Supporting operational forensics officers, the Technical Managers are experienced digital forensics practitioners with a strong understanding of international quality standards related to digital forensic disciplines.
Working closely with the Quality Management Team and digital forensics managers, you will ensure maintenance and development of current procedures, actively seeking more effective and efficient ways of working. Also supporting digital forensic practitioners, you will be the first point contact for technical-related accreditation and compliance queries.
The successful applicant will be an experienced digital forensic practitioner, knowledgeable in the acquisition, processing, analysis and reporting of digital media to an evidential standard. They will be knowledgeable in legislation effecting digital forensic activities and cognisant of the impact it has within an accredited environment.
Technical managers work with internal and external stakeholders to develop digital forensic best practice across the Agency, ensuring an efficient forensic delivery to investigating officers. Striking a balance between digital forensic practitioner and quality management, the digital forensic technical managers are integral to the operational delivery of digital forensics to the Agency.
Investigations Command
Investigations Command is the core crime‑fighting capability of the NCA. We take an intelligence‑led approach and concentrate on tackling the criminals and risks to the public which are beyond the capability or capacity of other law‑enforcement bodies. Our work is largely focused on investigating Organised Immigration Crime, Human Trafficking, Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Economic Crime, Firearms, Drugs, Kidnap and Extortion and Money Laundering. The Investigations Command provides a flexible, shared operational capability, designed to maximise the impact of the UK’s collective resources against serious and organised crime. Our teams respond to a broad range of threats, many of which also remain a responsibility for police forces and other agencies as well as private industry.
Forensic Services
Forensic Services provides a range of specialist forensic capabilities to support the NCA’s fight against serious and organised crime. We are a team of dedicated forensic science experts qualified in a range of specialist disciplines. We search for clues at crime scenes, and recover, analyse and examine evidence to support investigations. Forensic Services is key to an effective and fair criminal justice system because we provide objective and timely information for multiple phases at different stages of the criminal justice process. At the heart of everything we do is the Forensic Science Regulator’s Codes of Practice.
* Forensic Operations: Working with Investigation teams to deliver traditional forensic capability in support of tasked activity at scene, and in accredited forensic laboratories.
* Forensic Assurance: This department seeks to assure forensic service delivery through forensic governance, quality assurance and digital innovation.
* Digital Forensics: This team comprises digital forensic experts who provide specialist scene and lab‑based capabilities to support NCA tasked operations.
* Accreditation management: Lead and oversee the attainment, maintenance and continuous improvement of ISO 17025:2017 accreditation and forensic regulation compliance for all digital forensic activity.
* Support operational: Provide support to digital forensic operational officers with compliance to the Quality Management System.
* Collaborative working: Provide technical expertise and guidance, working collaboratively with the Quality Management Team and stakeholders, in relation to digital forensic activity.
* Auditing: Completion of internal audits against lab and scene‑based digital forensics working practices.
* Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks related to digital forensic activity, completing root cause analysis and problem resolution when scientific/technical issues arise.
* Validation, verification and calibration testing: Develop and execute validation, verification and test/calibration processes for hardware, software and examination methods.
* Competency and learning pathways development: Develop suitable training and development pathways and competency procedures.
* Co‑ordination of proficiency testing: Identify and co‑ordinate Proficiency Testing and Inter‑laboratory testing for digital forensic activity.
* Policy Implementation: Develop policies and procedures in relation to digital forensic activities to ensure compliance to international standards and the Forensic Science Regulator’s Code of Practice.
* Equipment on‑boarding: Identify and implement new equipment, policies and procedures, to enhance digital forensic operational delivery.
Technical Manager Responsibilities
* Provide leadership to the Digital Forensics technical team and partner to internal stakeholders.
* Oversee digital forensic accreditation and quality assurance processes.
* Lead the development and delivery of continuous improvement, training and competency programmes.
* Ensure the timely reporting of forensic activity and development of best‑practice guidance.
* Represent the NCA in accreditation activities and communicate complex technical and forensic findings to senior leaders and to the International Forensic Top‑Level Governance Forum.
* Conduct quality assurance and internal audit functions to capture best evidence and support continuous improvement.
Qualifications
* Proven experience of developing digital forensic processes within an accredited environment.
* Understanding of the Forensic Science Regulator’s Code of Practice and associated international standards effecting forensic science activity.
* Proven experience in supporting digital forensics activity to ensure the capture of best evidence.
* Proven experience of taking steps to improve culture on an individual and team basis.
* Knowledge of legislation and practical application of legislation affecting digital forensic practices.
* Degree in Computing or Forensic Computing, or equivalent.
* Relevant qualifications in digital forensics, e.g. Certified Digital Forensic Practitioner.
Assessment and Selection
The selection process follows the Success Profiles framework. Applicants will be assessed on behaviours, experience and technical skills. The assessment stages include an interview and a written task based on the success profiles: Leadership, Big Picture, Proven experience of developing digital forensic processes, Understanding of the FSR Code of Practice, Proven experience in supporting digital forensics activity, Proven experience of taking steps to improve culture.
Benefits and Working for the Civil Service
* Flexible working, including flexi‑time, compressed hours and job sharing.
>Family‑friendly policies, notably above the statutory minimum.>
* Learning and development opportunities.
* Interest‑free loans and advances, including season tickets, childcare and rental deposits.
* Housing schemes – Key Worker status.
* Staff support groups/networks.
* Sports and social activities, membership to the Civil Service Sports Council.
Nationality and Security Requirements
* UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, Commonwealth nationals, EU nationals with settled status, Turkish nationals and certain family members of Turkish nationals, and certain EU/European Settlement Scheme holders.
* Security check required (opens in a new window). Baseline personnel security standard checks (opens in a new window).
Application Process
Please submit your CV, including full career history, training, qualifications, key responsibilities and achievements. Explain any employment gaps in the last two years and ensure all accreditation dates are accurate.
We aim to have sift completed and scores released within 10 working days of the closing date of the advert. For high‑volume campaigns this timeframe may be extended.
Once the vacancy closes, the advert will no longer be accessible. Please save a copy for your records. We encourage all candidates to visit the NCA Careers Page for more information.
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