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Belfast, Birmingham, Bridgend, Bristol, Chelmsford, Crawley, Dover, Exeter, Gartcosh, Gatwick Airport, Gillingham, Heathrow Airport, Leicester, Liverpool, *London, Normanton (Calder), Nottingham, Slough, Solent, Stevenage, Sunderland, Tolworth, WarringtonFor roles based in London, your contractual place of work will be Stratford. While the Stratford site is expected to become operational from November 2025 – March 2026, you will be required to carry out your contractual duties from Vauxhall or another reasonable location on a temporary basis during the interim period.Please note that, as Stratford will be your contractual place of work, any subsequent move from a temporary location will not entitle you to payments for travel time or costs under the Relocation and Excess Travel Policy.Job SummaryInvestigations is the core crime fighting capability of the NCA. We take an intelligence–led approach and concentrate on tackling the criminals and risks to the public which are beyond the capability or capacity of the other law enforcement bodies.We are a world class investigation capability, delivered by highly skilled and motivated officers, flexibly responding to intelligence-led, centrally-tasked, Agency priorities.Please note – Candidates successful at sift will be invited to attend and face to face assessment centre. Locations will be confirmed upon being invited to assessment stage.Virtual Open Evening Event If you would like to find out more about the role and the application process, we will be holding a virtual opening evenings via MS Teams on Monday 11th May at 1800.To register for the event, please register atVirtual Event Monday 11th May 1800-1900Please register no later than 12.00pm (midday) on Monday 11th May 2026. You will not be able to register after this date and time.Please register using the email address to which you would like the virtual event link sent. Please check your email address carefully. An invite to the event will then be sent out prior to the event.Job DescriptionThe Investigations Directorate provides a flexible, shared operational capability, designed to maximise the impact of the UK’s collective resources against serious and organised crime, and in specialist support of major crime. Our teams respond to a broad range of threats, many of which also remain a responsibility for the police forces and other agencies as well as private industry.Our teams lead investigations across the serious and organised crime landscape, including organised immigration crime (OIC), illicit finance, modern day slavery and human trafficking (MSHT), child sexual abuse (CSA), internal professional standards, economic crime, firearms, drugs including County Lines, anti-kidnap and extortion, professional enablers, money laundering and international bribery and corruption. The teams provide a national service of specialist investigative skills and expertise to support major crime investigations conducted by police forces, such as abduction, serial sexual crime and no body murder.Every day will be different, using innovative approaches and groundbreaking techniques you will be making decisions which help to disrupt and bring to justice criminals who present the highest threat to the UK. You may be expected to work directly or indirectly in tackling child sexual abuse (CSA).Duties and ResponsibilitiesTeam ManagementDuties & Responsibilities Responsible for managing and leading officers investigating serious and organised crime.Team WorkingYou will be working closely with other NCA departments and partner agencies to identify threats from criminality and work in a challenging environment to pursue offenders.Operations ManagementYou will be required to manage and lead serious and organised crime investigations as a Deputy Senior Investigating Officer / Action Allocator.Risk ManagementManaging risk in a pressurised operational environment.Potential On-call Working PatternsThese roles may be part of an on-call roster to respond to emerging threats as they develop. The post holder may be required to be part of an on-call 24/7 rota which will vary between business areas. Please see the attached document which gives an indication of team- and grade-specific on-call requirements. This list is not exhaustive, so whether the role to which a successful candidate is posted comes with an on-call requirement will be outlined in any conditional offer letter issued.Working PatternsAlternate working arrangements (AWAs) on a full-time contract maybe considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that hybrid working can be considered however this is heavily dependent on business needs and operational delivery. Any request for AWAs or hybrid working can be discussed with line management at point of a conditional offer letter being issued.Public And Personal Safety Training (PPST)It is an essential requirement for successful candidates to pass an eight-day Public and Personal Safety Training (PPST). Applicants are urged to consider whether this is achievable prior to applying. The PPST combines cognitive input, armed and unarmed defence theory and practical techniques and, as such, requires a level of physical exertion due to the nature and repetition of the drills. The practical techniques include use of body weapons, movement and positioning, strikes (armed/unarmed) blocks, restraint and control. We will expect officers attending the course to have a standard of physical fitness. Progressive full body warm-ups are conducted each day to minimise risk of injury to the officer. It is expected that the officer is capable of a ground descent and ascent, unaided and within a reasonable timeframe. This is important both individually and in team tactics. Candidates must pass the PPST during the first 6 months of starting in the Investigator role. Failure to do so would mean you would not be able to continue in the operational Investigator role and your employment with the NCA will end. Barring any exceptional circumstances, the NCA would not seek to find you an alternative role within the Agency. An officer who passes the PPST will still be required to successfully pass their 12-month probation period to ensure continued