Criminal Investigator - Strategic Exports and Sanctions Enforcement
Criminal Investigator - Strategic Exports and Sanctions Enforcement
- Croydon
- Manchester
- Stratford
- Amser llawn
- Gweithio’n hyblyg
- Rhan-amser
- Rhannu swydd
- Cau ar: Gor 6 2026
- £37,682 - £46,077
About the job
Job summary
Discover what it's like to work in a compliance role that makes an impact. Could you help us shape a stronger, fairer future? Your next career move starts here.
About HMRC
HMRC is one of the UK's largest organisations, with around 60,000 employees, collecting over £605 billion in tax revenue. We are an effective, efficient, and impartial tax and payments authority with a vital purpose: to collect the money that pays for the UK's public services and help families and individuals with targeted financial support.
About Fraud Investigation Service
HMRC's Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) is responsible for the Department's civil and criminal investigations.
FIS provides HMRC with an effective investigation arm to enforce the Department's compliance policies. This enables the Department to deliver against the strategic responsibilities across all the taxes and duties it administers. This includes complex offshore evasion, international smuggling of illicit excise goods, exports of controlled weapons and technology, labour market abuses, VAT and Self-Assessment repayment frauds and a host of other fraud attacks targeted at the tax system.
FIS is home to a wide range of people with a variety of skills and professional backgrounds - including accountants, cybercrime specialists, criminal justice professionals, tax professionals and operational delivery support teams to name but a few. We use a range of powers and approaches to protect funding for UK public services, investigating the most harmful tax cheats and ensuring nobody is beyond our reach.
Job description
This is a Band HO role eligible for a Flexibility Payment (FP) at Level 2, worth £14,400 p.a. (National) and £15,300 p.a. (London), paid in addition to basic salary. In return, you'll work your hours flexibly (including out-of-hours, at weekends and on public holidays) and change your work pattern at short notice. You'll also undertake periods of on-call and work additional hours. Payment of FP is dependent on successful completion of training - you can find more detail about this and other FP requirements in the document attached.
FIS fulfils the principal export control enforcement function on behalf of the Department for International Trade, the UK Export Licensing Authority.
This role is on the team responsible for export licensing control enforcement and counter proliferation (CP) activity. The team's job is to detect breaches of UK export controls and other counter proliferation (CP) legislation (including trade sanctions) and take appropriate enforcement action to promote compliance within the UK exporter community. This will include disrupting illicit attempts to procure strategic goods from the UK and where appropriate reporting cases to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for consideration of criminal proceedings.
As a Criminal Investigator - SESE - SC Vetting engaged on CP duties you will be expected to:
•Develop intelligence in relation to suspected breaches of export controls
•Have recent criminal justice experience as a law enforcement professional working in operational/intelligence development work
•Possess at least SC security clearance
•Represent HMRC at cross Whitehall meetings with CP partners
•Conduct outreach visits to the UK exporting community
You will interact with a wide number of internal and external stakeholders including the Department for International Trade, Border Force, Police, National Crime Agency, Solicitors, Crown Prosecutors and colleagues from Other Government Departments and Agencies engaged in counter proliferation work.
There will be appearances in court and you will be required to make, and be accountable for, decisions and activities within the criminal justice system. These will also be subject to scrutiny and inspection by external authorities.
HMRC is hosting information sessions on Tuesday 23rd June 4 - 5pm and Wednesday 24th June 10 - 11am to accompany the application process where you will be able to hear more about the vacancy . To join the session you will need to register by completing the following:
Candidate Information Session - Candidate Information Session - Criminal Investigator HO - Weds 24th June @ 10am - Fill in form
Candidate Information Session - Candidate Information Session - Criminal Investigator HO - Tues 23rd June @ 4pm - Fill in form
Person specification
The nature of criminal investigation work and your role duties mean you must be willing and able to:
- Work your hours flexibly to meet business needs, including at night-time, weekends and public holidays, and change your work pattern at short notice
If required, you must also be able to:
- Be "on-call" throughout the day and night for 1 week out of every 4
- Work a specified number of additional hours
The nature of the attendance requirements and duties of this role mean it isn't suitable for HMRC's hybrid working arrangement. FIS will support colleagues receiving the Flexibility Payment to work from home for some of the time, but this won't be fixed to a number of days per week or month, or to specific days of the week. The role's attendance requirements also mean some Flexible Working arrangements may not be available - please discuss your situation with us before accepting this role.
