GFIE- 488- Criminal Investigator Officer – Dover and Ipswich in Kent

Eligibility: This role at HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is available to people who served in the Armed Forces, or are in their resettlement period and have left the Armed Forces within a reasonable time frame, or are a military spouse/partner whose current partner is still serving or was discharged within the last 12 months.

Position Details:

• Grade: Executive Officer (EO)
• Positions Available: 2
• Salary: National Minimum £31,096 – £31,536 per annum
• Location: Dover and Ipswich
• Contract: 2‑year temporary fixed term
• Hours: Monday – Friday, 37 hours per week (flexible, including out‑of‑hours, weekends and public holidays)

About the Fraud Investigation Service: The Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) is responsible for civil and criminal investigations across all UK taxes and duties, including complex offshore evasion, international smuggling, and various fraud attacks on the tax system.

Job Description: In this role you will undertake a variety of daily activities, ranging from searching premises and conducting suspect interviews to compiling evidence and preparing briefing materials for court. You will receive world‑class training and develop specialised expertise in combating tax fraud. This Band O role is eligible for a Flexibility Payment (FP) at Level 2 (National) of £12,400 per annum, paid in addition to basic salary. FP is granted only if training is successfully completed. The role requires flexible hours, including out‑of‑hours, weekends, public holidays, on‑call duties, and additional hours as required.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct operational activities such as searching premises, seizing goods, and detaining goods.
• Apply laws, adhering to legislation and policy.
• Perform arrests, search persons and conduct interviews under caution, diffusing potentially confrontational situations.
• Use HMRC powers to investigate and gather evidence.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations.
• Use own judgement to assess evidence and take ownership of planning and decisions.
• Utilise forensic evidence and understand when to employ forensic services.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders including HMRC divisions, the Police, Border Force, National Crime Agency, solicitors, and Crown Prosecutors.
• Take witness statements from internal and external parties.
• Attend court to give evidence in criminal prosecutions and/or financial recovery hearings.
• Proceed as Disclosure Officer / Reviewing Officer, handling material in line with legislation.
• Analyse evidence and prepare written material such as search warrants, production order applications, case files, and detailed reports.
• Identify, classify, and manage information connected to investigations, ensuring all legal obligations are discharged.
• Conduct briefing and de‑briefing activities to identify improvements and share best practice.

Working Arrangements: This role demands flexibility to meet business needs:

• Work hours flexibly, including nights, weekends and public holidays, and adjust the work pattern at short notice.
• Be on‑call throughout the day and night for one week out of every four.
• Work a specified number of additional hours.

Person Specification:

• Communicate effectively and confidently with colleagues and senior stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.
• Quickly grasp new concepts, adapt to change, and take initiative in learning and task execution.
• Interpret and analyse data efficiently using Microsoft Excel and the broader Microsoft 365 suite.
• Organise and prioritise multiple tasks, managing time effectively.
• Demonstrate resilience and ability to handle challenge or confrontation.
• Analyse large data sets to spot patterns and draw conclusions.
• Show balanced judgement under pressure, following rules and guidelines.
• Work respectfully with others to achieve common goals, appreciating diverse working styles.
• Act with integrity, impartiality, professionalism, and objectivity.
• Take accountability for decisions and be prepared to give evidence in court.
• Commit to developing specialist investigation skills and building a career at HMRC.
• Show flexibility to meet business needs, including on‑call duties and short‑notice work.

Essential Criteria: None

Training Requirement: Attend the 8‑week HMRC Criminal Investigation Foundation Training programme, a mix of digital and face‑to‑face events. The program requires full‑time availability. Public and Personal Safety Training (PPST) is a PASS/FAIL event focusing on safety, apprehension, and restraint techniques, requiring a valid occupational health certificate and the physical fitness to carry equipment and perform scenario‑based exercises.

Security and Vetting: All candidates must obtain National Security Vetting at Security Check (SC) clearance level. This normally requires a minimum of 5 years UK residency. Due to the nature of this role, posting intentions on social media or similar channels is discouraged.

Application Process: To apply, please prepare the following: Completed Expression of Interest form (request from GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk, quoting GFIE-488).