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About the job
Job summary
The Home Office has one of the most challenging and critical jobs in Whitehall: to keep Britain safe and secure. We operate at the heart of the Government’s agenda, leading on immigration and passports, drugs policy, crime policy, counter-extremism and counter terrorism and work to ensure visible, responsive and accountable policing in the UK. The challenges the Department faces are significant and can change rapidly in the global environment in which we operate, making this one of the most exciting and stimulating Government Departments in which to work.
Internal Investigations comprises of the Professional Standards Unit (PSU), the Anti-Corruption Criminal Investigation Unit (ACCIU) and the Internal Investigations Hub. Both PSU & ACCIU provide a fast-paced investigation capability undertaking both Civil and Criminal investigations across the Home Office. The commands remit is expansive, and our investigators undertake investigations into a wide variety of case-types.
PSU investigations range from serious external complaints (from members of the public), internal Home Office misconduct cases which constitute discipline and grievance investigations, Whistleblowing, referrals to/from the Independent Office for Police Conduct and other oversight bodies for Scotland and Northern Ireland, Management Reviews and Safeguarding Practice Reviews. In addition, PSU provide a cross Government investigation service to over 20 Other Government Departments.
ACCIU investigations address internal corruption matters, proactively preventing harm to the Department and victims of criminal offences committed by staff members, whilst ensuring those committing crimes are pursued via criminal proceedings.
The Internal Investigations Hub is the epicentre of this activity being the first point of call for all enquiries into the Command. The team currently assess over 1,000 referrals per year covering critical incidents, Whistleblowing (raising a concern) contacts, whilst providing further analysis and intelligence capabilities for all types of investigation. It is a small and flexible team covering a wide range of functions in what is a dynamic and fast paced environment which is currently undergoing change to improve the commands intelligence capacity.
Job description
The role sits at the centre of our threat assessment workstreams which we provide all areas of the Home Office with, through management of information which is continually assessed and analysed. The Operational Hub receives over 1000 referrals a year via their Central Referrals function and the post holder will be responsible for progressing this workflow and covering a diverse range of activities to support the delivery of a wide range of external and internal investigations.
We operate the Departments Whistleblowing (Raising a Concern) line, alongside other work we do to provide the Home Office and front-line services such as Border Force and Immigration Enforcement with internal investigation capabilities.
Important Information
The Internal Investigations Hub operates between the hours of 07:00 and 19:00 Monday-Friday. The successful applicant must be flexible and available to cover shift working within these hours under the Annualised Hours Working System (AHW). Weekend working is not standard but may be required on occasion.
The AHW system currently attracts a pensionable payment of 14.08% in addition to the advertised salary.
The role will require occasional travel which could also include overnight stays.
DV clearance is required for these roles. Candidates not already holding DV will require SC clearance prior to starting, and be willing to apply for DV when in post.
Key requirements of the role include:
- To assess and accurately register referrals made to the Unit, which include serious and complex HR referrals, allegations of serious misconduct, Whistle Blowing/Raising a Concern referrals and Anti-Corruption referrals within given timeframes. This will include assessing allegations of serious misconduct from external sources and recommending a way forward to the Senior Investigating Officer.
- Completing initial checks for referrals to ACCIU.
- Operating the Raising a Concern (including Whistleblowing) phone line and inbox, which are supervised between the hours of 07:00 19:00.
- Refer critical incidents to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) or other oversight bodies within agreed timescales. Refer allegations of crime (which is not fraud or corruption) to the appropriate police force.
- To support Professional Standards Unit investigators in the gathering of evidence for investigations of serious misconduct including but not limited to requests for CCTV, medical records, use of force reports and notebook entries.
- Effective file management for investigations is required which includes registration of files in and out of the unit both on the Record Management System and local systems. The successful candidate must have the ability to follow relevant information with an awareness of up-to-date data policies in order to manage archiving, storage or destruction of investigation files.
- Conducting Computer Misuse investigations into inappropriate access of Home Office systems and providing a written report of your findings, thereby, contributing to the creation of a zero-tolerance culture across the Home Office.
- Act on behalf of Internal Investigations to build and maintain positive relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders at different grade.
- There may be to opportunity to be involved in the intelligence development of referrals and producing intelligence packages for ACCIU.
Due to the nature of the role, this post is available on a full-time shift working basis only.
Person specification
This is a fast paced and sensitive work area, and the role will require an individual who has experience of working optimally, accurately, and positively at pace with ability to prioritise a diverse range of duties.