employment with the NCA.PowersIn order for the NCA Designating Officer to delegate powers to an NCA officer under the Crime and Courts Act, the agency requires that any officer that requires powers for their role is required to pass the NCA Exams within their probationary period. Upon successful completion of all exams an officer will be designated under section 10 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013 as a person having the following powers:the powers and privileges of a constable;the powers of an officer of Revenue and Customs;the powers of an immigration officer; andthe powers of a general customs official.Officers joining the agency will be provided with online access revision material and offered classroom based tutorials to support them taking exams.Those working in Northern Ireland and Scotland are currently required to successfully complete the NCA Exams as above, Northern or Scottish powers course and the National Investigators Exam (NIE), if not previously passedPlease note, you could be deployed to work on any type of investigation, including child sexual abuse (CSA). By applying for this role, you are confirming that you are willing to undertake CSA roles. The NCA will provide access to occupational health services and those in CSA roles will be required to undergo psychological assessment prior to joining the Agency.The Investigations Directorate provides a flexible, shared operational capability, designed to maximise the impact of the UK’s collective resources against serious and organised crime, and in specialist support of major crime. Our teams respond to a broad range of threats, many of which also remain a responsibility for the police forces and other agencies as well as private industry.Our teams lead investigations across the serious and organised crime landscape, including organised immigration crime (OIC), illicit finance, modern day slavery and human trafficking (MSHT), child sexual abuse (CSA), internal professional standards, economic crime, firearms, drugs including County Lines, anti-kidnap and extortion, professional enablers, money laundering and international bribery and corruption. The teams provide a national service of specialist investigative skills and expertise to support major crime investigations conducted by police forces, such as abduction, serial sexual crime and no body murder.Every day will be different, using innovative approaches and groundbreaking techniques you will be making decisions which help to disrupt and bring to justice criminals who present the highest threat to the UK. You may be expected to work directly or indirectly in tackling child sexual abuse (CSA).Duties and ResponsibilitiesRequiredIn order for the NCA Designating Officer to delegate powers to an NCA officer under the Crime and Courts Act, the agency requires that any officer that requires powers for their role is required to pass the NCA Exams within their probationary period. Upon successful completion of all exams an officer will be designated under section 10 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013 as a person having the following powers:the powers and privileges of a constable;the powers of an officer of Revenue and Customs;the powers of an immigration officer; andthe powers of a general customs official.Officers joining the agency will be provided with online access revision material and offered classroom based tutorials to support them taking exams.Those working in Northern Ireland and Scotland are currently required to successfully complete the NCA Exams as above, Northern or Scottish powers course and the National Investigators Exam (NIE), if not previously passedPlease note, you could be deployed to work on any type of investigation, including child sexual abuse (CSA). By applying for this role, you are confirming that you are willing to undertake CSA roles. The NCA will provide access to occupational health services and those in CSA roles will be required to undergo psychological assessment prior to joining the Agency.Person specificationSkills, Knowledge & ExperienceSupervising investigations – Significant, proven experience of supervising serious and complex investigations. This should include, but may not be limited to, examples of ensuring compliance with legislation and guidance, supervision of case progression and case files.Communication – Good communication skills with the ability to listen, empathise, provide support and adapt language to meet the needs of different people and audiences. Legislation (UK and International law) – An in-depth knowledge and use of relevant legislation (UK and International law) affecting Agency activity. Understanding of the legislative requirements for supervising serious and complex investigations. Leadership, mentoring and developing staff – You will be managing a team of Investigators, so will require experience of mentoring and developing staff. This should include, but may not be limited to, providing advice to investigators to effectively identify, prioritise and pursue all relevant lines of enquiry to deliver against operational objectives, and the impact of your own leadership on colleagues and investigations. Effective decision making and risk management – You will be experienced in managing risk, and have proven experience in operational decision making and managing resources. Team culture – .Ability to positively impact culture with a team. Additional InformationSuccessful candidates at sift will be invited to attend a face-to-face assessment Centre.This Will Consist Of The FollowingInterview – Assessing Behaviours, Experience and Strengths.Experienced Officer Knowledge Check (EOKC)Substance misuse testEssential qualification check – you will be required to bring in evidence of the essential criteria. Where required, body armour measurements will be taken.You may also be required to complete elements of the pre-employment check including occupational health assessments.This event is currently planned for June – July 2026.Full details will be given to the successful candidates.Please note the knowledge check test will result in a “Pass” or “Fail”.On-call working The post holder may be required to be part of an on-call 24/7 rota which will vary between