Criminal Investigations Officer

Why work for the ICO?

·         Pay progression scheme.

·         Hybrid and flexible working options. 

·         25 days paid holiday per year, plus privilege and public holidays.

·         Flexi leave (up to 26 additional days leave per year).

·         Pension (employer contribution around 26.6%).

·         Online discount scheme to save money at major supermarkets, retailers, gyms, restaurants, insurance providers and many more.

·         Health Cash Plan.

·         Fantastic development opportunities to learn and progress.

Further details can be found on the benefits section of our website .

About us

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the independent regulator of information rights. In a data-driven world, we provide advice, guidance, and support to organisations enabling compliance with their obligations, as well as protecting individuals and their personal data.

As an employer, we are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives and careers of our people, and we empower you to be curious, impactful, collaborative and respectful.

About the role

The Criminal Investigations Team is responsible for conducting criminal investigations under the legislation the ICO regulates; this includes the Data Protection Act (DPA), Freedom of Information Act (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR).

The Criminal Investigation Officer will investigate criminal matters under the above legislation. They will conduct thorough investigations identifying relevant lines of enquiry, gathering evidence and presenting cases for consideration by the Criminal Investigations Management Team and ICO Prosecutors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

•              To act as primary or supporting investigating officer, under the direction of the Criminal Investigations Manager, managing a caseload of investigations.  

•              Responsible for making decisions about day to day priorities, obtaining all necessary evidence to ensure each of your investigations meets the required evidential standards.

•              Ensure that the weight, value and relevance of evidence available is considered at the start and throughout an investigation, involving the Legal Team where appropriate at an early stage in liaison with Criminal Investigation Managers.  

•              Ensure that criminal investigations are completed in a timely and effective manner and in accordance with criminal law and procedures (eg PACE, CPIA, RIPA & ECHR).  

•              Submit telecommunications applications, where applicable, for the attention of the Telecommunications Single Point of Contact (SPoC) in accordance with ICO policy, procedure and the law.

•              Make applications for search warrants to the court, under the direction of the Criminal Investigations Manager, and ensure that searches of premises are conducted thoroughly and safely.

•              Prepare operational orders and risk assessments as required to support the execution of search warrants, briefing team members accordingly. 

•              Attend Crown and Magistrates Court to give evidence on behalf of the Commissioner as required.

•              Give support and advice to other departments within the ICO on investigations, including liaising closely with the ICO Intelligence Team to submit intelligence reports and share relevant information.  

•              Throughout the investigation process provide a high standard of customer service to all parties, managing expectations sensitively and communicating clearly, regularly and at an appropriate level, in writing, face to face and over the telephone.  

•              Develop and maintain relationships with any relevant internal/external stakeholders as directed and as appropriate.  

•              Attend internal and external meetings and events, giving presentations where necessary.  

•              Provide briefing or guidance material to other ICO departments or for senior members of staff where necessary.  

•              Prepare and submit files of evidence for consideration by the ICO Legal Team as necessary.

•              Comply with the ICO’s information governance policies and procedures and in particular those relating to information security.  

•              Be available for occasional travel within the UK as required to fulfil operational requirements.

About you

•  Educated to degree level or equivalent  or Substantial work experience at a level demonstrating graduate ability.    
• At least 3 years experience of conducting criminal investigations or Substantial work experience demonstrating relevant skills and knowledge.  
• Good intellectual and analytical ability in order to develop knowledge, and the ability to apply complex legislation to a variety of circumstances.  
• Good verbal and written communication skills   
• Ability to manage investigations
• Ability to deal with a demanding workload and to prioritise accordingly  
• Ability to work on own initiative and as a member of a team  
• Ability to make presentations to small groups  
• Ability to ensure that the highest standards of quality and customer care are achieved
• Excellent interpersonal skills with people at all levels  
• Ability to use standard office IT packages, such as Word, Excel, Outlook.   

Equality, diversity, and inclusion

The ICO is committed to promoting and enhancing equality, diversity, and inclusion. We are focused on developing a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve and together we are building an inclusive workplace where all of our colleagues have the opportunity to make a real difference. We are championing this through our Equality Diversity and Inclusion Board together with a number of staff networks. Read more about our commitment on our website. 

If you have a disability or impairment and have difficulty using our online application system, please email the HR team at recruitment@ico.org.uk who can arrange for you to submit an application via an alternative method.

Job contact :

• Name : recruitment@ico.org.uk
• Email : recruitment@ico.org.uk
• Telephone : recruitment@ico.org.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : recruitment@ico.org.uk