Criminal Investigator 387R
HM Revenue and Customs
Apply before 2:00 pm on Friday 21st February 2025
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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.
About Fraud Investigation Service:
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.
At Budget 2024, HMRC committed to expanding FIS’s counter-fraud work to help close the tax gap. This is in response to the government's commitment to taking stronger action against egregious tax fraud. To respond to this investment, we are creating a new deputy director led directorate, bringing together our work targeting the small business tax gap to create a strong deterrent to those who undermine legitimate trade and harm small businesses. The new deputy directorate will be where new recruits into FIS gather the skills, experience and knowledge needed to tackle serious fraud.
These roles are for Criminal Investigators within our different FIS business areas, Organised Crime, Offshore Corporate and Wealthy, Individuals and Business (including Strategic Exports and Sanctions Enforcement), Economic Crime and Internal Investigations.
Job description
In this role you will undertake a variety of daily activities. You may be searching premises one day and conducting suspect interviews the next. We’ll provide world-class training as you develop specialised expertise in combatting tax fraud and protecting the public purse.
At its core, this job is about outsmarting criminal groups threatening the UK. You’ll need sharp judgement, resilience under confrontation, and integrity as you exercise far-reaching investigative powers.
In addition to operational work, this role involves vital desk-based duties where attention to detail is key. You will rigorously compile evidence and prepare thorough briefings to build an airtight case that will stand up to scrutiny in court. Investigators must be comfortable presenting their findings and defending their investigative decisions under examination in court.
You will be asked to undertake any aspect of criminal investigation work for which HMRC has responsibility. You will be expected to undertake:
Search of Premises
- Undertake operational activities such as search of premises, seizure of goods and detention of goods.
- Apply laws, always adhering to legislation and policy.
Undertake arrests
- Undertake arrests, conduct search of person and interview under caution, diffusing potentially confrontational situations.
Utilise HMRC Powers
- Use powers granted to HMRC to investigate and gather evidence.
- Develop and maintain knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations.
Make decisions
- Use own judgement to assess evidence.
- Take ownership and be accountable for planning, decisions and activities regarding investigations.
- Utilise forensic evidence and understand how and when to use forensic services.
- Interact and collaborate with a wide range of internal and external people including other parts of HMRC, the Police, Border Force, National Crime Agency, Solicitors, Crown Prosecutors and colleagues from Other Government Departments.
Complete witness statements
- Take witness statements from a variety of people, both internal and external.
Attend court
- Attend court to give evidence in criminal prosecutions and / or financial recovery hearings.
- Undertake the role of Disclosure Officer / Reviewing Officer in relation to reviewing and revealing material, created or obtained in the course of an investigation to the prosecutor in line with legislation.
Desk based duties
- Analysis of evidence, preparation of written material and official documents, including Search Warrants and Production Order applications, case files and detailed reports.
- Identify, classify and handle information connected to an investigation and ensure legal obligations are discharged effectively.
- Conduct briefing and de-briefing activities to identify improvements and best practice, sharing that knowledge appropriately.
- Working Arrangements
The nature of criminal investigation work and your role duties mean you must be willing and able to:
- Work your hours flexibly to meet business needs, including at nighttime, weekends and public holidays, and change your work pattern at short notice
If required, you must also be able to:
- Be “on-call” throughout the day and night for 1 week out of every 4
- Work a specified number of additional hours
To recognise these additional attendance requirements, the Criminal Investigator role is eligible for an annual attendance allowance called the “Flexibility Payment”.
In return, you’ll gain immense satisfaction knowing your work makes a direct impact keeping the nation safe. Plus, access to unparalleled opportunities for career development and progression within the organisation. We offer a competitive salary with a Flexibility Payment (once training has been completed), and a great career average pension.
To find out more about this role please visit the Website below for more information.
