Apply before
13/07/2026, 23:55
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Reference number
855
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Salary
£45,326
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London weighting allowance (Per Annum)
£4,218
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RRA - Recruitment and Retention Allowance (Per Annum)
£ 2,000
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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, Operational Delivery, Operational Research, Planning, Science
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Working pattern
Full time, Flexible Working
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Number of roles available
8
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Senior Officer, Technical Equipment Interference (TEI) Software Engineering
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Location(s)
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Bristol, Gillingham, Leicester
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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
An exciting opportunity has arisen to work in Technical Operations within the National Crime Agency (NCA).
As a Senior Officer, Technical Equipment Interference (TEI) Software Engineering, you will operate within a specialist team delivering direct support to complex, technically demanding operations. Working in a fast-paced environment alongside a range of Technical Officers, you will play a key role in enabling the successful delivery of operational taskings.
This role centres on the hands-on design, testing, and implementation of innovative software technical solutions to address real-world operational challenges. You will analyse data derived from technical capabilities to identify gaps, vulnerabilities, and emerging opportunities, applying your software engineering expertise to develop and deploy effective solutions that enhance operational capability.
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Role Description
As part of the TEI Development Team, you will contribute to shaping and delivering tactical technical responses in support of some of the UK’s most serious and complex operations. Your work will directly influence the effectiveness of operational outcomes by ensuring innovative and resilient technical software solutions are developed and deployed at pace.
Working closely with the Technical Operations TEI Team, you will provide end-to-end support across the lifecycle of operations - from initial requirements gathering and solution design through to deployment, optimisation and ongoing support. You will ensure that deployed capabilities remain effective, adaptable and aligned to evolving operational objectives, while also assessing and refining deployment mechanisms to maximise impact and reliability.
In addition, you will collaborate with Law Enforcement and Intelligence partners to identify emerging threats, trends and capability gaps. By maintaining a strong awareness of technological advancements, you will help ensure the NCA remains at the forefront of innovation, continuously adapting its technical software capabilities to respond to a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
Prior experience in the TEI environment is not required, as the successful candidate will receive full training and support to develop the necessary TEI knowledge and skills.
Due to the nature of the role, the postholder will be required to travel regularly to the Leicester office if based in Gillingham or Bristol, and occasionally to other NCA sites and operational locations. Some locations may not be easily accessible by public transport. Applicants must therefore hold a valid driving licence (UK or international) that permits them to drive a car in the UK, or be willing to obtain one within 12 months of commencing in the role.
Please be aware that candidates who progress beyond the application sift will be required to attend an in-person interview at our head office in Stratford, London.
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Duties and Responsibilities
Operational Technical Delivery & Capability Development - Design, research, and deliver software and hardware solutions compliant with TEI legislation to address operational capability gaps. Provide direct technical support to the Technical Operations TEI team, enabling effective delivery of operational taskings. Ensure solutions remain aligned to operational requirements, adapting to evolving threats and deployment challenges.
Technical Analysis, Research & Innovation - Conduct detailed research into TEI threats, technologies, and methodologies to identify current and emerging capability gaps. Maintain an up-to-date knowledge base, including a structured research library, and produce regular intelligence and capability reports. Evaluate targeted security and TEI equipment, producing comprehensive technical assessments and recommendations.
Operational Support & Knowledge Sharing - Provide expert technical advice and guidance across the organisation to support the effective research, collection, analysis, exploitation and sharing of TEI intelligence. Support the rollout and integration of TEI knowledge across Technical Operations and wider Intelligence functions.
Training & Capability Uplift - Deliver upskilling to TEI Operational Officers through structured training, technical documentation and practical demonstrations. Produce clear, detailed user instructions for both internally developed and commercially acquired equipment and capabilities.
Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration - Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal teams and external partners, including Law Enforcement, intelligence agencies, academia and industry. Represent Technical Operations at national and international forums within the TEI domain, contributing to collaboration and knowledge exchange. Engage with external stakeholders through visits, industry events, and trade shows to identify emerging technologies and opportunities.
