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Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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About the job
Job summary
Who we are
The Office for Communications Data Authorisations (OCDA) was formed by government following the introduction of the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) 2016.
We are an independent arms-length body of the Home Office whose function is to authorise the acquisition of Communications Data (CD) for Public Authorities.
OCDA became operational in 2019 and we currently operate out of two locations at Birmingham and Manchester.
Our Mission and Values
Our Mission is Public Protection and has two strands:
- We protect the human rights of individuals from unjustifiable intrusions by the State, in our capacity as an independent body authorising access to communications data when it is lawful, necessary, and proportionate.
- We independently assess, in a professional and efficient manner, the lawful acquisition of CD by a public authority to meet its function of protecting the public.
Communications Data is the information generated which relates mostly to telephone communication or internet activity. The data describes the communication but not the content of this.
Communications data is now used in 95% of serious and organised criminal prosecutions and has been used in every major counter terrorism investigation over the past decade. As such, the acquisition of CD must be independently authorised and that is the function of OCDA as an independent body.
Job description
The role of an Authorising Officer
Authorising Officers are responsible for assessing Public Authorities requests to acquire communications data in compliance with the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 and other relevant legislation.
Your role will be to independently assess the necessity and proportionality of applications received from Public Authorities. Applications are received from across the UK, and you will have the responsibility for the final decision as to authorise, decline or return applications.
The applications OCDA receive contain large amounts of information and need to be fully considered. Each application should be considered on its own merit, and you will make timely and objective decisions based on the facts available.
The role of Authorising Officer is vital as communications data can either support or disprove an alibi and can identify links that may exist between suspects and a crime scene. Sometimes CD is the only way to identify these offenders, particularly where offences are committed online, such as child sexual exploitation or fraud.
Our operation is a fast-paced environment, with high volume workloads. In 2022 our Authorising Officers collectively assessed 266,864 applications.
Due to the nature of this work, high levels of discretion will be expected from the successful candidates.
Training
You will receive a fully comprehensive, classroom-based training package to fulfil the role of Authorising Officer. The training will take place over a period of six weeks, and you will be fully supported by OCDAs training team. You will undertake an assessment which must be passed before you can undertake the duties of the role.
The training will run on a full-time basis during weekdays; however, we will work to accommodate part-time workers after the initial training is completed. During the initial six-week training period you will receive a 0% annualised hours allowance that reflects the Monday to Friday working pattern.
Shift Working
AHW is an additional allowance received alongside your basic salary. This percentage calculation is assessed in line with the operational demands of the business and is subject to change and review. It is not guaranteed and may cease at any time. The allowance currently sits at circa 18%.
The role of Authorising Officer is currently scheduled as a shift working role. The shift pattern includes early starts and evening and weekend working. It also includes working on Public Holidays. It is your responsibility to ensure that a shift working pattern is suitable for you before accepting a job offer.
Whilst part-time work is available, it must meet fit within OCDA business hours, 0700 2200, and must include weekend working hours.
OCDA are currently adhering to the Home Office hybrid working model, which will enable staff to split their time working in the office and at home.
Person specification
Responsibilities
OCDA welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. To work in this role, successful applicants will be expected to be able to:
- Assimilate complex information quickly and use it to make effective decisions independently within the strict constraints of legislation.
- Understand the impact of their decisions, take responsibility, and have the confidence to justify them.
- Have effective written and oral communication skills and be comfortable engaging with a variety of stakeholders at different levels.
- Respond positively to changes in working systems, processes and teams and follow the productivity targets, showing commitment to continuous improvement in an environment where performance matters.
- Ability to work responsibly in dealing with confidential/sensitive information, being mindful of data security.
Maintain ethical principles and adhere to OCDA Core Values, applying them to every aspect of your work.
Security Clearance
DV clearance or a commitment to undergo DV clearance is an essential requirement for this role. Successful candidates will be permitted to start with SC Enhanced whilst they undergo the DV clearance processes.
Further information relating to security vetting can be found at United Kingdom Security Vetting: Applicant – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Delivering at Pace
- Managing a Quality Service
Benefits
£6,952 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
- 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 vacancy is using success profiles, and will assess your behaviours, experience, and ability.
As part of the sift process, you will be asked to complete a CV, a Statement of Suitability (Max word limit 750) and one behaviour example: Making Effective Decisions (Max word limit 250).
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Please note your statement of suitability should be aligned to the responsibilities of the role as set out in the job advertisement.
The CV may be marked as part of the sift if a large number of applications are received.
Behaviours assessed as part of the interview will be:
- Making Effective Decisions.
- Delivering at Pace.
- Managing a Quality Service.
Candidates will be expected to complete a short assessment as part of the interview process. Further details will be provided in advance of interview.
Sift and Interview dates
Sifting will take place week commencing 28/08/2023.
Interviews will take place week commencing 18/09/2023.
Interviews will be conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams.
Further information
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 : Allen Lane Recruitment
- Email : OCDA@allenlane.co.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : recruitment@OCDA.org.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.