business areas. Please see the attached document outlining team and grade specific on-call requirements.LicencesFull DVLA Driving Licence (Includes Full EU Licence)QualificationsPIP2 accreditation or an equivalent recognised qualification/accreditation in investigative crime issued by a Government body (see attached NCA Guidance for Applicants) – Your PIP accreditation must be current/active within the last 3 years.IMPORTANTJoining the NCA on a PIP2-equivalent basis must attain the required PIP2 accreditation, and this will include taking all relevant exams and could include the requirement to complete an assessed portfolio of workplace-based evidence.Joining with a PIP2 accreditation are expected to attain PIP2 Supervisor accreditation within 12 months of commencing in role.Joining on a PIP2 “equivalent” basis are expected to attain PIP2 Supervisor accreditation within 12 months of attaining PIP2 accreditationAny applications from candidates not meeting this eligibility criteria will not progress.BehavioursWe’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:LeadershipDelivering at PaceMaking Effective DecisionsAlongside your salary of £49,392, National Crime Agency contributes £14,308 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.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 IncludeFlexible working, including flexi-time, compressed hours and job sharing (in line with business requirements) Family friendly policies, notably above the statutory minimumLearning and Development opportunitiesInterest free loans and advances, including season tickets, childcare and rental depositsHousing schemes – Key Worker statusDiscounts 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/networksSports and social activities, including membership to the Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) Further information is available on the NCA Website.Artificial intelligenceArtificial 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 detailsThis vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.How We Will Assess YouYour application will be assessed against the following:Experience – This Will Be AssessedCVPlease 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 you CV are as follows: Please upload a CV no more than two pages Font size 11. Please demonstrate within your CV how you meet the six elements outlined in the person specification. You should also provide details of how you meet the essential qualifications and licence requirements listed in the advert.Please Note: Only the first two pages of the CV will be reviewed; any additional pages will be disregarded.Experience Criteria – will be assessed by 250 word examples on:Team Preference (This is not assessed and for informative purposes only for candidates to specify what team(s) they are interested in working with) A panel will assess how well your application demonstrates the requirements outlined above.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.For Guidance On The Application Process, VisitNCA Applying and OnboardingAssessment 1The format of this assessment will be Interview which will be tested on the criteria listed in the Success Profiles at Assessment section.Additional Assessment Methods Used Alongside InterviewAs part of the assessment process Written assessment will be required to assess the criteria outlined below:Candidates will complete a written assessment – this will be the EOKC test – this will result in a pass or fail.The interview will include scenario-based questions that will assess behaviours and experience.Success Profiles at AssessmentBehavioursLeadership Delivering at Pace Making Effective Decisions ExperienceExperience supervising investigations, supporting investigators to deliver quality outcomes in serious and complex cases. Able to direct work, ensure legislative compliance, manage risk, oversee case progression, and influence team culture effectively Experienced Officer Knowledge Check – Written Assessment StrengthsStrengths are tested at interview stage – the strengths tested are not shared before the interview.Assessment OutcomeOutcomes 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.RoleIn 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 usedFeedback is provided only to those who attend an assessment.You will be subject to vetting and pre-employment checks before appointment.Once the vacancy closes, the advert will no longer be accessible. Please save a copy for your records.We encourage all candidates to visit the NCA Careers Page for more information.Vetting Requirements – SC EnhancedPrior to commencing the role, you will need to successfully complete SC Enhanced clearance and then achieve DV Enhanced clearance within the first 12 months in post.Full advert details for this vacancy can found on the advert on the NCA Recruitment Portal. Please follow the link to apply at advertisers’ site.Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.SecuritySuccessful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.Nationality requirementsThis Job Is Broadly Open To The Following GroupsUK nationalsnationals of the Republic of Irelandnationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UKnationals 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) (opens in a new window)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)individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil ServiceFurther information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)Working for the Civil ServiceThe Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.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.The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.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.Diversity and InclusionThe 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 (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.Contact point for applicantsJob ContactName : NCA Recruitment TeamEmail : central.recruitment@nca.gov.ukRecruitment teamEmail : central.recruitment@nca.gov.ukFurther informationIf you believe your application has not been treated fairly, email: Central.Recruitment@nca.gov.uk (quoting the vacancy reference).If unresolved, you may escalate your complaint to the Civil Service Commission.
