Apply before
29/06/2026, 23:55
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Reference number
395
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London weighting allowance (Per Annum)
£4,218
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SPOT Rate 1
£49,392
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Special Duty Bonus Payment (SDBP) up to per annum
£ 2,400
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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, Investigation, Operational Delivery, Policing
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Working pattern
Full time
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Number of roles available
1
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Cover Officer
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Location(s)
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London
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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 Cover Officer role is a varied, dynamic and challenging position supporting the National Crime Agency’s response to serious and organised crime (SOC). It requires a high degree of flexibility, resilience and attention to detail, with a strong focus on the safety, welfare and effective deployment of undercover operatives. Operating at the forefront of covert activity, the role provides vital coordination, advice and reassurance to operational teams, ensuring that online undercover activity is conducted lawfully, proportionately and safely in support of high‑harm investigations across the UK and internationally.
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Role Description
In this role, the Cover Officer oversees the day‑to‑day business of Specialist Operations (Online) within the Human Intelligence (HUMINT) capability, managing the daily deployment of undercover officers tasked with collecting intelligence and evidence in online environments. Acting as a key link between undercover operatives and NCA operational teams, the Cover Officer provides timely advice on available covert and tactical options, supports planning and risk management, and ensures that deployments align with legal authorities and operational objectives.
The role plays a critical part in responding to the evolving threat from SOC, where offenders increasingly use technology to exploit victims at scale, connect across borders and adapt quickly to disruption.
Alongside operational coordination, the Cover Officer is responsible for safeguarding the wellbeing of undercover officers, monitoring risk, providing ongoing support and ensuring that welfare considerations are embedded throughout deployments. Officers in this environment may be required to engage with investigations relating to child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE), either directly or indirectly, and may be exposed to distressing material as part of their duties; as such, the role includes participation in routine psychological assessments and the use of structured support arrangements.
The position demands professional judgement, emotional resilience and a strong commitment to both operational effectiveness and the protection of colleagues working in challenging and sensitive covert environments.
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Duties and Responsibilities
People Management - Provide line management to a team of Officers, ensuring effective supervision, performance management and professional development, while fostering a supportive and resilient working environment.
Operational Planning - Plan, coordinate and implement NCA‑tasked covert online operations, acting as the primary liaison between Specialist Operations (Online) and operational teams to align tactical activity with investigative objectives.
Legal Compliance - Ensure all undercover activity is conducted in full compliance with relevant legislation, NCA policy and Authorised Professional Practice, maintaining the highest standards of governance and accountability.
Authorisation Drafting - Prepare and collate clear, accurate and high‑quality written applications to obtain the necessary authorisations for covert activity, demonstrating proportionality, necessity and operational justification.
Risk Management - Continuously identify, assess and mitigate operational and personal risk through appropriate control measures, with particular emphasis on officer safety, welfare and organisational risk exposure.
Quality Assurance - Oversee the quality assurance of intelligence reporting and the handling and disclosure of material arising from undercover activity, ensuring accuracy, relevance and evidential integrity.
Tactical Advice - Assess, recommend and brief on available tactical options, while developing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external partners to support successful operational outcomes.
Deployment Oversight - Monitor live deployments to maintain situational awareness, ensuring the ongoing safety, welfare and effectiveness of undercover officers during operational activity.
Performance Reporting - Manage, monitor and report on operational performance against agreed objectives, providing assurance, insight and continuous improvement within Specialist Operations (Online).
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Person Specification
Covert Operations - Demonstrates experience in managing undercover operatives and covert activity, ensuring deployments are conducted safely, effectively and in full compliance with relevant legislation, NCA policy and Authorised Professional Practice.
Leadership Skills - Exhibits strong line management capability, including effective supervision, performance management, staff development and a clear commitment to welfare and wellbeing in high‑pressure operational environments.
Legal Knowledge - Possesses a sound working knowledge of current legislation, relevant case law, statutory guidance and recognised best practice relating to covert policing and intelligence‑led operations.
Disclosure Control - Experienced in handling sensitive intelligence and evidential material, with the ability to oversee secure, accurate and timely dissemination and disclosure in support of operational activity.
Risk Assessment - Able to identify, assess and manage a broad range of risks, including operational, legal and personal risks associated with undercover deployments, applying proportionate and effective mitigation strategies.
Operational Communication - Communicates clearly and confidently with a wide range of stakeholders, providing balanced, well‑reasoned advice on tactical options that support both operational and organisational objectives.
Partnership Building - Skilled in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external partners, including domestic and international law enforcement agencies, to enable successful collaborative operations.
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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
Must hold, or have previously held, accredited Undercover Cover Officer status (including legacy A3 accreditation) within a UK law enforcement agency or security environment.
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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 £4,218
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This role attracts a Special Duties Bonus Payment (SDBP) up to £2,400 (Per Annum)
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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 £14309. 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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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 provide a CV that clearly evidences how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the Person Specification for this role. This should include your employment history, relevant qualifications (including those within the essential criteria), and an explanation of any employment gaps in the last five years.
PLEASE NOTE - IN YOUR APPLICATION YOU SHOULD NOT DISCLOSE ANY SENSITIVE OPERATIONAL INFORMATION.
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Experience Criteria - will be assessed by 250 word examples on:
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Experience in the management of undercover operatives and covert operational activity.
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Demonstrable experience of managing and developing others to achieve business and operational objectives.
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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.
- Experience in the management of undercover operatives and covert operational activity. .
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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Leadership
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Communicating and Influencing
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Technical
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Experience of operational risk management in the context of serious and organised crime (SOC).
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Experience of handling sensitive intelligence, including the secure management, interpretation, dissemination and application of intelligence in accordance with relevant legislation, policy and procedural requirements.
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Experience
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Experience in the management of undercover operatives and covert operational activity.
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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 DV 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 - DV Enhanced
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Prior to commencing the role, you will need to successfully complete DV Enhanced clearance and then achieve DV STRAP clearance within the first 12 months in post.
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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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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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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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