Candidates are asked to provide 1 location preference only. 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.
Training
Training Requirement
A comprehensive training programme is provided. There will be a requirement for you to attend a four-week face to face training programme which may take you away from home. Through this training period you will be required to be available full-time.
The programme will comprise three consecutive classroom weeks followed by a return to home office for up to three weeks and then a one week Final Exercise.
This training event will build on previous experience in the Law Enforcement arena and provide a refresh and upskilling in HMRC powers and procedures.
For those that have not previously had the power to carry out an arrest under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, you will be trained to use this power before attending the Final Exercise.
Successful completion of the training course is an essential condition for continuing in the appointed role. Candidates must demonstrate the necessary competencies and meet the assessment standards set out during the training period. If a candidate is unable to successfully complete the training, HMRC may explore suitable alternatives including completing HMRC's full Criminal Investigation Foundation Training programme, which is 9 weeks and a mixture of digital and face to face events. You would need to be available for the full programme.
Public and Personal Safety Training (PPST) is a crucial element of becoming a criminal investigator. This is a PASS/FAIL event.
The event includes digital and face-to-face training where you will learn practical techniques to ensure your safety and that of your colleagues, as well as how to apprehend and physically restrain suspects and apply handcuffs.
The event is mainly physical and includes scenario-based exercises where you will require an appropriate level of fitness and mobility such as being able to carry equipment up and down stairs and get up and down from the floor unaided.
All officers undertaking this training must obtain a valid occupational health certificate (acquired from HMRC's healthcare provider) stating they are fit to undertake regular physical training. Once this training is complete, you will have a one-day refresher training event at least every six months after this to ensure you are able to carry out operational duties.
An annual Job Related Ability Test is being introduced for all participants of PPST which is also a Pass/Fail event.
Failure to meet the required standards for the programme will result in appointment to this role being brought to an end and consideration of redeployment into an alternative role. This can result in the removal of the Flexibility Payment (FP) paid in respect of the Criminal Investigator role. Where it is not possible to redeploy the candidate into an alternative role, the candidate may be assigned to the HMRC Redeployment Register.
Candidates appointed on promotion who do not successfully complete the training will revert back to their previous substantive grade and the respective HMRC pay scale for this grade. Where FP is removed, jobholders will not be entitled to a Period of Adjustment (POA), but they will receive 2 months' notice in writing of the cessation of the allowance.
Additional Security Information
Successful candidates must hold or be willing to hold security Check (SC) Clearance
Licences
A Full UK Driving Licence We recognise that some people cannot drive due to a disability or underlying health condition and may not be able to meet this requirement. Where this applies, you can apply but will need to declare that you require a reasonable adjustment at the point you receive a provisional offer. The vacancy holder will then discuss your specific requirements to consider if this can be reasonably accommodated in this role.
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
Alongside your salary of £37,682, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £10,916 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.
Things you need to know
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 Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.
How to Apply
As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide the following:
Sift
In the event of a large number of applications being received, an initial sift may be held on your Personal Statement.
At full sift your CV and Personal Statement will be assessed, with the successful candidates being invited to interview.
We may also raise the score required at any stage of the process if we receive a high number of applications.
Interview
During the panel interview, you will be assessed on Strengths and Technical questions. The technical questions will be based around
Application and working knowledge of Law Enforcement procedures and policies.
This is an example of a strengths-based question
"It is often said that the customer's needs should come first. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?"
There is no expectation or requirement for you to prepare for the strengths-based questions in advance of the interview, though you may find it helpful to spend some time reflecting on what you enjoy doing and what you do well.
Interviews will take place via video link. Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.
