Senior Digital Forensic Specialist - Beds in Bedford

An experienced Senior Digital Forensic Specialist is required to support and deputise for the Digital Forensic Manager within the BCHE Digital Forensics collaboration. This senior technical role is critical to ensuring that all digital forensic methods used across the collaboration are validated, verified, and maintained in accordance with ISO accreditation requirements and the Forensic Science Regulator’s Code of Practice. The post holder will play a key role in maintaining the integrity, reliability, and ongoing development of accredited digital forensic services.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Digital Forensic Manager, Quality Team, Digital Forensics Unit and Digital Media Investigation Supervisors to develop validation plans, organise and manage validation materials and datasets, and complete validation and implementation reports.
• Support the creation, review, and implementation of technical documentation, including SOPs, Technical Guidelines, training & competency materials, and validation documentation.
• Maintain regular liaison with ICT, ISAU, and external service providers on system updates, technical issues, data storage solutions, information security, and digital forensic equipment.
• Remain operationally competent across all in‑scope digital forensic methods by completing ongoing training and a representative cross‑section of digital casework.
• Provide visibility and assurance to stakeholders across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, ERSOU, and external partners; report on compliance and future development activity; deputise at meetings.
• Research new/ replacement digital forensic equipment in line with 7‑Force procurement guidance and produce written recommendations.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree or equivalent qualification in forensic science or relevant experience in digital forensics or a comparable discipline requiring analytical and statistical competence.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to produce clear, concise, auditable reports.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively with people at all levels.
• Very high level of computer literacy; proficiency with Microsoft Office, statistical monitoring tools, and electronic database/workflow systems.
• Experience supporting UKAS initial assessments and surveillance programmes; strong understanding of ISO accreditation standards and the FSR Code of Practice.
• Self‑motivation; ability to work independently without direct supervision.
• Ability to manage demanding workloads and competing deadlines.

Commitment to Inclusion

As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to be themselves. We provide workplace adjustments where needed. If you have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the role, you will be guaranteed an interview under the Offer an Interview Scheme.