Information about the Business Area
This DD area incorporates our response to organised immigration crime (OIC), the Command’s London-based multi-threat and borders teams, and the Special Operations Unit (SOU).
NOTE – Candidates based in our Gillingham office qualify for the London Weighting Allowance of £4,379 per annum. This is in addition to the advertised salary.
Investigations is the NCA’s core crime-fighting capability, delivering an intelligence-led approach to tackling the most serious and complex criminal threats that are beyond the capability or capacity of other UK law enforcement agencies. As part of a world-class investigations function, our highly skilled and motivated officers work flexibly to pursue Agency priorities and protect the public from the highest-risk criminality.
Organised Immigration Crime remains one of the NCA’s highest priorities. In this role, you will be responsible for investigating and disrupting Organised Immigration Crime Groups (OICGs) involved in facilitating illegal immigration and exploiting vulnerable individuals. Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team, you will conduct proactive and reactive investigations, develop intelligence opportunities, gather and assess evidence, and support operational activity aimed at identifying, dismantling and prosecuting serious organised crime networks.
The successful candidates will play a key role in delivering complex investigations, working closely with partners across UK law enforcement, government departments and international agencies to protect the UK’s borders, safeguard vulnerable people and bring offenders to justice. This role offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated investigator to contribute directly to one of the NCA’s most challenging and high-profile operational priorities.
Candidates are welcome to apply for this campaign even if they have already applied for similar roles with the NCA. Applications will not be transferred, and this campaign will be managed independently of others.
As an Investigator within the NCA’s OIC Team, you will play a key role in tackling one of the Agency’s highest-priority threats. You will be responsible for investigating OICGs involved in facilitating illegal entry into the UK through dangerous and often life-threatening methods, including small boats, lorries and other forms of concealment. Working within the NCA’s intelligence-led investigations environment, you will contribute to the disruption and prosecution of serious organised criminals who present significant risks to the UK and to vulnerable people they exploit.
The role requires the ability to manage and assess a wide range of sensitive intelligence in a fast-paced and dynamic operational environment. You will conduct complex investigations ethically, lawfully and in accordance with NCA policy, making effective use of Agency systems and investigative powers to identify opportunities, develop intelligence and gather evidence. You will be expected to exercise sound judgement, make informed decisions and adapt quickly to changing operational priorities while maintaining high professional standards.
You will work closely with a wide range of partners across the UK and internationally, building and maintaining effective relationships to support operational activity. This will include extensive engagement with law enforcement agencies across Europe and beyond, where you will contribute to the creation and management of Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) and collaborative taskforces. You will utilise a broad range of legislative tools and international cooperation mechanisms, including International Letters of Request and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, to progress investigations and secure evidence from overseas jurisdictions. As part of these activities, there may be a requirement to travel within Europe and internationally.
The role also involves supporting and, where appropriate, leading investigative activity associated with critical incidents in the English Channel. You will work closely with partners including Small Boats Operational Command (SBOC), Immigration Enforcement, NPCC colleagues, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), French law enforcement agencies, the International Liaison Officer (ILO) network and EUROPOL to ensure intelligence is developed, investigative opportunities are maximised, and appropriate criminal justice outcomes are achieved.
As part of the NCA’s Investigations Directorate, you will contribute to a flexible and shared operational capability designed to maximise the impact of the UK’s collective resources against serious and organised crime. You will be expected to employ innovative investigative techniques and approaches to address evolving criminal methodologies, helping to disrupt, dismantle and bring to justice those responsible for the highest levels of harm.
Alongside delivering operational results, you will actively contribute to a healthy, inclusive and supportive team culture. You will uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in line with the NCA Code, promoting respect, collaboration and wellbeing across the team. The OIC Team in Gillingham prides itself on its strong ethos of mutual support, shared accountability and collective success. This is an opportunity to join a committed and collaborative team where colleagues work together to achieve meaningful operational outcomes, support one another’s development and wellbeing, and make a significant contribution to protecting the UK from serious and organised immigration crime.
Experience of working within an OIC environment is not required. We welcome applications from candidates with a strong investigative background and the transferable skills required to investigate serious and complex crime. We recognise that valuable experience can be gained across a wide range of law enforcement, regulatory, intelligence, compliance or investigative disciplines, and we are keen to attract individuals who can demonstrate strong analytical skills, sound decision-making, effective partnership working and the ability to manage complex information in a dynamic operational environment. Full training and support will be provided to develop the specialist knowledge required for OIC investigations. What is most important is your ability to apply your existing skills and experience to this challenging and rewarding area of work, alongside a commitment to learning, collaboration and delivering operational outcomes.