Eligibility
Please take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form. Mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days (Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we may not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake with your eligibility form, or have withdrawn yourself in error and need your application reinstated whilst the campaign is still live, please contact us via: unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk - Use the subject line to insert appropriate wording for example - 'Please re-open my application - [insert vacancy ref] & vacancy closing date [insert date]'.
To check that you are eligible to apply for this role, please review the eligibility information before submitting your application .
Exceptionally, candidates who are not successful at this grade may be considered for appointment to similar roles at a lower grade where the eligibility criteria are met. If this applies, we will contact you directly.
The HMRC app can help you with your application
The HMRC app can provide you with your past 5 years' employment history, making the process of filling in your application quicker and easier.
If successful in your application, you will need your National Insurance number for the onboarding process.
Download the HMRC app now and save your National Insurance number to your digital phone wallet.
How to download the HMRC app and sign up for an account
Download the free HMRC app from the App Store or Google Play store.
If you have an HMRC online account already, sign straight in using your ID and password. If not, you can prove your identity by answering some questions or providing your photo ID.
You'll then be able to access the app quickly and easily by signing in using a 6-digit PIN, your fingerprint, or facial recognition.
You can find guidance for technical issues on GOV.UK: Technical support with HMRC online services .
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles - if this applies to you, we'll let you know via your Civil Service Jobs account.
Merit List
After interview, merit lists will be created for each location advertised within the vacancy. If you are successful at interview, you will be placed on the merit list for any locations you have expressed an interest for. Appointments from each merit list will be made in strict merit order.
Criminal Record Check
Applications received from candidates with a criminal record are considered fairly in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice and the Recruitment of ex-offenders Policy.
Hybrid working at HMRC
HMRC is an office-based organisation, and colleagues are expected to spend 60% of their working time in the office. Our offices provide opportunity for interaction, collaboration which aids learning and development and a sense of community. Where the role allows it, and where the home environment is suitable, colleagues can work from home for up to 2 days a week, averaged over a calendar month (or a proportionate amount of time for colleagues who work less than full time).
Reasonable Adjustments
We want to make sure no one is put at a disadvantage during our recruitment process. To assist you with this, we will reduce or remove any barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
Contact the UBS Recruitment team via unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the "Assistance required" section in the "Additional requirements" page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you're deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Technical Support
If you are experiencing problems that cannot be resolved by our ' help ' section, then technical support is available. You will receive a reply in 2 working days.
Additional Security Information
Please note in addition to the standard pre-employment checks for appointment into the Civil Service, all candidates must also obtain National Security Vetting at Security Check (SC) clearance level for this vacancy. You will normally need to meet the minimum UK residency period as determined by the level of vetting being undertaken, which for SC is 5 years UK residency prior to your vetting application. If you have any questions about this residency requirement, please speak to the vacancy holder for this post.
From 1 April 2026, applicants will be required to meet updated nationality and residency requirements so that National Security Vetting (NSV) checks can be conducted. If this affects you, we will give you more information at the appropriate time.
Important information for existing HMRC contractual homeworkers:
Please note that this role is unsuitable for contractual homeworkers due to the nature and/or requirements of the role.
Terms and Conditions
Customer facing roles in HMRC require the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English and/or Welsh where required. Where this is an essential requirement, this will be tested as part of the selection process.
HMRC has a presence in every region of the UK. For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations (opens in a new window) .
The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles. The evidence you provide in your application must relate to your own experiences.
Any instances of plagiarism or other forms of cheating will be investigated and, if proven, the relevant application(s) will be withdrawn from the process.
Recording of interviews is prohibited unless explicit agreement is sought in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulations.
Questions relating to an individual application must be emailed as detailed later in this advert.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant's details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
New entrants will join on the minimum of the pay band.
Please note that, if you are applying for roles on a part-time basis, the salary agreed will be pro-rata, reflective of the working hours agreed within your contract.
If you experience accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
For more Information for people applying for, or thinking of applying for, roles at HM Revenue and Customs, please see link: Working for HMRC: information for applicants - GOV.UK .