Person specification
- Inquisitive, open-minded and objective
- Committed and conscientious
- Organised even when completing multiple tasks
- Resilient and able to deal with challenge and/or confrontation
- Ability to carefully analyse large sets of data to spot patterns and draw conclusions
- Demonstrate balanced judgement under pressure; follow rules and guidelines
- Work respectfully with others to achieve common goals while appreciating different working styles
- Work with integrity, impartiality, professionalism and objectivity
- Take accountability for decisions made and be prepared and able to give evidence in court
- Committed to developing specialist investigation skills and building a career at HMRC
- Confident communicator with good verbal and written skills
Licences
A full valid UK Driving Licence
Due to the nature of the work and in order to perform the core functions of this role, a full valid UK driving licence and willingness to drive official vehicles is an essential requirement. You will be asked to provide evidence of a valid licence at the pre-employment stage.
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 will be able to request that this requirement is removed by means of a reasonable adjustment. You will have the opportunity to tell us about any reasonable adjustments once the selection process is complete, as well as about any wider support you need.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Working Together
Benefits
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.
- Learning and development tailored to your role.
- An environment with flexible working options.
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
To find out more about HMRC benefits and find out what it’s really like to work for HMRC hear from our insiders.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
How to Apply
To help you prepare, below is a rundown of what to expect during the selection process:
- Eligibility form
- Customer Service Verbal Test & Civil Service Numerical Test
- Application form
- 500 word personal statement
- Video interview
We acknowledge that AI can assist you in your application. Find our guidelines here.
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 the compliancegrouprecruitmentqueries@hmrc.gov.uk listed on this job advert – Use the subject line to insert appropriate wording for example – ‘Please re-open my application – 375005 & vacancy closing date 21st February 2025’
To check that you are eligible to apply for this role, please review the eligibility information before submitting your application.
Online Tests
After submission of the first stage of your application, you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Verbal Test and Civil Service Numerical Test. Please ensure that any technical issues with the test are reported - with supporting evidence - prior to 08:00am on 21st February 2025. There will be no extension to the deadline for completing the test. Please also be advised that Online Tests may only be one element of the application process. You should ensure you set aside plenty of time to undertake the full application process for this role. Late applications will not be accepted. If you successfully pass the test, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application.
Please Note: We reserve the right to raise the pass mark, to manage the number of successful candidate to be interviewed.
Personal Statement
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a personal statement of suitability (a maximum of 500 words), outlining how you meet the points in the Person Specification above and what you can bring to the role. The sift will be done against the Personal Statement of Suitability.
Sifting of applications will take place in in February/March 2025.
Interview
Those successful at sift stage will be invited to interview where we will assess Making Effective Decisions through a scenario type question and a behaviour question for Working Together.
You will be asked strength-based questions to explore what you enjoy and your motivations relevant to the job role.
This is an example of a strengths-based question: “It is often said that the customer's needs should come first. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?”
There is no expectation or requirement for you to prepare for the strengths-based questions in advance of the interview, though you may find it helpful to spend some time reflecting on what you enjoy doing and what you do well.
Interviews will take place via video link. Interviews are planned for April 2025.
Locations
Candidates are asked to provide 1 location preference only. Please ensure that you only apply for a location that you are willing and able to work from, as we will only make one offer of employment. Any additional notes included in a ‘Further Location Preferences (optional)’ field within the application form, will not be considered. Please be aware that you cannot change your location preference after submitting your application.
Business areas
Successful applicants could be placed within any of the FIS business areas i.e Organised Crime, Offshore Corporate and Wealthy, Individuals and Business, Economic Crime and Internal Investigations. If placed within Internal Investigations, you will join either an investigation or intelligence team based across 3 locations in Manchester, Nottingham, or Croydon. Internal Investigations (Anti-Corruption) Investigators and Intelligence Officers work in criminal case teams gathering intelligence and evidence on individuals, corporates, and Organised Crime Groups (OCG’s) in order to develop, progress and enhance criminal investigations focused on Insider Threats within HMRC and both internal and external attacks on HMRC systems.
Integrity Declarations
All applicants will be required to declare any past convictions, criminal findings, or police cautions, regardless of whether they are ‘spent’. You must also declare any disciplinary proceedings relating to previous employments. The disclosure of this information will not automatically bar you from employment with FIS, but we need to be aware of any event or issue which could impinge on your credibility if questioned in court.