Candidates who pass the application sift will be invited to an in-person Assessment Centre. The Assessment Centre will include an Experienced Officer Knowledge Check (written exam), a scenario-based interview, essential criteria check (ID/qualifications) and a substance misuse test. This will likely be in September 2026, specific location and date(s) to be confirmed.
Conduct Complex Investigations – Support investigations into Organised Immigration Crime Groups (OICGs), identifying, developing and exploiting intelligence and evidential opportunities to disrupt criminal activity and support the prosecution of offenders involved in serious and organised crime.
Manage Intelligence and Evidence – Gather, assess, develop and record intelligence and evidence (physical and digital) from a variety of sources, ensuring all material is handled, stored and disseminated in accordance with legislative requirements, NCA policy and operational priorities.
Deliver Operational Activity – Plan and undertake proactive and reactive operational activity in the UK and internationally, including surveillance support, warrants, arrests, searches, evidence recovery and other investigative tactics designed to identify, disrupt and dismantle organised crime groups.
Build Prosecution Cases – Prepare high-quality case files and evidential packages for criminal justice proceedings, including disclosure, scheduling, redaction and file preparation in accordance with CPIA, Attorney General’s Guidelines, GDPR and other relevant legislation.
Support International Investigations – Develop and maintain effective working relationships with overseas law enforcement agencies, contributing to JITs, international taskforces and cross-border investigations to identify and pursue offenders operating across multiple jurisdictions.
Investigate Critical Incidents – Provide investigative support during critical incidents linked to organised immigration crime, including incidents in the English Channel, working closely with UK and international partners to maximise investigative and safeguarding opportunities.
Conduct Interviews – Undertake suspect, witness and victim interviews using appropriate investigative interview techniques, including Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) methodologies where required, ensuring all interviews are conducted lawfully, ethically and professionally.
Execute Arrests and Searches – Carry out arrests, execute warrants and conduct premises searches while adhering to legislative requirements, evidential procedures, custody time limits and associated policies to ensure investigative integrity.
Develop Investigative Strategies – Identify investigative opportunities, develop lines of enquiry and make informed operational decisions using innovative approaches, intelligence-led methodologies and professional judgement to achieve operational objectives.
Maintain Partner Relationships – Work collaboratively with NCA colleagues and a wide range of domestic and international partners, including law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, government departments and international organisations, to progress investigations and achieve shared outcomes.
Ensure Legislative Compliance – Conduct all investigative activity in accordance with relevant legislation, including BSAI, Data Protection, Human Rights, RIPA/IPA, the Trade and Cooperation Agreement and international cooperation frameworks, ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.
Manage Sensitive Information and Records – Handle highly sensitive intelligence, operational information and personal data securely and appropriately within a fast-paced and evolving operational environment.
Safeguard Vulnerable Individuals – Recognise and respond appropriately to vulnerability, welfare and safeguarding considerations, ensuring interactions with witnesses, suspects and victims are managed professionally and with appropriate care.
Promote Team Culture – Actively contribute to a positive, inclusive and supportive team environment, demonstrating the NCA’s values and behaviours, supporting colleague wellbeing and fostering a culture of collaboration, professionalism and continuous improvement.
Demonstrate Flexibility – Respond effectively to changing operational demands, working flexible and, at times, irregular hours at short notice to support priority investigations, operational deployments and critical incidents.
CSAE Exposure – Please be aware that, as part of this role, operational duties may involve exposure to Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSAE) material, intelligence, victims and offenders. By applying for this position, you acknowledge and understand the nature of this potential exposure. The NCA is committed to supporting the wellbeing of its Officers and provides access to Occupational Health and wellbeing services where required.
Public and Personal Safety Training (PPST) – Successful candidates will be required to pass a mandatory five-day PPST course. Applicants should carefully consider their ability to meet this requirement before applying.
The PPST programme combines theoretical and practical elements, including personal safety awareness, unarmed and armed defensive techniques, and operational tactics. Training involves a degree of physical activity and repetition, covering areas such as movement and positioning, use of force techniques (including strikes and blocks), restraint and control, and team-based scenarios.
Candidates must be able to meet a reasonable standard of physical fitness. This includes the ability to safely participate in dynamic training activities, including controlled ground descent and recovery without assistance. Structured warm-ups are conducted throughout the course to minimise the risk of injury.
The PPST must be successfully completed within the first six months of appointment. Failure to do so will result in the individual being unable to continue in an operational Investigator role, and employment with the NCA will be terminated. Except in exceptional circumstances, alternative roles within the Agency will not be offered.
