Data Exploitation Officer

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.

HMRC's Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) is responsible for the department's civil and criminal investigations.

Covert Operations, Digital Exploitation (CODE) sits within FIS. Working across Law Enforcement and government, CODE provides investigative tools and covert techniques to front-line investigations and works with key partners to develop and provide access to new technology and systems to enable investigators to respond to serious and complex tax evasion and crime.

Sensitive Collection is one of HMRC's most cutting edge, fast-paced and impactful tools, working closely with other CODE teams, operational investigation and intelligence teams, as well as other Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and the UK Intelligence Community (UKIC).

Targeted Interception (TI) as a key component of Sensitive Collection provides FIS investigation and RIS intelligence teams with interdiction and evidential gathering opportunities gained through the lawful interception of criminals' communications.

TI also provides an unparalleled insight into criminal intent and behaviour, used to drive tactical operational activity and inform strategic responses across all aspects of HMRC related serious crime.

Sensitive Collection is undergoing significant transformation as we develop and adopt new capabilities and practices, continuing to evolve into a highly skilled, cross-functional, Tier 3 Sensitive Communications Exploitation Business Unit, able to rapidly acquire, process and derive intelligence value from a range of sensitive communications sources.

Job description

Would you enjoy working in an exciting and interesting covert area of work workings hands on with advanced covert tactics and methodologies?

Are you a motivated team player, excellent at problem solving, capable of making decisions and reacting quickly to changing priorities?

Do you have an understanding of key legislation, instructions, and procedures including: Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA), RIPA, Police Act and Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE)?

If so - this might be the role for you!

FIS CODE Sensitive Collection is a dynamic, demanding and highly sensitive work area where you will be expected to react quickly to changing priorities and work flexibly around the dynamic needs of the business to ensure meaningful sensitive intelligence delivery and provision of time critical advice and direction to serious crime investigations.

As a TI Data Exploitation Officer you will work closely with other Sensitive Collection colleagues within an analysis cell supporting TI Operations. You will represent the Data Exploitation Team within this cell and will be responsible for understanding case objectives and helping to define a data exploitation analysis strategy.

You will support the Case Manager in identifying opportunities to exploit data using analytical techniques and collection capabilities, provide analysis on large data sets, and present your findings in a manageable way to support case strategy and objectives. You will have the opportunity to liaise with colleagues across suites to foster knowledge sharing, develop business requirements, and feed into capability development, as well as sharing knowledge across the broader analytical community within sensitive communications where appropriate.

You will be provided with classroom based and on-the-job training to develop your operational knowledge and data exploitation skills.

You can expect a varied and fulfilling career within this business area with the opportunity to work with unique and specialist data sets. No two days are ever quite the same. Your work will be integral in the disruption of serious crime in the United Kingdom and beyond.

We are looking to recruit 4 in Manchester and 3 in Stratford.

Person specification

The successful applicant will be expected to:

• Apply analytical techniques to various data sources in support of case objectives.
• Support Case Manager in identifying opportunities to exploit data using analytical techniques and collection capabilities.
• Support development of new capabilities through managing processes, testing, piloting, and feeding back as part of an implementation team.
• Work with our Data Analysis and System Management function to develop repeatable techniques and new capabilities to extract insights on data.
• Proactively maintain current and correct knowledge on relevant legislative requirements, legal gateways, policy and process regarding data management and sensitive collection.
• Possess high levels of motivation, initiative, and problem-solving abilities.
• Possess good attention to detail and be able to review and adapt Standard Operating Procedures to meet business need.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with departmental colleagues and other Law Enforcement and Intelligence partners.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

PIP2 Applicants required to attend and pass the Accelerated Pathway Training Course must meet the below criteria:

• Utilisation of criminal justice procedures
• Use of the powers within the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 for posts in England and Wales
• Understanding Property Interference as defined within the Police Act 1995 and the utilisation of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (RIPA) Act 2000 and Investigatory Powers Act 2016
• Applied knowledge of Criminal Procedure and Investigation Act 1996 ensuring strong standards of disclosure practice
• 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 investigations
• 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 through the appropriate Manual of Guidance forms and applied quality standards (or equivalents in devolved jurisdictions / agencies with retained prosecuting authority)

Hybrid or home working is not available as there is a daily requirement to attend the office to work on closed IT systems at higher classifications than Official Sensitive. This role will also possibly require office work some weekends, as detailed in the flexibility payment in the benefits section.