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
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 requirements
Open to UK nationals only.
Working for the Civil Service
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 Inclusion
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 (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window) .
Apply and further information
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 applicants
Job contact :
Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. You have the right to complain if you feel there has been a breach of the Recruitment Principles. In the first instance, you should raise the matter directly via ubsrecruitmentcomplaints@hmrc.gov.uk . Please note that we do not accept complaints or appeals regarding scoring of outcomes of campaigns unless candidates can provide clear evidence that the campaign did not follow the Recruitment Principles. If you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their website.
Attachments
HO EXP RECRUIT - MAY 26 - FP Attachment Opens in new window (docx, 54kB)
Job summary
Discover what it's like to work in a compliance role that makes an impact. Could you help us shape a stronger, fairer future? Your next career move starts here.
About HMRC
HMRC is one of the UK's largest organisations, with around 60,000 employees, collecting over £605 billion in tax revenue. We are an effective, efficient, and impartial tax and payments authority with a vital purpose: to collect the money that pays for the UK's public services and help families and individuals with targeted financial support.
About Fraud Investigation Service
HMRC's Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) is responsible for the Department's civil and criminal investigations.
FIS provides HMRC with an effective investigation arm to enforce the Department's compliance policies. This enables the Department to deliver against the strategic responsibilities across all the taxes and duties it administers. This includes complex offshore evasion, international smuggling of illicit excise goods, exports of controlled weapons and technology, labour market abuses, VAT and Self-Assessment repayment frauds and a host of other fraud attacks targeted at the tax system.
FIS is home to a wide range of people with a variety of skills and professional backgrounds - including accountants, cybercrime specialists, criminal justice professionals, tax professionals and operational delivery support teams to name but a few. We use a range of powers and approaches to protect funding for UK public services, investigating the most harmful tax cheats and ensuring nobody is beyond our reach.
Job description
This is a Band HO role eligible for a Flexibility Payment (FP) at Level 2, worth £14,400 p.a. (National) and £15,300 p.a. (London), paid in addition to basic salary. In return, you'll work your hours flexibly (including out-of-hours, at weekends and on public holidays) and change your work pattern at short notice. You'll also undertake periods of on-call and work additional hours. Payment of FP is dependent on successful completion of training - you can find more detail about this and other FP requirements in the document attached.
FIS fulfils the principal export control enforcement function on behalf of the Department for International Trade, the UK Export Licensing Authority.
This role is on the team responsible for export licensing control enforcement and counter proliferation (CP) activity. The team's job is to detect breaches of UK export controls and other counter proliferation (CP) legislation (including trade sanctions) and take appropriate enforcement action to promote compliance within the UK exporter community. This will include disrupting illicit attempts to procure strategic goods from the UK and where appropriate reporting cases to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for consideration of criminal proceedings.
As a Criminal Investigator - SESE - SC Vetting engaged on CP duties you will be expected to:
•Develop intelligence in relation to suspected breaches of export controls
•Have recent criminal justice experience as a law enforcement professional working in operational/intelligence development work
•Possess at least SC security clearance
•Represent HMRC at cross Whitehall meetings with CP partners
•Conduct outreach visits to the UK exporting community
You will interact with a wide number of internal and external stakeholders including the Department for International Trade, Border Force, Police, National Crime Agency, Solicitors, Crown Prosecutors and colleagues from Other Government Departments and Agencies engaged in counter proliferation work.
There will be appearances in court and you will be required to make, and be accountable for, decisions and activities within the criminal justice system. These will also be subject to scrutiny and inspection by external authorities.
HMRC is hosting information sessions on Tuesday 23rd June 4 - 5pm and Wednesday 24th June 10 - 11am to accompany the application process where you will be able to hear more about the vacancy . To join the session you will need to register by completing the following:
Candidate Information Session - Candidate Information Session - Criminal Investigator HO - Weds 24th June @ 10am - Fill in form
Candidate Information Session - Candidate Information Session - Criminal Investigator HO - Tues 23rd June @ 4pm - Fill in form
Person specification
- Ability to lead and progress complex criminal and/or civil investigations, taking ownership of decisions and outcomes.
