Counterfeit Technical Expert Witness, Banknote Security & Design (BSD) in Loughton

This is a technical role within BSD’s counterfeit threat team as a Counterfeit Technical Expert Witness. This role is essential to supporting the Bank’s anti-counterfeiting strategy in maintaining confidence in the currency. This position has been created to expand the counterfeit team’s operational resilience in support of law enforcement activities and to aid BSD’s development of future banknote series.

Responsibilities

• Providing technical expert witness testimony in support of law enforcement operations – the job holder will work independently to write statements, attend court and manage interactions with law enforcement partners regarding statements for counterfeit manufacturing cases.
• Developing and maintaining a knowledge of counterfeit threats and techniques – as a counterfeit subject matter expert, they will use their knowledge to support other notes operations areas.
• Support counterfeit data analysis – they will contribute to the team’s ongoing threat assessment through investigation of new counterfeit types and as a participant in anti-counterfeiting meetings.
• Engaging with Banknote Equipment Manufacturers as a technical liaison – they will maintain effective relationships with industry partners in support of our Machine Testing Framework and as part of the trialling of new banknote designs.
• Contribute to wider technical projects supporting the design, development and production of future generations of banknotes.

Role Requirements

Minimum Criteria

• Experience of being a subject matter expert or specialist in a technical field.
• Experience of working independently in an organised and precise manner.
• Experience of maintaining effective relationships with external stakeholders.
• Confidence in public speaking, with the ability to represent the Bank in UK courts as an expert witness.

Essential Criteria

• Ability to present technical information clearly and with authority to non-technical audiences – able to persuade and influence senior levels and external partners.
• Ability to investigate data/evidence – able to think critically to establish conclusions based on own independent analysis.
• Ability to accurately record, assess and communicate technical data.
• Ability to adapt to meet changing operational requirements and conflicting priorities.
• Ability to meet operational controls focused on security, accuracy, and efficiency.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in examination of police evidence.
• Experience of attending court as an expert witness and delivering verbal evidence.
• Experience of working in the field of banknotes or security documents.
• Experience of working in partnership with relevant external partners such as law enforcement personnel, and/or Banknote Equipment Manufacturers and/or other banknote industry suppliers.
• A Degree level qualification in a STEM subject.

Our Approach to Inclusion

The Bank values diversity, equity and inclusion. We play a key role in maintaining monetary and financial stability, and to do that effectively, we believe we need a workforce that reflects the society we serve. At the Bank of England, we want all colleagues to feel valued and respected, so we're working hard to build an inclusive culture which supports people from all backgrounds and communities to be at their best at work. We celebrate all forms of diversity, including age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status. We believe that it’s by drawing on different perspectives and experiences that we’ll continue to make the best decisions for the public. We welcome applications from individuals who work flexibly, including job shares and part time working patterns. Finally, we’re proud to be a member of the Disability Confident Scheme.

Salary and Benefits Information

We encourage flexible working, part time working and job share arrangements. Part time salary and benefits will be on a pro‑rated basis as appropriate. This role offers a salary of circa £55,920 - £62,910. In addition, we also offer a comprehensive benefits package as detailed below:

• Currently a non‑contributory, career average pension giving you a guaranteed retirement benefit of 1/80th of your annual salary for every year worked. There is the option to increase your pension (to 1/65th) or decrease (to 1/105th) in exchange for salary through our flexible benefits programme each year.
• A discretionary performance award based on a current award pool.
• An 8% benefits allowance with the option to take as salary or purchase a wide range of flexible benefits.
• 26 days’ annual leave with option to buy up to 12 additional days through flexible benefits.
• Private medical insurance and income protection.

National Security Vetting Process

Employment in this role will be subject to the National Security Vetting clearance process (and typically can take between 6 to 12 weeks post offer) and the passing of additional Bank security checks in accordance with the Bank policy. Further information regarding the vetting and security clearance requirements for the role will be provided to the successful applicant, and information about how the Bank processes personal data for these purposes, is set out in the Bank's Privacy Notice.

The Bank of England welcomes applications from all candidates, but as a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) approved sponsor, we have a responsibility to comply with the Immigration Rules and guidance. As such, our ability to employ individuals who require sponsorship for immigration purposes is limited. The Bank cannot guarantee that you and / or the role you are applying for will be eligible for sponsorship and that any application made to UKVI will be successful. Eligibility will therefore be considered on a case by case basis.