Higher Audio - Visual Forensic Officer - Nottingham
About the job
Job summary
Discover a career in your hands at HMRC. Whether you\\\'re seeking purpose, growth, or a workplace that gives you a true sense of belonging, hear from some of our employees as they share their story about what it\\\'s really like to work at HMRC.
Visit our YouTube channel to watch the full series and come and discover your potential.
HMRC is the UK\\\'s tax, payments and customs authority and we have a vital purpose: we collect the money that pays for the UK\\\'s public services and help families and individuals with targeted financial support.
HMRC\\\'s Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) is responsible for the department\\\'s civil and criminal investigations.
FIS provides HMRC with an effective investigation arm to enforce the Department\\\'s compliance policies. This enables the Department to deliver against the strategic responsibilities across all the taxes and duties it administers. This includes complex offshore evasion, international smuggling of illicit excise goods, exports of controlled weapons and technology, labour market abuses, VAT and Self-Assessment repayment frauds and a host of other fraud attacks targeted at the tax system.
FIS is home to a wide range of people with a variety of skills and professional backgrounds - including accountants, cybercrime specialists, criminal justice professionals, tax professionals and operational delivery support teams to name but a few. We use a range of powers and approaches to protect funding for UK public services, investigating the most harmful tax cheats and ensuring nobody is beyond our reach.
Covert Operations, Digital Exploitation (CODE) sits within HMRC\\\'s wider Fraud Investigation Service (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.
Job description
Cybercrime & Forensic Services (C&FS) provides critical support to FIS investigations nationally through the provision of important forensic services. From supporting warrant executions to the preservation and analysis of digital evidence. This is a unique opportunity to be responsible for critical elements of our Audio-Visual Forensic Service provided to HMRC\\\'s investigation teams. You will ensure that all aspects of Audio-Visual Forensic work are carried out the highest standard, adhering to forensic strategy and principles, and meeting Forensic Science Regulator requirements.
As an Audio-Visual Practitioner, you will be dealing with a wide variety of audio-visual evidence such as video, CCTV, audio and photography. Assisting officers with handling, processing and presenting this evidence in a factual and forensic manner for interview and court.
The Forensic Science Regulator (\\\"FSR\\\") has provided clear instruction that all forensic service providers within the criminal justice system will become compliant with the FSR Codes and Practice of Conduct (\\\"FSR Codes\\\") as well as relevant ISO standards for the conduct of digital forensics activities. Audio Visual Practitioners are subject matter experts and therefore responsible for developing and delivering documented technical procedure, maintaining quality checks and the competency framework, as well as obtaining UKAS accreditation to the required standard(s).
Person specification
Reporting to the Senior Audio-Visual Practitioner, the responsibilities of an Audio-Visual Practitioner are:
* Processing of analogue and digital devices pertaining to audio, video & photographic media including acquisition, enhancement (audio and visual), editing and production of audio, video and photographic material for presentation to the Criminal Justice system.
* Attending both friendly sites and addresses under warrant to triage and recover CCTV data / conduct forensic scene photography.
* Troubleshooting technical problems under pressure and providing technical advice to officers in support of forensic submissions.
* Manage forensic exhibits to ensure continuity, confidentiality and security is always maintained.
* Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks through to completion.
* Attending court as a professional/expert witness.
* Assist the Audio - Visual accreditation lead with the implementation & maintenance of technical procedures, establishing and maintaining validation of AV forensic methods and assessing and testing staff competency.
* Positively endorse and nurture a culture that understands and embraces the requirement to work to the FSR code of practice, quality frameworks and remain committed to continuous improvement.
* Good communicator who can perform in a client/customer facing role.
* To carry out any duties commensurate with the purpose of the post that may from time to time be determined.
Essential Criteria
* The applicant has already achieved LEVA Certified Video Technician Status (Level 1 & 2) or be willing to work towards it.
* Demonstrate a working knowledge of at least one of the below:
o CCTV and Video - Forensic video applications, acquisition/recovery methods, conversion methods, video editing techniques, enhancement.
o Audio - Forensic audio applications, acquisition/recovery methods, conversion methods, audio editing techniques, enhancement.
o Photography - forensic photographic techniques and their application in a control environment or on scene, methods of image enhancement and image quality assessment.