- Strong investigative judgement, with the confidence to make defensible decisions under pressure.
- Excellent analytical skills, including the ability to review large volumes of information and identify risks, patterns and evidential opportunities.
- Experience producing clear, accurate and legally compliant written material (e.g. case files, warrants, interview records and reports).
- Effective communication skills, including the ability to work confidently with senior stakeholders and external partners and give evidence in court.
- Proven ability to plan, prioritise and manage multiple tasks to deadlines.
- Operational capability to lead or support enforcement activity, managing risk and securing best evidence.
- Strong leadership skills, including coaching others, managing performance and supporting colleague wellbeing.
- Confident use of Microsoft Excel and the wider Microsoft 365 suite.
- Resilience, integrity and professionalism, with flexibility to meet operational demands.
- Utilisation of criminal justice procedures including knowledge and experience of:-
•The rules of chain of evidence
•The PEACE model of interviewing
•Keeping contemporaneous evidential notes
•Taking witness statements
•Execution of search warrants and production orders
•Use of the powers within the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 for posts in England and Wales, Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 for posts in Northern Ireland and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2016 & Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 for posts based in Scotland
• Understanding Property Interference as defined within Police Act 1995 and the utilisation of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (RIPA) Act 2000 and/or Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) 2016
•Applied knowledge of Criminal Procedure & Investigation Act 1996, (CPIA 96) ensuring strong standards of Disclosure Practise - Experience of the creation or assurance of investigative strategies, applying technical competence to identify pertinent lines of enquiry including the day-to-day management of criminal investigation cases.
- Command & Control, supporting operational activities to secure best evidence and an understanding of crime scene control, systematic search techniques and risk management
- Strong stakeholder engagement, supporting evidential submissions to the Crown Prosecution Service (For Northern Ireland it is Public Prosecution Service (PPS) and Scotland it is (COPFS) Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service) through the appropriate Manual of Guidance forms and applied quality standards (or equivalents in devolved jurisdictions / agencies with retained prosecuting authority
- Management of others, either operationally or HR people management.
- A full UK driving licence - please see below under licences.
Due to the nature of the work and to perform the core functions of this role, a full valid UK driving licence and willingness to drive official vehicles is an essential requirement. You will be asked to provide evidence of a valid licence at the pre-employment stage.
The nature of criminal investigation work and your role duties mean you must be willing and able to:
- Work your hours flexibly to meet business needs, including at night-time, weekends and public holidays, and change your work pattern at short notice
If required, you must also be able to:
- Be "on-call" throughout the day and night for 1 week out of every 4
- Work a specified number of additional hours
The nature of the attendance requirements and duties of this role mean it isn't suitable for HMRC's hybrid working arrangement. FIS will support colleagues receiving the Flexibility Payment to work from home for some of the time, but this won't be fixed to a number of days per week or month, or to specific days of the week. The role's attendance requirements also mean some Flexible Working arrangements may not be available - please discuss your situation with us before accepting this role.
Candidates are asked to provide 1 location preference only. 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.
Training
Training Requirement
A comprehensive training programme is provided. There will be a requirement for you to attend a four-week face to face training programme which may take you away from home. Through this training period you will be required to be available full-time.
The programme will comprise three consecutive classroom weeks followed by a return to home office for up to three weeks and then a one week Final Exercise.
This training event will build on previous experience in the Law Enforcement arena and provide a refresh and upskilling in HMRC powers and procedures.
For those that have not previously had the power to carry out an arrest under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, you will be trained to use this power before attending the Final Exercise.
Successful completion of the training course is an essential condition for continuing in the appointed role. Candidates must demonstrate the necessary competencies and meet the assessment standards set out during the training period. If a candidate is unable to successfully complete the training, HMRC may explore suitable alternatives including completing HMRC's full Criminal Investigation Foundation Training programme, which is 9 weeks and a mixture of digital and face to face events. You would need to be available for the full programme.