FIS may conduct background checks and any offer will be withdrawn if you fail to disclose any relevant information that causes conflict with you being able to complete the duties of the role. Internal candidates should also be aware that if they fail to disclose relevant information they could be subject to disciplinary proceedings under HMRC’s Upholding Our Standards of Conduct policy.
Flexibility Payment
This post attracts a Level 1a 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. Additionally, you will be expected to work longer hours from time to time, at weekends and outside your normal working hours/days (including bank holidays).
When you have successfully completed the full Training and Assessment Period (TAP), it is likely you will have to deliver other attendance in addition to that secured by Level 1a. For example, you may be required to undertake periods of On Call at a frequency of 1 week in 4. You may also be expected to work additional hours.
In applying for a position and accepting the FP you agree that you can and will meet those attendance requirements.
Note: Payment of FP is dependent on successful completion of role specific training. You are not eligible to receive FP Level 1a until that stage is reached. Where additional FP eligibility applies, you will move to that in stages. (See the attached document for details).
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.
Training Requirement
A comprehensive training programme is provided. There will be a requirement for you to attend residential training which may take you away from home for up to eight weeks. Throughout this training period you will be required to be available full-time. Furthermore, applicants that are eligible, will join as an apprentice under the ‘Counter Fraud Investigation Apprenticeship’ programme. Further information about the training programme and Counter Fraud Investigator Apprenticeship can be found on HMRC Careers pages and Counter fraud investigator / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.
Public and Personal Safety Training (PPST) is a crucial element of becoming a criminal investigator. This is a PASS/FAIL event. The event includes digital and face-to-face training where you will learn practical techniques to ensure your safety and that of your colleagues, as well as how to apprehend and physically restrain suspects and apply handcuffs. The event is mainly physical and includes scenario based exercises where you will require an appropriate level of fitness and mobility such as being able to carry equipment up and down stairs and get up and down from the floor unaided. All officers undertaking this training must obtain a valid occupational health certificate (acquired from HMRC’s healthcare provider) stating they are fit to undertake regular physical training. Once this training is complete, you will have to have a one-day refresher training event at least every six months after this to ensure you are able to carry out operational duties.
Training Assessment Period
The majority of people will successfully complete their Training and Assessment Period (TAP), but it is important to set out the potential outcomes if the required standards are not achieved.
External Candidates
Failure to meet the required standards for the training programme will result in employment with HMRC being brought to an end. Managers will discuss specifics of learning programmes with successful candidates during the induction process.
Internal Candidates
Failure to meet the required standards for the programme will result in appointment to this role being brought to an end and consideration of redeployment into an alternative role. This may result in the removal of Criminal Investigator Flexibility Payment (FPs) paid in respect of the Criminal Investigator role. Where it is not possible to redeploy the candidate into an alternative role, the candidate may be assigned to the HMRC Redeployment Register. Candidates appointed on promotion who do not successfully complete the TAP will revert back to their previous substantive grade and the respective HMRC pay scale for this grade. Where any FPs are removed, jobholders will not be entitled to a Period of Adjustment (POA), but they will receive 56 days’ notice in writing of the cessation of the allowance.
This is applicable to HMRC Candidates and those transferring to HMRC from Other Government Departments (OGDs).
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, merit lists will be created for each location advertised within the vacancy. If you are successful at interview, you will be placed on the merit list for the location you have expressed an interest for. Appointments from each merit list will be made in strict merit order.
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 compliancegrouprecruitmentqueries@hmrc.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.
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 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.
Due to the nature of this role, we would discourage you from sharing your intention to apply via social media or similar channels.
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.
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
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).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Workforce Planning Team
- Email : mailbox.fisresourcing@hmrc.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : compliancegrouprecruitmentqueries@hmrc.gov.uk
Further information
In the first instance, you should raise the matter directly via ubsrecruitmentcomplaints@hmrc.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their website.
