Job Title: Higher Digital Forensic Practitioner

Grade: HO

Posts: 1

Location: London

Pay:  £35,105

Allowance: £14,204

HMRC is the UK’s tax, payments and customs authority, and we have a vital purpose: we collect the money that pays for public services and help families and individuals with targeted financial support.

Digital Support and Innovation (DSI) sits within HMRC’s wider Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) responsible for the department’s civil and criminal investigation work. FIS ensures that HMRC has an effective approach to taking on the most serious tax evasion and fraud.

Working across Law Enforcement and government, DSI 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.

This is an opportunity to support the successful delivery of HMRC enforcement through the forensic examination of digital media devices that have been or are suspected of being used in the commission of crime. Working as part of a highly skilled team in a busy, dynamic law enforcement environment. As an excellent communicator you will provide verbal updates and written summaries, including preparing reports and presenting evidential material to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Court.

HMRC operates a proficient approach to Digital Forensics. Meaning you will be allocated work based on your outstanding technical proficiency and expertise.

• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension
• 22 days annual leave in your first year, rising to 25 days in year two and 30 days after 10 years with us. On top of bank holiday leave, you'll also enjoy an extra day off to mark the Queen's birthday
• You'll benefit from generous paid maternity and adoption leave and join a pension scheme as soon as you start the job

• Assisting in the seizure and retention of digital devices within a laboratory environment and on-site for subsequent forensic examination
• Handling forensic exhibits to ensure continuity, confidentiality and security is maintained at all times
• Understanding, following and actively promoting Digital Forensic good practice methodologies (ISO17025:2017 standard and FSR Codes of Practice) to examine computers, mobile phones and other digital devices
• Preparing evidential reports upon completion of Digital Forensic examinations
• Providing fact and procedural-based evidence at Court as and when required
• Good communicator who can perform in a client/customer facing role
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, environment, balancing multiple tasks through completion
• Ability to handle time and prioritise tasks optimally
• Be at the forefront of technical developments within Digital Forensics
• To carry out any duties commensurate with the purpose of the post that may from time to time be resolved
• Mentoring Officer Grade Digital Forensic Practitioners

• Proven experience and relevant qualification/vendor training. Qualifications and certifications held may include (but are not limited to): BSc; EnCE; ACE; CCE; A+; MCP
• Proficiency with one or more of the current mainstream digital forensic software tools
• Possess an ability to examine digital devices in a methodical and detailed way and have an aptitude for problem solving
• Ability to dismantle and/or safely handle digital devices for examination purposes, whilst maintaining accurate contemporaneous records. Identification, removal and safe handling of key digital device components
• Experience and knowledge in performing Digital Forensic examinations; be able to demonstrate case experience within either the law enforcement or civil work environment
• Be knowledgeable of the ISO 17025:2017 standard and Forensic Science Regulators Codes of Practice
• Be able to regularly work with material that may be of an obscene, offensive or distressing nature. Treat such material in the appropriate manner ensuring it is secured and handled according to defined policies

• Knowledge and understanding of criminal justice procedures including the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA) and the Police Act 1997
• Previous experience working in a Law Enforcement environment / legal environment
• Experience of giving evidence in court
• Full UK Driving Licence
• Knowledge of Mac, Linux or Unix Operating Systems
• Understanding of databases
• Scripting/coding skills (e.g. Python, Ruby, SQL)

This post requires National Security Vetting at Security Check (SC) clearance level and you must hold SC vetting or be willing to apply for SC vetting.

Any job offer is conditional to the attainment of a security clearance and thus, the security clearance is mandatory. Please be aware that those who do not attain one will not be allowed to carry on in this particular post. If you do not attain your security clearance subsequent to appointment, we will look to redeploy you to another role within HMRC

Further information regarding security vetting can be found in the following link; https://www.gov.uk/guidance/security-vetting-and-clearance

This post attracts CIDAA (T) Intermediate Allowance, which includes elements of flexibility and additional hours.

Please note that eligibility for CIDAA is discretionary and not guaranteed. We may need to review such eligibility if business needs change or it you move to a different role in FIS or HMRC. CIDAA rates may also be affected if you are on, or take up, temporary promotion to a higher grade.

At HMRC, we are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process.