Public and Personal Safety Training (PPST) is a crucial element of becoming a criminal investigator. This is a PASS/FAIL event.
The event includes digital and face-to-face training where you will learn practical techniques to ensure your safety and that of your colleagues, as well as how to apprehend and physically restrain suspects and apply handcuffs.
The event is mainly physical and includes scenario-based exercises where you will require an appropriate level of fitness and mobility such as being able to carry equipment up and down stairs and get up and down from the floor unaided.
All officers undertaking this training must obtain a valid occupational health certificate (acquired from HMRC's healthcare provider) stating they are fit to undertake regular physical training. Once this training is complete, you will have a one-day refresher training event at least every six months after this to ensure you are able to carry out operational duties.
An annual Job Related Ability Test is being introduced for all participants of PPST which is also a Pass/Fail event.
Failure to meet the required standards for the programme will result in appointment to this role being brought to an end and consideration of redeployment into an alternative role. This can result in the removal of the Flexibility Payment (FP) paid in respect of the Criminal Investigator role. Where it is not possible to redeploy the candidate into an alternative role, the candidate may be assigned to the HMRC Redeployment Register.
Candidates appointed on promotion who do not successfully complete the training will revert back to their previous substantive grade and the respective HMRC pay scale for this grade. Where FP is removed, jobholders will not be entitled to a Period of Adjustment (POA), but they will receive 2 months' notice in writing of the cessation of the allowance.
Additional Security Information
Successful candidates must hold or be willing to hold security Check (SC) Clearance
Licences
A Full UK Driving Licence We recognise that some people cannot drive due to a disability or underlying health condition and may not be able to meet this requirement. Where this applies, you can apply but will need to declare that you require a reasonable adjustment at the point you receive a provisional offer. The vacancy holder will then discuss your specific requirements to consider if this can be reasonably accommodated in this role.
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- • Application and working knowledge of Law Enforcement procedures and policies.
Alongside your salary of £37,682, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £10,916 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.
Things you need to know
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 Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.
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 experiences.
- Your last 3 Job Roles with the following word limits:
- Current Role - up to 200 words.
- Previous2 Roles - up to 100 words per role.
- A 500-word personal statement. Your personal statement should provide clear evidence of your experience in a law enforcement role and explain how you meet the requirements set out in the Person Specification.
Sift
In the event of a large number of applications being received, an initial sift may be held on your Personal Statement.
At full sift your CV and Personal Statement will be assessed, with the successful candidates being invited to interview.
We may also raise the score required at any stage of the process if we receive a high number of applications.
Interview
During the panel interview, you will be assessed on Strengths and Technical questions. The technical questions will be based around
Application and working knowledge of Law Enforcement procedures and policies.
This is an example of a strengths-based question
"It is often said that the customer's needs should come first. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?"
There is no expectation or requirement for you to prepare for the strengths-based questions in advance of the interview, though you may find it helpful to spend some time reflecting on what you enjoy doing and what you do well.
Interviews will take place via video link. Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.
Eligibility
Please take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form. Mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days (Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we may not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake with your eligibility form, or have withdrawn yourself in error and need your application reinstated whilst the campaign is still live, please contact us via: unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk - Use the subject line to insert appropriate wording for example - 'Please re-open my application - [insert vacancy ref] & vacancy closing date [insert date]'.
To check that you are eligible to apply for this role, please review the eligibility information before submitting your application .
Exceptionally, candidates who are not successful at this grade may be considered for appointment to similar roles at a lower grade where the eligibility criteria are met. If this applies, we will contact you directly.
The HMRC app can help you with your application
The HMRC app can provide you with your past 5 years' employment history, making the process of filling in your application quicker and easier.
If successful in your application, you will need your National Insurance number for the onboarding process.
Download the HMRC app now and save your National Insurance number to your digital phone wallet.
How to download the HMRC app and sign up for an account
Download the free HMRC app from the App Store or Google Play store.
If you have an HMRC online account already, sign straight in using your ID and password. If not, you can prove your identity by answering some questions or providing your photo ID.