* The ability to undertake a technical analysis of audio & video recordings submitted in evidence and report on findings.
* Ability to communicate technical concepts and findings to a non-technical audience.
* Experience of working towards and obtaining ISO 17025 accreditation (for Audio - Visual forensic specifically) in accordance with the Forensic Regulator\\\'s guidance, to include maintaining team records, improving processes and the writing of standard operating procedures.
* Hold a full UK Driving Licence & be willing to drive on official business.
Desirable Criteria
* Experience of contributing to a quality management system, such as the production of Documented Technical Procedures (DTPs, formerly known as SOPS), the conduct of internal auditing, or the development of competency and validation frameworks.
* Operational search and seizure experience, particularly the application of audio - visual forensics methods at crime scenes.
* Degree or equivalent qualifications in a relevant subject such as computer science, forensics, digital imagery, photography, etc.
* Obtained LEVA Level 3 & 4 qualifications.
* Previous experience working in a Law Enforcement environment / legal environment.
* Working knowledge of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite.
* Experience of giving evidence in court.
Flexibility Payment
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.
FP levels are reviewed annually - on a business need and personal basis - and may be subject to change.
If you currently receive the Flexibility Payment, which may include Transition Protection and/or a Maintained Pension Value, moving to a new role may affect your payments.
Details of the Flexibility Payment can be found in the attached document. Please note that the section stating the flex payment isn\\\'t paid until after the TAP does not apply to this role. For this position, the flex payment is made from the successful candidate\\\'s first day.
Training Requirements:
Depending on existing experience, you will be expected to undertake Audio-Visual Forensics training, ranging from in-house training to external courses.
There will be a 6 month training assessment period.
Public and Personal Safety Training (PPST)
Applicants will be required to be cleared by an occupational health assessment to be able to attend a public and personal safety training (PPST) course. Successful completion of the PPST is required to undertake duties away from the office for this role. Failure to pass and maintain the PPST certificate may affect receipt of the flexibility payment.
Licences
Hold a full UK Driving Licence & be willing to drive on official business. We recognise that some people cannot drive due to a disability or underlying health condition and may not be able to meet this requirement. Where this applies, you can apply but will need to declare that you require a reasonable adjustment at the point you receive a provisional offer. The vacancy holder will then discuss your specific requirements to consider if this can be reasonably accommodated in this role.
Behaviours
We\\\'ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
* Making Effective Decisions
* Delivering at Pace
* Working Together
Technical skills
We\\\'ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
* Technical Skill
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £36,320, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £10,521 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
Things you need to know
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
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, previous skills and experiences and qualifications.
* A 1000-word Personal Statement to demonstrate the Essential Criteria and the Person Specification, as detailed within the advert.
Please complete a separate statement (Max 250 words) for the Desirable Criteria where applicable. This is not essential for the role but may be considered by the vacancy-holder where candidates have the same scores at sift or interview.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
We acknowledge that AI can assist you in your application. Find our guidelines here.
Sift
At full sift your CV and your 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, you will be assessed on all 3 Behaviours listed with Behaviour-based questions. You will also be assessed on a practical test with CCTV system with written questions and video/audio photography. This will be detailed prior to the interview if that stage is reached.
Interviews will take place via face to face. 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. We understand mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days(Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we will not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake with your eligibility form, please contact us via: - Use the subject line to insert appropriate wording for example - \\\'Please re-open my application - 411405 & 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
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, a single merit list will be created, and you will only be considered for posts in locations you have expressed a preference for. Appointments will be made in strict merit order in line with the set number of roles in each location.
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 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.
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.
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.
Additional Information
We are looking into ways to enhance the applicant experience.As part of our legitimate interests, we are testing the use of new technologies such as automation and/or Artificial Intelligence in the assessment for CV, personal statement and behaviour statement.
Please note that for this specific vacancy, this testing may run in parallel with our standard assessment process and will not influence or determine the outcome of your application in any way. You can read the Civil Service Jobs and HMRC Privacy Notices for more information about our lawful basis for processing your personal data and HMRC\\\'s use of AI.
If you don\\\'t want your data to be used as part of the trial, please send your Application ID and the Vacancy Reference to
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.
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.
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
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
* UK nationals
* nationals of the Republic of Ireland
* nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
* nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
* nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
* individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
* Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)
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).