Digital Forensics Technical Manager

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HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) is responsible for the department’s civil and criminal investigations.

Covert Operations, Digital Exploitation (CODE) sits within FIS. Working across Law Enforcement and government, CODE provides investigative tools and covert techniques to front-line investigations and works with key partners to develop and provide access to new technology and systems to enable investigators to respond to serious and complex tax evasion and crime.

Cybercrime & Forensic Services (C&FS) provides critical support to FIS investigations as part of CODE nationally through the provision of important forensic services. C&FS are responsible for supporting warrant executions to preserve and analyse digital evidence through to investigation and presentation in court.

The Forensic Science Regulator (FSR) has provided clear instruction that all forensic service providers within the criminal justice system must be compliant with the FSR Codes of Practice as well as relevant ISO standards for the conduct of forensic activities.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of the team responsible for critical elements of our services provided to HMRC investigation teams. You will ensure that all aspects of digital forensics activity are carried out to the highest standard, adhering to forensic strategy and principles, and meeting FSR requirements.

Digital Forensics Technical Managers report to the Senior Technical Managers, who in turn report to the Technical Lead, who sits on the C&FS Senior Leadership Team.

Working alongside operational forensic practitioners, the Digital Forensics Technical Managers are responsible for developing and delivering documented technical procedures, maintaining quality checks, the competency framework and validation of tools and procedures, as well as ensuring maintenance of obtained UKAS accreditation to the required standards.

Digital Forensics Technical Managers deal with a wide variety of digital evidence as well as handling, extracting, processing, analysing and presenting findings in a factual and forensically sound manner for further investigation and court.

Person specification

The successful candidate for the Digital Forensics Technical Manager role will be undertaking the following duties:

• Implementing and maintaining records within the C&FS Quality Management System for Documented Technical Procedures, staff competency assessments, validation of both procedures and tools.
• Supporting the wider technical management team in conducting their duties to support the Quality Management System for forensic procedures
• Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to ensure compliance with the FSR: Code of Practice and ISO17025 / ISO17020.
• Coordinate Proficiency Test and Inter/Intra Laboratory comparison schemes.
• Represent HMRC C&FS at external assessments conducted by UKAS.
• Conducting some aspects of operationally driven research and development, conducting research into new technology and documenting findings.

The successful candidate will also be expected to:

• Capture, process and analyse digital devices for presentation to the Criminal Justice System.
• Attend search of premises with FIS investigation teams to preserve and triage digital data.
• Attend court as a professional witness.
• Carry out any duties commensurate to the role that is determined by senior leadership.
• Demonstrable experience of supporting the writing of Documented Technical Processes (DTPs, also known as Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)), within an ISO17025 accredited environment, and/or Forensic Science Regulator: Codes of Practice compliant environment.
• Demonstrable experience of assessing and testing staff competency, or helping to identify any nonconformance within working practices.
• Demonstrable experience in Digital Forensics conducting forensic examinations of digital devices, using industry standard forensic tools.
• To have a methodical approach to problem solving with technical skills being required.
• Confident communicator in both verbal and written communications, with a professional and personable manner, able to interact with all levels of process stakeholders.
• Hold a full UK driving license.
• Operational search and seizure experience at scenes.
• Experience of negotiating and influencing discussion, decisions and change with internal and/or external partners and agencies.