Annum) of £3375
/*generated inline style */
This position attracts a Recruitment and Retention Allowance (RRA) of £1000 (Per Annum) available as an addition to the advertised salary.
/*generated inline style */
Benefits
/*generated inline style */
All NCA employees are members of the UK Civil Service and eligible for the Civil Service pension scheme, alongside your salary the NCA contributes £13131. 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.
/*generated inline style */
Selection Process Details
/*generated inline style */
This vacancy is using the Success Profiles framework and will assess using the following criteria: Behaviours, Experience, Technical Skills
/*generated inline style */
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.
/*generated inline style */
How we will assess you
/*generated inline style */
Your application will be assessed against the following:
/*generated inline style */
Technical - this will be assessed by 250 word examples on:
/*generated inline style */
Demonstrates strong knowledge and practical experience of applying a range of investigative methods within serious and complex investigations to support effective outcomes.
/*generated inline style */
Demonstrates the ability to confidently adapt communication style to effectively engage and connect with a wide range of audiences, ensuring clarity, understanding and impact.
/*generated inline style */
Demonstrates strong collaborative skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective, productive relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to support delivery of organisational objectives.
/*generated inline style */
Experience - This will be assessed:
/*generated inline style */
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 provide a current CV that clearly sets out your full employment history and all relevant qualifications. Your CV should demonstrate how you meet the requirements outlined in the person specification within the advert. In addition, please ensure you account for and briefly explain any gaps in your employment over the past five years.
/*generated inline style */
A panel will assess how well your application demonstrates the requirements outlined above.
/*generated inline style */
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.
- Demonstrates strong knowledge and practical experience of applying a range of investigative methods within serious and complex investigations to support effective 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.
/*generated inline style */
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.
/*generated inline style */
For guidance on the application process, visit:
NCA Applying and Onboarding
/*generated inline style */
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.
/*generated inline style */
Additional assessment methods used alongside Interview
/*generated inline style */
As part of the assessment process Presentation will be required to assess the criteria outlined below:
/*generated inline style */
Candidates will be required to give a 10-minute presentation at the beginning of their interview. Further guidance and the presentation title will be given ahead of the interview.
/*generated inline style */
Success Profiles at Assessment
/*generated inline style */
Behaviours
/*generated inline style */
Seeing the Big Picture
/*generated inline style */
Developing Self and Others
/*generated inline style */
Technical
/*generated inline style */
Demonstrates strong knowledge and practical experience of applying a range of investigative methods within serious and complex investigations to support effective outcomes.
/*generated inline style */
Demonstrates the ability to confidently adapt communication style to effectively engage and connect with a wide range of audiences, ensuring clarity, understanding and impact.
/*generated inline style */
Demonstrates strong collaborative skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective, productive relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to support delivery of organisational objectives.
/*generated inline style */
Assessment Outcome
/*generated inline style */
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.
/*generated inline style */
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
/*generated inline style */
Feedback is provided only to those who attend an assessment.
/*generated inline style */
You will be subject to vetting and pre-employment checks before appointment.
/*generated inline style */
Once the vacancy closes, the advert will no longer be accessible. Please save a copy for your records.
/*generated inline style */
We encourage all candidates to visit the NCA Careers Page for more information.
/*generated inline style */
Eligibility, Pre-Employment Check and Vetting
/*generated inline style */
Please see the NCA T&Cs and Privacy Policy (pdf) for details on how your data is handled.
/*generated inline style */
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.
/*generated inline style */
Nationality Requirements
/*generated inline style */
This role is broadly open to the following groups:
/*generated inline style */
- UK nationals or dual nationals, where one component is British
/*generated inline style */
- Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
/*generated inline style */
- Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
/*generated inline style */
- 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)
/*generated inline style */
- 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)
/*generated inline style */
- Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
/*generated inline style */
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
/*generated inline style */
Further information on nationality requirements
/*generated inline style */
You will be required to participate in digital right to work and address checks as part of the recruitment process.
/*generated inline style */
Security and Vetting
/*generated inline style */
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.
/*generated inline style */
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.
/*generated inline style */
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.
/*generated inline style */
Vetting requirements - SC Enhanced
/*generated inline style */
Prior to commencing the role, you will need to successfully complete SC Enhanced clearance.
/*generated inline style */
The requirement for SC clearance is to have been present in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years.
/*generated inline style */
Failure to meet the residency requirements will result in your security clearance application being rejected.
/*generated inline style */
For further information on National Security Vetting checks please visit the following page Demystifying Vetting
/*generated inline style */
Individuals will be required to undertake and pass a substance misuse test as part of pre-employment checks.
/*generated inline style */
Occupational Health
/*generated inline style */
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.
/*generated inline style */
Things you need to know
/*generated inline style */
Multi Location
/*generated inline style */
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.
/*generated inline style */
Near Miss
/*generated inline style */
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.
/*generated inline style */
Hybrid Working
/*generated inline style */
The NCA supports hybrid working. The extent of remote working will depend on the role and can be discussed at the offer stage.
/*generated inline style */
Reasonable Adjustments
/*generated inline style */
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.
/*generated inline style */
Inclusion
/*generated inline style */
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.
/*generated inline style */
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.
/*generated inline style */
Working for the Civil Service
/*generated inline style */
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.
/*generated inline style */
Working for the NCA
/*generated inline style */
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.
/*generated inline style */
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.
/*generated inline style */
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]
/*generated inline style */
