The Home Office works to build a safe, fair and prosperous UK. We achieve this through our work on counter-terrorism, policing, crime, drugs policy, immigration and passports.
Immigration Enforcement is responsible for enforcing the government’s immigration laws, tackling illegal migration, removing foreign national offenders and immigration offenders from the UK. It also aims to disrupt the organised criminal groups that exploit the vulnerable for their personal gain. Learn more on our careers pages.
Interventions, Sanctions and Compliance (ISC), part of Immigration Enforcement, is responsible for promoting compliance with immigration rules and supporting efforts to tackle illegal migration and those who facilitate it.
The Absconder Tracing Unit (ATU), part of ISC, plays a vital role in locating individuals whose whereabouts are unknown. As a Tracing Officer, you will work within a supportive team to trace absconders, contributing to enforcement activity focused on public protection.
As a Tracing Officer in the ATU, you will play a critical role in supporting Immigration Enforcement priorities. Working as part of a high-performing and collaborative team, you will use investigative skills, curiosity and resilience to locate individuals whose whereabouts are unknown.
You will analyse information across multiple systems, follow investigative leads, and piece together intelligence to build a clear picture of an individual’s location. You will work closely with police forces, government departments and external partners to progress tracing activity and deliver real operational impact.
Your work will directly support enforcement outcomes, including arrest, detention and removal, helping to protect the public, support returns and maintain confidence in the immigration system.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct detailed research across a range of systems to identify lines of enquiry.
- Analyse data and intelligence to locate absconders.
- Producing high-quality outcomes and clearly explaining why decisions have been made.
- Maintaining accurate records and ensures actions are compliant and auditable action.
- Reviewing and analysing multiple sources of information, updating systems accordingly, and making the best decision based on available evidence.
- Creating and maintaining positive, trusting relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Effective line management responsibility for an Administrative Officer.
- Helping to deliver wider ISC business requirements as needed.
Working Pattern
This role is available on a full-time basis with the option of compressed hours working. This role is also suitable for part-time working hours, with a minimum requirement to work 5 days / 30 hours per week due to business requirements.
You may be required to undertake the same or a similar role within a different team or teams (where possible, at your base location or within reasonable travel distance), depending on business priorities. With appropriate training and support, this will provide opportunities to broaden both your experience and skill set.
Training
Comprehensive training will be provided to ensure you are fully prepared for this exciting, demanding, and varied role, making a meaningful impact on the organisation’s mission.
Travel
Due to operational needs, there may be some national travel to other offices required.
Absconder Tracing Officers
Company: Government Recruitment Service
Salary: £34,415 to £34,931 a year
Hours: Full-time
Location: Salford
Job type: Permanent
Posting date: 20 Oct 2026
Closing date: 3 Nov 2026
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
About Disability Confident Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.
Related jobs
COUNCIL TAX RECOVERY OFFICER (REMOTE)
£22.05 to £22.05 per hour
ESSENTIAL EMPLOYMENT LTD
Slough, South East
Remote Contract Full time
487351 Technology Delivery Manager
from £49,850 per month
Government Recruitment Service
Hybrid Permanent Full time
Transferee and Re-Joiner Detective Constables - Manchester Peninsula
Competitive
British Transport Police
Manchester Peninsula
Permanent Full time
#J-18808-Ljbffr
*Absconder Tracing Officers in Salford employer: Government Recruitment Service
The Ministry of Justice is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where finance professionals can thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working options, and a robust pension scheme, the MoJ fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to influence key financial strategies that impact the nation. Located nationally, this role provides the unique advantage of engaging with diverse stakeholders across the UK, making it a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful contributions to public service.
Contact Details:
Government Recruitment Service Recruitment Team