You'll then be able to access the app quickly and easily by signing in using a 6-digit PIN, your fingerprint, or facial recognition.
You can find guidance for technical issues on GOV.UK: Technical support with HMRC online services .
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles - if this applies to you, we'll let you know via your Civil Service Jobs account.
Merit List
After interview, merit lists will be created for each location advertised within the vacancy. If you are successful at interview, you will be placed on the merit list for any locations you have expressed an interest for. Appointments from each merit list will be made in strict merit order.
Criminal Record Check
Applications received from candidates with a criminal record are considered fairly in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice and the Recruitment of ex-offenders Policy.
Hybrid working at HMRC
HMRC is an office-based organisation, and colleagues are expected to spend 60% of their working time in the office. Our offices provide opportunity for interaction, collaboration which aids learning and development and a sense of community. Where the role allows it, and where the home environment is suitable, colleagues can work from home for up to 2 days a week, averaged over a calendar month (or a proportionate amount of time for colleagues who work less than full time).
Reasonable Adjustments
We want to make sure no one is put at a disadvantage during our recruitment process. To assist you with this, we will reduce or remove any barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
Contact the UBS Recruitment team via unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the "Assistance required" section in the "Additional requirements" page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you're deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Technical Support
If you are experiencing problems that cannot be resolved by our ' help ' section, then technical support is available. You will receive a reply in 2 working days.
Additional Security Information
Please note in addition to the standard pre-employment checks for appointment into the Civil Service, all candidates must also obtain National Security Vetting at Security Check (SC) clearance level for this vacancy. You will normally need to meet the minimum UK residency period as determined by the level of vetting being undertaken, which for SC is 5 years UK residency prior to your vetting application. If you have any questions about this residency requirement, please speak to the vacancy holder for this post.
From 1 April 2026, applicants will be required to meet updated nationality and residency requirements so that National Security Vetting (NSV) checks can be conducted. If this affects you, we will give you more information at the appropriate time.
Important information for existing HMRC contractual homeworkers:
Please note that this role is unsuitable for contractual homeworkers due to the nature and/or requirements of the role.
Terms and Conditions
Customer facing roles in HMRC require the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English and/or Welsh where required. Where this is an essential requirement, this will be tested as part of the selection process.
HMRC has a presence in every region of the UK. For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations (opens in a new window) .
The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles. The evidence you provide in your application must relate to your own experiences.
Any instances of plagiarism or other forms of cheating will be investigated and, if proven, the relevant application(s) will be withdrawn from the process.
Recording of interviews is prohibited unless explicit agreement is sought in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulations.
Questions relating to an individual application must be emailed as detailed later in this advert.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant's details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
New entrants will join on the minimum of the pay band.
Please note that, if you are applying for roles on a part-time basis, the salary agreed will be pro-rata, reflective of the working hours agreed within your contract.
If you experience accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
For more Information for people applying for, or thinking of applying for, roles at HM Revenue and Customs, please see link: Working for HMRC: information for applicants - GOV.UK .
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
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 requirements
Open to UK nationals only.
Working for the Civil Service
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 Inclusion
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 (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window) .
Apply and further information
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 applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Joanne Smith
- Email : mailbox.fisresourcing@hmrc.gov.uk
- Email : unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk
Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. You have the right to complain if you feel there has been a breach of the Recruitment Principles. In the first instance, you should raise the matter directly via ubsrecruitmentcomplaints@hmrc.gov.uk . Please note that we do not accept complaints or appeals regarding scoring of outcomes of campaigns unless candidates can provide clear evidence that the campaign did not follow the Recruitment Principles. If you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their website.
Attachments
HO EXP RECRUIT - MAY 26 - FP Attachment Opens in new window (docx, 54kB)
What's your top tip for doing well at interview?
Interview advice, Interview tips- 16 replies
- 3063 views
What support for personal development / training is provided?
Career development, Career progression- 10 replies
- 2189 views
Can you describe a typical day in your role?
Role, Role description- 4 replies
- 768 views
