Communications Data Investigator (Single Point of Contact)
Communications Data Investigator (Single Point of Contact)
- Closing on: Oct 20 2025
- £31,096 - £33,270
This is predominantly an office based role supporting HMRC operational investigation teams.
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:
Candidates must pass the College of Policing Communications Data Investigator Single Point of Contact (SPoC) accreditation course which is required to perform the role of Communications Data Investigator.
Desirable Criteria
Candidates would benefit from a keen interest or relevant experience in communications and digital data. This will help the chosen candidates lead the way in analysing data from Telecommunications Operators to support case teams in developing effective communication and digital tactics to defend against criminal attacks on the UK tax system.
Operational Delivery Profession
You are applying for an Operational Delivery Profession (ODP) role. Please tell us about any ODP experience or qualifications you have. This is not essential for the role but may be considered by the vacancy-holder where candidates have the same score at sift or interview.
Training
In order to be able to carry out this role there will be periods of training with the CDU team in Manchester and London.
Occasional travel and overnight stays in London and other locations nationally will be required to facilitate training events, CDU team meetings, operational team meetings and meetings with partner agencies.
The role requires up to 20 weeks of training in addition to the training detailed below. Please contact the CDU on 03000 588247, to discuss this training commitment.
Successful candidates will be required to attend and successfully complete the mandatory College of Policing Communications Data Investigator Single Point of Contact (SPoC) Accreditation Course.
There will be a requirement to attend a one week online training course followed by a one week residential course at The College of Policing (Ryton-on-Dunsmore) to attain the "Accredited Officer" status required to perform the role of Communications Data Investigator SPoC (Single Point of Contact).
This course offers an excellent insight into providing specialist advice to proactive and reactive investigations, crimes in action and intelligence operations.
In support of this training the successful applicants will receive one-to-one mentoring in the office environment.
On completion of the College of Policing Accreditation, there will be a requirement to complete a CDU training work book and assessment to demonstrate understanding of the different areas of CDU work.
Additional Security Information
There may be a requirement to obtain Developed Vetting (DV) following completion of training to assist in more sensitive areas of FIS Digital Operations work areas.
Further information regarding security vetting can be found in the following link: Security Vetting and Clearance
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
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.
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
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:
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
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.
Sift
At full sift your CV and your 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, your experience will be assessed, you will be asked questions based on the following behaviours to explore in detail what you are capable of - Working Together, Making Effective Decisions, Changing and Improving, and you will be asked strength-based questions to also explore what you enjoy and your motivations relevant to the job role.
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. We understand mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days(Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we will not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake with your eligibility form, 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 .
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, a single merit list will be created, and appointments will be made in strict merit order until the set demand is filled. If successful, you will be informed when we reach your position on the merit list.
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.
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.
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.
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
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
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.
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 Manchester Regional Centre (Three New Bailey, New Bailey Street, Salford, Manchester, M3 5FS).
Candidates must pass the College of Policing Communications Data Investigator Single Point of Contact (SPoC) accreditation course which is required to perform the role of Communications Data Investigator.
Desirable Criteria
Candidates would benefit from a keen interest or relevant experience in communications and digital data. This will help the chosen candidates lead the way in analysing data from Telecommunications Operators to support case teams in developing effective communication and digital tactics to defend against criminal attacks on the UK tax system.
Operational Delivery Profession
You are applying for an Operational Delivery Profession (ODP) role. Please tell us about any ODP experience or qualifications you have. This is not essential for the role but may be considered by the vacancy-holder where candidates have the same score at sift or interview.
Training
In order to be able to carry out this role there will be periods of training with the CDU team in Manchester and London.
Occasional travel and overnight stays in London and other locations nationally will be required to facilitate training events, CDU team meetings, operational team meetings and meetings with partner agencies.
The role requires up to 20 weeks of training in addition to the training detailed below. Please contact the CDU on 03000 588247, to discuss this training commitment.
Successful candidates will be required to attend and successfully complete the mandatory College of Policing Communications Data Investigator Single Point of Contact (SPoC) Accreditation Course.
There will be a requirement to attend a one week online training course followed by a one week residential course at The College of Policing (Ryton-on-Dunsmore) to attain the "Accredited Officer" status required to perform the role of Communications Data Investigator SPoC (Single Point of Contact).
This course offers an excellent insight into providing specialist advice to proactive and reactive investigations, crimes in action and intelligence operations.
In support of this training the successful applicants will receive one-to-one mentoring in the office environment.
On completion of the College of Policing Accreditation, there will be a requirement to complete a CDU training work book and assessment to demonstrate understanding of the different areas of CDU work.
Additional Security Information
There may be a requirement to obtain Developed Vetting (DV) following completion of training to assist in more sensitive areas of FIS Digital Operations work areas.
Further information regarding security vetting can be found in the following link: Security Vetting and Clearance
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
- Making Effective Decisions
- Changing and Improving
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.
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
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 experiences.
- A 500-word Personal Statement. Your Personal Statement should be used to describe how your skills and experience would be suitable for the advertised role.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
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.
Sift
At full sift your CV and your 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, your experience will be assessed, you will be asked questions based on the following behaviours to explore in detail what you are capable of - Working Together, Making Effective Decisions, Changing and Improving, and you will be asked strength-based questions to also explore what you enjoy and your motivations relevant to the job role.
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. We understand mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days(Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we will not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake with your eligibility form, 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 .
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, a single merit list will be created, and appointments will be made in strict merit order until the set demand is filled. If successful, you will be informed when we reach your position on the merit list.
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.
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.
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.
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
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals 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 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
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 : CODE resourcing
- Email : coderesourcing@hmrc.gov.uk
- Telephone : 03000 588247
- 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.
Apply now
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