Communications Data Investigator, Single Point of Contact

The CDU has two teams based in London and Manchester, there are two posts in Manchester Regional Centre, Three New Bailey, New Bailey Street, Salford, Manchester, M3 5FS and two posts in Stratford Regional Centre, 14 Westfield Avenue, London E20 1HZ).

There will be occasions when overnight stays and travel to either of these locations is required.

Travel and overnight stays will also be required at other HMRC locations / external training events nationally.

The post holder will be a key member of the team utilising an array of bespoke systems to lawfully acquire communications data in support of serious tax evasion and fraud investigations.

The CDU SPoC is responsible for the lawful acquisition of communications data, in accordance with the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA), and for providing specialist advice to HMRC operational teams dealing with proactive and reactive investigations, crimes in action and intelligence operations.

Person specification

As Part Of The Role, You Will:

Be part of a team providing expert advice and support to operational teams in the acquisition and use of Communications Data. Manage CDU related queries that come into the team mailbox. Review and quality assure applications for Communications Data to ensure compliance with the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA) and associated Codes of Practice / legislation, in particular with regard to necessity, proportionality and minimisation of collateral intrusion. Where standards are not met, to return applications and provide advice and guidance to the applicant / investigation team determining the most appropriate means of developing the required intelligence/evidence relevant to the investigation. Identify, acquire and interpret communications data from Telecommunications / Postal Operators (TO/PO), to support investigations and crime prevention activity. Evaluate acquired data to ensure compliance with Notices or Authorisations issued to Telecommunications and Postal operators and compliance with legal frameworks and operational policies. Participate in operational planning where Communications Data is key to the success of an investigation. Use a variety of HMRC and external service providers’ online systems to lawfully acquire Communications Data. Provide a professional service and maintain integrity when dealing with sensitive issues. Protect methods and tactics as outlined within the relevant Codes of Practice and other Policies. Represent HMRC at meetings / events with external partners and maintain professional relationships with service providers. Have the ability to communicate complex technical issues effectively to others, less technically competent. Keep up to date with changing / emerging technologies. Maintain the College of Policing Accreditation through Continuous Professional Development mandatory training, tradecraft events and distance learning events. Maintain a current working knowledge of relevant legislations, including Human Rights Act, Investigatory Powers Act 2016, Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, Data Protection Act and the Criminal Procedures Investigations Act. Mentor and coach colleagues within the CDU, providing opportunities for development and work shadowing. Live within reasonable daily travel of your preferred working location in Stratford (London) or Manchester Regional Centres.

The candidate is expected to achieve a satisfactory level on CDU competence within 6 months of completing the College of Policing course.

Essential Criteria:

Attention to detail and analytical thinking. Clear written and verbal communication skills. Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills. Teamwork and collaboration. Problem-solving and critical thinking. Adaptability and willingness to learn. Organisational skills. Mentoring and coaching ability. Stakeholder awareness and engagement skills.

Please note - applications not meeting the SC residency requirements will not be assessed or scored and therefore discounted from this recruitment process.

Further Location Information

Please ensure that you only apply for a location that you are willing and able to work from, as we will only make one offer of employment. Any additional notes included in a ‘Further Location Preferences (optional)’ field within the application form, will not be considered. Please be aware that you cannot change your location preference after submitting your application.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

Working Together Making Effective Decisions

Alongside your salary of £31,096, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £9,008 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

HMRC operates both Flexible and Hybrid Working policies, allowing you to balance your work and personal commitments. We welcome applications from those who need to work a more flexible arrangement and will agree to requests where possible, considering our operational and customer service needs.

We offer a generous leave allowance, starting at 25 days and increasing by a day for every year of qualifying service up to a maximum of 30 days.

Pension - We make contributions to our colleagues’ Alpha pension equal to at least 28.97% of their salary. Family friendly policies. Personal support. Coaching and development.

To find out more about HMRC benefits and find out what it’s really like to work for HMRC hear from our insiders or visit Thinking of joining the Civil Service

Artificial intelligence

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 (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

How To Apply

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide the following:

A name-blind CV including your job history and previous skills/experiences relevant to the role. A 500-word Personal Statement. Your personal statement should concisely explain your motivation for applying for this role and be used to demonstrate how you meet the skills and experience set out in the key responsibilities and the essential criteria. Please include examples of what you have done and how you achieved it. A separate 250-word statements for the specified Behaviours: Working Together and Making Effective Decisions.

Sift

In the event of a large number of applications being received, an initial sift may be held on the lead Behaviour Statement: Working Together.

At full sift all behaviour statements, your CV and your Personal Statement, will