The successful candidate will be required to attend 4-6 weeks training at our Manchester office. The attendance will be mandatory and on site for the duration of training.
In line with HO Hybrid Working policy, there will be flexibility to embrace a hybrid working pattern which would enable the post holder to spend a minimum of 40% of their week in the office, with the remainder working from home. Please note Hybrid working will only be offered upon the successful completion of on-site training for approximately 4-6 weeks at our Manchester office. Hybrid Working is an informal arrangement that is a voluntary non-contractual option, subject to local business areas and specific role requirements. It is not the same as contractual homeworking.
Essential criteria
- Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, being able to pay attention to detail and summarise and present information concisely.
- Ability to provide accurate note taking and identify action points
- Professional and customer-focused to meet the high standards of conduct and behaviour.
- Be proficient in and have a good solid understanding of various Microsoft Office packages.
- Be willing to apply for SC clearance prior to starting, and be willing to apply for DV when in post.
Desirable criteria
- Recent experience in an operational role, preferably in a law enforcement environment.
- Intelligence Professionalisation Programme (IPP) accredited.
- Full UK driving licence.
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Benefits
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
Things you need to know
Selection process details
This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job, drives up performance and improves diversity and inclusivity.
As part of the application process, you will first be asked to confirm your eligibility by providing some basic personal information.
After submission of the first stage of your application you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Judgement test and Civil Service Work Strengths test.
Guidance for the tests will be available when you are invited to take the tests. The tests are administered online and accessed via the Civil Service Jobs website.
If you successfully pass both tests, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application.
Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the test and full application form is 23:55 on 16th November 2023. If you fail to complete the online tests before the deadline your application will be withdrawn.
You CANNOT complete the Tests on a mobile phone or tablet.
Candidates who successfully pass the above tests will be asked to provide:
A statement of suitability (personal statement) (maximum 750 words)
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
The Statement of Suitability should explain your motivation for applying to this role and offer evidence how you meet the essential criteria listed on the Person Specification.
The sift will be based on the Statement of Suitability.
Candidates shortlisted will be invited to an interview which a blended approach of strength based questions (no preparation necessary) and behaviour based questions on all listed behaviours.
Sift and Interview dates
Sift is expected to take place week commencing the 20th November 2023.
Interviews are expected to take place week commencing the 11th December 2023.
We will try to meet the dates set out in the advert, however on occasions these dates may change.
Interviews will be carried out via video. Candidates will be required to have access to:
A laptop (personal or work) with a working webcam
Good internet connection
Microsoft Teams
PLEASE NOTE: Due to time constraints we may not be able to offer alternative interview date(s). It is therefore expected that candidates who are successful at sift stage will make themselves available during the above time frame given.
Further information
For meaningful checks to be carried out, individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time to enable appropriate checks to be carried out and produce a result which provides the required level of assurance. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years if the role requires CTC clearance, 5 years for SC clearance and 10 years for DV. A lack of UK residency in itself is not necessarily a bar to a security clearance and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.
A reserve list may be held for a period up to 12 months from which further appointment may be made.
Every day, Home Office civil servants do brilliant work to develop and deliver policies and services that affect the lives of people across the country and beyond. To do this effectively and fairly, the Home Office is committed to representing modern Britain in all its diversity, and creating a welcoming, inclusive workplace where all our people are able to bring their whole selves to work and perform at their best.
We are flexible, skilled, professional and diverse. We work to recruit and retain disabled staff and area Disability Confident Leader. We are proud to be one of the most ethnically diverse departments in the civil service. We are a Social Mobility Foundation top 75 employer.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
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.
For further information please see the attached notes for candidates which must be read before making an application.
Existing Civil Servants should note that some of the Home Office terms and conditions of employment have changed. It is the candidates responsibility to ensure they are aware of the Terms and Conditions they will adopt should they be successful in application and should refer to the notes for candidates for further details.
Transfer Terms: Voluntary.
If you are invited to an interview you will be required to bring a range of documentation for the purposes of establishing identity and to aid any pre-employment checks.
Please see the attached list of Home Office acceptable ID documents.
Any move to the Home Office from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Reasonable Adjustments
If a person with disabilities is at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
- Contact Government Recruitment Service via HOrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.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.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the Contact point for applicants section.
Feedback
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
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).
Apply and further information
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Home Office resourcing centre
- Email : HORCCampaignTeamCorporateEnablers@homeoffice.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : HOrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
principles, and wish to make a complaint, then you should contact in the first instance
HORecruitment.GRS@cabinetoffice.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response that you receive, then you can contact the Civil Service Commission.
