HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) is responsible for the department’s civil and criminal investigations. FIS ensures that HMRC has an effective approach to tackling the most serious tax evasion and fraud. 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.

Digital Support and Innovation (DSI) is the specialist support business area responsible for the provision of enhanced digital and specialist technological support to FIS investigations. DSI provides investigative tools and 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.

HMRC's Cyber & Digital Forensics Group (C&DF) plays an integral role in Her Majesty's Government's fight against serious and organised crime, supporting investigations totalling hundreds of millions of pounds each year. Our forensic practitioners are a key part of the UK Law Enforcement community, working on a variety of cases, from corporate criminality to tobacco smuggling. C&DF is a well-established, national resource with a strong delivery record and a reputation for robust results. Our services are in high demand, as we embrace the challenges posed by the pace of technology development and advances in data exploitation. As such, we are looking for talented individuals with a passion for computer science to join our rapidly expanding team.

Main purpose of role
The Senior Forensic Practitioner role in C&DF is pivotal to the successful delivery of the team and offers varied and challenging work.

The primary responsibility of the Senior Forensic Practitioner is to provide technical assistance to HMRC’s investigation teams through the forensic examination of digital media devices that have been or are suspected of being used in the commission of crime. This will include verbal updates and written summaries, including preparing reports and presenting evidential material to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Court.

The difference between the Higher and the Senior roles is: the level of complexity of cases; the level of direction expected in terms of leading junior colleagues; and the expectation of managing on-site acquisition. You will be expected to liaise with Senior Investigation Officers (SIOs) running operations and their senior management structures.

It is therefore essential that applicants have current experience of conducting digital forensic examinations – gained through at least 3-5 years in a commercial, legal or law enforcement environment. Successful applicants must have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of criminal justice procedures including: the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA); the Police Act 1997; Criminal Procedures and Investigations Act (CPIA); and the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE); with emphasis on disclosure obligations and procedures surrounding Legal Professional Privilege (LPP) material.

Key responsibilities and requirements

a) Assist in the seizure and retention of digital devices within a laboratory environment and at scenes for subsequent forensic examination;
b) Manage forensic exhibits to ensure continuity, confidentiality and security is maintained at all times;
c) Understand, follow and actively promote Digital Forensic good practice methodologies (ISO17025 standard and NPCC National Police Chiefs Counsel Principles of Digital Evidence) to examine computers, mobile phones and other digital devices;
d) Prepare evidential reports upon completion of Digital Forensic examinations;
e) Provide fact and procedural-based evidence at Court as and when required;
f) Good communicator who can perform in a client/customer facing role;
g) Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment;
h) Ability to work effectively as part of a team and support the team’s goals above individual goals;
i) Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, managing multiple tasks through completion;
j) Ability to manage time and prioritise tasks effectively;
k) Be at the forefront of technical developments within Digital Forensics; and
l) To carry out any duties commensurate with the purpose of the post that may from time to time be determined.

Qualifications

Degree or degree-level qualification in digital forensics or a related field and/or 3-5 years practical experience in a digital forensic environment. Qualifications and certifications held may include (but are not limited to): GCFE; MSc; EnCE; ACE; CCE; A+; MCP.

Sift/interview dates and location

Interviews will take place within 5 weeks of the advert closing date in London or Nottingham