Successful completion of the PPST does not replace the requirement to pass the full 12-month probationary period, which remains a condition of continued employment.
Powers – To enable the NCA Designating Officer to delegate operational powers under the Crime and Courts Act 2013, Officers whose role requires designated powers must successfully pass the NCA Examinations within their probationary period. Upon successful completion, Officers will be designated under Section 10 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013 and will be granted:
The NCA is committed to supporting Officers through this process and provides a range of learning resources, including online revision materials and classroom-based tutorials, to help candidates prepare for and successfully complete the examinations. However, failure to pass the examination will result in the individual being unable to continue in an operational Investigator role, and employment with the NCA will be terminated. Except in exceptional circumstances, alternative roles within the Agency will not be offered.
Investigative Experience – Demonstrable experience of conducting criminal, intelligence-led, regulatory or complex investigations, including the identification and development of investigative opportunities, management of investigative lines of enquiry, and progression of cases in accordance with legal and organisational requirements. Proven ability to apply a range of investigative techniques to support operational objectives, exercising sound judgement to develop, progress and conclude investigations while managing risk and evidential opportunities effectively.
Evidence and Case Building – Experience of gathering, assessing and managing intelligence and evidence, including the lawful seizure, handling and retention of exhibits. A sound understanding of evidential continuity, disclosure obligations, material scheduling and the requirements of the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act (CPIA). Experience of preparing high-quality case files for prosecution, ensuring compliance with evidential and procedural requirements and working effectively with prosecuting authorities and partner agencies to progress cases through the criminal justice system.
Decision Making – Demonstrable ability to assess information from multiple sources, identify risks and opportunities, and make timely, informed and defensible decisions in fast-paced and often complex operational environments.
Communication Skills – Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build rapport, actively listen, adapt communication style to different audiences and present information clearly and professionally. This includes engaging effectively with vulnerable individuals, colleagues, senior stakeholders and partner agencies.
Partnership Working – Experience of developing and maintaining productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, working collaboratively to achieve shared objectives and deliver effective operational outcomes.
Interviewing Skills – Experience of interviewing witnesses and suspects in accordance with relevant legislation, policy and procedural requirements. This includes knowledge of custody processes, detention time limits, extensions, authorisations, bail and associated evidential considerations.
Intelligence Handling – Experience of managing sensitive information and intelligence, demonstrating good judgement, discretion and an understanding of the importance of security, confidentiality and information management.
Arrest Procedures – Knowledge and practical understanding of arrest powers, arrest procedures and post-arrest processes, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, codes of practice and procedural standards.
Operational Resilience – Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage competing priorities and adapt to changing operational demands while maintaining high standards of professionalism and performance.
Technology and Digital Awareness – Ability to use investigative systems, case management tools and digital technology effectively to support investigations. Experience of reviewing digital material and identifying evidential opportunities is desirable.
Values and Team Contribution – A commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and ethical conduct, while actively contributing to a positive, inclusive and supportive team culture in line with NCA values and behaviours.
And one of the below:
OR
Officers joining the NCA on a PIP-equivalent basis must attain the required PIP accreditation, and this will include taking all relevant exams and could include the requirement to complete an assessed portfolio of workplace-based evidence.
Joining the agency on an experienced investigator campaign, that doesn’t have the required PIP2 accreditation for their role, will be required to complete the PIP2 accreditation upon joining the agency.
Joining the agency on an experienced investigator campaign, an officer with PIP2 accreditation will be required to have a professional discussion with an accredited assessor upon joining the agency.
Full guidance and information can be found in the NCA applicant guidance attached to the advert.
To find out more about the role and the application process we will be holding virtual opening evenings via MS Teams on Tuesday 4th August 2026 @ 6.00pm.
This event is by invitation only. It will not be recorded.
To register, please click on the following link – Virtual Event – OIC Investigator, Tuesday 4th August 2026 @ 6.00pm – Fill out form
You will be asked for your name and email address. Please check your email address is correct, as without it we cannot send you an invite.
Registration will close on Monday 3rd August 2026 @ 12.00pm. You will not be able to register after this date and time.
Invites will be sent out on the day of the virtual event. Please check your spam filter if you haven’t received it.
At present, the team operates a standard working pattern of 40 hours per week (plus a 30-minute unpaid break per shift), Monday to Friday, with start times typically between 07:00 and 09:00.
However, the team is currently trialling a transition to a shift-working model to provide enhanced operational coverage. The trial shift pattern (with no change to total contractual hours) combines early and late shifts to provide service coverage from 07:00 to 22:00, Monday to Saturday, and from 09:00 to 17:00 on Sundays.