Leadership & Staff Development - Manage, coach and develop junior staff, including potential line management responsibilities for junior Officers. Foster a collaborative and high-performance team environment, supporting professional and technical development.
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Person Specification
Technical Expertise & Software Engineering - Demonstrable experience as a competent software engineer, with the ability to design, develop, and implement software solutions. Strong understanding of IT systems, tools, and technologies relevant to technical processes, with the ability to rapidly adapt to new platforms and methodologies.
Analytical Thinking & Data Exploitation - Proven ability to research, interpret, and analyse data from both open and closed sources to inform and enhance software solutions. Capable of translating complex data into actionable insights to address operational challenges and capability gaps.
Problem Solving & Innovation - Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to complex, real-world operational problems in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrates sound judgement when working with incomplete or time-sensitive information.
Delivery & Project Management - Ability to deliver end-to-end technical projects, from concept through to implementation and evaluation. Highly organised, with the capability to manage and prioritise multiple workstreams effectively while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.
Communication & Influence - Communicates complex technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences, using a range of written and verbal methods. Able to influence stakeholders and support decision-making through well-articulated recommendations and briefings.
Stakeholder & Relationship Management - Proven ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams and external partners, supporting collaborative delivery of objectives. Understands stakeholder needs and balances these with operational priorities to achieve effective outcomes.
Teamwork & Collaboration - Works collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, contributing to shared goals and supporting collective success over individual outcomes. Actively contributes to a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team environment.
Time Management & Personal Effectiveness - Effectively manages workload, prioritising competing demands and escalating risks or issues as appropriate. Consistently delivers work to a high standard within agreed timelines in a dynamic operational environment.
Learning & Continuous Development - Maintains up-to-date knowledge of emerging technologies, threats, and best practice within a software development environment. Demonstrates a commitment to continuous professional development and knowledge sharing.
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On-call working
Postholders may be required to provide 24/7 365 on-call cover. At present this will be 1 week in 4, and will be subject to change as the unit evolves.
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Desirable Criteria
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Desirable criteria are only used for assessment in the event of a tie break.
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- Undergraduate/Postgraduate STEM Qualification.
- Qualification(s) in Software Engineering, Mobile Applications or Computer and Phone Forensics.
- Project Management qualification.
- RF Propagation knowledge/experience.
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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 £4,218
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This position attracts a Recruitment and Retention Allowance (RRA) of £2,000 (Per Annum) available as an addition to the advertised salary.
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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 £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.
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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, 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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Demonstrated knowledge of, and practical experience in, one or more modern programming languages (e.g. C, C#, Python, Java, ECMAScript 6), and familiarity with relevant development tools and frameworks (e.g. Akka, Bamboo).
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Strong working knowledge of one or more desktop or mobile operating systems (e.g. Android, iOS, Linux, Windows), with the ability to apply this understanding in a technical or operational context.
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Demonstrated ability to research, design and develop software solutions, applying innovative thinking and technical expertise to address complex problems and improve operational outcomes.
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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 an up-to-date CV that clearly demonstrates how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements outlined in the person specification, including where you meet the desirable criteria if applicable. Your CV must include your relevant employment history, along with any applicable qualifications, accreditations or professional training. Your CV must account for any gaps in employment over the past two years.
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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.
- Demonstrated knowledge of, and practical experience in, one or more modern programming languages (e.g. C, C#, Python, Java, ECMAScript 6), and familiarity with relevant development tools and frameworks (e.g. Akka, Bamboo). .
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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Changing and Improving
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Technical
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Demonstrated knowledge of, and practical experience in, one or more modern programming languages (e.g. C, C#, Python, Java, ECMAScript 6), and familiarity with relevant development tools and frameworks (e.g. Akka, Bamboo).
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Strong working knowledge of one or more desktop or mobile operating systems (e.g. Android, iOS, Linux, Windows), with the ability to apply this understanding in a technical or operational context.
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Demonstrated ability to research, design and develop software solutions, applying innovative thinking and technical expertise to address complex problems and improve operational 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 the increased clearance cannot be obtained you will be moved to a role appropriate to your clearance level achieved on entry.
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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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