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- Tasks: Join a team of military investigators to conduct ethical and timely investigations.
- Company: Be part of the UK Ministry of Defence, a global leader in defence and security.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fixed-term contract with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while supporting military colleagues in a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be PIP 2 qualified and a British or Irish citizen with security clearance.
- Other info: This role is part of the innovative ZigZag Career Pathway for civilians.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Serious Crime Investigator – (ZigZag)- Defence Serious Crime Unit
Join to apply for the Serious Crime Investigator – (ZigZag)- Defence Serious Crime Unit role at UK Ministry of Defence
Serious Crime Investigator – (ZigZag)- Defence Serious Crime Unit
Join to apply for the Serious Crime Investigator – (ZigZag)- Defence Serious Crime Unit role at UK Ministry of Defence
Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
UK Ministry of Defence provided pay range
This range is provided by UK Ministry of Defence. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
About the job
Defence is developing a new Armed Forces entry route (The ZigZag Career Pathway) for civilians to utilise their specialist skills, the roles will also be open to veterans and reservists. The ZigZag Pilot will build wider understanding and experience of Defence through the unique experiences and personal development opportunities that can be gained from working in the Armed Forces.
The Defence Serious Crime Unit (DSCU) is an independent, professional and global Service Police force, with jurisdiction to investigate serious crime alleged to have been committed by persons subject to Service law in the UK and overseas. You can find out more about DSCU by accessing the following website – www.gov/guidance/defence-serious-crime-unit-dscu.
To be eligible you must either be a British citizen, a Citizen of the Irish Republic and undergo security clearance by the National Vetting Service.
The position is advertised at 37 hours per week.
This role is being offered on a fixed term basis. The role is subject to assignment duration for 3 years.
Job Description
We are seeking a dynamic Professionalising Investigations Programme 2 (PIP 2) qualified investigator to support a team of military investigators in delivering through timely and ethical investigations. This role requires a results driven individual with a passion for high standards, teamwork, planning and professional compliance. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in dealing with complex investigations, assessing risks and driving efficiency within a fast-paced and high impact environment.
This is a unique opportunity for you to experience being inside the Armed Forces and to support and inspire military colleagues, sharing best practices from your unique experiences. You will play a pivotal role in developing colleagues’ personal and professional growth whilst actively promoting and cultivating an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered. By sharing your expertise and mentoring others through the Professional Investigations Programme, you will make a lasting impact not only on their personal development but also on the future of investigative excellence within Defence Policing. There is also the opportunity to develop partnerships and liaise with internal and external judicial partners, building relationships that bring our public services together.
Salary Range
Further information about this role and The ZigZag Career Pathway can be found by accessing the link within this advert to the external site. The closing date for applications is Sunday 17th August 2025.
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Not Applicable
Employment type
-
Employment type
Contract
Job function
-
Job function
Other
-
Industries
Defense and Space Manufacturing and Security and Investigations
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Serious Crime Investigator - (ZigZag)- Defence Serious Crime Unit employer: UK Ministry of Defence
Contact Detail:
UK Ministry of Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Serious Crime Investigator - (ZigZag)- Defence Serious Crime Unit
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Defence Serious Crime Unit's mission and values. Understanding their approach to investigations will help you align your experiences and skills with what they are looking for in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former members of the Defence Serious Crime Unit or similar roles. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the role and the culture within the unit, which can be beneficial during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational and behavioural interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences. Think about specific cases where you demonstrated teamwork, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making, as these are crucial in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current issues and trends in serious crime investigations, especially within military contexts. This knowledge can help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview and show your commitment to the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Serious Crime Investigator - (ZigZag)- Defence Serious Crime Unit
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Serious Crime Investigator position. Familiarise yourself with the Defence Serious Crime Unit and its mission to ensure your application reflects your alignment with their values.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and qualifications, particularly your Professionalising Investigations Programme 2 (PIP 2) qualification. Emphasise any previous investigative work, teamwork, and compliance with high standards that relate to the role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and your understanding of the Defence Serious Crime Unit's objectives. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you can contribute to their mission.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a role like this.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Ministry of Defence
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Serious Crime Investigator within the Defence Serious Crime Unit. Familiarise yourself with the specific skills and qualifications required, such as being PIP 2 qualified, and be ready to discuss how your background aligns with these requirements.
✨Showcase Your Investigative Skills
Prepare to provide examples of your previous investigative work. Highlight your ability to handle complex cases, assess risks, and drive efficiency. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and demonstrate your problem-solving capabilities.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Leadership
This role involves working closely with military investigators and mentoring colleagues. Be prepared to discuss your experience in teamwork and leadership. Share instances where you've successfully collaborated with others or led a team to achieve a common goal.
✨Promote Inclusivity and Diversity
The Defence Serious Crime Unit values an inclusive environment. Be ready to talk about your commitment to diversity and how you've fostered an inclusive atmosphere in previous roles. Discuss any initiatives you've been part of that promote respect and empowerment among team members.