Successful candidates should therefore be prepared to work the proposed shift pattern, or a similar alternative, should it be adopted following the conclusion of the trial. The on-call element (see below) will be included in this change to working patterns. Please note that working patterns may be amended in line with operational requirements and business needs.
Postholders will also be required to participate in a 24/7 365 on-call rota, currently anticipated to be approximately one week in every four. The frequency and structure of the rota may vary in line with operational requirements and will be determined by your line manager.
Officers undertaking on-call duties will receive an On-Call Allowance for each on-call period. Any operational deployment during an on-call session will be paid in accordance with Agency overtime policies, currently at time and a half for weekday deployments and double time for weekend deployments.
Please note that shift patterns, on-call arrangements and associated allowances may be subject to change in line with business needs and Agency policy.
This role attracts a Spot Rate salary. Spot Rate offers a progressive increase in pay to reflect the skills and experience of the officer.
All NCA employees are members of the UK Civil Service and eligible for the Civil Service pension scheme, alongside your salary the NCA contributes £12230. Further information on the benefits of the scheme is available on the Civil Service Pension Website.
New entrants to the NCA receive 26 days annual leave, rising to 31 on completion of 5 years continuous service, plus 8 bank holidays.
If qualifying criteria is met new joiners from UK Police Forces or the UK Intelligence Community (UKIC) will have service with those employers taken into account for continuous service purposes for annual leave entitlement only, this will be up to a maximum of 31 days leave (including 1 privilege day).
Other benefits include:
Further information is available on the NCA Website.
CV
Please include your full career history, training, qualifications, key responsibilities, and achievements. Explain any employment gaps in the last two years. Ensure all accreditation dates are accurate.
Details of what is expected within your CV are as follows: Please upload a CV of no more than two pages, using a font size of at least 11pt.
Your CV should clearly set out your relevant career history, qualifications, skills and experience, demonstrating how you meet the Person Specification and Essential Criteria outlined in the advert. Please also provide an explanation for any gaps in employment or career history within the last five years.
Only the first two pages of your CV will be considered as part of the assessment process. Any information included beyond the two-page limit will not be reviewed or assessed.
You will receive an acknowledgement once your application is submitted.
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.
Scores will be provided but further feedback will not be available at this stage.
The format of this assessment will be Interview which will be tested on the criteria listed in the Success Profiles at Assessment section.
Strengths are tested at interview stage – the strengths tested are not shared before the interview.
In the event of a tie at the assessment stage, available roles will be offered in merit order using the following order:
The National Crime Agency is a law enforcement agency and as such we are part of the Criminal Justice System. Therefore if you are going into an operational role we need to be aware if any of our officers have, either before they join us or afterwards, any of the following:
Any criminal conviction (including Court Martial), or caution or fixed penalty notice for disorder or theft;
Any adverse judicial findings;
Any charges or summonses where the proceedings are not complete;
Any misconduct or gross misconduct findings or where proceedings are not complete.
You will be asked to complete a declaration covering the above if offered a role with the NCA.
Each case will be considered on its merits and a positive declaration does not automatically mean that your application will not be progressed. However, should you fail to disclose a relevant matter then your application or employment will be adversely affected. If in doubt, please declare it at this stage.
If you meet the criteria for a lower grade, you may be offered that role if not appointable at the advertised grade.
Conversely, if found appointable at a higher grade but no posts are available, you may be offered a lower-grade role.
All offers are made based on merit.
We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and an inclusive, equal opportunities employer.
We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone can be their authentic self. If you’re neurodiverse, have a disability, or live with a long-term health condition, we encourage you to let us know about any reasonable adjustments you may need during the recruitment process.
If you experience accessibility issues with the advert or require reasonable adjustments, please contact our Recruitment Team at Central.Recruitment@nca.gov.uk before the advert closing date.
Please ensure you complete the ‘Equal opportunities’ and ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ sections in the application form to inform us on what support you may need in the recruitment process.
For more on our Disability Confident commitment, visit Disability Confident Scheme | Civil Service Careers.
Visit NCA Benefits and Support for more details.
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 and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy
In order to monitor the effectiveness of the National Crime Agency’s Diversity & Inclusion strategy, we require certain personal details about you on submission of your application for statistical and monitoring purposes only. Please note that this will be treated in confidence and will not impact your application.
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit on merit through fair and open competition, in line with the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles.
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.
If you believe your application has not been treated fairly, email: Central.Recruitment@nca.gov.uk (quoting the vacancy reference).
If unresolved, you may escalate your complaint to the Civil Service Commission.
Name : Central Recruitment Team
Email : Central.Recruitment@nca.gov.uk