Essential Criteria

• Applicants must be accredited Government Counter Fraud Professionals holding one or more of the following qualifications listed in the Qualifications Section.
• Experience and practical application of using digital skills to conduct analysis across a variety of data sources including an understanding of how this can be used to drive intelligence development of progress an investigation.

Applicants must be accredited Government Counter Fraud Professionals holding one or more of the qualifications listed in the Qualifications section OR hold the PIP2 Qualification and be willing to attend and pass the Accelerated Pathway Training Course to obtain the Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist qualification.

Data Analysis with Kibana
III Practitioner Training with Vestigo

Additional Security Information

The successful candidate will be required to apply for Developed Vetting (DV) clearance level once in post but must already hold or be willing to obtain Security Check (SC) clearance level before starting the role.
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. Once in post you will be required to apply for Developed Vetting ( DV ) clearance which has a requirement for 10 years UK residency. If you have any questions about this residency requirement, please speak to the vacancy holder for this post. This post is open to 'UK Nationals Only'.

CODE have a support network that can offer assistance to colleagues throughout the DV process. CODE understands the experience of obtaining DV clearance affects individuals differently with the process being in depth and intrusive. The network consists of CODE DV cleared volunteers who will be able to guide you through the process and systems and look to alleviate any concerns.

Qualifications
• Applicants must be accredited Government Counter Fraud Professionals holding one or more of the following qualifications:
• BTEC Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Enforcement (Criminal Investigation/Investigation)
• BTEC level 3 Advanced Diploma in Enforcement (Intelligence)
• BTEC level 4 in Counter Fraud Intelligence Specialist
• Level 4 Diploma - Accredited Counter-Fraud Manager
• Level 4 Diploma - Accredited Counter-Fraud Specialist/Officer
• University of Portsmouth CFPAB Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist
• University of Northumbria CFPAB Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist
• University of Portsmouth CFPAB Accredited Counter Fraud (Intelligence) Specialist (RIS)
• University of Northumbria CFPAB Accredited Counter Fraud (Intelligence) Specialist (RIS)

Current PIP2 Status - You must hold a current and active PIP2 (Investigator) accreditation issued by a recognised UK law enforcement body (e.g. the College of Policing or NCA).
If your accreditation is inactive, it must not have lapsed more than 24 months prior to your application, and you must be able to demonstrate relevant operational experience in managing or conducting serious and complex investigations within the last two years.

Successful candidates with PIP2 status, will still be required to complete HMRC's core learning programme and achieve Authorised Officer status through further classroom and practical training which will involve regular travel .

Benefits

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.

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

This post attracts a Level 2 Flexibility Payment (FP) that is paid monthly with salary. This FP allows HMRC flexibility to change your work pattern, at short notice, to meet business needs.
You will be expected to undertake periods of On Call. You will also be expected to work additional hours, at weekends and outside your normal working hours/days (including bank holidays).

In applying for a position and accepting the FP you agree that you can and will meet those attendance requirements.

Note: Payment of FP is dependent on successful completion of role specific training and you will move to Level 2 FP eligibility in stages (see the attached document for details).

FP levels are reviewed annually - on a business need and personal basis - and may be subject to change.

Details of the Flexibility Payment can be found in the attached document.

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 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. Your CV should provide a brief description of your employment history covering the last 5 roles, highlighting your experience, key achievements and demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria including any relevant qualifications.
• A 500-word Personal Statement. Your Personal Statement should provide examples of how you consider your technical and personal skills, qualities, and experience reflect your suitability for the role in line with the job description and the essential criteria. You should demonstrate your skills and experience and how you have used them by presenting this information in the Situation, Task, Action, and Results (STAR).

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

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, your experience and strengths will be assessed, in order to determine your suitability for the role, as well as to explore what you enjoy, and what motivates you.

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 face to face at either the Manchester or Stratford regional centres. 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 .

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.

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 : Kayte Bright
• Email : kayte.bright@hmrc.gov.uk
• Telephone : 03000 582939

Recruitment team

• Email : unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk

Further information
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
Flexibility Payment Attachment - 2026 Opens in new window (docx, 59kB)